Week Recap
This has been a relatively slow-paced week as the office begins to wind down for the month of July. With many of my coworkers taking time off and a generally quieter atmosphere, the usual pace has eased slightly. I’m currently working on completing my data points for the upcoming report. Unfortunately, I’m still waiting on a few key pieces of information. Which means the process is taking a bit longer than I expected. While the content of the work remains largely consistent, the more relaxed pace has allowed for a bit of breathing room. On a different note. The weather has been getting better, with sunnier days and warmer temperatures it is finally starting to feel more like summer. It’s a welcome change that adds a a positive tone to the week!
The heat and the UV is at its highest while I am working, but luckily the sun does not set until 11:30! After work my roommate and I went to the beaches here in Stockholm. We had tried to find a beach that had sand but they were all over an hour away unfortunately. We went to a beach that was close enough, although no sand. While we definitely did not tan, just sitting in the sun was very healing for us. Sweden has a great way of implementing nature in every aspect. We had tried to get photos with the sun, however, we underestimated just how fast it change positions. Regardless, it was a much needed beach day!
Cultural Differences
Overall there have been some cultural difference but most of them have been easy to adapt to. The first difference that was noticeable was how quiet it is. The city while constantly busy, is not very loud. Unlike other busy city areas where noise and sounds are constant, this city has a much more quiet and calm atmosphere. It creates a sense of still and peacefulness that I didn’t expect from such a busy populated city. This was something that was off putting at first but I have definitely gotten used to. This was especially hard the first week, as I had not had time to adapt. People mind to themselves and while not outwardly friendly, they are not rude either. There’s a sense of respect for personal space and boundaries, which I’ve grown to understand and respect. These adjustments, though initially unfamiliar, have become part of the experience that makes living and working here unique. These differences have also allowed me to adapt to environments that I am not familiar with.
Another difference is the mindset around family. This cultural difference is one that I wish existed back home. How families are treated and the societal expectations of a family, are a lot different here. For example, children here are taken care of by both parents 50/50. The gender roles that I am used to do not exist here. Both parents are equally involved and take time off as such. One of my coworkers alternates with his wife for remote days depending on if the child is sick. My boss consistently leaves work early to pick his son up whenever needed. The government is also incredibly supportive of families, especially financially. The paternity & maternity leave mandated by the government is truly amazing. My coworker from India was talking about the differences here and how it allows for families to have children back to back. Families are supported here financially, which encourages both parents to work. There is not a struggle for having a family and working, both are encouraged.
A difference that is harder for me to adjust to is the vacation weeks. Weeks you ask? Yes WEEKS! Summer in Sweden slows down a lot, so much so that my office is closed for the next two and half weeks. I am working remotely because the office building is fully not open because people are off. My coworkers at minimum are taking off two weeks, with a max of five weeks. While this is absolutely lovely, it makes getting information and working remotely very difficult. The other component of this is each coworker starts and stops at different times. However, I will be back in office the last three days of July which is going to be very helpful. However until then it is a lot of emailing, slacking, and waiting. This is going to be especially difficult as getting information from third-parties might prove difficult if they’re off for the month.