Which profession is right for you? Choosing a profession is an important decision, but it won’t determine who you are for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s better to think of the process as a lifelong one, as you may change professions several times throughout your career, either to follow your passions or due to circumstance – for example, if there are changes in the job market or in your health.
Career and employment
Are you choosing a career, updating your professional or vocational skills, or considering a career change? Are you returning to work after a longer break? Or are you ending your employment or career? At Job Market Finland you can find information and advice for all these situations.
In this section, you can find information for different stages of your career as well as employment relationships, employment contracts, and partial disability.
If you are at the beginning of your working career or are considering changing your field, also check out our Professional Information section. If you are interested in an international career, take a look at our Internationality section.
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Finding a job may seem difficult if you do not have any previous work experience yet. Many start their careers with short employment relationships, such as summer jobs, substitute work, or traineeships.
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An employment relationship is created when you agree with your future employer on what work you will be doing and what kind of compensation you will receive for your work.
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The Finnish working life is governed by different rules that both employees and employers must comply with. Legislation and collective agreements specify, for example, the minimum wage, working hours, holidays, sick pay and terms of notice.
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As an employee, you have the right to work without discrimination. If you experience unequal treatment or witness others being treated unequally, notify your employer and, if necessary, the authorities dealing with equality issues.
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Wellbeing at work means that you can work healthily, safely and productively. When you feel well, you also feel that your work is meaningful and enjoyable. As an employee, you can have an impact on your wellbeing and that of your working community.
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Occupational safety consists of physical, psychological and social working conditions.
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A disability or illness does not usually affect working, getting a job, or choosing a field. However, it can sometimes reduce your possibilities of getting work or keeping your job. When you are choosing a vocation or education, in addition to your interests or predispositions, you must also take into consideration limitations caused by your possible disabilities or illnesses.
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Parliament has approved the government's proposal to repeal the acts governing adult education benefits and job alternation leave, resulting in the cessation of payments for adult education allowance and job alternation compensation. Job alternation leave has beeb initiated by July 31, 2024. Those who started their leave by this date are entitled to take job alternation leave for a maximum of 180 calendar days. It will be possible to receive the adult education allowance until the end of 2025, provided that the studies and the support period begun no later than July 31, 2024. Currently, recipients of the adult education allowance can apply for the allowance in one or more parts until the end of 2025.
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The term working ability means every person’s individual ability to cope with their work. It is affected by a number of factors, including physical and psychological resources, attitude, and skills. There are various services to help you assess your working ability.
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Are you returning to employment after taking, for example, parental leave or time for providing informal care?
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Ending your employment may be a relevant option for you if, for example, you want to change your job, are looking for new challenges, or are moving to another location. Resignation and termination of employment are two means for ending your employment with your current employer.
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As your retirement age approaches, you get to make a significant personal decision: you can continue working, take part-time retirement, or enjoy your retirement days in full. We also offer information on what to do if you need to retire on a disability or career pension or if you become unemployed just before retirement. There is also the option of returning from retirement to continue working.
Are you in need of inspiration for your career?
At Job Market Finland, you can find dozens of career stories.
Explore career storiesAre you a recent graduate?
Important information has been collected on the "I am at the start of my career" page, which will help you move forward after the end of your studies.
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