New survey signals fewer Swedes want to switch to a career in tech

A new Sifo survey shows nearly half of Swedes are eager to change industries, and fewer are interested in moving into the IT/tech and entrepreneur industries.

The survey suggests more Swedes now want to switch to a career in the fishing, agriculture, forestry, travel or sustainability industries. Last year, the technology and entrepreneurship field topped the list. Now those industries ranked 5th and 6th, respectively.

Most Swedes believe you should stay in the same workplace for at least two to five years before trying out a new job, according to the Sifo study.

More than 1,000 Swedes representing all regions of the country were interviewed, and the study was conducted on behalf of freelance company Cool Company.

Survey shows Swedes eager to dip their toes into freelancing

The survey also says 7 out of 10 Swedes are interested in freelancing alongside their regular job, if they had the opportunity.

“It’s great that so many people are curious about freelance life, and dipping your toe in the freelance industry while keeping your existing job is smart,” said Matilda Konkell, communications manager at Cool Company. “Then you have a chance to build a network, get a clientele and feel a bit of freelance life before you take the step fully and freelance full-time.”

In the wake of the pandemic, Swedes also seem to be more flexible about work and the workplace. Half of those who took the survey say they would consider moving abroad for work.

Among people from the age of 18 to 29, 75 percent say they could work completely digitally from home without having their employer or client in the same country.

“During the pandemic, we both learned and got used to the digital remote work and things like fixed hours in an office already feel old-fashioned,” Konkell said. “Digital offices also open doors for new assignments or jobs without geographical barriers.”