How did I end up in the countryside?

I'm Juha, and I live in the small village of Paastonkylä in Honkajoki (Kankaanpää). I was born on a farm in the middle of a lively village community. I went to study and tried working life elsewhere, but in the end, returning to the home farm felt like a given – the chain of generations continues, and my own children were able to grow up in the same safe environment.

Today, I combine two different, but complementary jobs: I am an agricultural and forestry entrepreneur and I work in rural development at Aktiivinen Pohjois-Satakunta ry. This work provides a counterbalance to farming – and vice versa.

The most wonderful thing about the countryside:

• Room to breathe – space and peace all around, no traffic jams or rush.
• Nature is always close by – living in its midst is a privilege.
• Community spirit – here you know your neighbors and help is always available.

The most terrible in the countryside:

• Sleet and darkness – in winter the ground can be either slush, ice or snow – sometimes all at the same time.
• Long distances to services – not everything can be found around the corner, but you can learn to plan for it.
• Rural depopulation – it is sad to see villages emptying out, but that is why rural areas are being actively developed.

Tips for rural life:

If you're thinking about moving to the country, it's a good idea to try renting first if you're not sure what kind of home is best for you. A detached house in a remote village can surprise you in many ways – and real estate here is really affordable. It's also worth getting to know your neighbors and don't hesitate to ask for help.

You can't completely rely on public transport, so it's worth thinking about your transportation needs and solutions in advance. You can enjoy the services of city life in appropriate doses - but returning to the peace of the countryside is always the best part.

The best thing here is the nature, which offers endless opportunities for movement – ​​by bike, on foot or on skis. In winter, a fire and a good book bring warmth to the dark evenings – with wool socks on, of course.

The resident story is part Ihana kamala maaseutu -project concept produced by the Leader Northern Satakunta municipalities' cooperation project Network of Attraction.