For some, leaving the nest means moving to the neighboring town, or perhaps changing region. For others, however, the distance is thousands of kilometers, and they cross for various reasons, both by choice and by necessity. It is the case of Rossella Grecoa researcher originally from Bari who moved, together with her husband, to Finland, in the city of Oulu. The 34-year-old has no intention of setting foot in the Bel Paese again where she doesn’t feel she has the opportunity to grow, either in the workplace or in the family.
On the other hand, in the cold of Finland – also crowned the happiest country in the world in 2024 – you feel considered and people’s well-being is a priority: «Here there are many opportunitythere are many advantages and also many economic aid», Rossella tells Fanpage.
Life in Finland
For Rossella, the choice was dictated by a series of considerations relating to her future as a researcher: «In Italy it is not at all simple, especially in the South», she says. She found herself at a crossroads and between the possibility of abandoning the possibility of building a career and leaving her country, she made a choice: «I decided to be a globetrotter. So, after a doctorate in Spain, I started looking for a research project that would allow me to work, but also to live peacefully.”
The Scandinavian countries, on the other hand, have for years been at the top of the World Happiness Report, i.e. the study of the happiest countries in the world. Therefore, Rossella turned her gaze there, “where it is easier to fit in, especially if you are not alone and move with your family, because there are many support programs from the government”. The research contract should expire in 2026, but the possibility of returning remains unclear at the moment: «I intend to stay here even longer. Unfortunately in Italy for mine Work there is no future.”
Rossella gives the example of her husband to illustrate how Finland really takes care of people and tries to give them a concrete opportunity: «He arrived here with me who didn’t have a job – she explains -, and he was immediately helped to fit into the better and find one as soon as possible. He was assigned an “agent” who followed him step by step in his research and what’s more he was able to take free courses to learn Finnish.”
With an average salary of around 2,500 euros, Rossella says she has the possibility of buying a house even a short time after moving. «The cost of living is not low-she declares. The food products are almost all imported, so shopping is quite expensive.” And a dinner out? At least 50 euros per person. However, there is a substantial difference: “Prices are high because restaurants, bars and shops are open for a few hours a day, here you work much less than in Italy.”
When asked if she thinks of returning to Italy, the answer is categorical: “Absolutely not”, despite missing her family and… food. Whether it’s staying in Finland, returning to Spain or perhaps choosing another country, she’s not sure. The important thing is to find a place where there is “work-life balance”.
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