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This as-told-to essay is predicated on a dialog with Jorge Reyes, a 27-year-old skilled from Bogotá, Colombia, who moved to Finland lower than a yr in the past. The next has been edited for size and readability.
Since I used to be in highschool I used to be informed by my academics that Finland was a protected and nice nation with strong schooling techniques and a authorities and society that coexists effectively.
Finland was the other of my hometown in Bogotá, Colombia, and utterly not like my Caribbean background, the place 40 levels Celsius, seashores, and sunshine are the norm. However I needed a change.
I noticed on social media that Finland was ranked one of many happiest nations on the earth. I wanted to know why. Satirically, Colombia was up there on this record, however I felt I wanted to expertise Finland for myself.
I discovered a job in Helsinki on LinkedIn and packed my baggage
Regardless of having an important job on the software program firm HubSpot in Bogotá, I logged on to LinkedIn and seemed for job alternatives in Finland in my discipline. I discovered a job as an account govt at a Finnish startup known as Supermetrics.
In March 2023, I packed up my life in Colombia and moved regardless of not understanding anybody there. My new firm paid for my relocation and the $1,200 one-way flight from Bogotá.
As a fluent English and Spanish speaker, I initially feared being unable to speak with others, however folks converse English so effectively right here.
My family and friends weren’t shocked after I informed them I used to be transferring, as a result of I would lived overseas in Spain and have traveled extensively.
The final 9 months have been a life-changing expertise.
Logistically, it was easy to navigate the visa course of. For work, I entered right into a professional-skills contract and certified for a specialist visa. After I arrived, I may simply get an ID, open a checking account, and discover an condo. I hire a studio near the Helsinki metropolis middle and pay about 950 euros month-to-month for it.
Making pals with Finns takes time
At first, it took a while to make pals and discover my neighborhood. The Finnish take time to heat as much as you, however when you change into pals, these relationships are long-lasting.
Even the relationship scene right here is easy. There are the same old apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, and individuals are open to happening walks or coffees, although dinner to start with could also be an excessive amount of for a Finnish individual.
I really feel protected and linked to nature in Helsinki
Households go away their kids alone to sleep exterior and acclimate to the climate. I’ve by no means felt unsafe strolling alone it doesn’t matter what time it’s. I may additionally go away my laptop computer or private belongings at a café and return hours later, and it might nonetheless be there.
There is a tradition of strolling in nature right here. There are lots of open forests — a lot of Finland is dominated by conifer bushes — and other people spend a whole lot of time happening lengthy walks or strolls with none worry of their environment.
This immersion in nature is a whole disconnect from the haste of city life. Not like parks, the forests by no means actually shut. It helps me really feel grounded and relieve stress from the fast-paced life-style of working in tech.
Right here within the winter, when it begins to get darkish at 3 p.m., folks assist one another by checking in on one another extra typically, internet hosting sauna periods, and making extra plans collectively. The mentality is “it is us in opposition to the darkish,” and it helps construct a way of neighborhood.
I’ve extra disposable earnings and am revered at work
When it comes to bills, I spend about 200 euros on groceries a month. I pay about 35% of my annual earnings in taxes. My wage is taxed at 25% plus different deductions, however they range relying on how a lot you make. I’ve extra disposable earnings right here than again dwelling.
Working in Finland has been simpler than different roles I’ve held as a result of there’s much less paperwork right here. I need not ask permission to talk to totally different folks within the firm, and my values and opinions on my work are revered.
I miss dwelling, however I am getting used to Finnish mannerisms
I’ve by no means skilled any racism. I am certain smaller cities inside Finland may not be as receptive to foreigners as the larger cities, however they’re turning into more and more inclusive.
Plus, it is easy to journey inside Europe — thus far I’ve visited Sweden, London, Estonia, Amsterdam, Italy, Paris, and Spain.
My greatest problem is lacking my household and pals, music, and meals from again dwelling. However I am slowly getting used to the atmosphere right here and studying about Finnish mannerisms.
Dwelling right here has definitely exceeded my expectations. I got here with an open thoughts and a need to complement myself with new experiences.
I am documenting my journey on TikTok as a result of I wish to present the world how highly effective it’s to maneuver to an unknown nation and make it dwelling.
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