I have made a career in the giants of the web, but no salary compensates for the distance from affections. I want to return to Italy

Sara Mormino, an Italian national who built her career within major tech companies, has decided to return to Italy after spending over two decades abroad. The decision comes amid personal reflections on the emotional cost of long-term overseas work and the desire to reconnect with family and roots. In a statement shared with Il Fatto Quotidiano, she expressed her longing for home, stating, “I have made a career in the giants of the web, but no salary can compensate for the distance from loved ones. I want to return to Italy.” Mormino’s journey began in Rome, where she worked in a local startup and managed a tourist rental business. Her path took a dramatic turn in the summer of 2004 when she had the opportunity to witness Google’s potential firsthand. At the time, Google was still a growing company, with just over 60 employees in an office rented in Dublin. The European team was small, only four Italians working around a table covered with a checkered cloth. Despite these modest beginnings, Mormino saw the vast possibilities of the company and chose to take a leap of faith. She left behind her life in Rome, where temperatures were soaring at 30 degrees Celsius, and arrived in Ireland during a heavy downpour. The transition was challenging. She recalls thinking, “Who made me do this?” But her determination was fueled by having completed 12 interviews with Google, each reinforcing her belief that she belonged there. She became the first European woman hired on an indefinite contract by Google, leading a team as the company expanded rapidly. Her role at Google allowed her to see how a relatively small firm could reach global audiences through online advertising. Working in the travel sector, she witnessed the power of digital marketing to connect businesses with customers worldwide. Initially, she doubted whether she had the right qualifications, but each interview deepened her conviction that she wanted to be part of this transformation. The Italian market at the time was still largely analog, with credit cards rarely used and bank transfers remaining the primary payment method. Convincing thousands of businesses to trust a new digital model was a constant challenge. For Mormino, this environment proved to be an extraordinary training ground. She credits the experience with shaping her professional growth and giving her insight into the evolving landscape of technology and commerce. Over the years, her tenure at Google spanned more than two decades, during which the company grew from a fledgling startup to one of the world's most influential tech firms. Yet, despite the success and opportunities, the emotional toll of being away from family and friends became increasingly difficult to ignore. The decision to return to Italy marks a significant shift in her life, driven by a desire to reclaim personal connections and cultural ties. As she prepares to make the move back, Mormino reflects on the balance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment. Her story highlights the complex trade-offs many professionals face when choosing between international careers and domestic stability. While her career has taken her to the heart of the digital revolution, her ultimate choice underscores the enduring importance of personal relationships and homeland.