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Posted by on March 15, 1998 at 06:50:18:
In Reply to: what about a job and home without permits posted by pepi on March 14, 1998 at 18:39:54: Hi again Pepi... You are right about many things in your post... but remember also that every country will have its bad sides too... I can think of a thousand reasons why I would rather have the negative sides here in Sweden then have the negative sides of the U.S.. I think it is all dependent on your lifestyle. I was a spoiled, unathletic American going out to eat 3 times a week and driving EVERYWHERE... but now, it's a totally different lifestyle. I walk or bike to work and go to my friend's houses for dinner instead. The social aspect is different but I like it. Also, yes, 30% of your income does go to taxes and hell yes it's a lot, BUT consider that education and lunches for primary school kids are free, parents get a STIPEND for having children, BOTH parents can take a year off from work to take care of them, and students don't pay tuition at the Universities... the impact on society is enormous because parents don't have to mega stress to have a family therefore creating a more secure 'environment'. Your money gets recycled back to you somehow. I always think that you have to pay for the society you want... whether you agree or disagree, look at the results. Sweden is one of the safest countries to live in in the WORLD. The alcoholism is a reality and there are a ton of lonely drunks, but that's a product of Swedish people's closed in personalities. It's not so prevalent in the south of Sweden (especially in my town, Uppsala, which is a student city) but maybe more so in the North. As for the weather, I love the seasons here... and it's not as terribly cold in some places than others so I don't see the big deal. We have 4 seasons and I think that's what matters. I love to see the seasons change. I originally came from Texas where it was a sauna 11 months of the year and Hell No would I ever go back to that ;-). And about the racism... don't tell me that that's only in certain countries and not in others?? It's everywhere, honey... I am a full blooded asian girl and was able to find a professional career here. I think your motivation and determination will get you places not if you are afraid of people being racist. Yes, it exists here, but you just have to deal with it like everywhere else in the world. About the work/resident permit and the low Swedish level, Pepi, I can only say that it is next to impossible to get into Sweden any other way besides being 1) a family member or fiancee to a Swede 2) having a company or a job that will sponsor you to Sweden (i.e., give you a job there) or 3) are a political refugee. Any other way would be illegal or I don't know about it. So, if you don't fit any of these, you will have to have some more patience. Unless I am not mentioning something, please correct me if I am wrong anyone! Good luck anyway, and hope your dreams come true!
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