Dear Non-working Spouse Expats,

I know you are looking for a job in every means possible, but never feel guilty about not getting a job in your new country!

Let’s take a moment to realize what you have and what the working people miss:

1. You have the luxury of TIME. Time is more valuable than money. You can use it to learn a skill, practice a hobby, focus on your health, or cook healthy meals.
2. You can study at a Swedish university for higher education, and it’s completely FREE. I love that education in Sweden is free for people with a residence permit!
3. Spending quality TIME with kids: When both parents work, kids often spend 8-9 hours in school and come home tired. A non-working spouse can pick them up earlier and create valuable bonding moments.
4. You are financially independent: You have the time to choose what you want to do (though this depends on family finances and your spouse’s mindset).
5. Simple pleasures: You can enjoy daytime walks when the weather is beautiful, a rare opportunity in Sweden, while working people can only envy the view outside their office windows.
6. Register with Arbetsförmedlingen (Sweden’s employment agency) to explore many options and benefits!
7. Become an Entrepreneur: Arbetsförmedlingen supports new entrepreneurs and provides initial funding through the “Starta eget företag” program. Learn more at
   Starta eget företag – Arbetsförmedlingen.

Please use your time to learn about personal finance topics. It will help you make better financial decisions in the long term.