An engineer from Bengaluru recently sparked a conversation online by sharing his struggle with a tempting job offer in Sweden. At 31, he reportedly earns Rs 1.3 lakh a month, but after covering rent and supporting his parents, he’s left with only Rs 50,000-60,000. Most of this goes toward his home loan, which he will continue to repay for another year. Although he finds satisfaction in his current job, the SEK 50,000 (approximately Rs 4 lakh) monthly offer from Helsingborg, Sweden, has prompted him to reassess his circumstances. His ultimate goal is to achieve financial freedom and make investments, yet his commitments to his parents and a wife who prefers not to work complicate his decision, making him question what path to take.
In a Reddit post, the man wrote, “I am 31, married, no kids yet, a mechanical engineer working in Bengaluru. Currently earning INR 130000 or SEK 16500 per month after taxes and retirement deduction. Right now, after rent, sending money parents and other living expenses I’m left with around INR 50-60k per month (SEK 7340) but it is mostly gone in EMIs which I have to pay for another year. I’m satisfied with my job and future prospects here. The work life balance is good and health insurance for my wife, kids and parents including dental, OPD etc. are covered by my employer. I recently received a Job offer from Sweden of 50k SEK per month in Helsingborg.”
“I don’t see myself permanently settling abroad and my motivation to move is mostly driven by money to come out of the debt cycle and to be able to make some investments now. My wife though qualified isn’t too motivated to go to work. I have dependent parents in my hometown and I’m the only child. I’ve been to Sweden before for short business visits so I have some ideas of quality of life weather etc. but not enough on the financial side. I’m wondering if moving to Sweden for 4-5 years can help my situation,” he added.
Should I consider moving to Sweden for few years? byu/Strict_Thanks4656 innri
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “Resident taxes in Sweden are high @50% if your income hits above 50k $ per annum. Great place, clean air and nice.”
Another shared, “I would go just for the experience, if not for money. But if your wife is not motivated to work, she might feel extremely lonely there. Maybe she could try volunteering or attend some language classes.”
“Sweden is not a country where you go to earn high. You can save more if you are single and you live frugally. However you can have a relaxed life and enjoy the outdoors, travel around and of course you will have international work experience in your resume. As far as financial is concerned, you can save upto a half of your salary if you live like a hermit but then what’s the point,” a comment read.
An individual said, “I mean why not just do it. If you don’t do it you might regret it later. So go and experience it. If you don’t like it come back.”
One more added, “Sweden only works if you move permanently only. You can’t much money in short term, it is mainly for the quality of life improvement.”
One user offered valuable advice, suggesting that the engineer negotiate his salary to around 60,000 SEK (approximately ₹5 lakhs). After taxes, he could expect to take home between 43,000 and 45,000 SEK. In terms of living expenses, rent and maintenance might range from 13,000 to 15,000 SEK, with groceries adding an estimated 5,000 SEK to his monthly budget. Fortunately, healthcare in Sweden is predominantly free, including all medical treatments and doctor visits for children. Education for kids is also covered, allowing families to access quality schooling without incurring costs. If his wife isn’t seeking employment, she could take advantage of free courses in Sweden to further her education.
The user further added that the work-life balance in Sweden is excellent, as employers allow unlimited sick leave and vacation days.
What are your suggestions?
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