In the “Talks with IT Professionals” series, our founder Marco Pincho and Eric Nogueira, seasoned IT consultant, shared the highs and lows of his two-decade career journey through consulting, project work, and life abroad. Known for his early contributions to WeDo’s BRV18 project, Eric’s experience offers valuable insights into how to navigate remote work, the nuances of consultancy versus traditional employment, and the unexpected lessons in financial and personal fulfillment. His reflections paint a vivid picture of how adaptability, calculated risks, and strong networks have shaped his successful career in IT consulting.
The beginning of a career journey
Marco’s career journey began with the BRV18 project at WeDo, an exciting venture that united a team of ambitious professionals, which included Eric, eager to make an impact. Recalling those early days, Eric highlighted how the sense of camaraderie and shared goals among his colleagues set the foundation for his approach to work and teamwork. This initial experience gave him an appreciation for collaborative environments, where interpersonal connections are as valuable as the work itself.
The project became a formative experience, blending professional and social bonds that would influence Marco and Eric’s career and provide valuable lessons in team dynamics and project management. This early phase established the high-energy, dynamic lifestyle that would define his career, eventually leading to opportunities across Europe and a fulfilling consulting role at the European Commission.
Leaving WeDo: choosing fulfillment over stability
A defining moment in Eric’s career came when he decided to leave WeDo without a job lined up. Frustrated by the growing bureaucracy in the HR processes and desiring a greater sense of fulfillment, he took a leap of faith to find a career path more aligned with his personal values. This move would eventually lead to his role at the European Commission, marking a significant step toward the professional and personal stability he sought.
Eric’s decision to leave WeDo without another job offer was a bold one, reflecting his willingness to prioritize personal growth over the comfort of a stable position. For him, leaving the company was about finding a role where he could channel his expertise more meaningfully and with fewer bureaucratic constraints, a choice that many in corporate roles may find daunting but ultimately rewarding.
Sabbatical Period and transition to the European Commission
The sabbatical period following WeDo provided Eric with the time to reflect on his goals and the kind of work environment he desired. It was during this period of self-reflection that he realized he wanted to contribute to projects with a broader impact. Joining the European Commission was a departure from his previous roles and came with initial financial adjustments, as it didn’t match the pay of his earlier position in Portugal. However, the long-term benefits of working on meaningful, large-scale projects outweighed the initial differences.
This transition underscored for Eric the importance of aligning career moves with personal values rather than focusing solely on financial compensation. He found fulfillment in contributing to public sector projects, which added a new dimension to his work. The European Commission provided an opportunity to make a tangible impact, which resonated deeply with Eric and reaffirmed his decision to embrace change.
Comparing paths: financial capacity and happiness
Reflecting on his career journey compared to peers who remained in corporate roles in Portugal, Eric expressed a sense of gratitude. His willingness to explore varied roles, even with some financial sacrifices, ultimately led to greater stability and happiness. Many of his colleagues who stayed in corporate positions have faced challenges related to job satisfaction and career growth, particularly as job markets in Portugal often limit upward mobility.
By contrast, Eric’s choice to venture into the unknown afforded him diverse experiences and the chance to secure both financial independence and personal contentment. This balance, he feels, is a reward for being willing to navigate career risks, emphasizing that pursuing growth can lead to more satisfying outcomes than simply staying within one’s comfort zone.
Helping colleagues in their career journey
Throughout his time at the European Commission, Eric’s impact extended beyond his individual contributions. He actively helped other colleagues make the move to Brussels, recognizing the appeal of higher salaries, professional development, and a more dynamic work environment that Europe offers. His help and guidance made it possible for other talented individuals to find new opportunities, supporting a professional migration that, while challenging for Portugal, aligns with many individuals’ career goals.
Remote Work Challenges: Missing Office Dynamics and Career Visibility
In his current remote role, Eric has had to adapt to the absence of the spontaneous, face-to-face interactions that office work provides. He admits that he misses the visibility and relationship-building opportunities that come from working closely with managers and peers. The remote setting requires more deliberate efforts to showcase his work, build connections, and advocate for professional growth.
Despite these challenges, Eric sees remote work as an opportunity to deepen his focus and balance his personal life, acknowledging that while different, remote work offers a unique set of advantages. The experience has underscored the importance of adaptability in today’s work environment, highlighting that success in remote roles requires new strategies for visibility and career advancement.
Freelancing Versus Employee Promotions: A Comparison
Eric also spoke about the differences in career progression between freelancers and traditional employees. Freelancers must actively promote their work and seek opportunities, while employees often follow a more structured promotional pathway with feedback from management. Freelancing allows for independence, but it requires a proactive approach to career development.
This comparison illustrated the benefits and challenges of both paths, with freelancing offering freedom and flexibility at the expense of structured support, while employee roles provide security with less autonomy. Eric’s insights emphasize the importance of aligning career choices with one’s personal values and professional goals.
Taxation Across Roles and Regions
In discussing taxation, Eric shared his experiences navigating tax systems as an employee in Portugal, a Portuguese freelancer, and now as a freelancer in Poland. The Portuguese system, known for its complexity, allows freelancers numerous deductions, though it can be daunting to manage. Poland’s flat tax rate for freelancers, in contrast, offers simplicity and predictability, which Eric finds particularly beneficial for financial planning.
These contrasting systems highlight how taxation impacts not only income but also one’s ability to plan financially and remain productive. Eric’s perspective reveals a preference for simplicity, advocating for systems that support financial clarity and foster focus on work rather than managing complex tax obligations.
From a journey of constant travel to career stability
After two decades, Eric reflects on the vibrant life of a remote work consultant with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. Frequent travel, hotel stays, and the thrill of exploring new cultures brought excitement to his work. But, over time, he recognized the trade-offs that came with this lifestyle—missing family, the strain of living out of a suitcase, and the need for stability.
Now settled into a fully remote position, Eric values the comfort of a steady environment and the chance to focus more deeply on his work. Yet he acknowledges that the thrill of new places and fresh projects was instrumental in keeping his career diverse and engaging. Consulting, he believes, offers a unique blend of professional excitement and life experience that helped shape both his personal and career journey.
Conclusion: Embracing Change, Building Networks, and Finding Fulfillment
Eric’s career journey offers a powerful lesson in the importance of adaptability and the rewards that come from embracing change. His career has been marked by a willingness to take calculated risks, pursue personal growth, and build a strong network of professional allies. Through it all, he has cultivated a fulfilling career that balances financial stability, professional satisfaction, and personal happiness.
Eric’s insights remind us that true success lies not just in career milestones but in the experiences, relationships, and lessons gathered along the way. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating the evolving landscape of remote work, freelancing, and international opportunities, encouraging a proactive and adaptable approach to building a rewarding career.
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