Monday, June 26, 2006
Portfolio People
She's a jill-of-all-trades.
It's how I've been described on more than one occasion.
And the negativity of the phrase is enough to send shudders down me.
Yes, I do wear lots of different hats and on any one day could be a journalist, English teacher, writer, consultant and speaker.
But what's wrong with that?
Turn the situation on its head and jack or jill-of-all-trades suddenly becomes someone with a portable career who can change towns and countries at will without sacrificing their career.
And put that way, doesn't it sound a much smarter decision?
Lots of successful expats are porfolio people so why don't you think about becoming one before your move to Italy?
By starting now, you can build up your skills and possibly even a sideline business that you can take with you and develop in the Bel Paese.
At the very least, it will keep the money coming in while you get settled in and look for a full-time or part-time position in Italy.
Don't worry if you have no idea what you want to do. That's where friends and family come in. Ask them to provide a list of your strong points and what they think you're good at.
The chances are you'll be surprised by what they come up with.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Our book 'Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese' is coming soon.
It's how I've been described on more than one occasion.
And the negativity of the phrase is enough to send shudders down me.
Yes, I do wear lots of different hats and on any one day could be a journalist, English teacher, writer, consultant and speaker.
But what's wrong with that?
Turn the situation on its head and jack or jill-of-all-trades suddenly becomes someone with a portable career who can change towns and countries at will without sacrificing their career.
And put that way, doesn't it sound a much smarter decision?
Lots of successful expats are porfolio people so why don't you think about becoming one before your move to Italy?
By starting now, you can build up your skills and possibly even a sideline business that you can take with you and develop in the Bel Paese.
At the very least, it will keep the money coming in while you get settled in and look for a full-time or part-time position in Italy.
Don't worry if you have no idea what you want to do. That's where friends and family come in. Ask them to provide a list of your strong points and what they think you're good at.
The chances are you'll be surprised by what they come up with.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Our book 'Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese' is coming soon.
