1. Not Learning Estonian From Day One

Let me put this simply:
🗣️ If you’re living in Estonia, you need to learn Estonian.

When I first arrived, I thought: “Maybe I’ll stay for a year, maybe less. Why bother with the language?”
Big mistake.

Even if you only plan to be here short-term, starting early makes a massive difference.
You might think you’re seeing Estonia—but without the language, you’re only seeing 10% of what this country has to offer.

✅ Want deeper friendships? Learn Estonian.
✅ Want better job opportunities—even in IT? Learn Estonian.
✅ Want to feel like you belong here? Learn Estonian.

And if you plan to stay long-term, you’ll eventually need to pass official Estonian language exams anyway. Start today. Don’t do what I did and wait 5 years.

2. Sticking to My Non-Tech Profession for Too Long

I’m a mechanical engineer by training. And in Estonia, that’s… not ideal.
The truth is harsh:
💻 Tech jobs dominate Estonia’s economy.
If you’re not in IT or software development, your income potential is significantly lower.

I tried to switch to tech—but I realized I didn’t enjoy coding. That’s okay. But if you can switch and like the work, do it as soon as possible.

💡 Even if you’re not a full-on developer, consider adjacent tech roles—project management, UX design, data analysis. These are in-demand and well-paid in Estonia.

3. Delaying a Side Hustle for Too Long

🧠 Lesson: Don’t rely on just one income stream in Estonia.
I waited until year 7 or 8 before I started my content agency, helping clients with LinkedIn and brand positioning. I should’ve done this years earlier.

Imagine if you lose your job tomorrow. What happens?
🎯 If you’re on a work visa, you might have just 30 days to find another job—or leave.

Even a small side hustle can be a lifeline. Bonus tip:
🌍 Try to work with clients outside of Estonia. Foreign income, Estonian costs = game changer.

4. Ignoring Taxes & Investments for Too Long

Estonia has one of the most business-friendly tax systems in the world—if you know how to use it.
I didn’t.

For years, I had no idea what pension pillars were, what expenses I could deduct, or how the Estonian tax system really worked.
💸 Your biggest expense isn’t rent. It’s taxes.

Whether you’re employed or self-employed, educate yourself on:

• Pension Pillars 1, 2, and 3

• Business vs. personal expenses

• Investment accounts & tax exemptions

• Real estate rules

📚 These days, there’s a lot more financial info available in English. No excuses. Learn it early.

5. Neglecting My Mental Health Early On

Estonia is beautiful. But if you’re not prepared, it can be isolating.
🌨️ Long winters. Quiet streets. Reserved people.
Combine that with homesickness, loneliness, or career stress—and things can spiral.

Mental health isn’t just therapy or meditation. It starts with:

• Regular exercise

• Building a social circle

• Having at least one person to talk to when things get hard

💬 I wish I’d made this a priority from year one. Don’t wait until you hit a wall.

6. Only Living in Tallinn

Tallinn is great. But Estonia is more than just Tallinn.
If I could rewind time, I would’ve spent a year living in:

• Tartu – Estonia’s charming university city

• Saaremaa or Hiiumaa – the peaceful islands

• Viljandi or Pärnu – small towns with soul

🏡 If you can work remotely, consider living in smaller towns. Rent is cheaper, life is quieter, and you’ll see a completely different side of Estonia.
Each region has its own personality. Try to experience it.

7. Not Leaving Estonia Earlier (Yes, Really)

This might sound strange, but hear me out.
If you’re going to leave Estonia, do it before year five.
Why? Because around the fifth year, something shifts:

🧩 You start to belong.
💼 Your network is deeper.
🏡 The system starts to include you—not just administratively, but emotionally.

By year six or seven, you’re not just living in Estonia. You are part of Estonia.
So if you’re going to move on, do it before your roots grow too deep. Otherwise, this country will stay with you forever. (Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.)

🎁 Bonus: 2 Things I Did Right

Not everything was a mistake. Two decisions I’m proud of:

✅ Building Real Relationships

From day one, I was curious about people. I asked questions. I listened. And over time, I built relationships that I now consider family.
In a country known for emotional reserve, those connections mean everything.

✅ Practicing Patience

It takes time to feel at home here. A lot of time.
I was patient—and now, nine years in, I feel like Estonia is my country.

Final Thoughts: Life in Estonia Is What You Make of It

I’ve made mistakes. Many of them. But every one of them has helped me grow.
So if you’re just beginning your journey in Estonia—learn from mine.

Here’s a quick recap of what I wish I’d done sooner:

1. Learn Estonian from day one

2. Switch to tech or find high-demand skills

3. Build a side hustle

4. Understand Estonian taxes & investments

5. Prioritize mental health

6. Live beyond Tallinn

7. Decide whether to leave—before year five

And remember: relationships and patience will take you further than anything else.

📢 BIG NEWS: I’m launching a 4-week course on life in Estonia.
This is not a casual guide. It’s an intense, deep-dive experience covering:
✅ Working in Estonia
✅ Making money & managing taxes
✅ Building relationships
✅ Dating, friendships, and culture

It’s not free. In fact, it’s expensive. But it’s for those who are serious about building a life here—not just surviving, but thriving.

📝 If you’re interested, click the link in the description.

And now? It’s snowing outside. I’m going to sip my tea and smile at the journey so far.

Thanks for reading. I’ll see you in the next one.