3 Year anniversary living in Sweden- Do I have regrets? Am I moving back to the USA?

[@Zandain]

Don't complain...but ask for help. No one can read minds, right? - networking is a good idea - put up something on a billboard at your workplace or where you might want to work... Make yourself available, even in the Scandi countries, where we by nature, are a bit closed off 😉 Glad to hear you have found your space... hello from Denmark 🌸

[@fisklars3579]

Top tier comment!

[@becurious2000]

comment pinned 😉

[@karmehed]

Ye I said the same thing, you need to actually ask for help or make it clear you want help. We complain as a part of a normal conversation here.

[@marionappelbaum950]

A lady came to Sweden, high fligher. Came with her husband that was offered a job here and accepted. Lady did dinners, networked, invited people over. Never ever got invited back and after two years, she told her husband she was moving back and taking up her old job. Networking in Sweden doesn't work. For myself I have also done the networking. Didn't work. However, I have made a good life here. I have made many friends, both Swedish and international. Swedes have a great sense of humour not unlike the Brits. Very dry/ironic. They just need to let go of the hotdog situation and make some proper sausages! 😂

[@jeffreylebowski3216]

As a Swede I find it wonderful that people come here, not because they have to but because they want to! Welcome!

[@becurious2000]

Thanks 🙏🏻 😊

[@worldvideos1148]

I will be moving to Sweden from Australia

[@becurious2000]

@@worldvideos1148 I think I have met more from Australia here than America. I have a good Australian friend here whose girlfriend is Swedish.

[@Solbrick]

As a Swede I kinda love when a train is late. Once I got a friend from talking to a stranger when my commute train was late.

[@becurious2000]

haha love it! 😊

[@giajensen1689]

There is a difference between complaining and asking for help. I think we are very open and happy to brainstorming and trying to help each other, and yes complaining about the weather or traffic and so on is our small talk, but complaining as a neverending negative attitude isn`t that exepted. But never be afraid to ask for help, that is one of the best ways of networking in Sweden. Also sharing the burden of worry over a fika is a great way of both finding solutions and also avoiding keeping everything bottled up. Glad to here that you are staying! 🎉

[@becurious2000]

😊 Thanks!

[@caliswedeboy]

Glad you like it here! We need more people like you making the country even better. 🙏

[@becurious2000]

I appreciate that!

[@Ai-em2pu]

I have been following you for almost the beginning and I must say: I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! You're such a fighter! ❤❤❤

[@becurious2000]

Aww ☺️ how kind you are. Thanks for the support!

[@Zwopper]

So sorry for your loss. 😥 Glad you're staying though. You're welcome, wanted, and needed here. 🤝

[@becurious2000]

🙏🏻🥹

[@erik....]

Happy to hear that you're doing well!

[@designstinamarshmallow9868]

That's an interesting take on complaining! 😂 But you're so right! We ventilate to eachother about our hardships, and sometimes we can help eachother with our issues, somebody will know what to do, or knows someone that can help, and society goes forward in a more comfortable way. 💖 Glad you are thriving! We need more nurses here! 🧑‍⚕️

[@becurious2000]

Thanks! 🙏

[@Perisa79]

Im glad your doing well, it shows on you that your doing well now. You look alot more calm and happy. I wish I had your drive and energy... You will do just fine, your the kind of person that makes sweden better.. Great job, stay happy, and good things will come your way.. 😀

[@becurious2000]

You're the best! Thanks :)

[@lindasimson7790]

Well done Brandon, all you have achieved, hard work always pays off, best wishes from Scotland xxx💙🇸🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@peterhallbus1114]

I don't know how it is near Malmö, but I live in småland and finding a house to rent is not that hard here, if you have your own car and dont mind a 30-60 minute commute it will often be cheaper then an apartment. Well at least keep an eye on blocket bostad and you might one day see a nice house for rent pop up.

[@becurious2000]

Definitely worth considering

[@HenrikJanssonFilipstad]

Glad you decided to stay here in Sweden. Cheers

[@michaelalsterin3061]

Sorry to hear about your father, may he RIP. It´ll do you good to come home to your family and I hope you´ll have a good time together despite the circumstances! If you ask for help or ask for advice, I think, that in general, people in Sweden is very happy to help you! If you ask somebody for advice, you´re actually don´t complaining just not sure what to do. Have a safe trip and take care!

[@becurious2000]

That seems to be my experience as well. Thanks for the kind words and the advice.

[@MangoHoney-m8b]

Sorry to hear that you lost your father, unfortunately something we all have to go through. Interesting to listen to your story, wish you a nice vacation in the USA!

[@becurious2000]

Much appreciated

[@tonta182]

Be happy for the complaints, up north we are just grunting and making swooshing sounds and good things happens eventually :)

[@becurious2000]

🤣 💀

[@Touchpadse]

First let me say that I'm really sorry to hear about your father, I hope you're doing as good as possible on that front. Second ss a person born and still living in Sweden I'm glad to hear that you like it hear and also glad to hear that you feel like life here is healthy for you =) It's funny, I've never even thought about what you said about complaining over here but now that you mentioned it, it actually do serve as an ice breaker quite often

[@becurious2000]

Ah thanks for the kind words!!! 😊

[@zefft.f4010]

Limhamn is pretty fancy. I have a copy of a map of Skåne from the 1600's on my wall, where Limhamn is indeed marked as a fishing village. The fact that you're living there means you're doing alright financially. And yes, there is a prevailing attitude here that if you don't complain, nothing changes. It's worked pretty well for us. My condolences to you on the passing of your father, mine also left us recently. You'll be alright.

[@becurious2000]

sorry for you loss. I love old maps! I have a really cool one of Iceland. I should get one of Sweden. :) Yea I feel I do not deserve this apartment. Its great. I was on a waiting list for 13 months and this one popped up. It was bit expensive but after being physically attacked at my other apartment I figured it was worth the extra money for safety.

[@simonjohansson1497]

I remember saying something in one of your videos when you had just moved here. It was about getting your bank-id and all that. Really nice to see how well you have done for your self.

[@becurious2000]

Thanks! Yea! I am so glad I can put that behind me now. That was a very difficult and stressful time. I feel like I have mostly landed now. Now to just save up money and pay off some things.

[@simonjohansson1497]

@@becurious2000 Sounds like life no matter where you live is save up, inflation is bad but it aint so bad here yet, so many horror stories ive heard from your homeland.

[@aten488]

Im thinking about Norway or Sweden but I think your convincing me to do sweden. Thank you.

[@biaberg3448]

If you learn Swedish, we’ll understand you in Norway. And you can visit us and watch all the beautiful nature that Sweden lack 😊

[@bulletnutz6382]

You can find a nice little house in the countryside for 3-600 000, so saving like 10% for downpayment wont be hard🙂. However thats not bigcity living at all. combine house and bigcity will cost alot for sure…

[@becurious2000]

Yea I am thinking since I have a car, I can do maybe 30 minutes driving commute max. I am used to driving farther in the states to work. I commuted almost 45 minutes to work in Texas for 7 years at one point since I could not afford anything closer.

[@makinmischief]

Yay! Happy you’re doing so much better

[@wendajones9040]

You've done brilliantly to overcome all the difficulties!

[@Imbatman177]

What’s up! I just moved to Stockholm from Austin about 5 weeks ago with my family. Thanks for the content to help guide my way a bit and answer some questions while settling in. I’ve thought about moving here for over a decade before doing so. I don’t know of any regrets… maybe not buying a cheaper car and having it shipped over before leaving the states maybe

[@becurious2000]

Welcome fellow Texan !!! Yea I kind of wish I had imported my Acura from Texas as well as it was paid off and had low mileage. I was just a little nervous since Acuras are not sold in Sweden and it would have to be serviced at a Honda dealership.

[@miracleojo9779]

Sorry for your lost. May your father Soul Rest in peace 🙏

[@matshjalmarsson3008]

I'd like to add that even relatively central parts of Malmö can be really nice. Where I live, there's a fairly large garden where one can grow produce, and I'm pretty sure it would be possible to have eg Chickens or Rabbits, if planned out properly. There are a couple of Music studios/rehersal places, a Woodworking Shop, a Pottery workshop etc, etc, etc. And even if one doesn't have access to a garden, it's possible to get a "kollonistuga", which is basically a tiny summer house/cabin with a large garden for growing stuff. Other than that, if one wants an affordable house I'd suggest a little bit outside of the cities in Blekinge, I paid SEK 700k for my house of 150 sqm there, and there is a bit of a lack of Doctors and Nurses, at least in Karlskrona.

[@becurious2000]

Oh that sounds lovely! Thanks for the advice!Yea I have noticed that tends to be an issue in the smaller places is a lack of health care workers.. at least that is what my patients have said when they come to see me.

[@KateWolf-iz2rs]

I'm sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences. You're videos have been very helpful and has given me insight of challenges I will potentially face, if I decide to move there. I will be visiting Sweden for the first time in a few weeks. However, when you stated that you didn't know about the sponsorship and you were never informed of that or found that on the internet. I immediately knew the feeling! Lol. Just when you think you've done all the research, there is always more to learn. Just take it one day at a time. You're doing great!

[@becurious2000]

Thanks so much for the encouragement 🤗

[@rickardelimaa]

@5:44 - where is this in Limhamn? I bicycled there once when I lived in north of Malmö. Now living in Helsingborg, and it's one of the most beautiful cities in Sweden IMHO. Sorry to hear about your dad, but glad that you're thriving in Malmö. The festival was nuts last week. 😀

[@becurious2000]

5:54 is just across from ön. 5:44 is actually outside of Malmö in Rövarekulan which is a nature reserve. I highly recommend it. I missed the festival. It coincided with my departure to Texas to take care of my father's passing away. I had hoped to make it. I went last year. I agree, Helsingborg has the best beaches I have seen so far in Sweden. My favorite place near Helsingborg was RÅÅ.

[@danvernier198]

One thing to note that if you as a regular working person are trying to buy a residence there's a public bank called SBAB which will let you get a loan with a significantly lower downpayment. Only go through a regular bank if you're already wealthy and trying to make some balancing act between investments owned and your downpayments. If you're actually living in the place and paying installments with your income SBAB are going be much more reasonable when it comes to both the downpayment and the istallments.

[@becurious2000]

Thanks for the advice

[@Hummingbirder1]

@@becurious2000 They also give you higher interest on your saving account than the business banks (Swedbank, SEB and such). I have all my longtime savings there, as well the loan on my apartment. Short time savings I have on Swedbank, for fast access if nessecary. You can't pay bills through SBAB, only the mortgage on your SBAB loan. You can transfer money from your SBAB saving account to your "every day" account on your "home" bank, but that will take a work day, so I only save money there that I don't need accesss to pronto.

[@markusstrom7125]

Not correct. 15% minimum down payment is required by law and applies to SBAB as well as all the other banks.

[@danvernier198]

@@markusstrom7125 depending on your income they do set it above the minimum.

[@neuroleptika]

You can buy a "åretrunt" cabin in the woods for 400-700 000kr with no renovations needed with water and electricity and insulated for winter etc. If you can handle some less comforts you get it cheaper. You just have to choose the right region of Sweden and you can surely afford a small house.

[@becurious2000]

Great to know! Is it hard getting loans for something like that? I think that’s what I want to do .

[@neuroleptika]

@@becurious2000 its hard yes, I cant get one

[@neuroleptika]

@@becurious2000 but you have to ask your bank first, if they say no then go to one of those online services that compares all banks for you and make them say yes or no and make offers and you choose the best deal, I think maybe Lendo is one of those. But first you need downpayment and all that. Downpayment is 15% of the price of the house, one example from Länsförsäkringar bank is they lend up to 4.5 times your annual salary.

[@heidisaglund3443]

I'm sorry for your loss❤ Consider doing travel nursing in Norway, and you would make a lot more.

[@sacroyalty]

@5:50 “happiest you’ve ever been in your life” That’s good to hear as a fellow American about to uproot his and my family’s lives to move to Europe. Thanks for the video!

[@becurious2000]

My pleasure. Do yall have a country picked out?

[@sacroyalty]

@@becurious2000 Spain to start probably! We're working on a visa now, but have some back up options in case it falls through.

[@becurious2000]

@@sacroyalty exciting! Wish you all the best

[@sacroyalty]

@@becurious2000 Thanks, same to you! I have to catch up on your videos, I watched some early ones a few years ago and it fell off the recommendations until a YT search "Americans in Europe" lol.

[@stormstereo]

TIL I need to become more squeaky! Thank you. Norway pays better in your field, especially if you live in Sweden and commute over the border. For example between Strömstad (pop. 13.500) and Fredriksstad, 50 minutes one-way by car. I'm sure there are several additional hoops coming from the US, but if it's money you seek, maybe look into that.

[@becurious2000]

More great tips! Keep em coming!

[@mariehedberg7863]

I loved to work in Norway as a nurse, but be aware that pension from Norway, when you are not living all the time there, its tuff to get from NAV. It doesnt matter if you do all the paperwork you had to do. It will never be enough! I do not know how many swedish nurses, who had just said: I give up. Just take my money i deserved and worked for. It was different with the private tjänstepension, it came a letter, and they were so nice, and I got my money. No problem ar all. So if you go to Norway, it will be easier, but mor expensive, to move there. And dont forget to be member in the union, wherever you live.

[@timsvensson6530]

Im happy that you like it here!

[@johanswede8200]

Limham is the best place in Malmö. Nice beaches in the summer. Congrats❤

[@PernillaArtistic]

Thanks for being honest

[@Barbod1357]

Bra jobbat🎉

[@xVoNL]

I have over 15 years of experience as a nurse outside of the EU. I came to Stockholm as a student, and I am currently preparing for the knowledge test to obtain the Swedish nursing license. I am eager to find a healthcare-related job. What was your job before obtaining your Swedish nursing license? Were you able to find a healthcare-related job? If so, do you have any tips on how to find such a job?

[@becurious2000]

My first job was as a USK (undersköterska) which is like the Swedish version of and LVN. I started working in home health. I found the job by searching on local Facebook groups. I would recommend starting there... looking on Facebook.

[@EmmasPonnyUtb]

Then we're almost neighbors. Also live in Limhamn and I understand how you think about house prices. But Limhamn is a wealthy village, so to buy a house here you have to be at least a millionaire. Tip is to check houses towards Sjöbo. They are still somewhat purchasable there.

[@becurious2000]

Howdy neighbor! I'll have to look there and see what is over there. I don't mind staying in an apartment for 3-5 years and saving with the intention of buying something. I am leaning toward buying a large parcel of land in the countryside just outside the greater Malmö area and commuting to work. I want to build a cabin myself or buy a small house to renovate since I have a construction background. But I love my little spot I live currently. I just do not see it as a longterm solution especially if I decide to have a family and start gardening and bee keeping in the future. Those were my passions in the states. I think it would be nice to do something to help the environment like bee keeping.

[@EmmasPonnyUtb]

@@becurious2000 How funny. Then we have roughly the same goal. I am a greenhousekeeper and a florist and working a Mobilia Blommor. Thinking of one day opening my own flower shop, but out in the country side instead. 😁

[@jeriksson7686]

Glad you like living here. Welcome

[@becurious2000]

Thanks! 😃

[@EP-cm8ch]

Im planning to move to Sweden, as my partner is Swedish. I’m also a nurse qualified in the UK. I’m scared that I will have difficulties as I don’t speak Swedish and it will take few years for me to obtain the certain level of Svenska sprak to allow me to practice in Sweden. Currently in the uk I’m studying my MSc degree and got loads of job opportunities afterwards. Cannot imagine myself not working as a nurse it’s my life . Sorry for your loss 🙏🏻

[@henrikjohansson9701]

Hello EP-cm8ch. We really need nurses in Sweden. If think you can do as B curious, You can start as a lower ranked nursing staff while learning swedish and then go for the test to get the licence. You will make it for sure. You will be most welcome!

[@becurious2000]

I have a few other videos on this if you want to take a look. 😊 Best wishes on your endeavors!

[@EP-cm8ch]

@@becurious2000 thankyou!

[@EP-cm8ch]

@@henrikjohansson9701 thankyou!

[@martinpoulsen6564]

Thaaaats not really complaining. You have an issue and need help. That's not complaining. That's reaching out. To the best of my knowledge, most people will like to help if they can. Otherwise very valid points, and probably just as true vice versa - getting into the US from EU isn't exactly all that easy either, and also very expensive. Can definitely relate to the living situation, and hope you'll be able to get a nice torp somewhere in the future. Norway has been on the hunt for healthcare professionals and is likely the highest paying Scandinavian country, or at least was not too long ago. The main problem would probably be, if you wanted to go work, and possibly live there, that they are not in the EU, and with a US citizenship, you might have to start all over again. Plus the language and everything else of course.

[@becurious2000]

Yea. I think once I am a Swedish citizen that should help hopefully.

[@martinpoulsen6564]

@becurious2000 Very costly to live there though. Cheaper to live in Sweden and work in Norway.

[@mariaeriksson953]

Move - come up here to Torsby - We need good people for our very good hospital. And you can get a nice house somewhere and play music loud! And we have a thriving music community... But if you need a big city close you could always visit Oslo(2hrs away) Karlstad and the flight to Stockholm is 45 mins away... Welcome!

[@veronicajensen7690]

hello I'm Danish have you thought about working in Denmark ? it pays quite a bot more than in Sweden, many people who live in Malmø area work in Denmark, we do need nurses , although I'm not sure it's possible on a Swedish work permit , that said Denmark and Sweden work closely together so you can ask about it , you can also live in Denmark but then housing and everything else is more expensive, I do think you can get something affordable outside the city in Sweden, sorry to hear about your dad I hope you will end up happy in Sweden

[@becurious2000]

Thanks for the fine comments! I have actually considered what you have mentioned. Possibly once I am a citizen in Sweden I can live in Sweden and work a bit in Denmark too. That would definitely be a cool adventure.

[@bulletnutz6382]

Stop stealing from our workforce please!!🙃

[@Jonteponte71]

@@becurious2000 Nurses are better paid in Norway as well. In some cases, much better. Unfortunately a registered nurse in Sweden is not a high-status job for some reason. I know of people who have worked full time in Sweden and then worked extra on weekends in Norway. Which is of course easier to do if you live closer to the border...

[@Famfamnaying]

A few questions to ask 1. You mentioned not having health insurance was expensive because of teeth prpblem, can you provide the cost amount? EU is known for having better health cost than the USA, and we are thinking of moving mainly because of medical cost. 2. You mentioned it is hard to save up for a house in the wood, and I saw on hemnet that there are many vacation homes under $100k us dollars, would this considered unaffordable in Sweden? 3. Sweden is one of a few countries that allow foreign students to work off campus during school year, was this not an option for you? And there was no on campus job for foreign students?

[@becurious2000]

I think I’ll do a video to answer these questions for you guys 😊

[@jvilhelml]

So sorry about your dad....

[@PapaRyans]

Hi there....nice to see an american living here in sweden , how do like about our country? Hope you like it in some way, feeling more free than in USA.... we are at least a kindly population😊.... I guess it can be hard to fit in , in the beginning but give it some more time, hopefully you find some more friends and interests to do here. Sweden is actually a good country in ground. Take care 😊😊 BTW, I am from middle of Sweden, living in a town named Falun.. been living in same town whole my life..... we are about 60 000 in my town, calm and nice town actually.... far from all shootings we sadly now fighting with 😢..... Am glad my town is calm one...... regards and take care. 😊😊😊

[@becurious2000]

Thanks for the kind comments and the support! Falun looks like a cute town!

[@karmehed]

I would say, being a Swede living in Malmö btw, it is important to not just complain but actually ask for help. We swedes are in general quiet standoffish and dont want to butt in. However i believe that most of us want to help when we can. And as you say we do tend to complain abit which is kind of our way to keep a shallow light conversation. So make sure to at least make it clear to people that you actually are looking for help or advice.

[@becurious2000]

great tips

[@meonline140]

Sorry to hear about the working permit, its not something Swedes has sny knowlwdge about in general. Its harder to become friends in Sweden, when I lived in the US it was easier for, but they stayed casual, in Sweden, when you have a friend the will stay so for life.

[@becurious2000]

a lot of truth to this in my experience as well.

[@Taxi58]

Well… If you want to get payed for your work. Check out Norway and Norweigan salaries. I, as a Swede moved to the border of Norway, still though on the Swedish side, and took a jobb as a bus driver. And my pay went up by about 50%. Living in Norway is crazy expensive. But commuting to work, having Norwegian salary, but Swedish costs is a perfect match. There are a number of Swedes working inside the Norwegian healthcare. Commuting like I. So many hospitals have hotels for commuters. And their tax system provides you with a lot of tax reductions for your extraordinary costs. And they really need all hands they can find. Worth checking out!

[@becurious2000]

Awesome tips! Thanks!

[@falukropp2000]

Yeah, networking is everything. Complaining breaches the introverted wall, and triggers the common interest for "beating the system". Step one is social references, to have something in common, finding symphaty. Then you can complain, and that triggers the hunt for solutions, people share what they know about beating the system. If you give when you can from your own knowledge, you're "in" and have that network to support you through all times.

[@meteerbil2078]

Yeah, so its not as good money her as in the states. But remember how much worse you felt there. The reason you moved. Whats most important to you? Your health or money?

[@kennethmaki9255]

Move somewhere near Norway and work in Norway but live in Sweden.

[@becurious2000]

Loving that idea 💡

[@flawmore]

Housing gets cheaper the more north you live, and you're at the southern coast!! Just saying! :)

[@FloridamanForever]

House prices in Sweden is crazy inflated thanks to basically no property tax and mortages that are very low interest and basically free from principal

[@becurious2000]

Oh really? That’s interesting. I wondered about that. Yea property taxes are getting insane in Texas where I come from. Even if your house is paid off the taxes are almost a mortgage In themselves here in Texas.

[@FloridamanForever]

@@becurious2000 yes the maximum property tax in Sweden no matter how big house is roughly 1000 dollar per year. Actually alittle less.

[@FloridamanForever]

Im actually a Swede who live in Florida since 3 years.

[@FloridamanForever]

Sweden basically removed the property tax in 2008. After that house prices went up alot. There is also no inheritance tax or gift tax in Sweden.

[@fredrichenning1367]

It will take you about 10 years to fully integrate and get a good job (which you seem to have already!), so a bit of patience, dude. But get a job in a small community outside of which are all kinds of homes hidden in the forest (just nice and quiet until you start yours). You might have to fix one up, but learning carpentry is easy. 🤔

[@becurious2000]

That’s the plan. I actually have a lot of experience with building and renovation in the USA as I did that before I was a nurse. I renovated my first two homes in Texas. I just need to learn the Swedish way as building codes and materials are likely different from Texas.

[@Fistfury42]

​​@@becurious2000Yep, we use Bricks, concrete and real wood instead of Paper, plywood and 2x4s.

[@carl9901]

dude you should have gone back to the states for 2-3 weeks just to get the license. It's 10x easier and cheaper in the US and you can use it in sweden

[@becurious2000]

Are you referring to my Swedish nursing license or drivers license?

[@carl9901]

Drivers license

[@becurious2000]

@@carl9901 got ya. I have an American license already but it only applies for 12 months from the time one is registered as living in Sweden. So I was required to go through the whole process to get a license. This does not apply to citizens in other EU countries however.

[@carl9901]

@@becurious2000 Ah I see, btw I made the reverse move, sweden to philly:) I watched a lot of your episode and agree with most of your takes on the cultural differences. just a bit tiring reading my fellow swedes' "expert opinions" about the US in the comment section lol.

[@becurious2000]

@@carl9901 😆 I can imagine. There is good and bad everywhere right?

[@nahboh1897]

It really sucks that dentalcare is not in the free healthcare.

[@Jonteponte71]

It is for children but not adults unfortuntely.

[@becurious2000]

I agree

[@muneeb7535]

i am a physio outside europe and will move to sweden within few months can you suggest me what jobs i can do related to my field until i get my physio license ? or what did u do in healthcare field or outside healthcare plz reply

[@becurious2000]

Welcome to Sweden. I am not sure when it comes to physio. I would recommend reaching out to socialstyrelsen on their website and see if they can give you direction. Possibly someone else who works in that field can post a comment here as well.

[@etienneetienne4752]

I am vet who moved to Sweden, I’m moving back to the USA. I don’t like it here at all.

[@becurious2000]

Can I ask what it is that you do not like if you’re up to sharing and which state in the USA are you from?

[@etienneetienne4752]

@@becurious2000 yeah sure. I’m a veterinarian here in Sweden I’m from NYC originally. I’ve lived in Sweden for 3 years. I’ve lived abroad for 15 years. I’m moving back to the US bc I hate the weather. I have a very low wage compared to the US. Taxes takes a huge chunk of my paycheck. Bureaucracy is terrible here but not as bad as some places Ive lived. The light change has also worn on me. I’m not very fond of the language and the people aren’t “friendly”. It’s very expensive to live here in my opinion for what you get. I find the US comparable to less in cost of living. I think it all boils down to what is familiar and I want that back in the US.

[@chronic2023]

​@@etienneetienne4752It can be a tough adjustment. I have been here for over 40 years. Now retired. I can't afford to move back to the US but, also, I don't like the limitations of living there. Here I can live relatively cheaply so even a pension of $2,000 a month allows me two vacations abroad a year. Next Sunday I am flying to Thailand for 4 weeks to get away from the November gloom. I think it's harder if you have no family in Sweden. I have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren.

[@hanssjolander1217]

What do Swedes do in your professional field? They commute to large Norwegian hospitals where they more than double their salary. Where is it easiest to learn National Swedish? The cities of Central Northland where the population does not have such distinct dialects. Where is the cheapest place to buy a house? In the central northern countryside, you can buy an entire agricultural property for under SEK 1,000,000. Vad gör svenskar inom ditt yrkesområde? De pendlar till norska storsjukhus där de mer än dubblar sin lön. Var är det lättast att lära sig rikssvenska? Mellannorrlands städer där befolkningen inte har så utpräglade dialekter. Var är det billigast att köpa hus? På den mellannorrländska landsbyggden kan du köpa en hel jordbruks fastighet för under 1000000 kronor.

[@becurious2000]

You are making some nice points 😊 It is tempting.

[@stiglarsson8405]

Yes an no.. I dont belive swedish bureacracy is the worste, its different then other countryies, its different in every country! One need to know how it works, wich its easyer if one is born in Sweden! Its verry much about registration.. our system works by that everyone is registred and knowd by authoritys and that bussines can attrive information about you in public registers. And of course as a non swedish citicens one need to have the right permits. I asume that you need a permanent resident permit to be granted a loan for buying a house?? In anyway, I say that it take 1-2 year to buy a house.. so you can start now, by visiting a "well knoved" real estate agent and get some advices. And some prospects to look at, to sort out price and area for you to think about!

[@becurious2000]

Great tips! Yea I been also playing around on Hemnet a bit to see what is out there.

[@stiglarsson8405]

@@becurious2000 Yes, start with Hemnet, visit those prospects by your own.. to get a grip of "what one get for the money"! And then adopt swedish thinking, about "Lagom"! Housespoting is typical a spring and autum thing to do, and there is favo areas to watch in Skåne.

[@maxjakobsson8491]

I would say the polar opposite is an asian approach, I had a friend from taiwan and they are much more sensible in this regard. You explain something and they meet you halfway, in sweden you need to explain it, bring a chart, take someone by the hand point to the solution, have a prerecorded memo, and 2 advocates one short and strong, and one lanky smart type so that person is scared into submission, but also smart enough so they feel silly when they try and wiggle out of helping you.. that's my swedish take in a nutshell asians are much smarter though; like statistically, so it kinda makes sense

[@becurious2000]

😂

[@harrysvensson2610]

How to identify that you're integrating into Sweden: You're not saying "What's up"/"How you doing" in the intro.

[@charlieb2903]

It is the third anniversary, not 3 year.

[@becurious2000]

That’s how we say it I come from. Probably a dialectical thing

[@candymorrison7534]

I am from the US, California originally. Before I came to Sweden we submitted paperwork before and after I arrived because my sambo and I want to get married. First we tried skatterverket at least 4 times ... nothing. Then we went with immigration and the lady there sighed and said that she could register us as sambo. Fast forward it's been a bit due some issues that some were having and that's fine, we understood and have been patient. We called the other day and hopefully we should know more around September. I understand about saying something but like you said not too much complaining. We just want to get married, I want to get back to working again and like you my savings have dwindled. My one medication for 100 gel caps is $273 per month. Sometimes just feel really frustrated.

[@becurious2000]

Yea I feel ya. I have heard similar experiences from other Americans.

[@martinandersson1539]

Have you tried reaching out to Ex-pats from the USA in the Malmö or Scania Area? Becuse my ex used to do it to vent and talk to people from the US.

[@becurious2000]

That's actually a good idea. I was a bit apprehensive in the beginning reaching out to strangers but knowing what I know now that would have been a good idea.

[@mr.t114]

Damn, how did you get such a nice apartment. My sucks compared to yours, in Stockholm. Can i type "damn" and "suck" here or is that frowned upon.

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

Alas, if only we were free to say what the fåk we like, but this is "international" waters, so...??? Where's the limit? Nobody knows. Step carefully! If in do*bt, throw a star 😉😉

[@becurious2000]

haha! Thanks. Yea I feel like I don´t deserve it. It is too nice. I feel really grateful. I was on a waiting list for 13 months before I could get this one. I have heard it is even harder in Stockholm. I feel for you guys!

[@carl9901]

@@becurious2000 stockholm is next to impossible unless you're well connected, sub-sublease, purchase or rent in one of the suburbs

[@carlrosenbaum3754]

You should have moved to Poland

[@becurious2000]

Yea? 😊 I heard the language is super tough right? Not sure if I am smart enough for that 😉

[@octonion]

I'm too short to live in Sweden 🙂

[@becurious2000]

Yea? 🤔 😆 I actually know lots of people shorter than me and I am 173 cm so you should probably be ok 😉 now Netherlands… that’s another story 😊

[@JOANN779]

I've been a CNA for 14 years! Can I work with you 😂? I want to move there.

[@divamoosic]

how much money did you have saved up when you moved?

[@becurious2000]

It is hard to say as I had a lot of my money tied up in stocks, retirement pension, and other stuff and liquidated it as I needed it. Then when the economy tanked all my assets were worth less money. It was a gradual process. I had planned for spending about 2000 dollars a month till I had my nurse license. I had at least that much available for the first year but the second year killed me as I did not have my nursing license until after a little over 2 and a half years. After 2.75 years living in Sweden I finally had my nurse license and was getting paid just a tad over average income but I have had a lot of unexpected cost even this year such as traveling to Texas to help my mom with my father's affairs after his death and I will have spent about 2000 dollars on dental issues this year.

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

🥰

[@rogermagnusson115]

Have you talet to Stefan tyrone…an american utuber in Stockholm

[@becurious2000]

Det har jag inte än men kanske i framtiden 🙂

[@ann-catrinjohnston2437]

May l ask why you moved here ?

[@becurious2000]

I got a video on my channel about it. Feel free to give it a look ☺️

[@AnneLisbeth]

I’m Norwegian, but we always think of Sweden as very bureaucratic

[@Mahasa99]

That’s a myth. Nowadays, with digitalisation and electronic bank ID, most things are smooth. At least if you’re a Swede. 🙂

[@AnneLisbeth]

@@Mahasa99 Okay 👍

[@marionappelbaum950]

I think that's it, it works if you are a Swede. Very difficult if you are not. Info is not always available. You don't know what it is you need to know and if you don't know, how are you to know what to ask. That's the conundrum.

[@becurious2000]

This was my experience. I think if you are born into the system it works much better than if you are coming from somewhere else.

[@jorgengabrielsson6660]

😂😂😂Can we talk about NAV in Norway

[@flidirfesfe]

Do you live in Malmö?

[@becurious2000]

Limhamn so just outside

[@SteamboatW]

It's always hard to move to another country and culture. I would propably not make it as well as you have.

[@thomascleo]

Now you might should try the big city of Stockholm, thats another level and more job oportunities if you dare,,,haha😂

[@becurious2000]

haha 😉

[@ĦęłłěñįçŘępųbłĩç]

DUDE MY WHOLE FAMILY IS FROM MALMÖ 2:19

[@erikiskandermeon9999]

Well, most problems you encountered have absolutely nothing to do with Sweden. You're just talking about your personal individual problems.

[@becurious2000]

The title of my video was not “do I have problems with Sweden?” its hard to come up with many serious complaints about Sweden from my perspective. The title was “do I have any regrets?”

[@Userfriendly1977]

I hope you didn't move back.

[@jorgengabrielsson6660]

If You want a cheap house move too our beutifule Dalsland and work in Norway😁

[@becurious2000]

Worth considering

[@angusmackaskill3035]

Do you speak Swedis

[@becurious2000]

Ja det gör jag . 😎

[@SilverionX]

The whole complaining thing is because of the Law of Jante. Even if your life is going swimmingly you have to find at least something negative or people will think you're bragging, which is a deadly sin to Swedes. Obviously no one likes someone who only complains either, but throwing in a little metaphorical stubbed toe in there lets people know you're a regular human being. I think there's a big difference between social and professional settings though. If something is wrong at your workplace or in your connections with government agencies, you should absolutely complain. Most people are keen on improving... or they have to by law. :P

[@robertdepesci3418]

i've heard somewhere how slow and inefficient administrative work is done in europe.

[@becurious2000]

this can be true in many case

[@danvernier198]

While there is some truth in that this guy was mostly screwed over by an unserious employer not submitting his paperwork to the authorities, which delayed things a great deal.

[@becurious2000]

@@danvernier198 yea… that was a pretty rough patch for me 😥

[@veronicajensen7690]

depends on the country there are 49 European countries and each are different in the Nordic countries things tend to be much easier than in the US or other countries, in Denmark you do your tax on the internet within 5 minutes almost everything is fast and easy , however some things about migration from outside EU is very difficult, that is however by design , because the Government (and the population) try to limit who comes into the country , and it's not legal to make special laws for for example Americans (for some weird reason it's only legal to make special laws inside EU) however the Nordics are the most digital countries making thing easy, also if you go to the doctor no paperwork at all at least not in Denmark

[@ScanLinkV]

What about crime? I see lots of stuff online about dreadful crime because of mass muslim immigration. Which are the no go areas?

[@becurious2000]

It is true that this exists but compared to America it’s much safer. One thing I do think might help would be if there was more of a police presence. Also I feel like people are not as respectful of the police in Sweden as in America. But that is just my experience. I have not had time to look at the data. I was physically attacked by a middle eastern guy in Sweden who almost ran over me . I have a video about that . However I had a 17 year old white male high on meth chase me with a gun for 2 and a half minutes who got put in jail here in Texas. I feel way more unsafe in Texas than Sweden. I used to have a lot of PTSD in Texas and fear I would be killed in my house so I installed a expensive security system . I have never had that feeling in Sweden. Most of the crime in Sweden is among the immigrants between each other. So I try to just stay away and keep to myself. In Texas you can’t really do that as was my experience with the young man who assaulted me. I was in a good neighborhood in broad daylight. He had no idea what he was doing. A colleague of mine in Texas who is a nurse and very unstable mentally came into my house with a gun. I did not realize he carried a gun at all times. I was so scared because he has suicidal ideations and I was just trying to comfort him. The gun situation makes me feel very unsafe in Texas. We had people kill my colleagues in the hospital with guns and a friend of mine was shot and killed in church in Texas by a homeless man. These are just my own experiences and I know it’s a sensitive topic. I can only speak for how I personally feel. Others likely will say something different based on their own experiences or political views. I don’t want to get political on this platform but can only talk about my individual feelings and experiences.

[@ScanLinkV]

@@becurious2000 I really appreciate you taking the time to reply - Thank you

[@Kevin-zz9nc]

10.10 Da child support be killing me!!!!

[@becurious2000]

in Sweden?

[@syst3mwolf]

Americans have a harder time than Canadians.

[@becurious2000]

How so?

[@syst3mwolf]

@becurious2000 Canadians have easier requirements.

[@becurious2000]

@ got ya 👍🏻

[@carlrosenbaum3754]

The world sets you up for failure ...

[@becurious2000]

The world can be brutal sometimes

[@mickep8445]

Lots of complaints, what about doing some research before moving to EU? I think it,s a lot harder for us in the EU to just move to US.

[@becurious2000]

That's kind of the issue. I did do a lot of research. It is also hard to research when you do not know what questions to ask or research. The problem is a lot of the information is not up to date, unclear, or does not apply. It was also during covid 19 pandemic which complicated things. You know it is bad when you talk to Migrationsverket and Skatterverket and even they do not know the answer. The waiting times for getting questions answered can take weeks or even in my case months. I was told by a guy at Migrationsverket that they went through a huge rehiring of a lot of people and so many of the new people had a hard time with my case. But like you say, I can imagine it is hard coming to the USA from the EU.

[@Helix_Nova]

Well, you can choose, either 2008 on steroids in the States, or a dysfunctional war machine in Sweden.

[@becurious2000]

Curious what you mean by 2008 on steroids. Sorry for my ignorance in advance.

[@inigoromon1937]

Money is not so good as in the USA because you have a welfare state that provides good education, heatlhcare, drinkable water, no violence, retirement, worker and consumer rightsetc. So perhaps you are better off.

[@becurious2000]

True. I do think some things are too expensive such as buying healthy food to cook in Sweden. I am not sure how so many people can afford expensive cars here in Malmö based on my wages. It feels like there is still something a bit off and I cannot quite put my finger on it. I can never seem to have enough to put back for emergency savings such as the 25000 sek I had to spend on nessesary dental work. I have a couple cosmetic skin issues I would like to have addressed as well but because they are not “medically necessary “ they will not be covered. There are a lot of things taxes pay for that many never use. For example, I paid for my education so I did not use that feature. I also have no children. So those features are not being utilized. Overall I think the system is fantastic but I do see some merits in a little tweaking such as more affordable healthy food and more flexibility with working schedules and conditions like options to work from home. Maybe that will happen in the future. I know we striked this summer as nurses for better working conditions and shorter work weeks but it did not affect us who work Monday to Friday 8-5 shifts. Time will tell I guess. I find it a little discouraging that it hard to make suggestions such as flexibility with work schedules so one can have a better work life balance. But there is no prefect system. There are pros and cons everywhere. I am trying to have a balanced attitude about it. 😊🙏🏻

[@neuroleptika]

American expats choosing swedens worst and most violent city Malmö will always be the weirdest mystery to me

[@becurious2000]

lol I break the mold. 😉

[@rpse24]

I think the only mistake you have done was to become a male nurse😂😂😂

[@becurious2000]

what was I thinking haha.

[@kalengamwinapala3237]

You’re the first person to hear telling so about Sweden but majority of the people runs away from Sweden to America. With me , America is always the best country in the world and that’s why many Swedes comes here than Americans going to Sweden.

[@becurious2000]

I am a little special I guess 😂 I always felt like an alien growing up in America. I never felt like I quite fit in in the USA.

[@ingridlindquist4895]

Around 600 swedish citizens emigrate to US every year and an equal number of US citizens emigrate to Sweden every year.

[@becurious2000]

@@ingridlindquist4895 fascinating

[@OldSchoolDo]

your first few points are a process ,,driving l1icence - so covid is responsible for your transition ?? apt life - wtf - is that swedens problem . bad video . thumbs down . im out after 04:00

[@becurious2000]

Thanks for coming to visit in any case 🙏🏻 over 600 likes versus 8 dislikes. I think that speaks for itself . Sorry the video was not what you were looking for.

[@chadb7694]

Glad you're doing well and are sticking it out!