One of the biggest differences I have noticed while living in Milan is how differently people can define professional success. In the United States, success is often closely tied to career progression. Getting promoted, earning a higher salary, taking on more responsibility, or building an impressive résumé are all commonly viewed as signs that someone is moving in the right direction. Before coming to Milan, I largely accepted this definition without thinking much about it.

Living here has made me realize that there is another way to look at achievement. From conversations with locals and simply observing everyday life in Milan, I have noticed that work often seems to be viewed as a means of supporting a fulfilling life rather than the central measure of that life. Career advancement is irrelevant for many and does not come at the expense of personal time. People make time for friends, family, hobbies, and simply being out in the city. It is not unusual to see people meeting friends from the early afternoon to late at night, spending hours together before heading home, even during the workweek.

This has made me think differently about what I want from my own career. In the United States, I have often thought about achievement in terms of what I can accomplish professionally and what the next step should be. That distinction has made me reconsider the idea that constantly pursuing the next promotion or accomplishment is automatically the definition of success.

I do not think one culture has the “right” answer. Instead, living in Milan has shown me that professional achievement is shaped by the values of the society around us. I still want to challenge myself and build a meaningful career, but I am leaving Milan with a broader definition of success, one that includes not only what I accomplish at work, but also whether I have the time and freedom to enjoy everything outside of it.