Very sneaky. Claiming that Sweden is not a utopia in the title and then describing it as what comes probably pretty close to a utopia for non-Scandinavians. Well, you got me!
For some people, a utopia would be a country where you can climb the social-economic ladder and become a millionaire or celebrity. So maybe it isn't a utopia in the sense that you will never become an Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Johnny Depp, etc.
@remotv4849 Stockholm has big problems. The immigrate population just aren't integrating into society . That's the government's issue and it resulted in ghettoisation
@@shizumi5243not true. We have alot of gangs and no go zones since immigration from 2015. Everyday we hear about shootings between gangs. 10-15 years ago shooting on the news was uncommon and shocking news. Immigrants tend to bring their conflicts over here and majority of non working citizens are not working and contributing to the country.
This is making me cry... like imagine how much beautiful life would be if we didnt have to spend so much time and energy worrying about basic needs. My mother is dying of cancer and everything feels like a huge wave thats flooding everything and im just so tired, the way they live in sweden should be the way we all live and it makes me sad how much time is wasted trying to just survive, it's truly inhumane. But is always good to know that people somewhere in the world are having it good because it proves that a better system to care for human life is and has always been possible, so we need to keep speaking up.
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I hope God will keep you strong and will help you heal. And I also hope that you will someday live in a better place.
My friend works 4 part-time jobs in order to support her mother who is also sick with cancer and she is only 27. She also barely has time to study for a couple of exams she has left at college. It's devastating. We live in Serbia btw and the overall situation is also pretty bad, even in IT that was a silver lining up until recently... I wish you to overcome these difficult times and for your mother to make a full recovery!
I live in the Netherlands and I’m originally from Spain. I always found that in the Netherlands people choose any random topic at university (if they go to university) because they know that they will have a good job afterwards anyway. While In Spain you always choose a degree that has good job opportunities
In the Netherlands people don't look at what you studied, they only look at the level of your education. Someone with 10 years of experience in construction is less likely to be promoted to a manager than someone who has a bachelor's degree in botany or art history or something random. Simply saying you graduated from a university (WO, not HBO) opens lots of doors for you, meanwhile in other countries you need a specific degree to do a specific job. . In fact, the Dutch government also hires anyone with a WO degree to do ICT jobs, regardless if they know anything about computers or not and promise on the job training. In the Netherlands, the type of your degree is literally irrelevant, only what level of degree you have.
11:46 you actually made Sweden sound like utopia. In Morocco, we never think about passion as students. We think more about what career can we have in order to make money and have a better status then think about our passions. You are one of the luckiest if you can combine both. Personally speaking, I am 24 years oldd and I suffer from severe financial anxiety because I always knew that my family will count on me to provide the basics.. Like literally the basics : food not to starve, utilities, rent, and clean clothes. I don’t know anyone who didn't think about money from the second he stepped into high school. Swedish youth are so lucky to know they can live with dignity no matter what they do ❤
I grew up in Latvia and moved abroad almost immediately as I became an adult. I lived in Denmark for 2 years and then in Finland for 5. Didn't earn much, but felt safe and secure. Even got diagnosed for a very rare genetic disease in Finland, just because the medical system is so good - small ques, low to no costs, and they automatically sign you up for the next test or doctor appointment. I also loved that in Finland any new brand you would try (be that snacks or personal care products) would at least be decent. Rent was also reasonable - as a doctoral student I shared a spacious two room apartment with my boyfriend in a newly built housing block. Moving to UK a year ago was such a shocker! All of a sudden I was earning more, but living in a moldy shoe-box pay check to pay check and dreading any interaction with the medical system. Like I was recently feeling dizzy in mornings and wanted to get blood-work done.,, 2 weeks wait time! I also wanted to get new meds for my fear of flying. GP said they cannot prescribe anything and can't even refer me to a psychiatrist. I checked a private one - prices start at 400 pounds per visit. In Finland I got meds for my phobia next day from a GP. ... Northern countries are a treasure. I hope it never changes. I want to return to Finland (or Denmark) one day and bring my favourite field of science there.
Thank you for your comment. I lived in Sweden for 10 years and many things that you mentioned are resonating with me. I also have a fear of flying. Are there medicines for this? Is it for anxiety or more specifically flying?😊
@thedudefromrobloxx was about to say the same thing. I waited 6 months to see a doctor. 5 months for a dentist 😢. Unless you are almost dying it seems almost impossible to get care unless you have private healthcare.
Sweden truly sounds wonderful. In Thailand, I’m considered upper-middle class to lower-upper class, yet money was still the main factor my family convinced me to consider what to study, almost as if it’s a family decision and not mine alone.
I grew up very poor in the united states but my Mom had very similar values to what you describe. She encouraged me to study whatever I wanted and upheld her belief that money is not what makes life good by running her own small business based on helping others. I took her advice and studied art. This was not practical in this country. I am poor with very little hope of ever owning a house, even owning a car seems out of reach and I often struggle to afford food. Though I agree with her values for the most part, my Moms philosophy was utopian because it just isn't realistic in this place. There are many people here who believe poor people are just bad people and if they can't become rich it is because they are lacking in moral character, which seems a bit ironic considering all the exploitative business practices out here. In this country we can't trust our landlords bosses or politicians but we form smaller communities of friends and family that give trust and support, if we are so lucky.
Would you have choosen this path, now that you are living it? Or would you in retrospectiv studied something else? I prefer a unfullfiling job but have enough money for a car, vacations and good food.
The only thing good about the US (we’ll see how long it lasts now) is that you still can now change careers and make money if you want to for sure. Just apply to the entry level job or search for training programs. It may not be easy but you could get lucky and land a entry level job. Or could work yourself up from the basic of jobs at the company that has the job you want. Or hop from one company to competitor with some experience for more pay or upped title. There is literally nothing stopping you.
@@atlfun08 that is so true. I am also an artist by vocation, I even have a masters degree in computer animation, but jobs were scarce. Even in graphic design. It may not be very fulfilling, but I am working as an accountant, making decent money and knowing that this is an occupation that is always in demand.
"Sweden is not an utopia"...proceeds to describe an utopia 😂 Seriously it sounds wonderful. I can't imagine choosing what to study not factoring in money potential. To be fair I didn't have some specific interests growing up so I am happy I chose something I could earn a good salary in to spend on my hobbies. Do you think such stability makes people lazy or demotivated in a way?
literally. As an Australian, I feel like it’s time to move because the fascination with property investment in my country is not in line with my values at all
@@megs3003yep. I just want a home for myself and I’d have to have an investment property to afford a cheap place cuz I live in Sydney. But that increases prices.
It's hell to be an individualist in Sweden. Yes, you will survive if you are unable to work, but it feels as if you were being choked mentally to live here unless you are a conformist.
The US is the EXACT opposite of this and it is that way by design. There is no reverence for a "healthy, good life" and there certainly isn't the idea it's a right for everyone to have a "good life." Pleasure, coziness, health, and community are the opposite of USA. It's brutal here, truly the most soul crushing place. We are all scrambling for scraps and just to barely get by which creates trauma/survival mindset that creates division, chaos, desperation and certainly no trust.
"Sweden's not Utopia." Girl, you only made me more mad at my grandparents for thinking the US was a better choice. Just the thought that I might not be in massive debt from education and involuntary hospitalization makes me want to cry.
The life in Norway is quite similar to the life in Sweden. Oslo is very cosy little city and yes, it’s very expensive but the social care is still very good 🙌🏻. The medical care is great and the education is possible for everyone ❤.
@@angieandersen0705 education is free if it's public but that requires you to pass insane grades standard....... And again Oslo isn't cozy...... I've lived here for almost all my life and I can't wait to get out of here tbh Oslo is a shitshow
In the US your degree will cost you so much that people are paying for decades, you may not get a decent job (even if you studied the "right" thing), and some adults (even with their own family) can't afford to leave their parents' house. There's no free health care, child care, or elder care and people just go without medical treatment or even having children. It could be much worse, I know, but you can see why what you're describing seems like utopia for us and many others. I think people dream of wealth so we won't have to worry about what happens when we and loved ones get sick and old, since nothing will be free and no one will help us. It sounds lovely.
I will say, in the US, if you can get a certification in virtually anything, you will make more money. I have a degree in information system management. I couldn’t get a job for a long time because I was not A+ certified. That is a certificate that anyone can get if they pay for it and study for a couple weeks. That’s the case in almost every job. My husband has a masters degree, but to do his job, his credentials have to include at least two specific certificates that he could’ve gotten without the masters degree, or even a bachelor degree.
It actually doesn't get much worse than choosing not to take an ambulance after passing out and almost dying cause you know it'll put you thousands in debt. The US is truly a scumfuck predatory outrageous place to live.
The reason our education is so expensive is because everyone can get loans. If you want colleges to become affordable, get rid of the loans and force colleges to come back to reality with pricing.
@9xtryhx230 immigrants may have a decent life here. But most native born americans don't have the same privileges as you. It's a privilege to be able to move abroad. America is incredibly classist and our healthcare is way too expensive. Even if our healthcare is decent, it's still a human right and you shouldn't have to be rich to be able to afford it. I honeslty don't mind waiting in a queue if my condition is non life-threatening. Also native born americans still have to pay tuition fees for college whereas nati e born swedes don't have to pay tuition fees for their colleges in sweden.
One other thing I think could have been mentioned - how many hours people in Scandinavia have to work compared to other countries. As an American, I work 10 hour days (plus commute), sometimes more, just for a basic job. There isn’t really time to cook a nice meal, sitting down with candles, working out daily, etc. Even having time for all of that sounds idyllic.
Plus paid maternity leave (for both parents). Who'd 've thought the most important moments of one's life being prioritised makes for a happier society?
I am very greatfull to live in Denmark 🇩🇰 one of the Skandinavien countries. We have free health Care. Free education + We get paid to go to college and university by the State We have 1 year paid maternaty Leave. Minimum wages are liveable and 5 weeks vacation is a right that everyone has. Social Security in between jobs. The Nordic model. Social Democrasy. ( Its not communisme. The private sektor is strong ) Yes, our Taxes are High. But I gladly pay my taxes for everybody to have acces to healthcare and Education. Regular citisen dont have guns either. School shootings is not a thing. To the American people - Listen to Bernie Sanders. He is your guy. There is another Way. Watching in disbelieve what is happening in the States. 😮 Praying for the American people and the whole world. 🙏❤️
Here in the USA, i grew up poor farmer family in the midwest. I now have a good job, multigenerational living, and we have what we need plus. Now things are very frightening. I don’t know what we’re going to do. Its just out of control.
I live in sweden and yeah sometimes our health care is not the best but the times my family have needed it it have always been a moment where im super grateful to be a swede. Life shouldnt be to put other people down but to lift up everyone around you together.
Thank you for talking so much about the importance of having a reasonable difference of income and of the importance of public education, public health care etc. I am myself so grateful to have access to that but in my country this system is regularly critized for costing too much. I have the impression that we forget that poverty isn't just a question of income but also a question of free access to some basic needs (health, education etc)
I grew up in a family from generational wealth in the US. My grandpa was adopted by a rich couple during the Great Depression. I have struggled financially in my adult life. I have one child, and it’s hard to make ends meet sometimes. But wealth has never been a priority for me. I have my own business that is successful (a food cart), but I don’t make tons of money. Due to my family background and resources, I know that we would never end up on the streets, and I am thankful for that.
@@Itsgonnabeok1325 Right there with you! Sweden is definitely on our potential countries to move to list. I'm very aware that Sweden is NOT utopia - no country is! - but it certainly has a much better set up than we do in the US.
Yes Sweden is not an Utopia but the world's situation is really tragic, and in comparison to other countries in the world, Sweden is still a better place to live even with it's vices
As a teacher in American higher education I can say that most American students are definitely choosing a degree and career based on money not their passions. Since there are few safety nets and massive wealth gaps here, everyone is much mire stressed out & carries so much weight on their shoulders to keep themselves & their families provided for in basic ways.
Have travelled to many cities in many countries and never have I ever felt so at home and at peace as my first day in Stockholm. All I need is to feel it and I did, in Sweden. I’m from Melbourne, Australia, so that says a lot (wish I’d had a free education). The way you describe life in Sweden is very appealing 🙏
It's not just Sweden. In my travels I have noticed that different cultures tend to idolize or have a stereotypical view of each other, often due to the popular arts (television, movies and music).
This was very eloquently described. I'm originally from the US and living in Sweden the last 7.5 years. I would say there are times when my upbringing gives me the impulse to always be pushing for more, but over all I am so much more content with my life in Sweden than I was in the US with my high-paying job. I have enough plus some extra and free time to wander and daydream in a way I could not in the US.
As an American, it is completely INSANE to think that having a second home is something a lower-middle class person can do. Normal people in the US who are lower-middle class are not saving any money each month, and are renting a shithole.
Lower-middle class people in Sweden do not have a second home, let a lone a first home that isn't a rented apartment. It's the same here in Sweden, some people are just so priviliged they think it's normal, but as someone that grew up in the swedish ghetto and living paycheck to paycheck, just seeing someone owning a car would be considered at the least middle-class here. These days I am way above the national average salary but even so, owning a car and paying a mortagage on ONE property is pushing it.
I grew up in Swedens working class, and even though, not being able to access all the things the middle class maybe consider normal, I agree on the mentality that money isn't a big thing in my life. Unfortunately, I think this is shifting with the wealth gap becoming bigger since the 90' and the mentality seems to be different with the gen alpha.
The entire west seems to be having a fall in living standards and growing wealth gap. It wouldn't surprise me if Sweden eventually slides and catches up to the rest of the wests misery, even if it takes far longer to get there. I don't know what the answer is, but it certainly isn't hyper-capitalism.
I’m from Hong Kong, a hyper capitalist city with a stark wealth divide… the city has a high amount of billionaires per capita, but also has a high amount of 80 year olds cleaning the streets because there isn’t a good social security system. I used to get my happiness and idea of a good life from luxury goods and material wealth. Surprise surprise.
the way you describe a happy comfortable life is so close to my ideal, and my lifestyle fits it very well I am happy to say. As an American I feel that our society kind of shames those who seek out a happy comfortable life instead of obtaining the most possible money and resources.
Modern life in the west can be both very materialistic and hyper-capitalistic. It's not a healthy way to be. Instead of measuring and comparing GDP, nations should be measuring GNH (gross national happiness).
I do not live in Sweden, but I have traveled there extensively for work. On the whole Sweden is a very well-run country, and I enjoy my time in the nation. Things generally work as intended in Sweden, and the quality level of services and products is generally high. Despite this, there are some real challenges to living in Sweden. (1) People tend to be very closed and standoffish. Meeting new people can be very difficult, and loneliness can be a huge problem. (2) The weather in the winter is terrible. It's very depressing having only a few hours of dim sunlight a day. (3) It is a nation with many rules, large and small. The rules help to keep the society orderly, but they are also suffocating to a more free-spirited person. (4) My most controversial take: Sweden is a nation that caters to the average person. If you aspire to lead the average life, it is tough to do better than Sweden. But if you aspire to be more than average, this is quite difficult in Sweden, and you will find the attitudes and institutions to be oppressive.
You've literally described what utopia is... I waited patiently till the end for the "but! ..." and the negative aspects of living in Sweden, but it never came.
I think I'm my heart I'm Swedish. I can never understand why people around me never feel happy with what they have and don't trust the others. Seeing your map, I now understand. I am half Greek half German and live in Greece.
I noticed that Canada was close to Sweden in some of the charts you showed and I feel like growing up in the 90's in 🇨🇦 was very similar to your experience. Unfortunately, our country is going through some hard times now but i believe that, in general, the spirit of the Canadian people is still strong & neighbourly, and im hopeful we will get back on track to security & opportunity for all Canadians! 🙏🏼
Canadian as well and have traveled extensively. Canada and Sweden share similar DNA. The only issue is, we have been over saturated by American ideals and political views that have moved us away from community and the common good. It is being replaced by rhetoric of individualism and us versus them. You used to be able to differentiate between a Canadian and an American citizen, now I am not sure what the difference is? 'Socialism', once something that made Canadians the kind white north is now a dirty word. I shouldn't have to look backwards into the past to feel national pride and my flag shouldn't feel gross when I see it flapping on someones car window.
I grew up in Ecuador and for the last 13 years I've lived in Sweden (2 years in Norway in the middle there). I'm a swedish citizen now. Despite not spending my childhood in Scandinavia I feel a lot the way you do about the country. There are two things I would like to add: 1. The darkness and cold combined does affect your mood and stamina; not only me, who is from an all-year-round-summer country, but also my swedish friends. 2. Making spontaneous frienships or spontaneous communities is quite challenging. I feel that swedes are very very polite and always eager to help and be respectful towards you, but making friends is definitielly a challenge. I'm separating polite and friendly here. Not impossible of course, I have swedish friends and very good ones that I can trust. I would say that these two things do not outweight the points that you made. I can see that clearly since I grew up in a country where there is massive social inequality and poverty.
I live in the Netherlands, and we considered moving to Sweden for a while. However, what we noticed is that it’s quite difficult as a freelancer. I can imagine that if you work for a company, your income is good in Sweden, but due to the high taxes, you really need to earn a lot as a freelancer to make ends meet. What we can live comfortably on in the Netherlands (buying a house is not an option because the prices here are ridiculously high) we can't make do with in Sweden.
yeah its the fact that you litteraly need to pay yourself from your company, you must pay for your own benefits so in a way it is more rigid , you can't decide to go without state pension or benefits, not to mention that corporate taxes stack with income taxes. It definitely makes entrepreneurship a really risky undertaking here, more so than in most of Europe.
You are Swedish, no Swede believes Sweden is utopia. But I am from the U.S. and Sweden is my utopia. I feel happy, healthy, and safe enough to have a family here. I’m so happy to be here☺️
I'm from Finland, so hi neighbour! I have similar experience here, I never thought about money when I thought about what I want to do with my life. But I did grow up in a very poor household in the 90s and it has definitely had an effect on my mentality. It was stressful to see my mom trying desperately to make ends meet. Mostly we had enough of necessities but family helped out a lot too, without them we would not have had money for winter clothing etc. i definitely didn't have the things most kids had, and had to use hand-me-downs a lot(and was bullied for it). It was luxurious to get a piece of clothing from a store just for me! I still live way beyond the poverty line, because of my ever declining health. I can't access all the treatments I need because it's too expensive, and our government has made decisions to save money, which means poor and sick people are in a really bad place at the moment. I live on disability and it's really hard. Without the help of my family I could never afford the medication that makes life bearable. Finland is always winning the happiest country, but there are so many here who are in desperate situations. I hope things will get better.
Growing up in Vancouver you can clearly see the different classes depending on which neighborhood you live in. I grew up poor but my parents made sure I went to a good school and it was in a much nicer neighborhood and you could see the kids had more money and their parents owned nice big houses with pools and stuff. Crime was much lower there too. So yeah Sweden sounds the exact opposite and I'm moving to Sweden next month. I feel that people in north America tend to pick their careers based on the salaries more than their passions and have hobbies on the side rather than make your hobby your career.
Loved learning more about your thoughts on growing up in Sweden verses how things are now. I really wish that people cared more to just let go and have fun without worrying about the spending and the thinking they need things they don't.
I skipped around a bit in the video, but stopped when you said, "I didn't think about how much money I would make after uni. It didn't factor into what I wanted to do." That sounds utopic to me.
the "good life", neither poverty nor luxury in a state, accessible education, finding your individual talent as a basis for your future job, not having money in the forefront of your mind, excercising mind and body, being healthy, being content with what you have - you described a lot of core aspects of Plato's just city-state from "Republic", one of the earliest texts on utopias.
I'm British (living in London, like you). I've visited Sweden twice and Denmark once. I really love the whole Scandinavian way of life. If it weren't for the cold winters, I'd be seriously tempted to move there! I love the fact that society is much more equal than here in Britain. While the class system is quite quirky and has resulted in some good comedy, drama and interesting architecture and culture, there are many down sides to it, and it not a very fair society.
Thank you for sharing this video Jenny! It shed light on the grey area in my reflection practices! As a 23-year-old constantly worrying about how I do not feel like joining my known society's quest for material wealth, reflection questions such as what kind of society have I been raised in, how do I measure a good life and based on what do I make my life and career decisions are shedding light on this side of me that wants to create my inner "Swedish way of life" (in the Netherlands :)
I would agree that we are naive. It's a rude awakening to realize this, especially later in life. Embarrassing if you will. But getting more enlightened is a good thing.
You explain this very well 👏 That’s really how it feels to be Swedish. A big trust in others, in the society and in common sense. But I also feel a shift the last years. People are kind of disappointed of the world arena and all the ”insanity” happening around them. They used to feel more safe, but things are not so obvious anymore. They try to feel as before, but they can also sense a change. So the Swedes are in a ”new inner place” I think 🔮
I truly enjoyed this video and the perspective you brought. It was very insightful to hear about how living in a society that works and takes care of you has an impact on how trusting people are. I wish I was born in a country like that. Knowing that some countries achieved this state gives me hope though. Would love to watch more videos about Sweden and London culture (especially because I lived in London myself in the past).
Thank you for your perspective! I grew up in California, here in the US. I definitely grew up hearing people talk about money and seeing my parents upgrade our home when we really didn’t need to, and then subsequently losing that home because finances and income can change without warning. Now as an adult with my own children, I live my life completely different. We budget, and don’t buy things if we can’t afford them. We live in a very small home but are surrounded by forest, which we love. We don’t buy new cars and in fact I have only owned three cars in my life, which is pretty good considering everyone has to drive here. I do feel like a bit of a rebel when I look at how most people live but it forces us to appreciate the small things and really, that’s what I want to teach my children.
"money was not a consideration" oh my gosh, that's amazing to hear I am so glad somewhere in the world is like this. But goodness does that hurt to hear as an American.
Thank you for this vid. I watch your vids occasionally, but every time I do, I always deeply think about things. And I find myself recentering myself. Truly appreciate the work that you do.❤
Loved your perspective! Also eh as an Eastern European from a formerly soviet country demolished by decades of communism and Russian imperialism + with a single struggling mum there was no question of what I’d study for my family. I just had a choice between law and medicine 😅 I now do love being a lawyer, but hearing how money never factored in for you did make me sigh and feel slightly bittersweet of how I’m proud of all I’ve achieved living in London now…but at the same time I do hope that my daughter will have more freedom of choice in this regard despite UK being obviously far from the egalitarian Sweden.
I'm Scandinavian and I have come to learn to not trust tradresmen :( Too many of them treat your home like a factory floor, and will not be honest when they have damaged something or will simply not put it 100% right again. Also had other experiences that has taught me not to be naïve about government and organizations. Yet I hear we have a lot of trust here. It must be truly terrible in other regions of the world.
bureaucracy is a very random thing in Sweden it seems , every person gets one of two experiences, either incredibly fast and helpful, having all of their paperwork or issues resolved within weeks, while others struggle for many many months or even years. It is hard to really understand but there certainly is at least today a competency issue in many of the institutions so although everyone can expect the benefits eventually, it remains to be seen if we will still be able to enjoy this in 10 years time when the system will be under even larger strain :(
Not a utopia, but looking highly preferable at the moment (just post-2024 election here in the US). From the point of view of an outsider, the Nordic Model and Social Democracy have a lot going for them.
I’m from the US. When I was younger, I spent so many years thinking that I HAD to want a life making a ton of money. Over time, I realized that I simply didn’t have the drive to do it. I ended up getting my bachelor’s degree in linguistics and now I’m getting my master’s in TESOL. I just want to help others and live a comfortable life where I can raise children and have enough to be content. However, after the recent election, that’s all going downhill. My partner and I are choosing to move out of the country next year. We want children and the gun violence and bigotry in this country will only get worse in the coming years. It’s not worth waiting around for.
As a half-Swede, half-Norwegian i can say Sweden is NOT utopia, nor is Norway. No country is. But they are utopia compared to certain countries (United States is one of them)
@@vorpalblades No, but I can read statistics. I've also seen several videos of Americans criticizing the standard of living in their own country. (The most popular political RUclipsrs are rich (and are getting paid to tell you how fantastic and flawless the United States is) so listening to them will give you a completely different answer.
@@CarlFredrik-uo1cu idk, i feel americans complain more about everything. i think it depends on which state youre from. yea standards of living are dropping, but what western country isnt?
@@shwethang4347 Some really shocking/sad statistics I learnt a while back about the United States: 62% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck 40% of Americans are unable to pay for a "minor medical emergency" without going bankrupt 600000 Americans are homeless, and that includes over 50000 veterans 20 veterans commit suicide every day 45000 Americans die each year due to an inadequate healthcare system (preventable deaths) The United States is ranked 27th on the social mobility/meritocracy -index The minimum wage (7.25 dollars/hour) has remained unchanged since 2009
Only in utopic countries people can choose careers purely by heart, even the worst-paid job pays more than enough to make a living, poverty there means like not being able to travel abroad more than 10 times per year.
In the US there are a fair number of people who look only to live healthily and relatively comfortably, follow their interests, develop their talents and do what they need to do to support their families. It has become harder and harder for families and individuals to do this. I personally don't know anyone who is focussed on becoming rich, though clearly many do. Most people I know aspire to having good energy and being content with what they have.
Spain until the 2008s wasn't that different: lots of people born in the 70s-90s being the first ones in their families to get to college for free or very cheap because they knew that you would be middle class like their parents (free health care, a common-sized apartment in a few years...) the difference with sweden is that there was some inequality, political corruption and insecurity, but nothing too extreme. In exchange, you get the mediterranean family and social lifestyle which northern countries lack, which I think is their weakest point (and for which the happiness ranking, which always put Finland in the first place don't make too much sense to me). Unafortunately, nowadays the new generations are stuck on a loophole of going to work and wasting most of their salary on rent (or they live with their parents until very late until they are able to buy a house).
As someone of a similar age who grew up in the UK, I think that a lot of UK children growing up in nineties and early 2000s felt the same. Maybe not to the same extent, but I think we saw our boomer parents and thought of course we would be able to buy a house and go to uni without extreme debt too. Then the financial crash and the housing crisis hit the UK and it looks and feels very different now.
This is so helpful to contextualize how we're living, in our work harder and not smarter society... I empathize deeply with the fellow folks from America here about how this does sound like a utopia... At the same time I am living very similarly to you; however, it took taking an additional 4-5 years after my circumstantially free degree to learn about self-employment, business, and deepening passion projects at my own expense which required me to rebel against my science, tech, engineering, and maths PhD program I was essentially pressured into from age 10 (the usual for smart people where I live). Most people can't and won't operate out of just interest and passion to survive, so much so that my main source of income is encouraging people to do this in my coaching and consulting work (instead of what I was "supposed" to do). We really do have to learn to live a life like yours, but it's a worthwhile journey to do so.
Growing up below the federal poverty line in America, I'm always anxious about money, even when i have enough to get by. I also have hoarding tendencies and don't like throwing things away because I might need them later. I'm good at saving money, but not at relaxing and treating myself.
As an American, Sweden sounds as good as it gets for me! In the US, we have the lowest wages in the developed world and no guaranteed healthcare, very little worker's protections, virtually no public transportation. Our government is captured by billionaires and that is who they serve, not ordinary people.
The thought of not having to be afraid all the time...afraid of not being able to pay rent, afraid of not being able to afford food, afraid of getting sick or injured... that's a dream far out of reach for most people in the world. I grew up in a family that a much better income than the average, but we still struggled financially. Fights about money were constant with my parents. We struggled partly becasue my parents always wanted to live beyond their means, and partly becasue they put me in a private religious school. I did choose a college education in a field that I was passionate about. Even long after I have left said field, I am still paying for it. I will always be paying for it. I am no longer have fear hanging over me because I make a lot more money. But I remember how that fear affected the rest of my emotions. That fear and anxiety caused me to have a lot of anger seething within all the time. Sweden sounds amazing, except for the climate!
This explains a lot about my country, the US….my parents were not wealthy, solidly middle class, which afforded me more opportunities than many. I understood that even as a child. We existed in a middle class environment and the level of trust you speak of among my parent’s peers and my friends was there. Your observations on trust in your country emphasized that it is exactly opposite of what is occurring now in our politics and unfortunately in relationships among friends and relatives, it tearing us apart and reducing quality of life and economic opportunity. Thank you for sharing this.
I'm an American with Swedish heritage and I listen to so many (mostly metal) bands from Sweden, have always talked about wanting to go there, perhaps permanently, and you haven't convinced me to change my mind! 💙💛
As a 62-year-old woman from the US I would like to apologize to the world for what we have just elected as a president. The US has become an extremely difficult country to live in. I have always enjoyed reading on the Scandinavian lifestyle. Here in the US we have become a very divided and angry country. I believe a lot of it stems from the fact that we have been so entitled and a very rich country.
A country isn't rich if there are huge economic inequalities among its citizens. In this sense the USA isn't really "rich". America has never dealt with its past: the genocide of the native population and enslaving of the Africans. The past has just risen its ugly head...Trump is just a symptom, he is not the disease. Racism, sexism and fascism were there long before Trump. I'm sorry for being bitter but I hate seeing the history repeat itself again. I wish you all the best and I hope you will be all right.
No apologies needed, democracy mean you win some, and you lose some. We are with you. We will overcome this. 2028 is just around tge corner. A liberal Canadian friend.
Hi Jenny! I’ve been following you for years! What a coincidence, I wrote my master thesis on the correlation between trust, racial heterogeneity and public policies that support higher levels of equality. My focus was on Brazil. If you’re interested in the topic of culture influencing economics, I’d recommend the book “Fighting Poverty in the US and Europe. A word of Difference” Alberto Alesina. Love your videos, I’m a huge fan! ❤
Going through the same education-job-next job cycle in Taiwan (similar to most Asian countries), I'd say we view this cycle much more negative than you Swedish. It's ALWAYS about paying the bills, fear of getting laid off, surviving toxic work environments when you can literally be replaced tomorrow if you don't compromise. What you described there... choosing your path based on what you LOVE, not what you NEED to survive is dream-like. And I'm happy for you that you had this luxury that most of us don't!
as a dane it was flooring to see that we are 5.95 million and norway about 100 million and sweden 170 million in population! we always compare ourselves to you guys but my what a difference, you are huge countries 😅 i never even gave it any thought that money didn't factor into education decisions, but you are absolutely righ about this!
This was a great video, and eye opening. What shocked is that students don't mention money when speaking about education. During my time in Canada I found that for students, money was usually the one and only reason for choosing an education path!
In the Philippines, my grandparents were fairly wealthy. My parents had huge support from them. They were given a house and lot. They were financially supported at times. They lent us their car when we needed it. But even with all that, my parents needed to pull their bootstraps. My dad spent a quarter of his waking life commuting to and from work. He spent many days working overtime to afford us a good life. They had many money problems that must have caused fights and sacrifices. It would be very nice to be like Sweden
Thank you for your kind words, and by kind, I mean the words of an adult who has the emotional maturity to clearly see the world around them with any judgement.
I was taken along by your manner of speaking and the picture you painted. I started to feel like it was a poem, so I made it into one. - A Good Life // Vitra or Ikea - by Jenny Mustard I still picture a good life The same as I did as a child: Working on something that interests you, And feeling healthy and in love. A safe, lovely home, Some beautiful clothes in my wardrobe, Cooking good food and lighting candles, Sitting down to eat with someone I love. I'm already there now. My life is fitting the bill very nicely; I don't need anything else. The rest is just frosting. Feeling good about my life, No matter if the dining chair I'm sitting on Is Vitra or Ikea.
I come from the highlighted country where people don't trust each other at all. There you have an insanely high crime rate and a lot of disparity of social classes, the government don't support people and all the presidents since 1990 were or are in jail for corruption crimes. I don't live there anymore, but for me to have a good life means don't have to worry about the vet bills, have a steady home in a safe country and find a career path that will help animals now and in the future, and I don't mean just cats and dogs.
I get that the negative title thing gets eyes but she makes such a great case for moving to Sweden. I don't give a fuck what you call it, a society that's not motivated by greed sounds like such a nice thing. Quality of life. Wow.
I absolutely agree with you…. I’m originally from Belgrade, much older than you, randomly came to U.K. for 3 months, met my ex, and life just happened! I’m a socialist and was brought up knowing and believing that we are all equal. I had amazing education, both In Yugoslavia as was, and in U.K. prior to horrendous fees. Never have I chosen any of my jobs because of more money! I still PREFER to live in social housing - I live in a coop, and do not aspire to own my own pile of bricks. In any case! I wouldn’t been able to afford a 2 bed garden flat in a period building in Marylebone!
Please adopt me! I'm only 49! 😄 I envy you so much. I wish I could find a job that wouldn't involve intense physical labour in Sweden. I already wrote in one of the comments that my son intends to start his undergrad studies in one of the Scandinavian countries and I'm thinking of joining him (ino order to start my life from scratch in a new place and settle there for good) but my academic degree is of no value for a potential Swedish employer (I am a Polish-English medical translator) and I don't think I can work very hard physically. I wish I were younger 🙂
Absolutely don't trust in much here in Finland anymore🤨🤓 I mean on the world scale it's VERY nice place to live, but trusting in our government is hugely down, I just red about it and that's what I feel myself aswell 🤯
I love that intrinsic motivation is what drive the economy. People passionate about what they do, actually happy with how they contribute to society. No longer living in fear, just living inspired. It is true that growing up in a system/community that meets your foundational needs, leads to adults who can attain self-actualization. *Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Theory.
Very sneaky. Claiming that Sweden is not a utopia in the title and then describing it as what comes probably pretty close to a utopia for non-Scandinavians. Well, you got me!
for a young man it's probably the worst country to live in entire EU.
No exaggeration.
@@NoOne-kx7zs ?? No its not? How is it bad for a young man
Ｏ．Ｏ
For some people, a utopia would be a country where you can climb the social-economic ladder and become a millionaire or celebrity. So maybe it isn't a utopia in the sense that you will never become an Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Johnny Depp, etc.
@remotv4849 Stockholm has big problems. The immigrate population just aren't integrating into society . That's the government's issue and it resulted in ghettoisation
I know it wasn't your intention but you have just convinced me that Sweden is indeed an utopia ;)
Same! It sounds wonderful
Agreed. Sounds great by comparison! (To the US)
Exactly.
Absolutely same!! Came here to see whether someone wrote this :)
Same😊
As an American, this is truly flooring to me. We operate so differently it’s insane. The wealth gap here is unreal.
I agree. I’m not sure that I know anyone who isn’t either looking up or looking down, as Jenny put it. The middle is just gone now.
Great Britain is going the same way, and everyone is miserable these days
@@shizumi5243not true. We have alot of gangs and no go zones since immigration from 2015. Everyday we hear about shootings between gangs. 10-15 years ago shooting on the news was uncommon and shocking news. Immigrants tend to bring their conflicts over here and majority of non working citizens are not working and contributing to the country.
Wealth gap. Choose wisely then.....
@@shizumi5243 Who are "them"?
This is making me cry... like imagine how much beautiful life would be if we didnt have to spend so much time and energy worrying about basic needs. My mother is dying of cancer and everything feels like a huge wave thats flooding everything and im just so tired, the way they live in sweden should be the way we all live and it makes me sad how much time is wasted trying to just survive, it's truly inhumane. But is always good to know that people somewhere in the world are having it good because it proves that a better system to care for human life is and has always been possible, so we need to keep speaking up.
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I hope God will keep you strong and will help you heal. And I also hope that you will someday live in a better place.
My friend works 4 part-time jobs in order to support her mother who is also sick with cancer and she is only 27. She also barely has time to study for a couple of exams she has left at college. It's devastating. We live in Serbia btw and the overall situation is also pretty bad, even in IT that was a silver lining up until recently... I wish you to overcome these difficult times and for your mother to make a full recovery!
also high taxes and competent governance.
I live in the Netherlands and I’m originally from Spain. I always found that in the Netherlands people choose any random topic at university (if they go to university) because they know that they will have a good job afterwards anyway. While In Spain you always choose a degree that has good job opportunities
Same in Italy
Same in Bulgaria for years after 1989.
Opportunities for emigration 😉
It warms (and stings a lil) my heart seeing Scandi kids just exploring their passions, no matter how niche and be confident about their futures.
In the Netherlands people don't look at what you studied, they only look at the level of your education. Someone with 10 years of experience in construction is less likely to be promoted to a manager than someone who has a bachelor's degree in botany or art history or something random. Simply saying you graduated from a university (WO, not HBO) opens lots of doors for you, meanwhile in other countries you need a specific degree to do a specific job. .
In fact, the Dutch government also hires anyone with a WO degree to do ICT jobs, regardless if they know anything about computers or not and promise on the job training. In the Netherlands, the type of your degree is literally irrelevant, only what level of degree you have.
11:46 you actually made Sweden sound like utopia. In Morocco, we never think about passion as students. We think more about what career can we have in order to make money and have a better status then think about our passions. You are one of the luckiest if you can combine both. Personally speaking, I am 24 years oldd and I suffer from severe financial anxiety because I always knew that my family will count on me to provide the basics.. Like literally the basics : food not to starve, utilities, rent, and clean clothes. I don’t know anyone who didn't think about money from the second he stepped into high school. Swedish youth are so lucky to know they can live with dignity no matter what they do ❤
I feel the same as you. I grew up in and still live in Sweden.
I grew up in Latvia and moved abroad almost immediately as I became an adult. I lived in Denmark for 2 years and then in Finland for 5. Didn't earn much, but felt safe and secure. Even got diagnosed for a very rare genetic disease in Finland, just because the medical system is so good - small ques, low to no costs, and they automatically sign you up for the next test or doctor appointment. I also loved that in Finland any new brand you would try (be that snacks or personal care products) would at least be decent. Rent was also reasonable - as a doctoral student I shared a spacious two room apartment with my boyfriend in a newly built housing block. Moving to UK a year ago was such a shocker! All of a sudden I was earning more, but living in a moldy shoe-box pay check to pay check and dreading any interaction with the medical system. Like I was recently feeling dizzy in mornings and wanted to get blood-work done.,, 2 weeks wait time! I also wanted to get new meds for my fear of flying. GP said they cannot prescribe anything and can't even refer me to a psychiatrist. I checked a private one - prices start at 400 pounds per visit. In Finland I got meds for my phobia next day from a GP. ... Northern countries are a treasure. I hope it never changes. I want to return to Finland (or Denmark) one day and bring my favourite field of science there.
Thank you for your comment. I lived in Sweden for 10 years and many things that you mentioned are resonating with me. I also have a fear of flying. Are there medicines for this? Is it for anxiety or more specifically flying?😊
The ques might have been small then, but the public healthcare system is falling apart these days in finland
@@UKrainingHypnosis.
The funny thing is that all listed is exact same in Latvia as well
@thedudefromrobloxx was about to say the same thing. I waited 6 months to see a doctor. 5 months for a dentist 😢. Unless you are almost dying it seems almost impossible to get care unless you have private healthcare.
Sweden truly sounds wonderful. In Thailand, I’m considered upper-middle class to lower-upper class, yet money was still the main factor my family convinced me to consider what to study, almost as if it’s a family decision and not mine alone.
I grew up very poor in the united states but my Mom had very similar values to what you describe. She encouraged me to study whatever I wanted and upheld her belief that money is not what makes life good by running her own small business based on helping others. I took her advice and studied art. This was not practical in this country. I am poor with very little hope of ever owning a house, even owning a car seems out of reach and I often struggle to afford food. Though I agree with her values for the most part, my Moms philosophy was utopian because it just isn't realistic in this place. There are many people here who believe poor people are just bad people and if they can't become rich it is because they are lacking in moral character, which seems a bit ironic considering all the exploitative business practices out here. In this country we can't trust our landlords bosses or politicians but we form smaller communities of friends and family that give trust and support, if we are so lucky.
Would you have choosen this path, now that you are living it? Or would you in retrospectiv studied something else? I prefer a unfullfiling job but have enough money for a car, vacations and good food.
The only thing good about the US (we’ll see how long it lasts now) is that you still can now change careers and make money if you want to for sure. Just apply to the entry level job or search for training programs. It may not be easy but you could get lucky and land a entry level job. Or could work yourself up from the basic of jobs at the company that has the job you want. Or hop from one company to competitor with some experience for more pay or upped title. There is literally nothing stopping you.
@@atlfun08 that is so true. I am also an artist by vocation, I even have a masters degree in computer animation, but jobs were scarce. Even in graphic design. It may not be very fulfilling, but I am working as an accountant, making decent money and knowing that this is an occupation that is always in demand.
The Protestant Health and Wealth gospel did a number on the attitutes towards class solidarity in the US
"Sweden is not an utopia"...proceeds to describe an utopia 😂
Seriously it sounds wonderful. I can't imagine choosing what to study not factoring in money potential.
To be fair I didn't have some specific interests growing up so I am happy I chose something I could earn a good salary in to spend on my hobbies.
Do you think such stability makes people lazy or demotivated in a way?
literally. As an Australian, I feel like it’s time to move because the fascination with property investment in my country is not in line with my values at all
Basically
@@ila9063agreed… they need to get rid of negative gearing it’s destroying everything
@@megs3003yep. I just want a home for myself and I’d have to have an investment property to afford a cheap place cuz I live in Sydney. But that increases prices.
It's hell to be an individualist in Sweden. Yes, you will survive if you are unable to work, but it feels as if you were being choked mentally to live here unless you are a conformist.
The US is the EXACT opposite of this and it is that way by design. There is no reverence for a "healthy, good life" and there certainly isn't the idea it's a right for everyone to have a "good life." Pleasure, coziness, health, and community are the opposite of USA. It's brutal here, truly the most soul crushing place. We are all scrambling for scraps and just to barely get by which creates trauma/survival mindset that creates division, chaos, desperation and certainly no trust.
Perfect summary.
All of this.
There is zero trust post election. I trust no one.
Saying USA is a "truly the most soul crushing place"... wow. Tears of privilege.
@@TheNjordy Its called hyperbole. It gets their point across in an effective way thats easily understood.
"Sweden's not Utopia." Girl, you only made me more mad at my grandparents for thinking the US was a better choice. Just the thought that I might not be in massive debt from education and involuntary hospitalization makes me want to cry.
It was better choice for them at that time.
You can still move to Sweden. In a lot of countries it's easy to get citizenship if you have heritage there.
Hey, at least you are not Mexican!
@@ilonaniinemae4735yeah, 100 years ago America was possibly the best country to live in
The life in Norway is quite similar to the life in Sweden. Oslo is very cosy little city and yes, it’s very expensive but the social care is still very good 🙌🏻. The medical care is great and the education is possible for everyone ❤.
Oslo isn't cozy and has never been 😶
@@EricaPaperpen and what happend with your adult sons?
@@angieandersen0705 education is free if it's public but that requires you to pass insane grades standard....... And again Oslo isn't cozy...... I've lived here for almost all my life and I can't wait to get out of here tbh Oslo is a shitshow
@@TheHubbaBubbaMan-je7tz bro but oslo is the capital is it that bad I can't believe it..
@@TheHubbaBubbaMan-je7tz But every young person everywhere feels it and most go back home. You won't appreciate it until you've suffered elsewhere
In the US your degree will cost you so much that people are paying for decades, you may not get a decent job (even if you studied the "right" thing), and some adults (even with their own family) can't afford to leave their parents' house. There's no free health care, child care, or elder care and people just go without medical treatment or even having children. It could be much worse, I know, but you can see why what you're describing seems like utopia for us and many others. I think people dream of wealth so we won't have to worry about what happens when we and loved ones get sick and old, since nothing will be free and no one will help us. It sounds lovely.
I will say, in the US, if you can get a certification in virtually anything, you will make more money. I have a degree in information system management. I couldn’t get a job for a long time because I was not A+ certified. That is a certificate that anyone can get if they pay for it and study for a couple weeks. That’s the case in almost every job. My husband has a masters degree, but to do his job, his credentials have to include at least two specific certificates that he could’ve gotten without the masters degree, or even a bachelor degree.
It actually doesn't get much worse than choosing not to take an ambulance after passing out and almost dying cause you know it'll put you thousands in debt. The US is truly a scumfuck predatory outrageous place to live.
The reason our education is so expensive is because everyone can get loans. If you want colleges to become affordable, get rid of the loans and force colleges to come back to reality with pricing.
Maybe don't get a degree in Gender Studies. That's a start.
@@Itsgonnabeok1325 Okay Mrs. I'm running certification course mill and can drum up business here! I see you. I see a lot of you in America!
As an American, Sweden sure sounds like Utopia to me!
A lot of this is true about many European countries.
Most Sweedes double their purchasing power when they move to USA
@@peterch4978 literally no one cares about purchasing power. That's just a thing people are told to care about.
Yes because they bring the education all humans should have received and outclass everyone who hasn't indebted themselves to the brim in your country.
@9xtryhx230 immigrants may have a decent life here. But most native born americans don't have the same privileges as you. It's a privilege to be able to move abroad. America is incredibly classist and our healthcare is way too expensive. Even if our healthcare is decent, it's still a human right and you shouldn't have to be rich to be able to afford it. I honeslty don't mind waiting in a queue if my condition is non life-threatening. Also native born americans still have to pay tuition fees for college whereas nati e born swedes don't have to pay tuition fees for their colleges in sweden.
I can say as a Norwegian that Sweden is not an utopia :)
is Norway then?😅
@@Ksenegda Doubt it, certanly not for everyone.
One of my favourite films is the Norwegian film The Bothersome Man, which explores the topic.
I see so many norwegian cars in Sweden so there must be something. A shopping utopia maybe.
Norway is the most boring place I've ever been.
One other thing I think could have been mentioned - how many hours people in Scandinavia have to work compared to other countries. As an American, I work 10 hour days (plus commute), sometimes more, just for a basic job. There isn’t really time to cook a nice meal, sitting down with candles, working out daily, etc. Even having time for all of that sounds idyllic.
38,9/week
And a minimum of 25 days of vacation a year by law (plus holidays).
Plus paid maternity leave (for both parents). Who'd 've thought the most important moments of one's life being prioritised makes for a happier society?
I am very greatfull to live in Denmark 🇩🇰 one of the Skandinavien countries.
We have free health Care. Free education + We get paid to go to college and university by the State
We have 1 year paid maternaty Leave. Minimum wages are liveable and 5 weeks vacation is a right that everyone has.
Social Security in between jobs.
The Nordic model. Social Democrasy.
( Its not communisme. The private sektor is strong )
Yes, our Taxes are High. But I gladly pay my taxes for everybody to have acces to healthcare and Education.
Regular citisen dont have guns either. School shootings is not a thing.
To the American people - Listen to Bernie Sanders. He is your guy.
There is another Way.
Watching in disbelieve what is happening in the States. 😮
Praying for the American people and the whole world. 🙏❤️
Here in the USA, i grew up poor farmer family in the midwest. I now have a good job, multigenerational living, and we have what we need plus. Now things are very frightening. I don’t know what we’re going to do. Its just out of control.
Please do pray for us in this forsaken, racist, tyrannical, backwards wasteland.
Thank you for your sympathy.
Thank you for the prayers . Wecwill need them.
I live in sweden and yeah sometimes our health care is not the best but the times my family have needed it it have always been a moment where im super grateful to be a swede.
Life shouldnt be to put other people down but to lift up everyone around you together.
Hear, hear!
Jenny, was the title satire 😭😂 This IS utopia
Thank you for talking so much about the importance of having a reasonable difference of income and of the importance of public education, public health care etc. I am myself so grateful to have access to that but in my country this system is regularly critized for costing too much. I have the impression that we forget that poverty isn't just a question of income but also a question of free access to some basic needs (health, education etc)
> sweden is not utopia
> proceeds to describe how really a utopia sweden is
I grew up in a family from generational wealth in the US. My grandpa was adopted by a rich couple during the Great Depression.
I have struggled financially in my adult life. I have one child, and it’s hard to make ends meet sometimes. But wealth has never been a priority for me. I have my own business that is successful (a food cart), but I don’t make tons of money.
Due to my family background and resources, I know that we would never end up on the streets, and I am thankful for that.
I think we should move back to Sweden :)
Of you are in the US, get out while you can! I am so envious of friends and family with dual citizenship, bc they have an escape
@@Itsgonnabeok1325 Right there with you! Sweden is definitely on our potential countries to move to list. I'm very aware that Sweden is NOT utopia - no country is! - but it certainly has a much better set up than we do in the US.
The Mustard family returning to their roots-I would definitely watch!
What made you guys leave? Was it the winter? Or did you want more exciting economic opportunities?
What you just said makes Sweden better than the VAST majority of other countries 😅
Yes Sweden is not an Utopia but the world's situation is really tragic, and in comparison to other countries in the world, Sweden is still a better place to live even with it's vices
As a teacher in American higher education I can say that most American students are definitely choosing a degree and career based on money not their passions. Since there are few safety nets and massive wealth gaps here, everyone is much mire stressed out & carries so much weight on their shoulders to keep themselves & their families provided for in basic ways.
Have travelled to many cities in many countries and never have I ever felt so at home and at peace as my first day in Stockholm. All I need is to feel it and I did, in Sweden. I’m from Melbourne, Australia, so that says a lot (wish I’d had a free education). The way you describe life in Sweden is very appealing 🙏
It's not just Sweden. In my travels I have noticed that different cultures tend to idolize or have a stereotypical view of each other, often due to the popular arts (television, movies and music).
Bingo.
This was very eloquently described. I'm originally from the US and living in Sweden the last 7.5 years. I would say there are times when my upbringing gives me the impulse to always be pushing for more, but over all I am so much more content with my life in Sweden than I was in the US with my high-paying job. I have enough plus some extra and free time to wander and daydream in a way I could not in the US.
What do you consider high-paying for the US? Also living here and from the US.
Would love more content on swedish culture! I’m visiting some friends soon there so I’d love to know more :)
As an American, it is completely INSANE to think that having a second home is something a lower-middle class person can do. Normal people in the US who are lower-middle class are not saving any money each month, and are renting a shithole.
Lower-middle class people in Sweden do not have a second home, let a lone a first home that isn't a rented apartment. It's the same here in Sweden, some people are just so priviliged they think it's normal, but as someone that grew up in the swedish ghetto and living paycheck to paycheck, just seeing someone owning a car would be considered at the least middle-class here. These days I am way above the national average salary but even so, owning a car and paying a mortagage on ONE property is pushing it.
I grew up in Swedens working class, and even though, not being able to access all the things the middle class maybe consider normal, I agree on the mentality that money isn't a big thing in my life. Unfortunately, I think this is shifting with the wealth gap becoming bigger since the 90' and the mentality seems to be different with the gen alpha.
The entire west seems to be having a fall in living standards and growing wealth gap. It wouldn't surprise me if Sweden eventually slides and catches up to the rest of the wests misery, even if it takes far longer to get there. I don't know what the answer is, but it certainly isn't hyper-capitalism.
were you able to attend university? what benefits did you lack? I am curious as an American
@@skycloud4802It very much IS capitalism.
I’m from Hong Kong, a hyper capitalist city with a stark wealth divide… the city has a high amount of billionaires per capita, but also has a high amount of 80 year olds cleaning the streets because there isn’t a good social security system.
I used to get my happiness and idea of a good life from luxury goods and material wealth. Surprise surprise.
the way you describe a happy comfortable life is so close to my ideal, and my lifestyle fits it very well I am happy to say.
As an American I feel that our society kind of shames those who seek out a happy comfortable life instead of obtaining the most possible money and resources.
Modern life in the west can be both very materialistic and hyper-capitalistic. It's not a healthy way to be. Instead of measuring and comparing GDP, nations should be measuring GNH (gross national happiness).
I do not live in Sweden, but I have traveled there extensively for work. On the whole Sweden is a very well-run country, and I enjoy my time in the nation. Things generally work as intended in Sweden, and the quality level of services and products is generally high. Despite this, there are some real challenges to living in Sweden.
(1) People tend to be very closed and standoffish. Meeting new people can be very difficult, and loneliness can be a huge problem.
(2) The weather in the winter is terrible. It's very depressing having only a few hours of dim sunlight a day.
(3) It is a nation with many rules, large and small. The rules help to keep the society orderly, but they are also suffocating to a more free-spirited person.
(4) My most controversial take: Sweden is a nation that caters to the average person. If you aspire to lead the average life, it is tough to do better than Sweden. But if you aspire to be more than average, this is quite difficult in Sweden, and you will find the attitudes and institutions to be oppressive.
That's it. Socialism, if not taken to the extreme, is ok for people with no real ambition or interest in being exceptional..
You've literally described what utopia is... I waited patiently till the end for the "but! ..." and the negative aspects of living in Sweden, but it never came.
The but is now she slightly worries about money because its expensive now and isn't truly carefree as she used to be
I think I'm my heart I'm Swedish. I can never understand why people around me never feel happy with what they have and don't trust the others. Seeing your map, I now understand. I am half Greek half German and live in Greece.
I noticed that Canada was close to Sweden in some of the charts you showed and I feel like growing up in the 90's in 🇨🇦 was very similar to your experience. Unfortunately, our country is going through some hard times now but i believe that, in general, the spirit of the Canadian people is still strong & neighbourly, and im hopeful we will get back on track to security & opportunity for all Canadians! 🙏🏼
Please please please, vote away from being the US, before it’s too late!
Fellow 🇨🇦 here, I totally agree!
have you been to sweden?
Canadian as well and have traveled extensively. Canada and Sweden share similar DNA. The only issue is, we have been over saturated by American ideals and political views that have moved us away from community and the common good. It is being replaced by rhetoric of individualism and us versus them. You used to be able to differentiate between a Canadian and an American citizen, now I am not sure what the difference is? 'Socialism', once something that made Canadians the kind white north is now a dirty word. I shouldn't have to look backwards into the past to feel national pride and my flag shouldn't feel gross when I see it flapping on someones car window.
@@monimarz 100%
I grew up in Ecuador and for the last 13 years I've lived in Sweden (2 years in Norway in the middle there). I'm a swedish citizen now. Despite not spending my childhood in Scandinavia I feel a lot the way you do about the country. There are two things I would like to add:
1. The darkness and cold combined does affect your mood and stamina; not only me, who is from an all-year-round-summer country, but also my swedish friends.
2. Making spontaneous frienships or spontaneous communities is quite challenging. I feel that swedes are very very polite and always eager to help and be respectful towards you, but making friends is definitielly a challenge. I'm separating polite and friendly here. Not impossible of course, I have swedish friends and very good ones that I can trust.
I would say that these two things do not outweight the points that you made. I can see that clearly since I grew up in a country where there is massive social inequality and poverty.
I live in the Netherlands, and we considered moving to Sweden for a while. However, what we noticed is that it’s quite difficult as a freelancer. I can imagine that if you work for a company, your income is good in Sweden, but due to the high taxes, you really need to earn a lot as a freelancer to make ends meet. What we can live comfortably on in the Netherlands (buying a house is not an option because the prices here are ridiculously high) we can't make do with in Sweden.
You're right. The nordic countries are good for employees but not for freelancers.
Freelancers in the Netherland have major cuts that employees don't enjoy.
yeah its the fact that you litteraly need to pay yourself from your company, you must pay for your own benefits so in a way it is more rigid , you can't decide to go without state pension or benefits, not to mention that corporate taxes stack with income taxes. It definitely makes entrepreneurship a really risky undertaking here, more so than in most of Europe.
Given the absolutely horrible climate weather, lack of sunshine and warmth that should be enough to disqualify it feom being a Utopia.
And the suicides that creates...
You are Swedish, no Swede believes Sweden is utopia. But I am from the U.S. and Sweden is my utopia. I feel happy, healthy, and safe enough to have a family here. I’m so happy to be here☺️
I'm from Finland, so hi neighbour! I have similar experience here, I never thought about money when I thought about what I want to do with my life. But I did grow up in a very poor household in the 90s and it has definitely had an effect on my mentality. It was stressful to see my mom trying desperately to make ends meet. Mostly we had enough of necessities but family helped out a lot too, without them we would not have had money for winter clothing etc. i definitely didn't have the things most kids had, and had to use hand-me-downs a lot(and was bullied for it). It was luxurious to get a piece of clothing from a store just for me! I still live way beyond the poverty line, because of my ever declining health. I can't access all the treatments I need because it's too expensive, and our government has made decisions to save money, which means poor and sick people are in a really bad place at the moment. I live on disability and it's really hard. Without the help of my family I could never afford the medication that makes life bearable. Finland is always winning the happiest country, but there are so many here who are in desperate situations. I hope things will get better.
Growing up in Vancouver you can clearly see the different classes depending on which neighborhood you live in. I grew up poor but my parents made sure I went to a good school and it was in a much nicer neighborhood and you could see the kids had more money and their parents owned nice big houses with pools and stuff. Crime was much lower there too. So yeah Sweden sounds the exact opposite and I'm moving to Sweden next month. I feel that people in north America tend to pick their careers based on the salaries more than their passions and have hobbies on the side rather than make your hobby your career.
Loved learning more about your thoughts on growing up in Sweden verses how things are now. I really wish that people cared more to just let go and have fun without worrying about the spending and the thinking they need things they don't.
I skipped around a bit in the video, but stopped when you said, "I didn't think about how much money I would make after uni. It didn't factor into what I wanted to do." That sounds utopic to me.
the "good life", neither poverty nor luxury in a state, accessible education, finding your individual talent as a basis for your future job, not having money in the forefront of your mind, excercising mind and body, being healthy, being content with what you have - you described a lot of core aspects of Plato's just city-state from "Republic", one of the earliest texts on utopias.
I'm British (living in London, like you). I've visited Sweden twice and Denmark once. I really love the whole Scandinavian way of life. If it weren't for the cold winters, I'd be seriously tempted to move there! I love the fact that society is much more equal than here in Britain. While the class system is quite quirky and has resulted in some good comedy, drama and interesting architecture and culture, there are many down sides to it, and it not a very fair society.
Thank you for sharing this video Jenny! It shed light on the grey area in my reflection practices! As a 23-year-old constantly worrying about how I do not feel like joining my known society's quest for material wealth, reflection questions such as what kind of society have I been raised in, how do I measure a good life and based on what do I make my life and career decisions are shedding light on this side of me that wants to create my inner "Swedish way of life" (in the Netherlands :)
Well it is a good take on not just Sweden but about life quality as a whole.
Thank you for this video it explains a lot
I would agree that we are naive. It's a rude awakening to realize this, especially later in life. Embarrassing if you will. But getting more enlightened is a good thing.
I think It's still prevalent in many adult Swedes as well...
Being naive is a good thing in a place where people are honest.
You explain this very well 👏 That’s really how it feels to be Swedish. A big trust in others, in the society and in common sense. But I also feel a shift the last years. People are kind of disappointed of the world arena and all the ”insanity” happening around them. They used to feel more safe, but things are not so obvious anymore. They try to feel as before, but they can also sense a change. So the Swedes are in a ”new inner place” I think 🔮
Very interesting analysis. I feel even more now like visiting Scandinavia sometime. Thank you. ❤
I'm lost... At which point in the video does she explain why Sweden is NOT a utopia? Sounds pretty idyllic to me!
I truly enjoyed this video and the perspective you brought. It was very insightful to hear about how living in a society that works and takes care of you has an impact on how trusting people are. I wish I was born in a country like that. Knowing that some countries achieved this state gives me hope though. Would love to watch more videos about Sweden and London culture (especially because I lived in London myself in the past).
Thank you for your perspective! I grew up in California, here in the US. I definitely grew up hearing people talk about money and seeing my parents upgrade our home when we really didn’t need to, and then subsequently losing that home because finances and income can change without warning. Now as an adult with my own children, I live my life completely different. We budget, and don’t buy things if we can’t afford them. We live in a very small home but are surrounded by forest, which we love. We don’t buy new cars and in fact I have only owned three cars in my life, which is pretty good considering everyone has to drive here. I do feel like a bit of a rebel when I look at how most people live but it forces us to appreciate the small things and really, that’s what I want to teach my children.
"money was not a consideration" oh my gosh, that's amazing to hear I am so glad somewhere in the world is like this. But goodness does that hurt to hear as an American.
Thank you for this vid. I watch your vids occasionally, but every time I do, I always deeply think about things. And I find myself recentering myself. Truly appreciate the work that you do.❤
Loved your perspective!
Also eh as an Eastern European from a formerly soviet country demolished by decades of communism and Russian imperialism + with a single struggling mum there was no question of what I’d study for my family. I just had a choice between law and medicine 😅 I now do love being a lawyer, but hearing how money never factored in for you did make me sigh and feel slightly bittersweet of how I’m proud of all I’ve achieved living in London now…but at the same time I do hope that my daughter will have more freedom of choice in this regard despite UK being obviously far from the egalitarian Sweden.
Are you Ukrainian?
I'm Scandinavian and I have come to learn to not trust tradresmen :( Too many of them treat your home like a factory floor, and will not be honest when they have damaged something or will simply not put it 100% right again. Also had other experiences that has taught me not to be naïve about government and organizations. Yet I hear we have a lot of trust here. It must be truly terrible in other regions of the world.
bureaucracy is a very random thing in Sweden it seems , every person gets one of two experiences, either incredibly fast and helpful, having all of their paperwork or issues resolved within weeks, while others struggle for many many months or even years. It is hard to really understand but there certainly is at least today a competency issue in many of the institutions so although everyone can expect the benefits eventually, it remains to be seen if we will still be able to enjoy this in 10 years time when the system will be under even larger strain :(
Every country has positive and negative aspects. Sweden is no exception
Not a utopia, but looking highly preferable at the moment (just post-2024 election here in the US). From the point of view of an outsider, the Nordic Model and Social Democracy have a lot going for them.
Seriously, though. 😢
There is a democratic opposition to the model, who saw Sweden in 1970 as stifling and overbearing.
things "work" in your country, the further south go, the more the system seems to fail.
I’m from the US. When I was younger, I spent so many years thinking that I HAD to want a life making a ton of money. Over time, I realized that I simply didn’t have the drive to do it. I ended up getting my bachelor’s degree in linguistics and now I’m getting my master’s in TESOL. I just want to help others and live a comfortable life where I can raise children and have enough to be content.
However, after the recent election, that’s all going downhill. My partner and I are choosing to move out of the country next year. We want children and the gun violence and bigotry in this country will only get worse in the coming years. It’s not worth waiting around for.
As a half-Swede, half-Norwegian i can say Sweden is NOT utopia, nor is Norway. No country is. But they are utopia compared to certain countries (United States is one of them)
The US is a nightmare especially the last couple of decades and the next couple of decades are going to get really really bad.
How would you know?
Do you live here?
@@vorpalblades No, but I can read statistics. I've also seen several videos of Americans criticizing the standard of living in their own country.
(The most popular political RUclipsrs are rich (and are getting paid to tell you how fantastic and flawless the United States is) so listening to them will give you a completely different answer.
@@CarlFredrik-uo1cu idk, i feel americans complain more about everything. i think it depends on which state youre from. yea standards of living are dropping, but what western country isnt?
@@shwethang4347 Some really shocking/sad statistics I learnt a while back about the United States:
62% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck
40% of Americans are unable to pay for a "minor medical emergency" without going bankrupt
600000 Americans are homeless, and that includes over 50000 veterans
20 veterans commit suicide every day
45000 Americans die each year due to an inadequate healthcare system (preventable deaths)
The United States is ranked 27th on the social mobility/meritocracy -index
The minimum wage (7.25 dollars/hour) has remained unchanged since 2009
Only in utopic countries people can choose careers purely by heart, even the worst-paid job pays more than enough to make a living, poverty there means like not being able to travel abroad more than 10 times per year.
In the US there are a fair number of people who look only to live healthily and relatively comfortably, follow their interests, develop their talents and do what they need to do to support their families. It has become harder and harder for families and individuals to do this. I personally don't know anyone who is focussed on becoming rich, though clearly many do. Most people I know aspire to having good energy and being content with what they have.
Focusing on becoming rich isn't a bad thing though....think of how many people you could help and all the good you could do in the world.
Spain until the 2008s wasn't that different: lots of people born in the 70s-90s being the first ones in their families to get to college for free or very cheap because they knew that you would be middle class like their parents (free health care, a common-sized apartment in a few years...) the difference with sweden is that there was some inequality, political corruption and insecurity, but nothing too extreme. In exchange, you get the mediterranean family and social lifestyle which northern countries lack, which I think is their weakest point (and for which the happiness ranking, which always put Finland in the first place don't make too much sense to me).
Unafortunately, nowadays the new generations are stuck on a loophole of going to work and wasting most of their salary on rent (or they live with their parents until very late until they are able to buy a house).
This was a very very intelligent and observant take on sweden/scandanavia! Thoroughly enjoyed this video, I learnt a lot. Thankyou
A good life. That's really what we all need and want.
As someone of a similar age who grew up in the UK, I think that a lot of UK children growing up in nineties and early 2000s felt the same. Maybe not to the same extent, but I think we saw our boomer parents and thought of course we would be able to buy a house and go to uni without extreme debt too.
Then the financial crash and the housing crisis hit the UK and it looks and feels very different now.
This is so helpful to contextualize how we're living, in our work harder and not smarter society... I empathize deeply with the fellow folks from America here about how this does sound like a utopia... At the same time I am living very similarly to you; however, it took taking an additional 4-5 years after my circumstantially free degree to learn about self-employment, business, and deepening passion projects at my own expense which required me to rebel against my science, tech, engineering, and maths PhD program I was essentially pressured into from age 10 (the usual for smart people where I live).
Most people can't and won't operate out of just interest and passion to survive, so much so that my main source of income is encouraging people to do this in my coaching and consulting work (instead of what I was "supposed" to do).
We really do have to learn to live a life like yours, but it's a worthwhile journey to do so.
Tell us why you live in UK instead of sweden.
she already has. you can look for that video
Growing up below the federal poverty line in America, I'm always anxious about money, even when i have enough to get by. I also have hoarding tendencies and don't like throwing things away because I might need them later. I'm good at saving money, but not at relaxing and treating myself.
As an American, Sweden sounds as good as it gets for me! In the US, we have the lowest wages in the developed world and no guaranteed healthcare, very little worker's protections, virtually no public transportation. Our government is captured by billionaires and that is who they serve, not ordinary people.
The thought of not having to be afraid all the time...afraid of not being able to pay rent, afraid of not being able to afford food, afraid of getting sick or injured... that's a dream far out of reach for most people in the world.
I grew up in a family that a much better income than the average, but we still struggled financially. Fights about money were constant with my parents. We struggled partly becasue my parents always wanted to live beyond their means, and partly becasue they put me in a private religious school.
I did choose a college education in a field that I was passionate about. Even long after I have left said field, I am still paying for it. I will always be paying for it.
I am no longer have fear hanging over me because I make a lot more money. But I remember how that fear affected the rest of my emotions. That fear and anxiety caused me to have a lot of anger seething within all the time.
Sweden sounds amazing, except for the climate!
what a really nice informative and wholesome video def going to sub cheers for you and your family
This explains a lot about my country, the US….my parents were not wealthy, solidly middle class, which afforded me more opportunities than many. I understood that even as a child. We existed in a middle class environment and the level of trust you speak of among my parent’s peers and my friends was there. Your observations on trust in your country emphasized that it is exactly opposite of what is occurring now in our politics and unfortunately in relationships among friends and relatives, it tearing us apart and reducing quality of life and economic opportunity. Thank you for sharing this.
I'm an American with Swedish heritage and I listen to so many (mostly metal) bands from Sweden, have always talked about wanting to go there, perhaps permanently, and you haven't convinced me to change my mind! 💙💛
I don't know, I kinda wanna visit the Amazon jungles of Brazil pretending to be tarzan.
I am a 37 years old male living in US. I got no idea how I ended up watching this video, but I really enjoyed it) thank you!
Sweden is not utopia.
Proceeds to explain how Swedes live in utopia.
This is brilliant Jenny. It's very much aligned with my thoughts on what makes a happy, highly functional society.
As a 62-year-old woman from the US I would like to apologize to the world for what we have just elected as a president. The US has become an extremely difficult country to live in. I have always enjoyed reading on the Scandinavian lifestyle. Here in the US we have become a very divided and angry country. I believe a lot of it stems from the fact that we have been so entitled and a very rich country.
Is Harris so much better? To me the entire political system of the USA is the problem not just one person.
Theres nothing to apologize about
A country isn't rich if there are huge economic inequalities among its citizens. In this sense the USA isn't really "rich". America has never dealt with its past: the genocide of the native population and enslaving of the Africans. The past has just risen its ugly head...Trump is just a symptom, he is not the disease. Racism, sexism and fascism were there long before Trump. I'm sorry for being bitter but I hate seeing the history repeat itself again. I wish you all the best and I hope you will be all right.
I understand....it must be difficult to live in America these days. So sorry. But there will be better times again. ❤
No apologies needed, democracy mean you win some, and you lose some. We are with you. We will overcome this. 2028 is just around tge corner. A liberal Canadian friend.
Hi Jenny! I’ve been following you for years! What a coincidence, I wrote my master thesis on the correlation between trust, racial heterogeneity and public policies that support higher levels of equality. My focus was on Brazil. If you’re interested in the topic of culture influencing economics, I’d recommend the book “Fighting Poverty in the US and Europe. A word of Difference” Alberto Alesina. Love your videos, I’m a huge fan! ❤
Interesting-no mention of kids
Going through the same education-job-next job cycle in Taiwan (similar to most Asian countries), I'd say we view this cycle much more negative than you Swedish. It's ALWAYS about paying the bills, fear of getting laid off, surviving toxic work environments when you can literally be replaced tomorrow if you don't compromise. What you described there... choosing your path based on what you LOVE, not what you NEED to survive is dream-like. And I'm happy for you that you had this luxury that most of us don't!
as a dane it was flooring to see that we are 5.95 million and norway about 100 million and sweden 170 million in population! we always compare ourselves to you guys but my what a difference, you are huge countries 😅 i never even gave it any thought that money didn't factor into education decisions, but you are absolutely righ about this!
Northern Sweden is in a boom now. Northern Sweden is dominated by a string of growing, coastal, mid-sized industry towns.
Population of Sweden: 10.54 million.
Population of Norway: 5.52 million.
@@rup1u5 really? didn't it say it wrong in the video then? sounds more plausible with these numbers
@@larkfly9273 Google?
This was a great video, and eye opening. What shocked is that students don't mention money when speaking about education. During my time in Canada I found that for students, money was usually the one and only reason for choosing an education path!
What you just described it's exactly the reason why I absolutely love Sweden and I don't even live there but been there many times already ❤
In the Philippines, my grandparents were fairly wealthy. My parents had huge support from them. They were given a house and lot. They were financially supported at times. They lent us their car when we needed it. But even with all that, my parents needed to pull their bootstraps. My dad spent a quarter of his waking life commuting to and from work. He spent many days working overtime to afford us a good life. They had many money problems that must have caused fights and sacrifices. It would be very nice to be like Sweden
Thank you for your kind words, and by kind, I mean the words of an adult who has the emotional maturity to clearly see the world around them with any judgement.
I was taken along by your manner of speaking and the picture you painted. I started to feel like it was a poem, so I made it into one.
- A Good Life // Vitra or Ikea - by Jenny Mustard
I still picture a good life
The same as I did as a child:
Working on something that interests you,
And feeling healthy and in love.
A safe, lovely home,
Some beautiful clothes in my wardrobe,
Cooking good food and lighting candles,
Sitting down to eat with someone I love.
I'm already there now.
My life is fitting the bill very nicely;
I don't need anything else.
The rest is just frosting.
Feeling good about my life,
No matter if the dining chair I'm sitting on
Is Vitra or Ikea.
I come from the highlighted country where people don't trust each other at all. There you have an insanely high crime rate and a lot of disparity of social classes, the government don't support people and all the presidents since 1990 were or are in jail for corruption crimes. I don't live there anymore, but for me to have a good life means don't have to worry about the vet bills, have a steady home in a safe country and find a career path that will help animals now and in the future, and I don't mean just cats and dogs.
I get that the negative title thing gets eyes but she makes such a great case for moving to Sweden. I don't give a fuck what you call it, a society that's not motivated by greed sounds like such a nice thing. Quality of life. Wow.
I absolutely agree with you…. I’m originally from Belgrade, much older than you, randomly came to U.K. for 3 months, met my ex, and life just happened! I’m a socialist and was brought up knowing and believing that we are all equal. I had amazing education, both In Yugoslavia as was, and in U.K. prior to horrendous fees. Never have I chosen any of my jobs because of more money! I still PREFER to live in social housing - I live in a coop, and do not aspire to own my own pile of bricks. In any case! I wouldn’t been able to afford a 2 bed garden flat in a period building in Marylebone!
Jenny I can't understand how you are not describing utopia! I live in Sweden and am so happy about that.
Please adopt me! I'm only 49! 😄 I envy you so much. I wish I could find a job that wouldn't involve intense physical labour in Sweden. I already wrote in one of the comments that my son intends to start his undergrad studies in one of the Scandinavian countries and I'm thinking of joining him (ino order to start my life from scratch in a new place and settle there for good) but my academic degree is of no value for a potential Swedish employer (I am a Polish-English medical translator) and I don't think I can work very hard physically. I wish I were younger 🙂
So basically financial security solves 90% of society’s problems.
I am so jealous of any country like this.
Absolutely don't trust in much here in Finland anymore🤨🤓 I mean on the world scale it's VERY nice place to live, but trusting in our government is hugely down, I just red about it and that's what I feel myself aswell 🤯
I love that intrinsic motivation is what drive the economy. People passionate about what they do, actually happy with how they contribute to society. No longer living in fear, just living inspired.
It is true that growing up in a system/community that meets your foundational needs, leads to adults who can attain self-actualization.
*Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Theory.