After a five-year absence, Tommy Lindström and Petra Eriksson have landed in Norrbotten again, now with 1.5-year-old daughter Signe as the natural focal point. Returnees are often described as a homogeneous group, but just like other newcomers, they have different expectations for the new life in their hometown.
Petra, originally from Älvsbyn, chose to change her career with the move and now works at Swedbank. Tommy has started the company Shiver Labs, which assists others with solutions in, among other things, AI and machine learning. In September, he began the Go Business incubator program at Piteå Science Park and looks forward to all the exciting opportunities it brings.
The decision to return was born when Signe came into the world. Providing their daughter with close relationships with Tommy and Petras' families felt natural. Additionally, the couple missed the direct proximity to nature, the calm, and the sense of security.
– The increased insecurity in Stockholm cannot be ignored, Tommy and Petra argue. The decision to move was relatively easy, but it was not without its challenges.
Six months before the move, they contacted Piteå's relocation service. Having the opportunity to discuss new career possibilities and establish direct contact with potential employers has been and is of great importance to the couple. When it came to finding housing remotely, they quickly realised they would need support from their loved ones. Tommy's and Petra's primary advice is to dare to ask for help when needed.
– As returnees, you certainly know your old city, but it's a big difference leaving as a student compared to coming back as a business owner and a parent, says Tommy.
They have noticed changes in Piteå since they last lived there. The town has developed with a distinct small-town feel and changes both in and outside the city centre, as well as significant investments in, among other things, sustainable energy, and industry. They view the development positively and believe in the future of the municipality.
– Concrete advantages in Piteå include proximity to nature, lower housing and living costs, and a calmer and safer environment. Another thing we also appreciate here is that preschools and schools generally have a much better and more pleasant outdoor environment than many we've seen in the capital.
The family still maintains a high pace but has slowed down a bit compared to their time in Stockholm. They spend more time with family and friends and want to shop locally to support local businesses.
We have spent much more time in nature. As part of that, we engaged in berry picking, and fishing, and discovered new hiking trails that we had not visited before. We look forward to a real winter with a lot of winter activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Simply things that are not as easily accessible in southern Sweden.
Relationships with people in Piteå have deepened, but they also look forward to meeting new acquaintances. Seeing their little firecracker Signe's relationships with family and friends develop means everything. They dream of buying their own house and being an active part of the community by contributing to and influencing their local environment.
– We are here to stay! We want to live and thrive here and allow our daughter to grow up here. We want to be part of the community and contribute to and influence our local environment. You could say that we already felt at home before the move, but now it's real and long-term.