Work-life balance in Vestland
Vestland offers great work opportunities and a mix of scenic nature, as well as a vibrant city life – an excellent base for a good work-life balance.
With about 651,000 inhabitants, the region offers exciting job opportunities, great educational facilities, diverse nature and a rich culture scene.
In most living areas in Vestland, the nature is in close proximity and your playgound for relaxation and leasure. Photo: Simon Sjøkvist.
Norway – a great place to live
Norway is a modern, politically stable and highly developed country. The Norwegian economy is strong, open and mixed, with a combination of private and public ownership.
Norway is, and has been for many years, ranked as “the best country in the world to live in” by the United Nations’ Human Development Index. This is due to the country’s high literacy rate, great educational system and material wealth. Norway also has one of the lowest crime rates and best welfare systems in the world.
Overall, Norway is one of the safest, most stable, best functioning and transparent democratic societies in the world.
Working in Norway
People working in Norway are generally paid well, which is in proportion to Norway’s cost of living. They typically enjoy favourable work conditions with excellent benefits and are entitled to 21 workdays of vacation annually.
Compared to most European countries, Norway has a relatively low unemployment rate. While working hours may vary, 8-hour workdays/40-hour workweeks are typical. This contributes to a stable work-life balance for the labour force.
It also has one of the world’s best gender-related equal opportunity records and is organised to accommodate dual-career families.
People who live and work in Norway are afforded medical care, health insurance, pensions and maternity leave for up to one year after birth. In addition, fathers are also entitled to paternity leave.
Norway’s has an excellent education system with a number of institutions providingg outstanding education. Photo: Pricilla du Preez.
Education
All children in Norway have the right to attend kindergarten. Financed by the state, municipalities and the parents, these kindergartens offer both full-time and part-time options.
Norway also has an excellent education system for students 6-16 years old, with a number of institutions that provide outstanding education. Bergen also offers an international curriculum through the International School of Bergen.
Close to nature
Vestland takes proud in its fjords and mountains, and for good reason. The municipalities surrounding the city offers beautiful fjords, fantastic landscapes, great residential areas close to commercial districts and more.
Trolltunga is Norway’s most famous rock formation. Every year, tourists and locals alike travel to the region to hike up this awe-inspiring mountain.
The region is also great for those interested in biking, golfing, swimming, watersports, climbing, skiing and a variety of extreme sports. To learn more, check out Bergen Base Camp. The region even hosts its own Extreme Sport Week every June.
Also in the largest city, Bergen, the nature is close. Known as “the city between 7 mountains”, Bergen offers opportunities for amazing hikes up these mountains and breath-taking views of the city below. More experienced and adventurous hikers can test their endurance on the 3-, 4- or 7-mountains hike. The Bergen and Hordaland Trekking Association organises this annual event where thousands hike up and across most or all of these mountains.
Bergen is nestled between seven peaks, offering plenty of everyday hiking opportunities with no travel time. Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho /Visit Bergen