An American who has spent 17 years living abroad shares work-life balance lessons: Unused PTO won't help you achieve your goals.

Paid time off policies in European workplaces are often generous and encourage employees to take extended breaks, including weeks away during summer.

Alex Ingrim, 36, who spent the last 17 years living and working across France, the UK, Malta, and now Italy, found it challenging to adopt a new mindset.

"Ingrim, who grew up with the American perspective that one's career is crucial, has worked in European companies where they prioritize family time and holidays."

Not utilizing vacation days is "disrespected and undervalued," he remarks. "You appear to be someone who isn't taking enough time off."

Across Europe, financial service companies typically offered 25 vacation days per year in addition to around 10 public holidays, where Ingrim has worked.

Currently, he serves as both the president and co-founder of Chase Buchanan USA, a company based in Florence that offers financial advice to approximately 70 clients on relocating from the U.S. to Europe.

Discussing work in social settings is less common, as Ingrim often tells clients when helping them adjust to a new work culture.

"In the U.S., people typically ask each other about their work at parties, while in Europe, after three hours at a party, nobody knows what anyone does for a job, and there are neighbors but no idea about their work."

According to Ingrim, work is not a significant aspect of one's life and identity. Instead of discussing work at parties, people typically discuss more interesting topics such as food, vacations, or sports. However, when discussing personal interests, individuals often focus on their work-related activities.

The cultural norm places a greater emphasis on life outside of work compared to the typical U.S perspective.

According to Ingrim, prioritizing one's career over family and other personal interests is not culturally acceptable.

He says he's happier living in Italy than in the U.S. He began his international journey with a college study-abroad trip to France, where he met his wife, Louisa. Deciding to live in Europe to be together was a great choice, he says.

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