A day in the life of a vet in Scandinavia

The Nordics have really got it right. 

Getting up on a working day in Sweden doesn’t feel the same as in other places. In the UK, for example, many vets dread the thought of going to work a 10-12 hour shift before heading home and crashing out, then getting up and repeating this over and over again.

In Scandinavia they really do respect the 8 hours working day rule.

Izabela and Marta enjoying their free time while working as Locum vets in Sweden

If you start your shift at 8am, you will be out of your work place at 5pm on the dot (having had a mandatory 1 hour lunch break!) and if you don’t leave on time, your colleagues will tell you to go home. Doesn’t that sound like a dream? A whole afternoon/evening to enjoy life, take up a hobby or simply spend time with your family. 

With fantastic outdoor activities and sports around, you will be spoilt for choice for things to do in your free time. Cycling, tennis, climbing, sailing, horse-riding, skiing- They have got it all. 

Not only is there plenty of time to simply live life outside of work, even within the working hours there is always time to relax and socialise. Fika, the Swedish ‘sacred’ break in the morning, usually filled with hot drinks and delicious pastries is an institution in Sweden. It brings colleagues together, offers a moment for informal discussion and provides a well deserved break for all employees equally, regardless of your role. 

Scandinavia has found true balance, a place where your vocation of working as a vet is a joyful and sustainable one to follow.