Yes, you heard that right – Sweden. I have been planning this move for awhile now, and I am so excited to finally be able to share the news with everyone! I’ve created this blog as a way to share my stories and experiences with everyone back home, and I think it’ll be the perfect creative outlet for me as I move into this exciting phase of my life.
So, why Sweden? What are my plans for work? Where will I be living? I’ve gotten so many questions about my move & I’m spilling all the tea.
Why Sweden?
Since we first met over a year and a half ago, we have visited eight countries together and managed to spend roughly three months together throughout 2018 despite living on opposite sides of the world.
When we began to talk our plans to end this LDR in 2019, the solution seemed clear. I was feeling a bit stuck in my 9-5 job, and always regretted not living internationally before I entered the corporate world when I was only 21 years old. Living in Europe for awhile, with significantly more vacation time and many travel destinations only a short/affordable flight way, seemed like the perfect opportunity to check a few items off my bucket list.
And so, I began planning my move to Sweden…
Where will I be living?
I’m moving to Malmö, which is Sweden’s third largest city. This vibrant city has so much to offer, with benefits that go far beyond it being a border city to Copenhagen [although, with Copenhagen being one of my favourite cities ever, this is a huge bonus]. I’m so excited to explore the city by bike, find my new favourite coffee shops for fika [a Swedish verb meaning “coffee break”], and attempt to learn a little bit of Swedish.
If you’re interested in learning more about Malmö and southern Sweden, I plan on writing a detailed city guide after I get settled, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Will I be Working in Sweden?
That’s the plan! I have acquired a one-year work visa, which makes me eligible to accept employment opportunities once I arrive in Malmö. However, I’m moving there jobless which is a very scary feeling as a person who has always been very career-focused.
Many people have asked me about the visa process, and all I have to say is that I am very thankful that I am Canadian. As a Canadian under 30, it was very easy to obtain a one-year working visa. Sweden offers this program to citizens of a few different countries. If you’re interested in learning more, shoot me a message and I can send you some information.
And the Most Common Question: When am I Leaving?
My official date of departure is February 2nd. Soon, I know! I’m spending the rest of the month packing up a few boxes that I plan to ship overseas and moving my other belongings into storage – I cannot believe how much stuff I have accumulated over the past five years. After binge watching ‘Tidying Up’ on Netflix, I’m channeling my inner Marie Kondo and let me tell you – it feels so great to purge!
This month is extremely bittersweet as I say some difficult goodbyes to my incredibly supportive friends & family, wrap things up at a job that has provided me countless opportunties over the past six years, and prepare my cat Screech for a transatlantic flight [you didn’t think I would leave her behind, did you?].
With that being said, I am so incredibly excited for this adventure and can’t wait to share it with you. And remember, visitors are always welcome!
xx,
Madeline
