Well done. I'm still working in England whilst living in Sweden. My problem is still the language level. I have been at Swedish For Immigrants school (SFI), since September 23, going two weeks each month and working in England the rest of the time. My Swedish is passable but it is not enough to find professional work, hence my routine. I'd love a proper job in Sweden but there are difficulties for foreigners and older people which create a disadvantage.
It's not great and there are headaches for sure. Learning a new language to A level or above standard (which is required by all the employers I've approach in the last 2 years, is really tough. I think others that are at it full-time learn faster, but I'm also a geriatric so the brain doesn't go as quick as the young ones.
One thing of note is the tax system. Its higher in Sweden. Basic tax is 33% on anything earned or through investment, property, savings, investments, etc, above the personal tax free threshold of about £1100 per year (even if earned in UK). Of course it raises to much higher once you get to the £45k+ bracket.
As today is 8 months since I moved to Thailand, thought I'd share a quick update for those who helped with so much great advice before.
It's been a wonderful experience so far and enjoying living here. Have made some good friends from around the world while at the Thai language lessons attending weekly, and it's been great hanging out with ex-colleagues from various Thai companies I've worked with in the past.
After 6 months of lessons, I can speak Thai to a conversational level, and able to read fairly well (if not slowly), writing is the most difficult, and short sentences are as much as can achieve for now.
Toughest aspect has been not visiting parents as would have when living in London, although they are visiting in February, which is going to be a special moment.
Thanks again for all the great advice and suggestions from everyone.
stoneroses19 What a wonderfully positive thread, and thank you for the update. Fantastic news and good luck going forward.
“The friends you make travelling, are forever locked in your memories.”
No idea where that's from, but I couldn't agree more.
Don't forget to update us on your first Thai Christmas experience!
Edit: Actually, it's probably Hallmark, isn't it? Doesn't make it any less true though!
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Have pm'd you.
It makes my daily 80 minute drive to work (when I am actually working) seem quite close.
stoneroses19 What a wonderfully positive thread, and thank you for the update. Fantastic news and good luck going forward.
“The friends you make travelling, are forever locked in your memories.”
No idea where that's from, but I couldn't agree more.
Don't forget to update us on your first Thai Christmas experience!
Edit: Actually, it's probably Hallmark, isn't it? Doesn't make it any less true though!