How Finland Will Challenge You and Why It’s Worth Every Struggle

Finland is a land of contrasts. It’s where the wild and untamed beauty of nature collides with a societal structure that is incredibly disciplined and precise. Moving here can feel like stepping into a whirlwind of emotions—unpredictable, yet immensely rewarding. But make no mistake: Finland will test you. It will push you to your limits before handing over its treasures. If you’re someone looking to move here, here’s what you need to know: the harsh realities that will challenge you, and the rewards you’ll earn once you endure the journey.

The Weather:

There’s no sugarcoating it. The weather in Finland can be downright brutal. The winters are long, dark, and cold. For months on end, you’ll experience minimal daylight. There are times when it feels like the sun simply refuses to rise, and the only light you see is the soft glow of artificial lamps. Temperatures can drop well below freezing, making it feel like the landscape is a harsh, unwelcoming frozen wasteland.

But here’s the catch: if you can handle this dark and bitter winter, you’ll also get to experience one of the most surreal and magical phenomena on Earth—the Northern Lights. The payoff is real. But it’s earned. You don’t get to see the stunning light show of the Aurora Borealis without first surviving the bone-chilling cold.

The Finnish People:

Finns are often seen as reserved, and when you first arrive, it might seem like they’re cold and unapproachable. It’s not that they don’t want to be friendly; they simply value their personal space and privacy. They don’t rush to make small talk, and they tend to keep their circles small.

At first, this may leave you feeling isolated, especially if you come from a culture where being chatty and open is the norm. But don’t mistake their silence for rudeness. It’s just their way of interacting. In time, you’ll come to realize that once you’ve broken through their protective exterior, Finns are some of the most loyal and sincere people you’ll ever meet.

The key is patience. You’ll need to earn their trust, and that trust will be a rare and invaluable reward when it finally comes.

The Language:

Finnish is not an easy language to master. If you’re planning to move here, be prepared for some serious linguistic challenges. Finnish is a Finno-Ugric language, which is completely different from most European languages. It’s packed with long, complex words and pronunciation rules that can seem impossible to grasp at first.

And, yes, many people in Finland speak English, but don’t be fooled into thinking that you won’t have to learn Finnish. If you want to truly settle in, build a career, or integrate into society, you’ll need to put in the work to understand the language. It’s an essential key to unlocking all of Finland’s doors—professionally and socially.

The Finnish Work Ethic:

Finland is known for its high standards, especially when it comes to work. If you’re coming from a more laid-back culture, the Finnish work environment might hit you like a ton of bricks. Punctuality is not a suggestion here, it’s an expectation. You’ll be expected to deliver at your highest level, without making excuses. Efficiency is key, and the Finns will show no mercy if you fail to meet their expectations.

However, the reward for meeting these demands is real. Finns value hard work, and once you prove yourself, you’ll experience the true Finnish work-life balance—something many expats find themselves deeply appreciating. The Finns know how to work hard, but they also know how to relax and enjoy life once the workday is over. That balance is something you’ll cherish once you adapt to the intensity.

Social Services:

The trials, however, do come with their rewards. Finland has one of the best social welfare systems in the world. If you’re in need, the system will support you. Free healthcare, generous parental leave, unemployment benefits, and social housing are just some of the perks of being a resident in Finland.

But don’t expect this to be handed to you without first facing a challenging bureaucracy. The Finnish system is efficient, but it can be labyrinthine, and you’ll often find yourself navigating endless forms and official processes. It’s a challenge that will test your patience, but once you’re in, the system will truly work for you.

6. The Sense of Freedom:

What many newcomers fail to realize is that once you’ve gone through the trials of adapting to Finnish life, you’ll find an unparalleled sense of freedom. Finland has a unique concept called “Everyman’s Rights,” which allows you to roam the wilderness freely. You can hike, camp, and enjoy nature in a way that’s hard to find in many other countries.

Once you’ve adapted to the Finns’ reserved nature and learned their ways, you’ll begin to experience the ultimate reward—true peace of mind. Finland offers a calm and serene lifestyle that’s unmatched. The low crime rate, the commitment to education, and the beautiful landscapes will all become part of your everyday reality.

Finland’s journey isn’t an easy one. The weather, the culture, the language, and the work ethic will all challenge you in ways you never imagined. But once you’ve survived these hurdles, you’ll find that the rewards are far greater than you could have anticipated.

The country’s sense of order, its appreciation for nature, its work-life balance, and the warmth of the people once you break through the initial barriers—all of these factors combine to create a life that feels incredibly fulfilling.

In Finland, nothing is handed to you. But if you’re willing to go through the trials and push through the tough times, Finland will reward you with a life that’s incredibly rich in experiences, opportunities, and peace of mind.

So, if you’re ready for a challenge that comes with long-lasting rewards, then Finland might just be the place for you.