I had previously been working as an It-consultant for a major company in Stockholm, but after some years I decided to leave. I thought that I deserved something better, I was bored to death with my colleagues and the work tasks that I've been given. But my biggest mistake was that I hadn't registered for any unemployment benefit. I called my mother the last day on my contract, just to say hello.
“Hi mother!”
“Hi Thomas. How are you doing?
“Good. Just sitting here on my couch.”
“That sounds pleasant. Wish I could do that too, but I have to take care of the household.”
“Yeah... By the way. I quit my job.”
“Whaat? Are you serious!”
“Why wouldn't I be?”
“This is nothing to joke about. Don't you know how high the unemployment rate is? You could be out of work for years!”
“I will get another job”, I tried to convince her.
“I pray for you... Why couldn't you think things ahead, I'm really disappointed. And what would all our relatives think!?”, I didn't know if she was sarcastic or dead serious.

We ended the conversation, and I guess she wouldn't ever accept my decision – ever. As I looked out of the window through my apartment, which I had rented for years, I saw the snow that fell to the ground. I could see a white Christmas coming ahead.