Taking the Leap: Ladislav’s Journey to a Better Life
![Ladislav](https://oulu.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lacko_pano.jpg)
What happens, when you take a leap into the unknown, leaving your own life behind in search of something new? Meet Ladislav, the current Head of Operations in Bloom Oulu, who moved to Finland from Slovakia, inspired by Oulu’s peaceful nature.
It’s been almost a year since I made the leap from the familiar comforts of my homeland to the tranquil streets of Oulu, Finland. The decision wasn’t an easy one, but it was a necessary step after realizing my values no longer aligned with those around me back home. I sold my house, resigned from an excellent job, and set off into the unknown.
Why Oulu, you ask? It wasn’t a dart-thrown-at-a-map kind of decision. I did my homework – read extensively about the city, participated in online events hosted by Oulu, and finally, four months before the big move, visited the city in person. From that moment, I knew this was where I wanted to live and raise my daughter. The architecture might not win awards, but the serenity that emanated from every street, every person, and every tree was captivating.
Comparing Oulu to larger cities I’ve lived in, like Bratislava or London, is like comparing a calm, slow river to a roaring, unpredictable sea. Here, life flows more slowly, peacefully, and happily. The Finnish work culture was a revelation. Coming from a place where 12-hour workdays are the norm and your phone is never off, the balanced and respectful work-life ethic of the Finns was both shocking and refreshing.
This move has been life-changing. It’s given me the time and space to truly decide what I want to do and use my skills to create value, not just profit. From the start, I dove into the community, attending and later organizing events, meeting wonderful, intelligent people who share the same values.
Believe it or not, I’ve even started cycling – something I used to resist vehemently – thanks to Oulu’s perfect cycling infrastructure, unmatched by any place I’ve seen before.
![Ladislav](https://oulu.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lacko2_nelio-1024x1024.jpg)
One of the greatest discoveries here is the care and opportunities available for families and children, from beautiful playgrounds to excellent educational facilities. The community I move within, both Finnish and international, is amazing. I’m slowly leaning more into Finnish customs, much to the amusement of my wife, who often jokes, “You’re more Finnish than a native Finn,” a nod to the stereotypes about Finns.
Before this Nordic adventure, I wore many hats in my homeland through the years. As the Head of Customer Service, Head of Marketing, and Head of Sales, I practically ran the show for my departments – or at least, that’s how it felt most days. Juggling these roles though the years was like being in a circus without the safety net. But these experiences honed my skills in managing people, projects, and the occasional crisis.
Now, in Oulu, I apply these skills to build something meaningful for the community, where the only juggling I do is figuring out which amazing event to create next.
“Here in Oulu, life flows more slowly, peacefully, and happily.“
As an immigrant, I believe it’s my duty to learn the language of my new home. I’m currently studying Finnish in an integration course, and while it’s challenging, it’s also logical, which makes the learning process enjoyable. From the outset, I became a volunteer with Bloom Finland, eventually becoming the Head of Operations and a board member. This has been one of the best things to happen to me.
Bloom aligns perfectly with my ideals, giving me the freedom to creatively approach event planning and community work. The effort to improve integration and understanding between Finns and immigrants is incredibly important to me, and Bloom has become part of my identity.
I must commend the city of Oulu for its exemplary support in helping immigrants integrate into society. A special place in my heart will always be reserved for International House Oulu, where wonderful people do amazing work for immigrants.
In conclusion, a few pieces of advice: learn Finnish, be active, be active, be active. And come to Oulu. Because Oulu is great.
![Ladislav](https://oulu.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lacko_nelio-1024x1024.jpg)
![Ladislav](https://oulu.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lacko21-1024x768.jpg)