The book: Ten Years in Sweden - A Disenchantment: An Expat's Journey Through Swedish Mystique

Click here >>> Book "Ten Years in Sweden"


In this compelling work, Javier Toms unveils the hidden side of Sweden, far removed from idyllic postcard views. He takes readers on an enlightening journey through his experiences in a Swedish company, offering a candid look behind the country's glossy facade.


Toms critically examines the working world of Sweden, a country often regarded by its citizens as the best in the world. He questions the lack of self-reflection in Swedish society and reveals how the pursuit of happiness often comes at the expense of others. His narrative is peppered with fascinating insights into Swedish peculiarities such as snus, the crayfish party, and the necessity of always being happy.


Yet, "10 Years in Sweden – A Disenchantment" is more than just a critical view of the Swedish work environment. It is also a practical guide for anyone planning to move to Sweden or settle there. Toms shares valuable advice for immigration, living, and working in Sweden. From bureaucratic hurdles to cultural idiosyncrasies – this book provides comprehensive guidance for life in Sweden.


Click here >>> Book "Ten Years in Sweden"




Popular posts from this blog

Kafkaesque conditions in Sweden's diverse working world

Image
There was one episode in my Swedish work adventure that I particularly remember. It involved a significant project I was managing, which, as is often the case in the adult world, didn't quite go according to plan. The story begins with a classic scenario: an impending deadline and a project progressing slowly. I realized that we wouldn't meet the deadline. So I did what any sensible person would do: I tried to convince my superiors Thomasson and Olsson to inform operations management about the impending delay. More than three times on different days, I tried to persuade both gentlemen to tell the truth. Each time, I was fobbed off with a smile and a "we're still waiting" as if I were suggesting that we all go to the moon together. The situation escalated unexpectedly and with an intensity that I would not have thought possible in the otherwise calm Swedish work culture. Operations management found out about the delay - not through the usual channels, Thomasson
Read more

Hurray for Swedish dissatisfaction

Image
One of the most striking and noticeable characteristics of some of the new colleagues was their pronounced tendency towards dissatisfaction and associated complaints. This tendency was disturbing in its regularity and intensity. What was particularly striking, however, was how these complaints were expressed - or instead were not expressed. Instead of openly and directly addressing their concerns or dissatisfaction openly and directly, they chose an indirect route, bypassing their divisional managers and me as the higher-level manager. These people were all amiable and polite. They were always smiling and cooperative, but behind this friendly face was a world of dissatisfaction and criticism. You could sometimes have good, short conversations with them and think that everything had been said or that they would directly address what was on their minds without hesitation. But to my great surprise, that's precisely what they didn't do. I knew from my previous years that Swedish co
Read more

The nanny state

Image
Sweden is a nanny state. Some people there don't like to hear that. It's a humorous, sometimes slightly mocking term for a social system in which the state plays an overly caring or patronizing role. Imagine an overprotective nanny constantly following behind you to ensure you're wearing your scarf so you don't catch a cold or constantly looking over your shoulder to ensure you're eating your vegetables. Now, scale that image to the size of an entire country and its society. In a nanny state, someone else always looks after aspects of life, often with the best intention of protecting health, safety, and well-being. In such a nanny state, profound psychological effects arise. This constant availability of support and the expectation that a solution exists for almost everything subtly shapes people's self-image and worldview. In such an environment, individuals often find it difficult to take matters into their own hands, as I have often seen in Sweden. Then, in o
Read more