From Confinement to the Arctic: A Tale of Renewal and New Horizons
Starting Over in the Land of the Midnight Sun
At 41, Robert E. yarber has embraced a new chapter in Tromsø, Norway-a city situated nearly 220 miles above the Arctic Circle. This remote northern locale reflects his profound transformation,symbolizing a journey from chaos to calm and a newfound sense of belonging.
“I spent five years locked inside a cramped six-by-nine cell with another inmate,” Yarber recalls. “Back then, I longed to experience cities like Rome and Amsterdam firsthand-not just through screens or stories.”
Since regaining his freedom in 2014, Yarber has explored over 44 countries across Europe before ultimately choosing to settle abroad. “I bet on myself entirely and dove headfirst into this new life,” he shares.
A Tumultuous Beginning: From Promising Athlete to Prisoner
Yarber’s youth was defined by athletic achievement; during high school in Corvallis,Oregon,he broke records as an outstanding football player with aspirations for collegiate sports success until knee injuries abruptly ended those dreams.
Leaving college after his freshman year led him into entry-level roles such as dishwashing at local diners-his initial step into the food service world.
The pivotal moment came at age 21 during a party confrontation that escalated beyond control. Faced with abandoning his friend or returning armed alone for backup, Yarber chose the latter-bringing two baseball bats-which resulted in four years incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary.
The Challenge of Reentry
After release, securing employment proved daunting despite relentless applications across various industries. “No matter what job I sought-whether my dream roles or ones I never imagined-I faced rejection after rejection,” Yarber admits.
This desperation led him briefly back into illegal activity selling cocaine alongside an ex-cellmate; this misstep cost him over a year behind bars again before finally gaining freedom once more in March 2014-and maintaining sobriety since then.
A New pathway: Finding Peace Far North
The period following release was fraught with struggles against addiction while juggling unstable work as bartender and server jobs. after enduring the heartbreak of losing an unborn child with his partner, he pursued seasonal employment on Alaska’s Aleutian Islands-a remote setting offering distance from old troubles and space for recovery.
This experience ignited thoughts about relocating even further away from familiar hardships. though earlier plans to visit Norway were canceled due to relationship issues, Scandinavia reemerged as an appealing destination despite its notoriously harsh climate conditions.
Tackling Immigration Obstacles
Migrating presented numerous challenges; initial assumptions about easily obtaining bar jobs without proper paperwork quickly proved false. Multiple visa attempts failed due to income verification problems compounded by pandemic-related vaccination mandates.
Persistence paid off when attending European Bartender School enhanced his qualifications; eventually securing a skilled worker visa in 2022 granted legal residency-with annual renewal fees around $640 USD-allowing him stability within Norway’s system legally and sustainably.
Life Beyond the Arctic Circle: stability Amidst Breathtaking Landscapes
Tromsø provides quiet days managing and bartending at Havblikk Hotel’s upscale bar just outside town-a position paying roughly $26 per hour (260 Norwegian kroner) for approximately 35 hours weekly work time. Despite taxes consuming about one-third of earnings-including flat rates plus progressive brackets-the income supports comfortable living standards typical among locals here.
- A modest yet inviting apartment includes heated bathroom floors-a common Norwegian comfort enhancing warmth during long winters;
- Sociable moments frequently enough involve sharing chai lattes among fellow hospitality workers or unwinding through gaming sessions or online content creation;
“Norway reinvests tax revenues directly into peopel via healthcare coverage including surgeries and medications plus generous sick leave policies,” says Yarber.
“Employees receive premium pay for irregular shifts while schedules cannot be altered without consent-practices unheard-of back home.”
A supportive Society & Robust Social safety Nets
This social framework sharply contrasts American norms where worker protections are minimal compared to Norway’s extensive welfare system prioritizing collective well-being over profit maximization:
- Sick leave benefits guarantee financial security during illness;
- Maternity/paternity leaves provide essential family support;
- An inclusive culture fosters genuine acceptance among residents like Yarber who feel embraced rather than isolated abroad;
The Journey Forward: language Mastery & Aspirations Ahead
Eagerly preparing for Norwegian language proficiency exams required for permanent residency underscores commitment toward deeper societal integration-even if conversational skills currently rate moderate (“about five out of ten”). Public transportation suffices now without owning vehicles or property yet savings remain limited mainly because travel experiences worldwide take precedence:
- “Having spent so many years incarcerated instilled urgency-to explore places rather than hoard money,” explains Yarber who has visited dozens more countries since moving overseas;
- “If extra funds come my way? They go straight toward fresh adventures.”
“In spirit I’m definitely ‘a Black Viking,’ embracing exploration much like Norse ancestors did centuries ago.”
