Unemployment rate rises as Tomi Ek shares job-seeking challenges in Finland

Tomi Ek, a 44-year-old from Vantaa, has received frequent inquiries about how he envisions working under someone else after spending so many years as an entrepreneur. “That’s a really silly question,” he states, apologizing for his bluntness. He believes it’s foolish for two reasons: current legislation allows for a six-month trial period during which both the employer and he can assess their compatibility, and he wonders why he would apply for a position if he wasn’t genuinely interested.

As reported earlier, the unemployment rate in Finland has seen an increase, with nearly 280,000 job seekers in August, over 30,000 more than the previous year. Available job openings have decreased by 60,000. Ek is among those who have shared their job-seeking experiences with Yle, noting that during the challenging job market, applying for positions has been difficult.

Following the bankruptcy of his smart lock company, Oviku Oy, in June 2022, Ek found himself in the unprecedented position of searching for work. In the last two years, he has applied for approximately 250 jobs, ranging from CEO to cashier. He has only landed one interview for a sales manager role within the construction industry.

Frustration is common among job seekers, especially with the automated responses that often accompany applications. Many complain about feeling undervalued, as they receive no personal replies, leading to a sense of worthlessness.

Ek believes that while his long and varied résumé showcases his diverse skills, some employers might perceive his broad search for jobs as insincere. He continues to apply for various positions with a mindset of learning and growth, maintaining a stance that unemployment is merely a learning journey.