Why You'll Hate Living in Finland (7 Reasons)

Aleksi Himself - Videos about Finland・9 minutes read

Finnish people are reserved, making it challenging to socialize and make friends, requiring outsiders to take the initiative. Finnish companies face a shortage of skilled workers but are hesitant to hire foreigners due to language barriers and cultural differences, despite high tax rates in Finland.

Insights

  • Finns prioritize time and find it challenging to interact with strangers, making it hard to join established social circles without proactive effort.
  • Finnish companies struggle with a shortage of skilled workers but are hesitant to hire foreigners due to language and cultural barriers, emphasizing the importance of learning spoken Finnish for effective communication.

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Recent questions

  • How do Finns typically approach social interactions?

    Finns are generally reserved and value their time, making it challenging to engage with strangers. They tend to stick to established social circles, making it difficult for outsiders to join conversations or groups at gatherings. To make friends with Finns, one must be proactive and take the initiative in social situations.

  • Why are Finnish companies hesitant to hire foreigners?

    Finnish companies face a shortage of skilled workers but are often hesitant to hire foreigners due to language barriers and cultural differences. This reluctance can make it challenging for expats to secure employment in Finland, despite the demand for skilled labor.

  • What is the importance of learning spoken Finnish?

    Learning spoken Finnish is crucial as it differs from written Finnish, and Finns may switch to English when spoken to in Finnish. This language dynamic can pose a barrier to effective communication and integration into Finnish society, emphasizing the need to master spoken Finnish for social and professional interactions.

  • What are the key features of Finland's tax system?

    Finland has high tax rates, with progressive taxation and high marginal tax rates. Despite the heavy tax burden, Finland offers benefits like healthcare and education, reflecting the country's commitment to social welfare and providing a safety net for its citizens.

  • How can outsiders integrate into Finnish society?

    Outsiders looking to integrate into Finnish society must be proactive in social interactions, as Finns are reserved and may not easily approach others. By learning spoken Finnish, understanding the social dynamics, and respecting Finnish cultural norms, outsiders can navigate the challenges of breaking into established social circles and forming meaningful connections in Finland.

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Summary

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Challenges of Socializing and Working in Finland

  • Finns are not very inclined to meet strangers and value time, making it challenging to break the ice in social situations.
  • Finnish social circles are established, making it difficult for outsiders to join conversations or groups at gatherings.
  • Making friends with Finns requires being proactive and taking the initiative, as they are reserved and may not approach others easily.
  • Finnish companies face a shortage of skilled workers but are hesitant to hire foreigners due to language barriers and cultural differences.
  • Learning spoken Finnish is crucial as it differs from written Finnish, and Finns may switch to English when spoken to in Finnish.
  • Finland has high tax rates, with progressive taxation and high marginal tax rates, but offers benefits like healthcare and education.
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