Starting over in another country is not always easy and the challenges are many, but who said it is impossible? Anyone who talks like this is lying or talking about itself. 😉 I interviewed Renan Contareli. His story is surprising and inspiring. He started his career as a clandestine in Italy and became an entrepreneur.
When we move to another country, normally we have the feeling that we are starting from scratch, but I think Renan started with -20. It is not easy moving to another country at the age of 18 and live as a clandestine immigrant in Italy for five years. It was certainly challenging, but I can say that he overcame it very well.
I found it so interesting that I decided to write an article telling all the lessons we can get from this exciting story.
Let’s see?
• Clandestine in Italy: 4 lessons to learn
1. Be an apprentice
One of the most surprising characteristics of people who are successful in their career is their constant desire to learn. And it was no different with Renan. As soon as he arrived here in Italy at a young age, he studied hard to become the professional he is today.
Of course, he had to wait five years, because when you are clandestine in Italy you cannot study.
After obtaining a residence permit, he began to study tourism, but did not identify himself much and decided to change course in “accounting”. Here I can open a parenthesis. Don’t torture yourself to make the right choices on the first try, allow yourself to experience new worlds.
Imagine if he had decided to continue his career in tourism, even if he didn’t feel comfortable with it?
However, after completing the technical course in “accounting”, he started studying law, but continuing to work.
The common question is: what will I do in Italy?
The answer is often not obvious. This is very normal! It is difficult to know what to do, especially when we move to another country and different emotions and insecurities come into play.
Even if it takes time, we have to find that answer, no matter if it is temporary!
Not having a professional goal in Italy is one of the most frequent mistakes, so I wrote an article on this topic: How to not find a job in Italy.
2. Know how to set priorities
Renan spent five years as a clandestine in Italy, as he said, it was a difficult period of time. However, without having a clear professional goal and without knowing how to set priorities, all his work would have been in vain.
The routine of a person who wants professional success is not very different from that of Renan, who for a long time has reduced to:
- Attend university
- Placement / internship
- Work
- No social life (active)
I must confess that when I attended my master, the story was the same. I consulted many people and their stories were no different.
I am not implying that this is the only way to have professional success in Italy. I just want to say that sacrifices are part of the journey and can give you speed.
Remember:
It is possible to get there, but it takes work!
Renan said: “everyone has its own priorities, mine was to build my career …”
3. Negative people… Get away!
One of the most interesting parts of the “from clandestine in Italy to entrepreneur” interview I had with Renan, was when I asked: what was the most difficult and demanding obstacle that you had to face in your career?
He replied: Can I be honest? People!
Now I am the one who will be honest 😉. I wasn’t expecting this answer, even though I knew the negative impact that “frustrated” people can have on us.
This is a lesson that we cannot forget!
It is very important to know how to choose the people with whom we will share our dreams, in addition to choosing those who will advise us well. If you happen to hear some of the comments below, be careful! It can mean that you are on the right track.
- Stop it, don’t you see it won’t work?
- You’re craving too much, get off the pedestal
- You won’t make it
These comments are very painful and discouraging us too much, so you need to pay attention to the people who are on your side.
We need people who believe in us … who say GO…
However, the most important thing is to listen to people who understand the topic, who have expertise in the area that interests you. Listen to the people who got there and were successful. They will surely have something to teach you.
4. Willpower
I’m sorry to tell you, but without determination and willpower it is practically impossible to complete any path. It is even more difficult to be successful on that path.
Get to work earlier and come back late
A cliché when we want really achieve our goals.
I wanted to interview Renan Contareli for the determination that eighteen year old boy had and continued to have. He got there by making sacrifices and working hard.
After all they will say that you have been lucky!
Work with determination, get to work earlier and go home later. It’s not luck, it’s willpower!
What are you willing to do to achieve your goal?
If I can give you some advice:
- Set a professional goal that will make your heart beat and respect your characteristics.
- Write an action plan.
- Be strategic.
- And continue the walk until you reach your goal.
Bonus: do the right thing!
As much as Renan’s story is one of overcoming, I want to clarify that we do not encourage anyone to live as a clandestine person in Italy, because in addition to being dangerous and illegal, it can delay your dreams.
The best thing to do … is what I always say in my posts … PLANNING !!!!
Do you want to come to Italy but you don’t have citizenship rights? Find a legal way to come, such as: student visa.
Don’t take risks unnecessarily! Be brave and smart at the same time, create an action plan to reach your final goal more quickly and safely.
If you want to know more about Renan Contarelli’s history and his work click here.
Thank you so much Renan, for the generosity of sharing your story!
If you want to be informed on the best way to find a job in Italy, join my VIP list by leaving your email.
Sign up now:
A big hug,
Marcela Oliveira
