Ben, Cassandra, Ilana and Samuel close to their home in Svarttjärn. "I think they’re enjoying having more of their father around, both at the start and end of the day."
Monday
The week begins once again with my new routines. These days, that means being there in the mornings to get my two youngest children ready for school and seeing them off on the bus. I think they’re enjoying having more of their father around, both at the start and end of the day.
Our youngest has just started at a new school, so being home during this transition has been a silver lining in an otherwise uncertain time. It’s something I’ve found comfort in, even as we navigate life without my job.
I’ve explained the situation to the children and how it might affect us. I don’t see any value in sugar-coating it. Still, for our youngest – who has learning difficulties and struggles with verbal communication – it hasn’t been easy. He doesn’t fully understand why things are changing or why we can’t do all the things we used to.
In a strange way, this could be a chance to teach them something meaningful: how a family copes with setbacks. If I can help them understand that, maybe that’s one good thing to come out of all this.
Tuesday
Bad start to the day. I received the disappointing news that I didn’t get the job I had recently interviewed for. The feedback was positive – there were no negatives, just that the role went to someone with more experience. I hope I left a good impression with the recruitment agency and can build on that in future applications.
Meanwhile, I’ve started Swedish classes through ABF. We’re focusing on the basics, but in a more detailed way than I’ve encountered before. I already knew a lot of vocabulary and could form sentences, but this is helping me get a much stronger grasp of the language. For the first time, I feel like I’m moving from sounding like a beginner to something much closer to fluent. Well – that’s the plan, at least.
Wednesday
I headed into the city to meet with photographer Donna Richmond for a set of professional portraits. I plan to use them on my CV, LinkedIn and other platforms to help boost my visibility.
In a job market as competitive as this one, the smallest things can make a big difference. I know many of the people laid off at Northvolt – they’re talented, experienced, and they’ll be applying for the same roles I am. That’s why I’m trying to find what makes me different.
A good photo won’t land me a job on its own, but if it helps convey who I am and gives someone a reason to pause, maybe that’s enough to tip the scales.
Friday
Good Friday brought a quiet moment of reflection. Earlier this year, we’d planned a trip – a real adventure for the kids. It would have taken us to southern Sweden, with a boat journey, a concert by my daughter’s favourite band, and a night train home.
As things began to unravel at Northvolt, we decided not to book it. That decision turned out to be the right one, but it still stings. It’s hard not to think about what we could have been doing, and how much more cautiously we’ll need to live until I’m back at work.
My wife and I now avoid planning anything too far ahead. There’s a growing fear that our money will run out. The payments from Northvolt’s trustees have been inconsistent, so we’ve dipped into our savings to cover groceries and bills and avoid late fees.
Not knowing when the next payment will come casts a long shadow. What should be quality time at home with the kids is clouded by financial stress.
Still, we’re doing our best to make the most of it. Enjoying time together doesn’t have to cost much – and that’s what I’m trying to focus on, even while this sense of being in limbo lingers.