(edit title) Australian Moving to Sweden? Finding employment? Options

[Mistress_Of_Doom]

I gave up on the arguments because they were going nowhere. But thanks for the support. I can understand if someone has put in a lot of effort and got nothing back, kind if like a one-sided relationship. I don't think I've suffered any hardship here in Sweden. That's why I feel like others could also have a good time here. Sweden isn't famous for their pastry per se, but there are some restaurants that are top 50 in the world. Even so many that aren't top 50 but put so much care and attention to detail in everything they do. Not to mention, coming from half way around the world I wanted to learn new techniques and work with ingredients I'd never even heard of before. I'm not talking about your general run of the mill bakery kind of pastry. Pastry/patissiere is a broad term that includes plated desserts. I've been given the opportunity to invent my own desserts to go on the menu and I've received nothing but positive feedback. Working in Sweden also has the added bonus of learning to think more eco-friendly. We have our own vegetable, herb and flower gardens that we harvest fresh and straight onto a plate. I am loving the natural side of Sweden, and the fact that you're close to the water everywhere you go. I intend to go ice fishing some time when it is suitable. For the average person, "Swedish cuisine" doesn't mean very much, but for a chef it opens up a world of possibilities.

[Mistress_Of_Doom]

Ok so I kind of rambled on, but I get excited when I talk about food. Particularly desserts, there's just something so intriguing about using science to make edible art. There's a kind of skill you acquire through some trial and error, and just knowing how something will or should turn out. You also achieve consistency by accuracy of measurements, something that a regular chef rarely has to worry about because they can change and adjust their sauces up until the last minute.

[rex]

This forum has always been a place for newbies to ask basic questions and others to vent. Unfortunately, it is rare to hear from those who are happy with their lot, and who ha ... (show full quote)

This forum has always been a place for newbies to ask basic questions and others to vent. Unfortunately, it is rare to hear from those who are happy with their lot, and who have lived in Sweden for more than 5 years. There are no role models or mentors who help the newbies who struggle onto the next level. ... (hide full quote)

I have lived for more than 5 years in Sweden. It can be a terribly infuriating place to live.

1. There are glass ceilings everywhere, and some doors are welded shut on the same floor.

2. At the same time, if you're Western European or native English speaker you should do well here. The Swedes adore Americans and Germans, and would bend backwards to satisfy them. However see #1.

3. Immigrants from other parts of the world, even from other parts of non-Western Europe, are seen as pests. The things that I hear about Poles and Syrians make me sick in the stomach.

Those are the three golden rules of Sweden, according to me. If you're a strong career person then I'm afraid Sweden might not be for you, because you'll always be an outsider. Hell, I've even been told that in my face multiple times by "PC"-Swedes. If you let it get to you, it limits your social life, your career, and your already limited opportunities to become a contributing member society.

At the same time, if you understand your place in the society here, and are happy with what you've got, then you should do well. It depends on your perspective.

[greasenipplegunnage]

To swing this conversation around, I'm also in the same boat as OP. Planning on making the move in September!

I was curious, I currently work in marketing for a bank (primarily digital, i.e. Google AdWords, Facebook Ads etc). I have my Bachelor's in Business Marketing, have been in the work force off of my internship for a year and have this delusion that I can use my degree/skills anywhere in the world because my field of work isn't necessarily language/location restricted.

In saying that, is there much demand for someone like myself in Sweden? A qualified, young, creative professional from Aus?

[sourcandy4]

Wow. Let's switch places.