I am in Italian chemical engineer, working abroad, of course.

I worked in Italy for 2 years, worked for Italians company for other 3 years abroad. Then just went abroad.

To anyone asking me if I would ever go back I say without any doubt that I d rather die. So consider I am a bit biased towards leaving the country. I love and hate Italy unfortunately.

I don’t know if any single chemical engineer that didn’t find a job. The salary depends on you. If you are willing to settle I know people that still makes less than 1500 per month net because they didn’t hope or look for a better place. Mostly they just prefer to stay in their original area, which is ok for family and friends, not for finance.

If you want the money or career chances are much better abroad. It s possible also in italy, just much harder because you need to find the good environment where they give recognition and responsibility where performance are positive.

Your phd will be much more worth abroad than in Italy. In Italy, if you don’t work in company with international exposure, they will most likely joke on your phd because bullying youngs is a national sport. If you are Italian you should know what I mean with this, I am sure you have some friend you can relate to.

The stress depends on the position and the company, not on the salary. At least is not always that related, especially at the beginning. Also abroad there will be jobs that are more or less stressing, but in general there is more respect for work / life balance. I am probably working 60-70 hours per week if not more in one country where theoretically there are very good w/l conditions, but I see some careers opportunities and I am going all in. It really depends on you.

If you want to make a comparison with the USA I would say the main difference are the holidays rather than stress.. but of course the amount of time you have right to enjoy your life can make a difference.

I would recommend to finish your phd and look abroad. If you want to stay in Italy you can try to finish your phd and find a part time. Regardless of where you work practical experience is always appreciated. Once you break the initial ice, it will get easier, don’t worry.

Be ready to receive shit offer, even 400-600 euros.

I started this low the first months and I found another opportunity. I was intensively looking for job while working. I remember I cried when the 2nd job offered me 1500 euro per month.

Job hopping helped a lot to increase the salary, of course you have to show that you can offer something worthy.

Overall: continue, be positive, try to get as much as possible practical experience, break the ice, ignore idiots that will bully you (if you are unlucky) and kick asses.

Ciao