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Software Developer Balaji is grateful that he can combine a growing tech career with family life

Balaji Srinivasan is a 38-year-old Software Developer from India. He moved to Norway in 2011 and has been working for the Norwegian tech company Nordic Semiconductor for a decade.

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Why did you move to Norway?

– I came to Trondheim in 2011 because of a job offer at Nordic Semiconductor. I got the job while I was in India and I was just amazed by the landscapes in Norway. I was young and adventurous back then and so was my wife and so we decided to move to Norway to experience a new culture and see all the nice landscapes here.

In 2013 we moved to Oslo and I have been working here ever since.

What is it like to work for Nordic Semiconductor?

– What I like most about working in Oslo and in Nordic Semiconductor is the absence of hierarchy. At work we don’t have a hierarchical structure, it’s very flat and everybody talks directly to each other. You have a lot of freedom to do what you want and the responsibility to do it right. This makes the productivity and the quality go up. You answer to yourself and it’s your responsibility to deliver.

What is the tech scene like in Oslo?

– The tech scene here is rising and especially the startup scene is picking up. We see a lot of innovation with new companies these days and I believe it’s getting much better.

What surprised you the most when moving here?

– What I found intriguing about Norway is that when Norwegians are at work they are very focused. When they are working they talk about work and focus on that, they don’t really spend time on chit-chat. There is some socializing at work but it usually happens after hours. This makes productivity very high. There is no mixing work life and your personal life but that also means that you have the time to focus on your family in your spare time. That’s a thing I learned when I moved here and I like it. There’s a clear line between work life and social life.

What is your social life like here?

– The social activities here depend on the weather. If it’s good I usually walk around the city center with my family. It’s fun here for the kids. Our favorite places in Oslo are Vettakollen and Sognsvann. They make for great hikes and outdoor activities like picking mushrooms and blueberries that keep the kids busy. Lately, I’ve also taken up tennis and climbing. But what really amazed me when moving here was Lofoten, it’s the region I like the most. Both the beaches and the mountains there are stunning. If the sun is shining it’s beautiful, and if it’s raining it’s even more so. I also like the fjords in the Stavanger region.

Do you have any tips for other internationals considering moving to Oslo?

– When people move to Norway they shouldn’t just focus on the salaries. There are so many things that are good about living here, like the work-life balance. I feel that Norway is miles apart from other countries in that regard. There are great welfare systems here, especially if you have a family. Healthcare is subsidized and pension is being saved for you. Even if you’re not thinking of your future the Government is. These are things to consider. Most companies also have great benefits, like different insurances. At Nordic Semiconductor we have travel insurance that is helpful when you have family on the other side of the world as I do.

What is your favorite thing about moving here?

– I can balance my work life and my family life. They give me the opportunity to both grow in my career and still be present with my family.

Curious about Oslo?

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