Just to clarify... regarding "the good life"

Most of you have asked me if I get maternity leave in Sweden, so I am going to explain this thoroughly from the beginning.

Well, the good life in Sweden is definitely the taxes. (ok, just kidding) ... is definitely focused on the family. Let's take parental leave for example.

- PARENTAL LEAVE: 480 days per child of parental leave at 80% of normal salary. Magnus and I can divide this time as we desire and we can get paid in a variety of forms (3, 5, or 7 days a wk, 25%, 50% or 75% day). Example: taking out 7 days a week at 100% gives you the max amount of money but decreases the 480 days faster than just taking out the work week of 5 days.

- JOB GUARANTEE: Once pregnant, it is illegal to be fired. And at the end of parental leave, you are guaranteed a place within the same company. In most companies, the option to return to the same position is almost always available. Additionally, it could be an opportunity to change into a desired position or dept.

- COMPANY BENEFIT: Many companies supply an extra 10% to parental leave so you can get in total, 90% of your normal salary.

- CHILD SUBSIDY: I will get about $150 / month for every child until the child is 16 yrs old. Schools are free, including lunch.

- PREGNANCY / LABOR / HEALTHCARE COSTS: nada, nada, nada. Free check-ups during pregnancy, free parental education, free ultrasounds, free hospital stay, free child check-ups, free child vaccinations, free child dental care until 25 yrs old, free free free.

The best part about all of this? It is NOT just theory, it actually works.

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