‘And you, Checco, what do you want to be when you grow up?’
‘I want to have a permanent job.’
This phrase, borrowed from a very famous Italian comedy film, perfectly encapsulates the concept associated with the cliché of ‘permanent employment,’ which is so deeply rooted in the Italian mentality.
Having a permanent employment is, as far as we’re concerned, a dying obsession that has lasted generations, one we’d like to stay as far away from as possible.
In Italy, however, it almost seems like paradise on earth: security, benefits and reassuring habits.
But is this really it?
It must be said that this obsession is a uniquely Italian concept, reflecting a less than reassuring economic situation. It is, in fact, the country with the second highest proportion of people employed in the same job for more than 10 years in Europe.

It's a burden to admit it, especially for those of us who love our country so much, but something isn't working. And we're even more sorry to say that what doesn't work is our mentality, the idea we have (and that has been instilled in us) of life and the possibilities we have to make it unique and fulfilling, full of opportunities.
What do we settle for instead? Living it as it comes, searching for security (which isn't 100% secure), condemned by boring routines that don't make us human, but machines at the service of something.
The data confirms this theory: a permanent job (especially a government job), according to a survey, is still among the aspirations of most.
A permanent job is our obsession, and it was for those before us, but it's an outdated system that doesn't take into account the incredible evolution underway globally.
Without further ado it takes courage because a myriad of opportunities are there.
Everyone is the architect of their own destiny, and the world needs everyone: the dynamic people, those who are enterprising, and those who enjoy working in the same place every day and performing the same tasks.
In an era where flexibility has become a fundamental requirement for adapting to change, the average Italian remains stuck, convinced that a permanent job is still a dream, something to be desired for a lifetime.
But the real surprise comes from this data: those who feel the greatest need for a stable job are young people between 18 and 24 (81 percent), that segment of the population that should be more inclined to take risks, explore and travel, learn and dare is instead the most conservative.
It is true that opening your own business in Italy is highly discouraged by an incredible amount of taxes, bureaucracy and legal limitations though.
And that having a permanent position gives a certain stability not only limited to the monthly salary but a thirteenth of fourteenth paycheck as bonuses at the end of the year.
Additionally, having a permanent contract allows people to have all sorts of welfare benefits including insurance, unemployment benefits and other perks.
I know some people unfortunately take advantage of the system by faking illnesses, stress and even injuries to receive pay without working.
Unemployment benefits last up to twenty-four months depending on the duration of the employment too.
It is understandable, not ideal, that during times of great global uncertainty people look for stability and job safety.
What is in decline are unfortunately the family-run businesses which were the core of the artisan shops and the Made in Italy. Time will tell but unfortunately more and more people choose to find jobs for large corporations and Italy is opening to an American model which is not desirable in my opinion.