Daniel and Maria are the preschool teacher and assistant nurse who left southern Sweden for jobs in the north. With their three children, they now live in one of Boden’s newly built rental properties and love it.
“Now we’re just wondering why we didn’t move to Boden earlier,” says Maria with a big smile.
Over the spring, the Finsberg family gradually moved into their new home in Boden. Daniel, who got a job as a preschool teacher at Rörviken Preschool in Boden, moved up first while Maria looked for work and they began preparing for the whole family’s move. During the spring they got an apartment in Bodenbo’s newly built building on Brogatan in Boden, where they now live with the children Alwar, 6, and Lawa, 4. When we visited, big brother Algot, 9, hadn’t arrived yet, but was on his way up with Grandma and Grandpa.
A JOB FAST
Maria, who is trained as an assistant nurse, quickly got a job in home care in the Municipality of Boden and didn’t even have time to unpack the moving boxes before she started work.
“We really like Boden and the friendly people here. It feels like everyone helps each other out. I’ve had a really great welcome from both managers and colleagues. I also think the attitude in healthcare is much better here than what I’ve experienced before.”
Maria describes how she’s been welcomed with open arms, feels needed, and that there’s a spirit in the home care service where she works to make it possible—through structured work—to spend more time with the elderly and provide higher quality.
PROXIMITY LIFE
Neither of them drives, but both live close to work. Maria also cycles in her home care job, where she’s part of the central team.
Daniel, meanwhile, quickly settled into his job as a preschool teacher and has also picked up his interest in photography. He posted a question in a local Facebook group asking if there were others interested in photography and was immediately welcomed into Boden’s photo club, where he has now become a member. He has also photographed both people and places around Boden and started collaborations and photo assignments.
GOOD FOR THE KIDS
Since the family has children with special needs, it’s especially important that their school and childcare work well.
“It’s worked really well! I’m almost shocked at how engaged the school is. They ask questions and keep us informed, and we’ve had a very good impression. There’s even an autism class here.”
The family has also found a favourite playground in central Boden. By the rental building where they live, there’s also a nice outdoor environment. They’re very happy, but are looking for a bigger apartment and, in the long run, their own house.
“But we’re not leaving Boden!”
TEXT: ANNA BERGSTRÖM
