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.

• Professional information
• Internationality

• Career choices and planning for your career

  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.

• At the start of your career

  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.

• Employment relationship and employment contract

  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.

• Employee's rights and obligations

  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.

• Workplace equality

  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.

• Wellbeing at work and maintaining the ability to work

  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.

• Occupational safety

  Occupational safety consists of physical, psychological and social working conditions.

• Impact of disability or illness on work ability (partial working ability)

  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.

• Assessing working ability

  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.

• Returning to work

  Are you returning to employment after taking, for example, parental leave or time for providing informal care?

• Resignation

  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.

• At the end of one’s career

  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.

Updated: 11.11.2024