A Transatlantic Nurse’s Unique Work-Life Balance
For many, the idea of working across continents might seem impractical, but for Courtney El Refai, a 31-year-old nurse from Sweden, it’s a viable and rewarding career choice. Her journey from Stockholm to San Francisco spans 5,200 miles and takes 11 hours, yet she finds it worth every moment for the financial benefits and lifestyle she enjoys.
Courtney works as a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse in the San Francisco Bay Area, earning an impressive $116 per hour. This rate allows her to cover her monthly rent in Stockholm, where she lives with her husband Rami, a student, and their two-year-old daughter. The family moved to Sweden in 2022, but after giving birth in January 2023, they began splitting their time between the U.S. and Europe.
In 2024, Courtney secured a position in San Francisco and has since made the transatlantic commute a regular part of her life. She flies back and forth, racking up 30,000 miles and spending around $1,500 on travel since January. Her work schedule is flexible, with four eight-hour shifts each month, allowing her to take six-week breaks between assignments. This arrangement gives her the freedom to enjoy time at home while still maintaining a high income.
Despite the long travel times and time zone differences, Courtney says she doesn’t struggle much with jet lag. She also notes that her earnings are significantly higher than what she would make working full-time as a nurse in Sweden. A single 12-hour shift in California can cover her entire monthly rent in Stockholm, making the commute financially feasible.
Financial Advantages and Career Flexibility
Courtney highlights the difference in pay between the U.S. and Sweden. In the San Francisco Bay Area, nurses earn some of the highest wages in the country, thanks in part to strong union representation. She explains that in Sweden, the pay is drastically lower, with nurses earning up to $30 per hour. Additionally, the cost of living in San Francisco is more manageable compared to other parts of the U.S., such as Washington, where she previously lived.
Her job in the U.S. also offers extra incentives, like increased pay for weekend shifts and training roles. These opportunities allow her to maximize her income while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When she isn’t working, she uses her time off to spend quality moments with her daughter and focus on learning Swedish, which she hopes to use for future citizenship applications.
Practical Aspects of the Commute
To manage the logistics of her commute, Courtney rents a room from another nurse in San Francisco for $50 per night. She leaves her scrubs and car at the property when she returns to Sweden, ensuring she’s always prepared for her next trip. She also books flights well in advance, prioritizing cost-effectiveness while maintaining flexibility in her schedule.
The process of managing her dual residence involves careful planning, especially when it comes to taxes. While she pays taxes in both Sweden and the U.S., a double taxation treaty ensures she isn’t taxed twice on the same income. This arrangement helps her maintain financial stability without additional burdens.
Challenges and Personal Reflections
Despite the benefits, there are challenges. The nine-hour time difference makes it difficult to stay connected with her daughter and family during her 10-day stays in the U.S. However, Courtney sees the commute as a way to escape daily obligations and enjoy a “mini vacation” while working. She also values the cultural experiences and friendships she maintains in the U.S.
Looking ahead, Courtney feels her current setup is sustainable for the foreseeable future. She has no immediate plans to change her routine, as the combination of high pay, flexibility, and quality of life in Sweden makes the transatlantic commute a practical choice. For now, she continues to balance her professional ambitions with the joys of family life, proving that sometimes, the farthest journeys lead to the most rewarding destinations.
