Laid Off in Denmark: Turning Unemployment Into a Copenhagen Bucket List

What happens when you lose your job in Denmark? For two internationals, it became an opportunity to explore Copenhagen, try new things, and create an unexpected community. Derek and Brooke are joined by Johanna Splett (Germany) and Valeria Caro (Sweden), two former colleagues who were laid off in the same round after years working together. Rather than spending every waking hour applying for jobs, they created an Unemployment Bucket List: 23 things to do in Copenhagen during the hours they'd normally be at work. Their project quickly took on a life of its own, attracting followers on Instagram and TikTok, media attention, and messages from other people experiencing unemployment. But there's more to their story than daytime adventures. We talk about what it's like to be laid off in Denmark as an international, navigating the Danish employment system, the role of unions and A-kasser, the challenges of finding work, and how losing a job can affect your identity and confidence. We also get into Danish work-life balance, the pressure to find a new job, language barriers, and why taking time to enjoy life isn't a waste of time when you're unemployed. And the best news? Both Johanna and Valeria have found new jobs! In this episode: What happens when you're laid off in Denmark? Why unemployment can feel different for internationals. How two former colleagues turned a difficult experience into a Copenhagen adventure. What the Danish job market is like and the importance of networking. Why learning Danish and joining an A-kasse can make a difference. Why taking a break from job hunting is important, too. Follow Johanna and Valeria on Instagram and TikTok: @theunemploymentbucketlist 🎟️ 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: [email protected] 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.