Young Italians Flock to Become Shepherds

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Pay is poor and the hours are long, but there is job security, fresh air and as much pecorino cheese as you can eat.

As Italy’s unemployment rate topped 10pc this week, it emerged that young people are flocking to become shepherds.

Traditionally the preserve of older men, the profession has recently attracted 3,000 young Italians, according to agricultural body Coldiretti.

They are choosing a simple life in the great outdoors because their aspirations to become doctors, lawyers or engineers have been thwarted by Italy’s negligible economic growth, which has been compounded by grinding austerity measures. » | Nick Squires in Rome | Thursday, May 03, 2012