Denmark is supposed to be good at work-life balance. Five weeks of paid vacation, a culture that encourages you to switch off, and a whole summer when it feels like the country collectively disappears. So why is it still so hard to relax?
This week, Derek and Brooke talk about the work habits they brought with them to Denmark, and the ways they've struggled to leave them behind. From hoarding vacation days and working through the summer shutdown to overloading a holiday with so many activities that it stops being relaxing, they unpack what it actually takes to slow down.
They also get into the unwritten rules of Danish workplace culture, why working longer doesn't necessarily mean working better, and whether ambition and standing out can sometimes clash with the Danish preference for fitting in. Along the way, they answer a listener's question about navigating expectations, office humor, and career goals as an international employee.
Because sometimes, learning to make Denmark make sense means learning when to close your laptop and leave it closed.
In this episode:
- Why Americans and other internationals can struggle with Denmark's work-life balance
- What to do with those five weeks of paid vacation (and why you should actually use them)
- How the Danish summer shutdown affects work and planning
- Why filling your free time with activities isn't always the same as relaxing
- The unwritten rules of Danish workplace culture
- Ambition, productivity, and the pressure to fit in
Have a story about learning to switch off in Denmark? We'd love to hear it. Get in touch through our SpeakPipe!
🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F
📢 Send your questions and/or comments.
voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid
email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com
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