I met my spouse during one of my trips to Italy and... I stayed here

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What does your work as daily commitments consist of?

My name is Teodora and I am a freelance marketing consultant. I help people build a strong personal brand on LinkedIn, so they feel confident to show who they are and what they offer, without feeling like they are boasting or bragging. My work includes writing content, strategic planning, individual work with clients, and a lot of listening - to understand how best to help them present themselves as they are.

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?

I live in northern Italy, in a small town near Milan. Love brought me here - I met my spouse during one of my trips and… I stayed :-)

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

The biggest challenge was the dilemma of whether to look for a job in a corporate environment or to start something of my own. It was resolved when I realized that I wanted to have flexibility for my son, to be able to spend time with him while he is small. Freelance work gives me exactly that freedom.

Another challenge was the lack of a community of entrepreneurs in the smaller town and opportunities to meet international people, with whom to exchange ideas.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

Yes, at first I had difficulties with the language, my Italian was not at a good level and that sometimes held me back. Over time, however, I realized that I didn't need to speak it perfectly to feel confident. Today I work almost entirely in English and German, and my Italian is good enough for everyday life. The fact that I am not “perfect” in the language no longer bothers me – what matters is how we communicate, rather than how correctly we speak.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

At first, I received the most support from my spouse. Later, together with a friend, we created a community of women entrepreneurs in our region i and started organizing events, workshops, and lectures where we support each other, learn from one another, and remind ourselves that we are not alone on our journey.

As they say: if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, create it. And that's what I did – both in my work and in life here. I created an environment and community where I feel at home.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?

Italians are known for working less, more slowly. Dolce far niente is a philosophy here. This is particularly felt when working with institutions or in administrative processes. I have no personal impressions from the corporate environment, but acquaintances often share that there is not much care for employees here, and the pay is quite lower compared to other European countries.

What values and practices in the workplace impressed you the most?

Balance between work, family, and personal time is valued. People here do not live to work. This helped me rethink my own rhythm.

 

Have there been situations where cultural differences have made things difficult for you?

Honestly, not really. In terms of mentality, Italians are not that different from us Bulgarians. I haven't had cultural “clashes” or situations where I felt misunderstood because of my background. Rather, the differences are in the pace of life and daily habits, but not in values.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

Yes, my work requires me to regularly go through training related to marketing and social media. They are not tied to my residence, but rather to the need to develop and stay relevant for my clients.

Have you encountered prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?

No, never. I would even say – quite the opposite. I am surrounded by people from different backgrounds and cultures, especially in my work. In this international environment, differences are not an obstacle – they are a wealth.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

To realistically assess that changing location does not equal changing life – it requires inner work, adaptation, and patience. And if it is a conscious decision, it brings many valuable lessons.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

Yes. Without hesitation. My online work gives me the freedom to be anywhere and to be with the people I choose, regardless of the country I live in. I would definitely choose the path of personal branding again – I see what changes it brings not only to my life but also to the lives of my clients.

What do you miss most from your homeland in professional and personal terms?

I miss almost nothing – as I mentioned earlier, what I missed, I created for myself. Nowadays, the world is so connected that you can keep in touch with people and your environment, no matter where you are.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life?

Money is a tool, they provide opportunities, but do not define who you are. For me, money means choice – to be able to work less, but more meaningfully, to have time for family and for myself, and to say “yes” only to the things that I truly want.

What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

First of all, to ask themselves “What do I want money to provide for me?” - as a feeling. Often we are not looking for an amount, but a feeling of security, freedom, opportunity. And then the answer is no longer just in the numbers.