When I made the decision to leave the United States for graduate school in Finland, I had no idea the profound impact it would have on my life and career. What started as a temporary move has turned into a permanent relocation, and I've never looked back. While the pay may be lower compared to the US, the work-life balance and quality of life in Finland have been nothing short of transformative.

A Slower, More Balanced Pace of Life

The first thing that struck me when I arrived in Finland was the strikingly different pace of life. Gone were the constant hustle and grind that had defined my existence in the States. Instead, I found a culture that deeply valued time away from work and prioritized personal well-being. OECD data shows that Finns work an average of 38.1 hours per week, nearly 5 hours less than Americans.

This translated to a work culture where clocking out at the end of the day was the norm, not the exception. Evenings and weekends were truly my own, free from the expectation of being constantly available. As Forbes reports, "For many people it just feels unreal that after your eight-hour day, you're not expected to do any work in your free time."

A Healthier, Happier Life

This shift in work culture has had a profound impact on my overall health and well-being. I now have the time and energy to pursue hobbies, spend quality time with loved ones, and simply recharge. WHO data shows that Finns enjoy longer life expectancies and lower rates of chronic disease compared to their American counterparts.

The ability to maintain a healthier work-life balance has also boosted my productivity and creativity at work. I find that I'm more focused and energized during the workday, and I'm able to tackle challenges with a clearer mind. The BBC reports that Finland consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and I can certainly attest to the veracity of that claim.

The Tradeoff: Lower Salaries, Higher Taxes

Of course, the decision to live and work in Finland isn't without its trade-offs. Salaries in my field tend to be lower compared to the US, and the country's high tax rates can be a shock to those accustomed to the American system. However, the benefits of Finland's robust social safety net, including universal healthcare and generous parental leave policies, more than make up for the difference in take-home pay.

The way I see it, the tradeoff is well worth it. I may earn less, but I live a richer, more fulfilling life. And in the end, that's what truly matters.