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Im from EU and currently looking for a new job. I've reading good things about working in Sweden as Stockholm is rising as a tech hub.
I've lined up some interviews (software engineering) and I'd like to know how is like to work and live there.
Anything from salary, quality of life, job market or things I should be aware before jumping.
Anyone working in Sweden?
Stockholm is quite dynamic in terms of its start up culture. There are a number of ways to network within the industry, most prevalent way to do so is Sthlm Tech Meetup.
Salaries are relatively low for engineering jobs (compared to ex Germany), but should be ok in the software space. Ok in this case would be ~4000-4500k€/month for a relatively experienced software engineer. Do note that tax levels are rather high once you reach higher levels of income (50%-55% marginal tax rate). The tax is a pain until you have kids and you pay almost nothing for daycare and schools.
The main thing to be aware of is that the housing market in Stockholm is completely crazy. It is very difficult to find somewhere to live. If you manage to get relocation support this should not become an issue for a while. Be ready to pay ridiculous money for second hand rentals (compared to salary)
I found it difficult to rent a flat, and I got the impression that this was fairly common. Be prepared to hunt through adverts, and respond as soon as you can after its published. If you leave it much more than a day, you'll probably get ignored. My Swedish colleagues told me that even if there's a phone number on the advert, don't ring it, email instead. And reply in Swedish - have someone translate your reply for you. But be prepared for lots of frustration when house-hunting.
In general, language wasn't an issue - although I knew no Swedish, everyone spoke excellent English. Not just work colleagues, but coffee-shop waiters, supermarket clerks, bar staff, pretty much everyone I met.
Financially, there were few surprises. Housing was expensive, just like any other major city. Alcohol's a little pricier (taxes), and you can only buy it in a chain of government-run shops, which have limited opening hours…you can't just pop to the supermarket for a bottle of wine. As for the rest: coffee, eating out, groceries, were all on a par with western Europe prices.
Speaking of coffee, the culture of Fika is a great Swedish institution, and should be spread worldwide :-)
I love extremes of weather, so a very snowy winter and a gloriously hot summer were great for me, YMMV.
I ended up coming back to the UK, but some of my contracting colleagues from other parts of Europe decided to stay. They've since settled down in Stockholm, and easily found another project at the end of the contract.
Ericsson's taken a fairly hefty hit this year, and are planning another round of significant layoffs, which may have a short-term impact on the tech market around Stockholm.
If you enjoy the outdoors Stockholm has a lot of accessible nature just around the corner with large parks in central city as well as accessible and clean water ways as large parts of the city is located on islands. Within weekend trip range you have alpine skiing and wilderness in the northern parts of the country.
When it comes to job hunting there are a number of larger incumbents such as Ericsson that currently is struggling a bit. But there is also a number of larger "start-ups" such as Spotify, Klarna, King, iZettle, etc. These companies are very used to relocate new employees and have a structured process for everything from housing, to tax admin, even initial social activities.
Outdoors, yes, and especially the closeness to the sea and ocean. If you like boating or kayaking this is a huge plus, and you can also rent boats if you don't want to own one.
Housing market is crazy, you definitely have to buy an apartment and be willing to make a big investment in this, renting is basically not an option. The city also gets suburban and quiet very quickly as you move away from the inner parts, so if you want to live in a lively neighbourhood it's going to cost a lot.
Lifestyle is quite wholesome, punctuated and routine, and suits sporty people very well. On the social side swedes are reserved and private and the financial and social pressure to start a family is quite high.
Nightlife is a bit on the snobby and expensive side, with fancy restaurants and champagne.
The winter is dreadfully long and dark, and the summer is gorgeous. Many people go to Thailand in the winter and enjoy the beautiful archipelago outside Stockholm in the summer.
If you are a sporty person who enjoys boating, and/or wants to start a family, go for it. If you are looking for a fun place to stay for a shorter time and want to have a spontaneous social life, I wouldn't recommend it.
I moved here four years ago from Australia. The worst part about relocating here is finding housing. We ended up just buying our own apartment and that ended up being much cheaper and less stressful than continuing to rent. Other than that for me personally there hasn't been much to complain about. People tend to regard Stockholm as an expensive city. Coming from Western Australia I didn't feel that much of a difference. My salary isn't huge, but make enough after the hefty taxes to have spending money left over. Public infrastructure seems great, it is safe, bike paths everywhere. People _are_ reserved yes, but there are many Meetup groups where you can socialize. The nature is beautiful, and how close it is to more urban areas is a big plus. Very pet-friendly - pets are allowed on subways, in many stores, etc (although the level of veterinary care and approach here varies, but I could write an entire separate novel on that).
I would ask your potential employer if they can help line up housing for you for some time after you move - larger companies often help with that and have their own contacts.
Also the games industry is booming here. I don't know what it's like compared to your current EU country, maybe quite similar. But after having lived in Ukraine, the U.S., and Australia Sweden is definitely my favorite.
Pretty much gives you roughly the things you asked above.
You can also post a question on their "Ask A Local" board, if you are up for more specifics... https://teleport.org/community/c/ask-a-local/stockholm/
Native Swede here. Stockholm is quite dynamic in terms of its start up culture. There are a number of ways to network within the industry, most prevalent way to do so is Sthlm Tech Meetup. Salaries are relatively low for engineering jobs (compared to ex Germany), but should be ok in the software space. Ok in this case would be ~4000-4500k€/month for a relatively experienced software engineer. Do note that tax levels…
You won't make any friends among the natives. We'll have a beer with you after work but don't expect anything serious. None of my friends have foreign friends. Can't really say why this happens though. We are pretty reserved.
Nightlife is not snobbish as somebody else said. There is the whole range from dive bars to upscale to any kind of nightclub you can think of. It's similar to most bigger western cities. Also, I've noticed the variety and quality of restaurants are outstanding in Stockholm when comparing to most places I've been.