Why I want to leave Italy
Italy is a beautiful country with rich culture, but lately many of us young Italians feel pushed to seek a future abroad. The brain drain is dramatic: in the past 15 years about 525,000 Italians under 35 left the country to work overseas, and fewer than 400,000 babies were born in 2023, a record low that confirms a deep demographic crisis. A May 2024 ISTAT survey found about 35% of Italian teens say they plan to move abroad (with only 45% wanting to stay)
In short, one in three young people “vote with their feet,” rejecting local job prospects. This shows a crisis of confidence: talented graduates feel unsupported here and are looking for greener pastures.
This isn’t surprising given the hurdles at home: a chronically weak economy, scarce job prospects, and a society that often fails to reward hard work and talent. Italy’s population is shrinking (births fell to a record low in 2023), and we face the EU’s lowest employment rate (~66%)
In short, Italy right now feels stagnant. Last year the economy barely grew: full-year GDP rose just 0.5% in 2024, with zero growth in the second half of the year. By contrast, Switzerland – where I’m considering moving – maintains a healthier economy (expected ~1.3% growth in 2025) and consistently low unemployment. From taxes to wages to general outlook, the differences are stark, and that’s a big reason I’m leaving.
Economic and Job Prospects
Italy’s economy has been essentially flat. In 2024 Italy’s GDP barely inched up (as said, +0.5% YoY) and actually stalled in Q3–Q4. There’s no momentum. Meanwhile public debt remains astronomical (about 135% of GDP in late 2024, the highest in the EU and one of the highest in the whole world), limiting investment in schools, infrastructure, or businesses. Companies struggle with heavy regulation and red tape, and consumer confidence is low. All this means jobs are scarce: Italy has the EU’s lowest employment rate (around 66% of working-age people employed). Youth unemployment is especially tough – millions of talented young people are idle or underemployed, fueling the brain drain.
By comparison, Switzerland’s economy is far more robust. Switzerland’s GDP per capita is roughly 2½ times Italy’s (about $104,500 vs $39,000 in 2023), reflecting far higher productivity and standards of living. Unemployment in Switzerland is very low (around 2.7% as of June 2025), whereas Italy’s is in the 6–7% range and rising (about 7.3% in early 2025). Swiss firms generally invest more in R&D and pay good salaries, so there are many more career opportunities. It’s hard to see a bright career path in Italy when the economy is so sluggish, but in Switzerland I’d likely find a much more dynamic job market.
Salaries & Living Standards
One of the biggest differences is income. In the past 30 years Italy’s real wages have gone down– only -2.9% growth since 1990 (as of 2020) – while the OECD average wage grew by over 30%. Median pay is low: according to ISTAT and other sources, many young Italians make well under €20,000/year on average (and fresh graduates often much less). For example, in one region young workers earned only about €14,400 per year on average, compared to €28,600 for those in permanent jobs. It’s no wonder Italians report feeling underpaid. Meanwhile living costs (rent, utilities, food) keep rising faster than wages, squeezing budgets. I’m tired of working hard and seeing hardly any improvement in my paycheck.
Salaries Growth
Salaries growth (%) 1990 - 2020
Switzerland is the opposite. The average Swiss full-time salary is around CHF 80,000–90,000 per year (roughly €80,000+), and even entry-level jobs pay far more than in Italy. The GDP per capita figures reflect this: Switzerland is at $104,500 per person while Italy is only $39,000. Even after Switzerland’s higher living costs, you can earn and save much more. In practice, a young professional in Switzerland often has a salary double or triple what an equivalent worker earns in Italy. With such a wage gap, moving north makes a big economic difference.
Taxes and social contributions amplify this gap. In Italy the top personal income tax rate is 43% (for incomes over €50k) – not including regional and municipal surcharges – plus high VAT and social security levies. Switzerland’s taxes are much lighter: even the federal top rate is only 11.5% for very high incomes, and cantonal taxes add a moderate amount on top. Overall the tax burden on workers in Switzerland is far lower. In practical terms, an Italian pays roughly double or more in taxes out of the same gross salary than someone in Switzerland. Combine higher salaries and lower taxes, and it’s easy to see why living standards can be better abroad.
Public Debt and Fiscal Issues
Italy’s public finances are also a concern. Government debt has ballooned to about 135% of GDP, as already said before, one of the highest ratios in the world (far above the 60–80% typical among peer countries). This massive debt means a large share of taxes goes to interest payments, crowding out spending on education, infrastructure and job creation. It also keeps Italy’s borrowing costs high and credit rating teetering. High debt forces successive governments to impose austerity or tax hikes; as an ordinary person, that means more uncertainty, higher taxes, or cuts to public services.
Switzerland’s fiscal situation is very different. Swiss government debt is under 40% of GDP (or even lower, around 25–30% by some measures), and the federal budget often runs a surplus. Thanks to this, Switzerland spends more per capita on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the social safety net, without burdening people with massive taxes. There is no huge debt overhang, so the economy is more stable. Knowing that the government isn’t sinking under red ink gives me confidence in finding stability there; in Italy, soaring debt always threatens future tax hikes or budget crises.
Brain Drain and Youth Emigration
I am not alone in feeling this way. Over the past decade more than a million Italians have emigrated, a third of them aged 25–34 (national data show). Regions like Calabria and Sicily have seen up to 1% of their population leave in a year. Young Italians cite low salaries, lack of recognition, and bleak prospects as main reasons to leave. In one survey, many teens picked the US, Spain or the UK as their dream destination. In 2024 alone, 155,732 Italians emigrated (up from 114,057 in 2023) – the highest outflow since 2014. Experts link this exodus to Italy’s stagnant economy and shrinking wages: for years now Italian households have had no real income growth.
Switzerland, by contrast, attracts talent. Many foreigners (over 380,000 in 2024) choose to move to Italy, too, mostly for high-skilled jobs. But the opposite flow is much smaller: the Swiss draw few emigrants. Why? Because in Switzerland skilled workers can expect good pay, modern workplaces, and careers based on merit. Research labs, international companies and startups in Switzerland spend generously to retain talent. In Italy many of my friends with degrees feel stuck or forced into underpaid gigs; knowing I could start my career on better footing in Switzerland is a big incentive.
Politics & Society
Another factor is Italy’s political and social climate. Italy has frequent government changes, bureaucratic inertia and sometimes corruption, which makes doing business or even planning a life harder. People often complain that “knowing someone” or region of origin matters more than merit. I see few programs to nurture young entrepreneurs or innovators at home. Meanwhile Switzerland scores very high on governance and rule of law, with relatively low corruption. Government policies tend to be more stable and pro-business. The Swiss system also offers quality public services (schools, hospitals, public transport) that actually work reliably. In Italy, delays and red tape can sap enthusiasm – in Switzerland the same work feels more straightforward.
Socially, Italy’s aging society and demographic decline mean fewer young people around. With only ~59 million people and one of the world’s lowest birth rates, Italy is aging fast. I worry about taking care of elderly parents on a shrinking workforce. Switzerland likewise has an aging population, but its strong economy can better support pensions and healthcare. Also, as an expat in Switzerland I’d get to meet many others in a young, international environment – something increasingly rare in Italy’s small companies and local networks.
Illegal Immigration
Another factor worth mentioning is the issue of illegal immigration, which adds complexity to Italy’s social and economic landscape. Italy, due to its geographic position, has been one of the main entry points for migrants crossing the Mediterranean, many arriving without legal status. This influx strains public resources, from housing to healthcare and social services, especially in southern regions that already face economic challenges. Managing these flows has been difficult for Italian authorities, leading to political debates and social tensions.
Switzerland, on the other hand, though also a destination for migrants, has stricter immigration controls and a more structured integration system, allowing better management of immigration impacts. For young Italians like me, this contrast highlights how different countries handle complex social issues, and it reinforces the perception that Switzerland offers a more stable and orderly environment for building a future.
Switzerland: a direct comparison
Putting numbers side by side highlights why Switzerland seems so attractive.
Income and Wealth: Switzerland’s GDP per capita is about $104,500 (2024 data), compared to Italy’s only $39,000. This gap shows up in daily life: Swiss average wages are roughly double Italy’s, even in middle-skilled jobs. Unemployment: Italy hovers near 7% (and youth rates are much higher), whereas Switzerland’s unemployment is around 2.7%.
Tax burden: Italians face heavy progressive taxes (national top rate 43%, plus region/municipality surtaxes) and high VAT. The Swiss pay much lower rates (federal top ~11.5%, plus moderate cantonal taxes) and VAT is lower (7.7% vs Italy’s 22%). In the end, a given gross salary goes much further in Switzerland. Public finances: Italy’s debt is 135% of GDP; Switzerland’s is under 40%, freeing it to spend more on schools and infrastructure.
Quality of Life: Switzerland consistently ranks near the top globally for quality of life, safety and education. Public services are reliable (trains on schedule, healthcare accessible), and social trust is high. Italy, by contrast, struggles with regional inequality: the North is prosperous (kinda) but the South still lags behind in jobs and services. Everyday concerns matter: in Switzerland things like newborn benefits, childcare support and elder care services are well funded, making it easier for young people to start families. In Italy, many friends delay having kids or worry about the future. An average Italian family can't even "afford" to have one child. These societal factors make Switzerland feel like a place where a young person’s ambitions are more supported.
Work Culture and Opportunities: Work-life balance in Switzerland is generally better respected (some companies even offer 4-day workweeks and generous parental leave). Even though hours can be long, the pay compensates, and there are strict rules on overtime pay. Many Swiss firms are leaders in tech, finance, pharmaceuticals and engineering – fields that reward specialization. In Italy, by contrast, I’ve seen many qualified colleagues stuck in temporary contracts or jobs far below their training. The “Professional Vacaio” syndrome – talented people forced into unrelated jobs – is real. Choosing Switzerland means choosing a place where skills are valued and careers are built, rather than stagnating.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision is about where I see a better life. I love Italy’s culture and history, but the current reality is discouraging: stagnant economy, sky-high debt, low salaries and high taxes, and millions of peers leaving. The statistics make it clear why many of us feel stuck. Switzerland offers a stark contrast – stronger growth, much higher earnings, lighter tax and debt loads, and a society that seems better at keeping and rewarding young talent.
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