NORMAL LIFE: 5 Years In Finland

On this day five years ago, I started my first day of work in Finland. I arrived in Finland in the early hours of the morning on November 1st, 2001. It wasn’t until November 5th, however, that I actually start working (read the very first Flashback here).

So what does one make of Finland after five years? While I can understand that not many people would like to live in Finland, the main things that have kept me here are Bree, my love of more than four years, and Finland’s quality of life; in contrast with the hectic and over-commercialised life of London giving rise to the 'keeping up with the joneses', Finn’s actually know how to relax and maintain simple traditions now alien to Brits.

Overall, Finns have had a very positive influence on my own development. When things haven’t gone my way, however, I have been able to assert my own influence and bring about change in my favour.

Sometimes, I am frustrated by the over-indulgences of alcohol by the natives and the undesirable behaviour it brings such as pissing in the streets. After all, what goes in has to come out, doesn't it, but why does it always seem to be on the streets with the Finns? And the efficiency of the tax authorities has been a constant fight for me personally for they seem unwilling to cooperate with someone who is ‘foreign’ out of nothing more than pure spite.

Like I said, though, the day to day quality living is the key feature that differentiates Finland from the many countries I have visited. Even in the workplace, I have been afforded more freedom than any company I worked for in the UK.

One thing in particular is that it is difficult to make good friends in Finland, but I think it’s difficult to make good, genuine friends anywhere these days, especially as people are so busy and seemingly self-absorbed.

However, while my social life could be better, I feel blessed just to have someone to love. Bree is forever my rock, helping me to understand the local cultural differences and to overcome the daily challenges that only ex-pats face.

Here's to the next five years, and beyond!