Deciding to emigrate involves considering several factors, such as climate, language and quality of life. Marie, a Venezuelan woman, moved seven years ago to Finland, a country that appears at the top of the happiness rankings, according to studies by the University of Oxford, but which did not meet her personal expectations.
In a video shared on the social network TikTok, Marie states that she “can’t stand living” in the Nordic country anymore and recognizes that she “doesn’t know what was going through her head”. “I want to leave and I can’t”, he adds in the same video.
Language and employment barrier
According to Notícias ao Minuto, the Venezuelan reveals that finding work was one of the biggest obstacles. “It’s a country where it’s very difficult to find a job, the language is very difficult”, he explains, remembering that English is only the third official language in Finland.
According to the same source, Marie considers that the experience of emigrating to that country is more viable for those who already have a guaranteed job, rather than trying their luck in the local market.
Lack of connection and kindness
The publication adds that, for Marie, the difficulty is not limited to the economy or language. The woman mentions missing the “kindness of people” and “feeling seen”, aspects that she considers fundamental for her well-being.
The lack of warm social interactions contributed to the Venezuelan woman’s discontent, even in a country internationally recognized as an example of happiness.
Public reactions and climate challenges
According to the same source, in the comments to the video, many internet users show understanding for Marie’s situation. One user writes: “Finland is very cold, boring and the salaries are not that high”.
Another person suggests a practical solution to the impact of the climate: “Ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin D. You’ll see that you get better”, says the same source, highlighting the effect of the lack of sun on the adaptation of those who come from warmer countries.
Expectations VS reality
Despite Finland’s reputation for happiness, the personal experience of emigrants can be very different from the global perception. Marie confesses to not knowing what “went through her head”, highlighting the clash between expectations and reality.
This situation highlights that happiness rankings do not guarantee individual well-being and that cultural and social adaptation is crucial to the success of a migration process.
Balance of a decision
It highlights that, after seven years, Marie feels that the decision to move to the Nordic country did not meet her emotional and social needs, leading her to want to return to Venezuela, although this possibility is complicated.
His story has served to alert other emigrants about the importance of considering all factors, namely climate, language, work and social interaction, before making a similar decision.
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