From Slovakia to Finland: The Experience of Tomas Slesar in Oulu
Tomas Slesar, a 37-year-old Slovakian native, has been living in Oulu for 14 years. He moved here from Germany with his wife and together they have three kids.
Coming from the northern parts of Slovakia, Tomas Slesar found himself grappling with the unfamiliarity of Finnish summers and how the sun never went down and struggled with sleeping at first. However, as time passed, he adapted to the Finnish weather and found it easy to integrate with the culture and people.
Tomas’ decision to relocate to Oulu was greatly influenced by family connections, since his wife’s sister was already living in Oulu. Upon his arrival, Tomas enrolled in accounting and finance courses at the University of Oulu. Initially, he was taken aback be the differences in climate and lifestyle compared to his previous home, but he found comfort in the welcoming nature of the Finnish people.
Professionally, Tomas spent eight years with Trakker Oy, where he was responsible for sales operations outside the Nordic region. Currently he works at Eurohunt, as a Sales Manager for the Nordics, where he enjoys the flexibility of working remotely from home with occasional work trips to visit clients.
Transitioning into the Finnish work culture, characterized by a balance of freedom and responsibility, was a big contrast compared to the working culture in Slovakia, Tomas said. For Tomas, the Finnish emphasis on work-life balance was a revelation. The flexibility to prioritize family commitments, such as picking up his children from school, shows the supportive environment fostered by Finnish companies.
Tomas described the working culture in Finland feels like a paradise compared to Eastern Europe. Once the job is completed, there’s no expectation of working after hours, granting individuals greater freedom. However, he noted that this freedom also brings a heightened sense of responsibility to perform efficiently.
In contrast to the hierarchical structures prevalent in Eastern European workplaces, Tomas highlighted that in Finland, there’s a sense of equality where everyone operates on the same level, regardless of their position.
“Oulu is a place where hard work meets a high quality of life.”
Throughout his time in Oulu, Tomas treasures the friendships cultivated with his Finnish colleagues, overcoming initial language barriers to deepen connections that enhanced both his personal and professional life. Despite encountering hurdles like adapting to the Finnish weather and prolonged snowfall, Tomas embraces the Finnish way of life, viewing knowing the Finnish language as a significant milestone that improved his living experience and assisted him with a smoother integration into the community.
Reflecting on his journey, Tomas emphasizes the welcoming nature of the Finnish people, no one trying to be better than the other and the city’s overall experience as his favorite aspects. He believes that Oulu’s economy is on an upward trajectory and advocates for companies to embrace international talent, viewing diversity as a source of innovation rather than a threat.
Tomas also encourages prospective expatriates to approach their consideration to create a life in Finland with an open mind. Learning the language is important, immersing oneself in the culture and coming for a visit, and appreciating the robust support systems for families do help for a successful transition to life in Oulu.
In Tomas’ eyes, Oulu represents more than just a city — it’s a place where hard work meets a high quality of life, especially compared to Slovakia, where individuals are valued for what they contribute to society.
Text: Adrian Canales
