Earning €2,800 per month (approx. ₹ 3 lakh), Dass keeps her living expenses surprisingly low despite living in one of the most expensive countries. Trading the familiar warmth of Kolkata for Nordic winters requires adaptability, courage, and a clear sense of purpose. When Debashree Dass relocated to Finland for her postdoctoral research, she stepped into an entirely new world of independence. She spoke with hindustantimes.com about balancing her high-impact biomedical work with the art of simple, mindful living. For her, moving abroad was never just about advancing her career; it was about discovering how to build a peaceful, self-reliant life.
Alongside, Dass makes it a point to invest the majority of her earnings. She explained, “Since my accommodation and day-to-day expenses are relatively manageable in Turku, I try to save a significant portion of my monthly funding after covering my basic expenses. The exact amount varies from month to month depending on travel, shopping and other personal expenses. She explained, “Turku is a relatively small and affordable city compared with Helsinki. Eating out frequently, cafés, entertainment and expensive accommodation can increase the monthly budget significantly. “For groceries, I usually shop at more affordable supermarkets and cook at home, which helps considerably with my food budget. Turku is also a very walkable city, so I often walk to places instead of using public transport. When asked whether she envisions moving back home, Dass remains grounded in her current goals while keeping her options open for the future. Reflecting on her life in Northern Europe, Dass highlighted the seamless public systems and peaceful atmosphere that make day-to-day living genuinely stress-free.
From my experience of spending time in both Finland and Sweden, Stockholm is considerably more expensive than Turku, particularly when it comes to accommodation and everyday city expenses,” adding, “Of course, the cost depends heavily on lifestyle. “The working environment is organised and supportive, which allows me to focus on my research while also having time to explore the country, travel and enjoy life outside the lab.”
