A BRIT moving to SWEDEN: Best decision or a huge mistake?
Life on a Stick Episode 13
Welcome back to the Life on a Stick podcast blog! This week, we're delving into some massive culture clashes between Sweden and the UK. As Brits who decided to migrate to Sweden, we’ll share our experience of moving to Sweden and what it’s been like living here for the past nine years.
Appreciating the Little Things
When we first introduced the Life on a Stick podcast, we said that living life to the full isn't about high-octane extremes but appreciating the little things. This episode is no different. From our unique intro banter about appreciating life's simple pleasures to deeper conversations about family and moving to Sweden, we cover it all.
Navigating Cultural Differences
One of the main themes we explore this week is the cultural differences between Sweden and the UK. As a Brit in Sweden, Tom talks about how challenging it sometimes is to grasp the Swedish way of doing things, especially regarding social cues and pub culture. Malin humorously points out the differences in how Swedes and Brits approach daily life and social gathering spots like pubs.
Pub Culture: Sweden vs. UK
Speaking of pubs, the pub culture in the UK is significantly different from that in Sweden. In the UK, meeting at the pub is almost a given, whether it's for socialising with friends or family. In Sweden, however, going out for a drink is much rarer and is considered more of a special occasion due to the high cost of eating and drinking out.
Is Sweden the Best Place to Raise Kids?
One question we often get is, "Is Sweden the best place to raise kids?" In this episode, we dive into the specifics, particularly focusing on the parental leave in Sweden. With both of us having lived here for nearly a decade, we've seen first-hand the benefits of the Swedish parental leave system that allows 480 days of paid leave to be split between parents. It's an invaluable resource that has enabled us to spend quality family time together.
The Literalness of the Swedish Language
We also introduce a brand new, one-off segment this week, where Malin is put in the hot seat to discuss the literalness of the Swedish language. From "dust suckers" for vacuum cleaners to "green things" for vegetables, the Swedish language never fails to amuse. This segment is all about highlighting those funny, literal translations that make learning Swedish an exciting challenge for any Brit in Sweden.
Deciding to Call Sweden Home
Why did we choose Sweden over the UK? While moving to Sweden from the UK was a significant decision, the reasons are plentiful. From the excellent parental leave to the beautiful nature surrounding us, Sweden has so much to offer. We touch upon how Brexit also influenced our decision to stay, securing Swedish citizenship in time and avoiding the uncertainties that came with the UK's departure from the EU.
Concluding Thoughts
Finally, we wrap up this week's discussion with reflections on how our lives look different today compared to when we first made the move. From living a somewhat ‘normal’ life to receiving a cancer diagnosis and moving into a van, our journey has been far from conventional. Yet, despite all the ups and downs, moving to Sweden has been one of the best decisions we’ve made.
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Until next time,
Tom and Malin