480 Days Leave, But 40% Tax? Sweden Working Mother Reality | Ep 7

Описание: In this Telugu podcast episode, Chandrika shares her journey as a working mother who moved from Rayalaseema (Andhra Pradesh) to Stockholm, Sweden as a dependent spouse. From struggling with job applications as a dependent visa holder to becoming a Solution Architect at Scania, this episode covers the reality of dependent spouse life in Sweden, Swedish parental leave (480 days!), job hunting without work permit initially, learning Swedish language, förskola/dagis childcare system, work-life balance, cost of living in Stockholm, and building a Telugu community abroad.

Chandrika's journey started as a trailing spouse - moving to Sweden with her husband's Scania job transfer in 2018, no independent work permit initially, and facing months of job applications. She walks through landing in Stockholm with culture shock, Nordic winters, learning Swedish at SFI (free language school), the frustration of dependent visa job hunting, and finally getting hired at Electrolux and later Scania.

The conversation explores: How do you build your career when you moved for someone else's job? What happens when your child speaks more Swedish than Telugu? How does Swedish parental leave actually work? What does it cost to raise a family in Stockholm vs India? How is COVID handled differently in Sweden? After years away, do you still feel Indian, or has Sweden become home?

Chandrika provides honest insights on the Swedish job market for dependent visa holders, the permit journey from dependent to PR to citizenship, Swedish work culture (no after-hours emails!), how the förskola (preschool) system works, raising bilingual kids, cost of living (40% taxes, rent, groceries - actual numbers), and the Telugu community in Sweden.

From Rayalaseema dependent spouse to Stockholm Solution Architect - this episode reveals what it actually takes to build your own career and life in Sweden as a trailing spouse.

🔗 Connect with Chandrika:
Instagram:   / chandrikapulakesh  
YouTube:    / @chandrikapulakesh  

Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed by the guest are their personal views and do not reflect our stance. We have no intention of defaming or harming any individual, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned in this video. Our aim is to provide information to help the audience make informed decisions.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Start
1:25 - Why this podcast - Helping professionals navigate Europe
2:50 - Meet Chandrika - Solution Architect at Scania
4:33 - From Chittoor (Rayalaseema) to Sweden
6:04 - Engineering & Career at Cognizant
8:13 - SAP Career switch - Materials Management
10:06 - Husband's opportunity in Sweden
11:50 - Planning abroad - IELTS & Canada plans
13:37 - The LinkedIn message that changed everything
14:51 - Scania visa process & moving to Stockholm
17:47 - First days in Sweden - Culture shock
20:04 - Public transport free with stroller
21:13 - Finding community - Open preschools
24:17 - Förskola (preschool) system explained
28:07 - Learning Swedish - SFI language school
31:15 - Job search journey as dependent
33:02 - Working at Electrolux - Swedish work culture
36:43 - COVID in Sweden - No lockdowns
38:11 - Decision to settle permanently in Sweden
40:28 - Parental leave - 480 days explained
41:21 - Delivery experience - Sweden vs India
42:18 - Permit journey - Work visa to PR to Citizenship
46:16 - Life as working mother - Support system
49:26 - Job opportunities & advice for Indians
52:02 - Patience needed - Medical & bureaucracy
55:07 - Telugu community & avoiding loneliness
58:03 - Cost of living - Taxes & savings reality


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About NRI Stories with Srinath
NRI Stories with Srinath is a podcast helping Indian professionals and families navigate immigration and settlement in Europe. Through real conversations with people who've made the journey, we provide practical guidance, honest experiences, and actionable information.

If you're planning to work or settle in Europe with family, subscribe to get real stories, real costs, and real pathways - just authentic experiences from people living the NRI journey.

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