I hadn’t expected the culture shock to struck me at work..

When I first moved from Romania to Denmark, I knew there would be differences, but thought I would adapt quickly. After all, working hard should do it… right?

I was wrong.

It wasn’t just the new job, or the environment - it was the different way of thinking, communicating, and collaborating. And that took a while to grasp.

🔹Where was the hierarchy?

In Romania, I was used to having a clear structure - managers made the decisions, and you didn’t challenge them. 

In Denmark, everyone, regardless of title, is encouraged to speak up. I remember how, in a meeting, I witnessed a fellow student worker openly challenging the decisions a senior manager had brought forward. I held my breath, waiting for backlash. Instead, the manager nodded and replied ‘Good point’. My first cultural shock came from the realization that here, challenging ideas is not regarded as disrespectful - it’s expected and encouraged.

🔹 Why did leaving on time make me feel guilty?

Back home, staying late showed dedication. In Denmark, people started work early and left the office by 4:30 PM - without anyone questioning their commitment. At first, I was reluctant in doing the same, out of worry that they would think I wasn’t working enough. Over time, though, I learned that worklife balance isn’t just encouraged - it’s valued. And I had to unlearn my belief that productivity meant exhaustion.

🔹 How efficiently was I communicating?

I had never doubted my communication skills, but upon moving to Denmark I experienced a new approach to communicating. 

I quickly realized people were incredibly direct. No sugarcoating or unnecessary pleasantries, just straight to the point. At first, this felt harsh but with time I got used to it; it can be refreshing to know exactly where one stands.

🔹 How do you “network” without networking?

In Romania, building a network felt formal and strategic. In Denmark, many opportunity come through casual, trust-based relationships - be it over coffee, a lunch break, or even a drink after work. It’s less about selling yourself and more about genuinely connecting with people.

In spite of the time and effort it took to get here, accepting that I will continue feeling out of place at times, and learning how to embrace these differences helped me grow, both professionally and personally. 

Now, I use my own experience to help other internationals in Denmark navigate some of these challenges while maintaining their sense of identity.

If you are an international living in Denmark and looking to unlock your career potential in the local job market, know that you don't have to go through this journey alone.