Switzerland has its own operating manual.
There’s a rhythm here. From greetings that change by canton, to how you apply for jobs, ask for help at the Gemeinde, or say “no” in a way that still sounds grateful. And while no welcome packet will spell it out, trust us: the rules are very much real.
This space collects the things we learned the hard way: missed deadlines, painfully formal letters that still somehow weren’t formal enough, the quiet triumph of doing something right on the first try.
But also the good stuff:
The swimming spot you only find by following a goat trail, the hike that clears your head and wrecks your knees, the village festival where strangers offer you schnapps and talk to you in a Swiss dialect nobody understands outside that town.
The café that becomes your favorite place far from home.
Eventually, you start building routines. You send that tricky email in German without breaking a sweat. You meet people.
And one quiet day, it hits you: you’re not just surviving Switzerland anymore.
Maybe you’re starting to belong.
For all of you who took this leap of faith, welcome.
Switzerland doesn’t hand you a manual when you arrive. Even if it did, it would probably be in high German, French, Italian, Romansh, and a slightly passive-aggressive tone (get used to this, it’s nothing personal, just how formal German sounds). At least, that's what it can feel like when you first step into your local Gemeinde.
Let’s be honest: moving to Switzerland can feel a little... quiet. The views are breathtaking, the public transport is flawless, and the streets are clean enough to eat raclette off of.
You've heard about Switzerland's excellent salaries, pristine landscapes, and impeccable quality of life. Naturally, you’re ready to pack your bags and dive headfirst into the Swiss job market. But hold on, before you sell your furniture and book your one-way flight, let's have an honest chat about what it really takes to land that dream Swiss job.
Switzerland doesn’t hand you a manual when you arrive. Even if it did, it would probably be in high German, French, Italian, Romansh, and a slightly passive-aggressive tone (get used to this, it’s nothing personal, just how formal German sounds). At least, that's what it can feel like when you first step into your local Gemeinde.
