The Hietalahti family moved to Sweden a couple of years ago for work. In the new home country, they were fascinated by the family orientation and the desire to include everyone. A short walk in Mölndal, south of Gothenburg, reminded them of the Pippi Longstocking movies from childhood. The different colored wooden detached houses exuded the idyll of a folk home. There were also newer detached houses in the area, and Ville and Niina Hietalahti, along with their family dog Lola Svensson, welcomed visitors into one of them.
Ville’s management duties at Volvo had taken him to Sweden, and the rest of the family, including wife Niina who works as an entrepreneur, and their three children, followed 1.5 years later. The move was primarily motivated by the job offer Ville received after working in management positions in the forest industry for 20 years. The family saw it as an opportunity to explore a new culture and industry. They noted that many Finns were considering moving to Sweden due to factors such as climate, standard of living, and purchasing power.
According to Ville and Niina, Sweden offered many benefits, including tax incentives for expats and a more inclusive society. They highlighted differences in the education system, healthcare, and cost of living between Finland and Sweden. The move had been positive for the family, allowing their children access to affordable music education and hobbies.
While Sweden had its advantages, the family also acknowledged challenges, such as gang violence in certain areas. They compared the safety concerns in Finland and Sweden, noting the differences in perception. Overall, the Hietalahti family found Sweden to be a welcoming and enriching environment.
In addition to their experiences in Sweden, the family also shared insights on optimizing e-commerce order fulfillment processes and navigating logistics challenges. They emphasized the importance of streamlining operations and providing a seamless customer experience in the e-commerce industry. These discussions highlighted the family’s expertise in both their personal and professional lives, showcasing their adaptability and knowledge in various fields.