He loves techno and house music, and his second home is the mountains – skiing, mountain biking or hiking. Rémi's work-life balance is better in Oslo than anywhere else.
For many young professionals, balancing a fulfilling career with personal passions can feel like an elusive goal. Yet, in Norway, work-life balance is not just a buzzword – it's a way of life. Oslo, the country's vibrant capital, offers a unique combination of urban convenience and outdoor adventure that allows its residents to thrive both at work and at play.
Take Rémi Bégaud, a 24-year-old junior account executive at Glint Solar, a company dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. Originally from France, Rémi's journey to Oslo was fueled by a passion for climate action and outdoor activities."I think Oslo is more flexible than most other places," Rémi says.
With easy access to nature and a city designed around green spaces, Rémi can hop on a T-bane (subway) after work and head straight to the slopes of Tryvann for some evening skiing or take a short weekend trip to resorts like Norefjell. Mountain biking around Sognsvann or Frognerseteren in warmer months offers the same rush. "It's like Paris, but better," he jokes, comparing Oslo's slower pace and fewer crowds to the French capital.
But it's not just the natural beauty of Norway that keeps Rémi excited about living in Oslo. Flexibility at work is another huge perk.
"I typically start my day around 9 a.m. and finish between 4 and 5 p.m., but there's a lot of room to adjust," he explains. Whether working from home or tweaking his hours for a midday outdoor session, the trust from employers is evident in the flexibility afforded to employees like him.
"It makes me want to work harder. I don't take it for granted."
This flexible work culture allows him to do more of what he loves outside the office while still performing at his best on the job. But the perks of the Oslo life aren't just limited to work hours. The freedom of not needing a car in Oslo adds to the quality of life. "You don't even need a car for weekend trips out of town."
You might say that modern Norwegian society is built on the idea that life should believed, not merely worked through. Rémi's story is a prime example of how Oslo embraces this philosophy. He reflects on how different it feels compared to his earlier life in France and the U.S. "I used to ski competitively, but a knee injury set me back for almost two years. Now, skiing after work and even participating in events like the Oslo Marathon feels great."
From skiing to mountain biking and even enjoying Oslo's night life, Rémi's transition to life in Oslo highlights the best of what the city has to offer – a balance between ambition and adventure.
For those considering relocating for career opportunities, Oslo offers the chance to live a life where a demanding work schedule doesn't sideline personal interests. "It's a clean, accessible city with so many outdoor activities right at your doorstep," says Rémi. "If you love nature and value a great work-life balance, Oslo is great."
And, of course, if you're into house and techno music like Rémi, Oslo's nightlife won't disappoint either. "The Villa is one of my favourite spots in Oslo."