Marcelo Meijome: It was a bit strange at first

Marcelo Meijome
英語

It was only for two days, but I could already see that this was a place where we could live. It was easy to get around the city, and everyone’s English was good, so I had no problems communicating.

The great work-life balance gives American 3D designer Marcelo Meijome more time for personal art projects.

In late 2018, I was working in Indianapolis when one day a recruiter contacted me regarding a job opportunity overseas in Finland. At first, I thought it was a scam. Both me and my wife were looking for new opportunities, and we had considered moving to California. Eventually I ended up flying out to Helsinki for interviews at VR company Varjo. It was only for two days, but I could already see that this was a place where we could live. It was easy to get around the city, and everyone’s English was good, so I had no problems communicating.

Helsinki has things you would find in a big city compacted in a small area. We live in Kruununhaka, and we tend to go to places where we can walk to, whether it is to buy groceries in Kallio, or for a walk by the sea. My wife is Korean and we both like Korean food, and there happens to be a Korean restaurant just down our street. One of the hesitations we had was the weather. Not just winter – we are already used to cold winters of Indiana. But we weren’t prepared for the darkness. Even if you’ve read about it, you don’t really understand it before you experience it. On the opposite, the summer has been a nice surprise – we never stop to marvel how late it stays bright.

What surprised me was how big the tech scene is in Finland. Even many American companies like Epic have offices here. This is a pretty good place for not only developers but designers: if you are looking for new opportunities, there is a vast amount of job postings. Also, in general, I think the work-life balance is really good. Here, as long as you get your work done, the working hours are much more flexible than in the US. It was a bit strange at first but now it would be difficult for me to change back to the old way. This past year I have been trying to do more design projects on my own time. I have always struggled to find time to do these things, but with more flexibility from work I have been able to do more personal projects.

Your local guides
Add events and places to make your own #myhelsinki
#00d7a7