This is not a political post, although it easily could’ve become one. I’ve decided to leave the political debate outside of my baby bubble. However, ignoring politics all together would be impossible even if my job didn’t require staying up to speed on current events – simply too much is going on! No doubt the way Britain’s exit from the EU is handled will dramatically shape our future. And with a baby on the way, I do think about the future a fair bit…
Our baby will be born here in London, to a British dad and a Finnish mum – a typical multicultural family in the UK. But what will the future hold for us when the biggest political debate in the country evolves around immigration and our right to freedom of movement after Brexit?
When majority of the British people voted to exit the EU, my head was buzzing with questions. What will Brexit mean in practical terms? Will I need a Visa? Will I still have a job here?
Most of all, I felt sad and unwelcome. Shocked that I could be told to leave. Shocked, although no one ever asked me to come in the first place. Ridiculous or not, it’s difficult not to take the referendum vote a little personally…
I came here with a dream and that dream came true, but now I’m scared for my “happily-ever-after”.
I am a European citizen who came to the UK 3.5 years ago with a big dream to make a career and live in the most multicultural European metropolis. Did anyone ask me to come? No. Did I ask any British nationals whether I would be welcome? No, I did not.
I’ve lived my whole adult life in a world where I’ve been free to choose where my home is. It’s been a luxury I’ve taken for granted. I’ve thought that since I’ve worked hard, contributed to the society and have done my best to integrate, I would be an asset to the country. Or at least not a liability.
The more I think about the situation the better I understand that I should be grateful for the opportunities this country has given me and hope it has space and sympathy for my family in the future. I may have a view of what would have been a better solution (instead of Brexit) but who am I to say how the British should run their country?
Except that it’s also my home. I don’t want to feel like a guest in my own home, especially not like an uninvited one. I would love to feel like a fully-fledged member of the society I live in, despite my Finnish origin. This would seem to require a British passport. Something to think about…
Keeping our family together is the priority!
xoxoxo,
Sini