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Comment by secondo | Hacker News Reader

> There are no stories like this one where I live (in Sweden). Absolutely none.

Swedish tax rates on income makes this two to three times as difficult (approaches 60% plus 30% social paid by the employer this includes RSUs as well, plus 25% VAT) but it’s nonsense to claim this doesn’t happen. I am Swedish and have made significantly more in tech than the author. So has many of my friends.

With that said, the only reason I’m still in Sweden is family. The public sentiment about the future is uncomfortably racist and increasingly hostile about fortune making. If you have the mobility my advice is to move. Good luck.

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> I am Swedish and have made significantly more in tech than the author. So has many of my friends.

I’m not saying there is no path to financial independence in Sweden, I’m just saying that the path the author has taken / is advocating is not one.

I too know people who’ve made significantly more than the author. I’ve come close myself. But that generally involves starting a company and having other people work for you.

> it’s nonsense to claim this doesn’t happen. I am Swedish and have made significantly more in tech than the author. So has many of my friends

You state further down that you made this money from RSUs.

I’m not sure which bubble you/friends live in, but the absolute majority of tech workers do NOT get RSUs, even less often in the EU.

How did you make mor? i worked in Sweden and my compensation was 4x less than it is in America. Unless you got extremely lucky or were much more senior it’s impossible, case in which you would have made far far more in the us anyhow

> I am Swedish and have made significantly more in tech than the author. So has many of my friends.

If you're comfortable with sharing, was it through a company exit or IPO?

Absolute majority through RSUs, which is why I’m objecting the GP’s claims. The vested stock I’ve reinvested through an ISK in a somewhat broader portfolio over time.

If you’ve made over a million dollars in RSUs after taxes then I must admit… I’ve never heard of anything like that. Are you sure you’re not talking about stock options in a quickly growing company/ startup?

No, I’ve had stock options too but they’ve turned out worthless.

I don’t know what your seniority is and what you’ve seen but I can assure you it exists, and it’s not unique exceptions. Maybe a good opportunity to interview if you’re feels it’s unattainable where you are now. Plenty of US companies hiring remotely too…

I just moved back to Sweden from the US, and at least for my part of industry there seems to have been a notable shift (covid?), where roles/salaries that previously required moving to SF are available remote in CET hours.

You pay hella more tax on them though, but I mean the reason I left the US was also like.. related to all this. I want the things those taxes pay for, it feels incredible to be back somewhere with functioning healthcare, functioning child care systems.

Whats racist about voters choosing the level of immigration they want?

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