Found her dream job in Vadsø

To get a broad picture of what Vadsø means to the people who live here, we have interviewed a range of people. People with a connection to this town. Each of them has their own experiences and views. Together they give us a glimpse of Vadsø as seen by different generations. This week we had a chat with Anette Dørmænen.

Anette Dørmænen (27) spent her first years in Vadsø, but grew up in Vestre Jakobselv. For those who know the area, that goes without saying. For everyone else: Vestre Jakobselv is a small village 15 minutes from Vadsø with strong ties to the town. After many years in Oslo, she has moved home to Vadsø, where she found her dream job. She works as a business adviser at Hermetikken Kulturnæringshage. When she is not at work, she loves both working out and gaming.

Why did you choose to move back to Vadsø?

“For the last eight years I’ve lived in Oslo, and I’ve been really happy there. In those years I’ve made a really lovely circle of friends and built up a solid network, and moving away wasn’t really on the cards for me any time soon. I simply love Oslo. Even so, I gradually felt more and more of a longing for the Finnmark air, the northern Norwegian nature and, not least, my family.

Found her dream job

When I came home for the summer holidays after finishing my studies, I stumbled into a really lovely circle of friends up here too, and I felt as though I had ‘rediscovered Vadsø’. I found the love of my life, and once the dream job was in the bag, I had moved home for real. I haven’t regretted it for a second!” – Anette

Anette describes everyday life in Vadsø as the best of both worlds: “there is always something going on, while you still have the time and space to breathe.” Anette is not alone in thinking this – it is something we have heard many people say since we started work on this website, Vadsoby.com. Being able to lead an active life and do a lot, while both town life and nature are only a short distance away, gives locals extra time in their everyday lives.

But what is the best thing about Vadsø?

As mentioned, Anette works at Hermetikken Kulturnæringshage, so it may come as no surprise that she singles out art and culture as some of the best things about the town. But there are many good things about living in Vadsø. “I’ve loved art and culture all my life. Vadsø is a wonderful town for culture, packed with creative souls and enthusiasm. There’s music, theatre, visual art, performance, film – just to name a few. There’s always something to do, and something new to experience!” – Anette

Many people appreciate the cultural life in Vadsø, but there are more reasons why people enjoy living in the town. “On top of that, nature is right outside your door, and you can experience a whole world out there – without having to queue or pay through the nose for it. There is also a diversity here that I think is incredibly important to look after; we have people from all over the world here in our little community, and that is an endless source of variety, learning and friendship.” – Anette

A small community, but not too small

Every place has something unique to offer. But what is it that is so unique about Vadsø? What do people value about this town? Is there one thing everyone agrees on, or are there several? This is Anette’s answer: “There’s something unique about Vadsø that I can’t quite put my finger on. I think it may have to do with Vadsø being, in a way, at a crossroads between two worlds. On the one hand, we are a small community, which makes me feel safe and at home. Friends are never far away, and you shouldn’t be surprised if your neighbour lends a hand when you need something. Because we are a small community, I think it creates a feeling that we have to look after each other.”

But it isn’t that small a community: “On the other hand, Vadsø is also big enough that I keep meeting new people with exciting stories and experiences. The town is also big enough that you CAN go to the shop without bumping into anyone you know – even if that’s rare, haha.” – Anette

Should you move to Vadsø?

Finally, we asked Anette what she would say to a friend who was thinking of moving to Vadsø. The answer was loud and clear: “DO IT!!!!! I’ve got to know lots of great, cool people who have moved here from somewhere completely different. For several of them, the idea was really just to stay for a little while, but then they fell so much in love with the place that they decided to stay!”