In this Telugu podcast episode, Chandrika shares her journey as a working mother who moved from Rayalaseema (Andhra Pradesh) to Stockholm, Sweden as a dependent spouse. From struggling with job applications as a dependent visa holder to becoming a Solution Architect at Scania, this episode covers the reality of dependent spouse life in Sweden, Swedish parental leave (480 days!), job hunting without work permit initially, learning Swedish language, förskola/dagis childcare system, work-life balance, cost of living in Stockholm, and building a Telugu community abroad.Chandrika's journey started as a trailing spouse - moving to Sweden with her husband's Scania job transfer in 2018, no independent work permit initially, and facing months of job applications. She walks through landing in Stockholm with culture shock, Nordic winters, learning Swedish at SFI (free language school), the frustration of dependent visa job hunting, and finally getting hired at Electrolux and later Scania.The conversation explores: How do you build your career when you moved for someone else's job? What happens when your child speaks more Swedish than Telugu? How does Swedish parental leave actually work? What does it cost to raise a family in Stockholm vs India? How is COVID handled differently in Sweden? After years away, do you still feel Indian, or has Sweden become home?Chandrika provides honest insights on the Swedish job market for dependent visa holders, the permit journey from dependent to PR to citizenship🔗 Connect with Chandrika:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandrikapulakeshYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chandrikapulakeshDisclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed by the guest are their personal views and do not reflect our stance. We have no intention of defaming or harming any individual, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned in this video. Our aim is to provide information to help the audience make informed decisions.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Start1:25 - Why this podcast - Helping professionals navigate Europe2:50 - Meet Chandrika - Solution Architect at Scania4:33 - From Chittoor (Rayalaseema) to Sweden6:04 - Engineering & Career at Cognizant8:13 - SAP Career switch - Materials Management10:06 - Husband's opportunity in Sweden11:50 - Planning abroad - IELTS & Canada plans13:37 - The LinkedIn message that changed everything14:51 - Scania visa process & moving to Stockholm17:47 - First days in Sweden - Culture shock20:04 - Public transport free with stroller21:13 - Finding community - Open preschools24:17 - Förskola (preschool) system explained28:07 - Learning Swedish - SFI language school31:15 - Job search journey as dependent33:02 - Working at Electrolux - Swedish work culture36:43 - COVID in Sweden - No lockdowns38:11 - Decision to settle permanently in Sweden40:28 - Parental leave - 480 days explained41:21 - Delivery experience - Sweden vs India42:18 - Permit journey - Work visa to PR to Citizenship46:16 - Life as working mother - Support system49:26 - Job opportunities & advice for Indians52:02 - Patience needed - Medical & bureaucracy55:07 - Telugu community & avoiding loneliness58:03 - Cost of living - Taxes & savings reality📥 GET YOUR COPY OF EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT GUIDEMoving to Europe with family? Get the complete reality check - permits, job market, costs, childcare, and everything you need to know.Download free: https://nristorieswithsrinath.systeme.io/swiss-survival-guide-askAbout NRI Stories with SrinathNRI Stories with Srinath is a podcast helping Indian professionals and families navigate immigration and settlement in Europe. Through real conversations with people who've made the journey, we provide practical guidance, honest experiences, and actionable information.Join Our Community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamilySpotify/Apple: NRI Stories with Srinath