Eye-deal support for a big move
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13/06 2025 - Stores

Eye-deal support for a big move

Relocating for work is a big decision, but with the right support, it can be one of the most fulfilling choices you’ll ever make. For Joanna Przybylska, accepting a role at Specsavers in Kristiansund, Norway, meant more than advancing her optometry career – it wasn’t just a job offer but an invitation to belong in a place that quickly began to feel like home.

What inspired your decision to relocate?

“I’ve always dreamed of living abroad. Even as a child, I imagined building a life in a different country that didn’t follow the conventional path I had been taught. As I grew older, that dream evolved into a focused search for a place where I could shape my future with intention and purpose.

After beginning my optometry studies in Poland, I discovered that Norway offered a broader scope of practice for optometrists. I’ve always enjoyed a good challenge, and since cold winters don’t scare me, Norway felt like the ideal place to develop personally and professionally.”

Did you receive the support and guidance you needed, and what kind stood out most?

“From the moment we arrived, the support was incredible. My current manager was waiting outside our apartment with the keys in hand. I never felt lost or without a place to call home.

What truly stood out was how welcoming and proactive everyone was – not just toward me, but also toward my fiancé. Even though I was the one being hired, the company went out of its way to ensure he felt supported too. That gesture made a lasting impression and gave us both a strong sense that we were exactly where we were meant to be.”

What made Specsavers stand out as the right choice for your move?

“My decision wasn’t random. I thoroughly researched the optical industry in Norway before choosing Specsavers. While feedback on other companies was mixed, Specsavers consistently stood out with overwhelmingly positive reviews from professionals across Norway and Sweden.

What sealed the deal was the company’s repeated recognition as a Great Place to Work. Knowing that I’d be entering an organisation that values its people and fosters a positive work culture gave me the confidence to leap.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of your experience since relocating?

“Without question, the people I’ve met have been the highlight. Not only have I found the Norwegian people to be much warmer and more open than I’d expected, but I’ve also connected with individuals from all over the world who, like me, chose Norway for their own unique reasons.

Our team has created a store atmosphere that balances professionalism with light-heartedness – a place where growth and laughter are encouraged. That energy doesn’t just uplift us; it brings customers back again and again.

While adapting to a new clinical environment was initially challenging, especially in a new country, the rewards have far outweighed the difficulties.”

What advice would you give to someone considering relocating with Specsavers?

“Don’t overthink it – go for it. Discuss what matters most to you, including your terms and conditions. Remember, moving abroad isn’t just a job change – it’s a life change. So, create the space to feel secure and empowered through the process.

Be patient with yourself. Things rarely unfold precisely as planned, and a flexible, calm mindset will help you navigate the ups and downs.”

 

Sometimes, it takes a change of place to find your place. Pursue International career opportunities  or find your next fit here 

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