English guy looking for work in Denmark

Hi there,
My name is Linsay and I just saw your blog, and thought it would be nice to share my experiences as I only moved here a few months ago, and had a similar situation to yours.

I am from Scotland, but lived in London for 8 years. I met a Danish guy in London and after 2.5 years of commuting at weekends I decided to move to Denmark. He has kids, and so it seemed better for me to move, and also I wanted a change from Ldn.

I searched for a job for a few months, but got lots of rejections. I work in finance, and so wanted something similar. After many rejections, my boyfriends friend gave me a maternity cover role. It will be easier for you, as you are looking for any job I guess. I must admit it is hard to get work here, esp if you do not speak Danish, as although everyone speaks English, Danish is still the language of choice at companies. I am lucky as finance is international and so all the work we do is in English. However I still miss out on all the desk chat.

I am learning Danish, but find it extremely hard. I took lessons in london, but did not really learn much as I was not using it. The thing is with Danish is that it has to be perfectly pronounced or the Danes will not understand at all, as they are not used to international people speaking Danish. While Danish lessons are free for 3 years with anyone with a CPR number, I have chosen to go to a private school. it is abount £500 a month, but worth it, as my pronounciation is better and people actually understand what I say now!!

I was in the position that I wanted to secure a job before I moved here, rather than just learn Danish full. Also, you cannt do much without a CPR number, and to get one you have to be a student or have a  job. So its a bit hard. Perhaps you could just come, and work part time in a restaurant or bar, and take some danish lessons and then look for a job that is more suitable for you in an international company where English is the preferred language.

Life in general in copenhagen is great. The Danes are hard to get to know at first, but once you are in then they are friends for life I really enjoy it here, yes it takes time but its a great city, and the work life balance here is awseome!

good luck,a nd if I can help in any way thn please let me nwo

Linsay