Moving to Carinthia: An Opportunity for Those Seeking a Balanced Life
Originally from Slovenia, Vesna Hodnik moved to Carinthia for family reasons and discovered a place where work, family life and personal well-being coexist in harmony. Today she works at the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce, promoting European projects and international networks. In this interview, she shares her journey and highlights the value of a lifestyle built around work-life balance.
What inspired you to move to Carinthia, and how has living here influenced your view of work-life balance?
Vesna: I was drawn to Carinthia by its quality of life and by the significant opportunities that a new, highly developed market offers. Carinthia instantly stood out for me as a region that values both ambition and well-being. However, we initially moved here because of a job offer my husband received. We planned to stay for the two-year project that job entailed and then keep our options open. But something beautiful happened — our first child was born, soon followed by our second. Being a young mum was a wonderful experience. To begin with I didn’t work, so I had the chance to explore and enjoy the peaceful, natural beauty of this region. Every time I returned to Ljubljana, the contrast was stark: traffic jams, stress, very little free time. Here, life felt easier — from daily routines to the quality of healthcare and the support available for young children. In Slovenia, part-time work was never really an option, but in Carinthia I was suddenly given a choice — and even though I decided to work full time, simply having that option was incredibly empowering. The combination of an efficient system and a strong community spirit makes us feel secure and at ease here.
Could you tell us about your role and how your experience connects to the topic of work-life balance in Carinthia?
Vesna: In my role, I work with international networks, on EU projects, and support initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship. I work for the Department of Foreign Trade and EU Affairs at the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), which offers me the perfect platform to grow professionally in line with the experience I’ve gained over the years. My work focuses on EU projects (creating them and searching for partners) and on the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) — one of the world’s largest support networks for small and medium-sized enterprises with an international vocation. Through the EEN, I help companies connect across borders, find new business partners, and explore new market opportunities. I’m also a member of the EEN Communication Team for Austria, which allows me to follow my passion for marketing and communication. One area I truly enjoy is event organisation. Alongside my team, I coordinate Exporttag Kärnten, a full-day event that brings together around 300 participants. The next is scheduled to take place on 1 June 2026. With its energy, international mindset and inspiring connections, this is always the highlight of the year for me. Another great project is NAAN, the New Alpe Adria Network, for which I coordinate activities with 10 chambers from Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Croatia. Due to my professional background and strong personal network in these countries, collaboration comes naturally — and although Italian is the only language I don’t speak fluently yet, the multicultural environment is something I thoroughly enjoy.
In your view, which cultural, social or natural aspects of Carinthia play the most important role in supporting a healthy work-life balance?
Vesna: In these challenging geopolitical times and with the current economic uncertainties, Carinthia is a place where I genuinely feel secure and I believe children have a better chance for a stable and healthy future. When I compare something as practical as waiting times in the medical system, the difference with Slovenia is stark — here, the system works, and that fosters a strong sense of security. And with strategic projects such as the Koralmbahn, the region is becoming ever more connected and positioned for a promising future. All this combined — safety, nature, multiculturalism, community spirit, and development — creates a strong foundation for a balanced and optimistic life. Carinthia’s proximity to Slovenia and Italy infuses the region with a vibrant multicultural character evident in its food, traditions and daily rhythm. For me, this combination creates a sense of familiarity, openness and connection.
Vesna Hodnik: Foreign Trade & EU Affairs Specialist
Vesna Hodnik is a project manager and T-shaped marketer with more than 20 years of international experience. Before moving to Austria, she ran her own marketing consultancy in Slovenia, supporting a wide range of projects with strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. After relocating, she spent over a year developing an online asset-resale platform, then dedicated nearly six years to a cross-border economic organization focused on strengthening regional cooperation. Since June 2024, she has been part of WKK, working within the EEN network and coordinating the New Alpe Adria Network, EU projects and the Exporttag event—initiatives she sees as powerful drivers for connection, opportunity and inspiration for women and entrepreneurs aiming to grow internationally.