I've been in Finland for coming up on one year now. Working 2 days a week is what I offered instead of flatout resigning, which is a big part of why my situation is so complicated. But I won't be going back to a regular 5 day work week there ever. I am certain I will make more money as a freelancer (3 days vs 2 even if no other considerations) and I'm not too concerned about work drying up for long periods of time. If it does, I will go back to a full time job elsewhere.dogbert27 wrote:You were put on a 90 day layoff but then you were told not to resign and do a 2-3 day week. Does that mean that instead of being without work for 90 days you are now without work for about 45 days?
After the 90 day "co-operation" procedure do you go back to a 5 day week with the company that gives you the residency permit?
Would you be happy to go back to a 5 day week with this company as a member of staff?
If so, then option 1 is the right choice. There's no point going through the initial expense of setting up your own company and finding someone to do your books, etc. if it's only for the 45 days that you will be without work.
If you're not confident that you will go back to a 5 day week and think that you can freelance and earn more money and you are confident that there is a market there for your skills it might be worth setting up the company and going that way. I don't know where that would leave you though with regard to your residency permit.
How long have you been in Finland?
As for the stability (visa wise) of full time employment, I don't believe my visa is tied to my employment with my company; only by date. I will double check when I renew but my current visa only shows the date it is valid with no mention of my employer.
As of right now, I'm leaning heavily toward #2: my best option is to go renew my visa for another year for the breathing room, then get a TMI and switch all of my business to bill through that, including my current job (raising my 'rate' as appropriate). I understand the extra tax part better now but I still don't want the government sitting on a big chunk of my money for a year+, especially when I have no long term commitment/obligation here and could be living in Tanzania next December for all I know. I already have money sitting in foreign countries' bureaucracies and I don't want to do it again.
When it comes time to renew my visa a year from now, I will either have one year of successful, profitable self-employment in Finland to back up my request with or I won't and I would leave for a job in another country anyway.
Thanks again for taking the time to help me out, everyone.
