Marius Borg Hoiby - Discussions

[Duc_et_Pair]

Is that something that is looked down on by the Norwegian press? It seems like SOP in most other royal families.

There are no families with better networks than royal families, often for centuries on top of the social pyramid and for whom the who-is-who is better translated as us-knows-us. Of course this helps. It is not even needed that Haakon asks for it. Just that he is Marius Borg, with direct access to the King, the future King and a future Queen as step-sister is enough.

 

[Muhler]

But. Isn't that a thing that every stepfather would do for the stepson he loves? (Or likes, but I tend to say love from what I got from pics and so on during the years)
IS it possible, nowadays, to get a job without connections?? TBH I made the experience thats its very hard.

Indeed!
Everybody to some extent draw on their contacts. - Even journalists.

It's another matter if Marius has landed himself a well-paid pro forma job.
But if he is actually working, what's the problem?

 

[tommy100]

If Haakon actively asked them to find Marius a job then I could see a problem with it but if Marius simply applied for a job or was given a position then good luck to him.O course anyone looking at his CV could have their eyes turned by his royal connection but that is something he can't really do anything about.

 

[Somebody]

Well, VG has found out that Marius has got himself a new January/February job in the sales and marketing department at Selvaag Bolig (residential property developer, which is owned by the wealthy Selvaag-family - Wikipedia link in English). Kristoffer Gregersen, the company's Communications and Marketing Director, confirms this to the newspaper.

Hmm, I must say I am a bit surprised that the press has not made any point of the fact that Olav Hindahl Selvaag (who owns the Selvaag-group together with his father and younger brother) is a close friend of The Crown Prince - and that the company has regularly given money to The CP-Couple's Foundation.

But we can be ABSOLUTELY SURE that if it turns out that CP Haakon has used his contacts to get his stepson a job, then nobody can save him from the Norwegian media.

Article: Marius Borg Høiby har fått ny jobb - ABC.

Well, of course it is thanks to his family's connections that he got this job. Who would hire a college drop-out with no experience in sales and marketing... if not something else makes this an acceptable choice for the company('s boss).

 

[Somebody]

But. Isn't that a thing that every stepfather would do for the stepson he loves? (Or likes, but I tend to say love from what I got from pics and so on during the years)
IS it possible, nowadays, to get a job without connections?? TBH I made the experience thats its very hard.

Yes, that is very much possible these days. It might be easier with connections but that doesn't mean that you cannot get a job without them. Most people I know still got their jobs based on their qualifications (and later in life sometimes based on a combination of their skill set and the connections they themselves buil tbecause of their shown competence in their jobs).

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

What we all are doing with LinkedIn, is what the royal families have done for ages. We obtain jobs via LinkedIn. Often that is a combination of skills and networking. So we can not really blame someone in the periphery of the First Family of the land finding that doors miraculously swing open for them.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

But. Isn't that a thing that every stepfather would do for the stepson he loves? (Or likes, but I tend to say love from what I got from pics and so on during the years)
IS it possible, nowadays, to get a job without connections?? TBH I made the experience thats its very hard.

I agree, but CP Haakon has the monarchy's reputation to think about - and if it turns out that he was behind this appointment, then it was IMO a VERY BAD move from him.

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Is that something that is looked down on by the Norwegian press? It seems like SOP in most other royal families.

Well, Norway is an egalitarian society, where The Law of Jante (English Wikipedia article - link) is still very present - and that is of course reflected in the media.
And it doesn't make it any better that The CP-Couple (especially CP-Haakon) has been under constant criticism from commentators, the so-called experts and even some non-socialist MPs in The Storting since 2013, due to their friendships/networking with Labour MPs, wealthy business-people and the fact that they took Ingrid & Sverre out of the public school, etc.

And if it then should become known that ''The Crown Prince has used his position to help his spoiled stepson get a job'' (as the press would say), no, then nothing will save him from the media (not even CP MM's illness). - And believe me, if there's something CP-Haakon doesn't need, it's more bad press.

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Well, of course it is thanks to his family's connections that he got this job. Who would hire a college drop-out with no experience in sales and marketing... if not something else makes this an acceptable choice for the company('s boss).

Yes, of course. - But did CP-Haakon ask his friend to find Marius a job, that's the question.

 

[ladongas]

Sometimes no asking is necessary. When I was looking for a first job, I was having no luck at all. One day a phone call came, then an interview, then a job. How lucky I am, I thought.

Years, literally years, later, it occurred to me that the person who hired me had recognized my last name and associated it with my prominent and locally influential father. My father would NEVER have asked a favor of anyone. But the personnel director knew who I was (unusual last name) and figured it couldn’t hurt to hire me.

So no one would have to call on Marius’s behalf.

 

[Lyonnaise]

Yeah, call me cynical, but I can't see an unemployed, 21 year-old, with no post secondary education getting a job in less than a month without some help, unless the employment situation in Norway is so good that it takes 20 days for a high school graduate to find a job. In that case, I'll be moving there right away!

I guess we can ask if the job was advertised prior to him returning to Norway, or if it just suddenly ~opened~ up?

(And of course, there are always going to be people who get ahead solely on their connections. It doesn't always make it right.)

(Maybe–despite the drama it may cause—Haakon thought it was better to have him working for 2 months, rather than just lounging around at home like a bum.)

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Yeah, call me cynical, but I can't see an unemployed, 21 year-old, with no post secondary education getting a job in less than a month without some help, unless the employment situation in Norway is so good that it takes 20 days for a high school graduate to find a job. In that case, I'll be moving there right away!

I guess we can ask if the job was advertised prior to him returning to Norway, or if it just suddenly ~opened~ up?

(And of course, there are always going to be people who get ahead solely on their connections. It doesn't always make it right.)

(Maybe–despite the drama it may cause—Haakon thought it was better to have him working for 2 months, rather than just lounging around at home like a bum.)

No asking is needed. Understanding of social codes is sufficient. Marius Borg is step-grandson of the King, step-son of the future King, step-brother of the future Queen. He is in the supreme top of Norway's social pyramid. Doors swing open to him.

I have to think about the court case between Louis of Luxembourg (no job, no income) and Tessy. The Court learned that the Luxembourg banks considered Louis' solvability premium class. Just the fact that he was a son of the Grand-Duke made him solvable.

Objectively this is not the case: his wife earns more than he, but nevertheless doors swing open. Exactly the same with Marius Borg. Poor cv. But doors swing open. And we see this with so many royals in all royal families all over the world.

 

[Lyonnaise]

No asking is needed. Understanding of social codes is sufficient. Marius Borg is step-grandson of the King, step-son of the future King, step-brother of the future Queen. He is in the supreme top of Norway's social pyramid. Doors swing open to him.

I have to think about the court case between Louis of Luxembourg (no job, no income) and Tessy. The Court learned that the Luxembourg banks considered Louis' solvability premium class. Just the fact that he was a son of the Grand-Duke made him solvable.

Objectively this is not the case: his wife earns more than he, but nevertheless doors swing open. Exactly the same with Marius Borg. Poor cv. But doors swing open. And we see this with so many royals in all royal families all over the world.

So then why didn't the doors to the fashion world (where he has stated he wanted to work) open? Why not the doors to something similar to what he was doing in London? Aren't there Norwegian designers who would love the future Queen's son working with them? If the Danish Queen's grandson can get into the fashion world, I'm sure Marius would be able to.

Sorry, but a two month sales and marketing position, obtained less than a month from losing a job, sounds like something (step)-Daddy asked his friend to provide to get him out of the house.

We're going to have to disagree on this specific case. I'm not saying that doors wouldn't swing open and Haakon and Mette-Marit wouldn't have to ask in most cases. I'm just saying that I believe IN THIS CASE, asking was probably involved.

 

[Ista]

Thank you to Royal Norway for the link to the Wiki article about the Law of Jante, that was fascinating, and explains so many things about the social mores and attitudes in Norway. I'll be following this story with a lot of interest to see how it all plays out.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

To Duc_et_Pair: Well, not how egalitarian Norway works - and with the exception of some of The CP-Couple's wealthy friends (perhaps not even them), I can't think of one company/individual offering him a job just because he is ''the stepson of the future King.''
And as one of the commentators said last year (think it was the serious Royal Author, Tor Bomann-Larsen): ''In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

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Sorry, but a two month sales and marketing position, obtained less than a month from losing a job, sounds like something (step)-Daddy asked his friend to provide to get him out of the house.

First, CP Haakon and Marius have, according to all serious/reliable sources, a very good relationship. - And Skaugum is pretty big, so I doubt that The Crown Prince is trying to ''get him out of the house.''

I see three possibilities:
1. Marius asked Olav Hindahl Selvaag for a job, and got a two-months position just to prove himself.
2. Olav Hindahl Selvaag knew that Marius needed a job and offered him the two-months position to prove himself.
3. CP Haakon wanted to help his stepson get a job - and asked his friend to find him something.

??

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Thank you to Royal Norway for the link to the Wiki article about the Law of Jante, that was fascinating, and explains so many things about the social mores and attitudes in Norway. I'll be following this story with a lot of interest to see how it all plays out.

You're very welcome!

 

[Lyonnaise]

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First, CP Haakon and Marius have, according to all serious/reliable sources, a very good relationship. - And Skaugum is pretty big, so I doubt that The Crown Prince is trying to ''get him out of the house.''

I see three possibilities:
1. Marius asked Olav Hindahl Selvaag for a job, and got a two-months position just to prove himself.
2. Olav Hindahl Selvaag knew that Marius needed a job and offered him the two-months position to prove himself.
3. CP Haakon wanted to help his stepson get a job - and asked his friend to find him something.

??

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LOL! ? It's a figure of speech, Royal Norway, meaning that no parent of a 21 year old wants them sitting on the couch, eating junk food, and watching Netflix all day. They want to "figuratively" get them out of the house, doing something with their life!

And your #3 was exactly what I was saying... sooooo....

 

[COUNTESS]

No asking is needed. Understanding of social codes is sufficient. Marius Borg is step-grandson of the King, step-son of the future King, step-brother of the future Queen. He is in the supreme top of Norway's social pyramid. Doors swing open to him.

I have to think about the court case between Louis of Luxembourg (no job, no income) and Tessy. The Court learned that the Luxembourg banks considered Louis' solvability premium class. Just the fact that he was a son of the Grand-Duke made him solvable.

Objectively this is not the case: his wife earns more than he, but nevertheless doors swing open. Exactly the same with Marius Borg. Poor cv. But doors swing open. And we see this with so many royals in all royal families all over the world.

He is the half brother of the future queen. They are related by blood.

 

[MsJulie]

Well, of course it is thanks to his family's connections that he got this job. Who would hire a college drop-out with no experience in sales and marketing... if not something else makes this an acceptable choice for the company('s boss).

I wonder if he “dropped out” and “came home” because of his moms health. We don’t know nor do we know if he continuing his education quietly without the media and public getting evolved...JMOO

 

[King of the Jungle]

Marius might have left his old job only after he was offered and accepted the new job.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

LOL! ? It's a figure of speech, Royal Norway, meaning that no parent of a 21 year old wants them sitting on the couch, eating junk food, and watching Netflix all day. They want to "figuratively" get them out of the house, doing something with their life!

And your #3 was exactly what I was saying... sooooo....

Oh, my Norwegian brain seems to be a bit slow. - However, I might have understood it better (but just might) if you had written: 'Sounds like something (step)-Daddy asked his friend to provide to get him out of the house to do something with his life.'' ?

Anyway, If CP Haakon did do that, then it was most likely just to help his stepson because Marius wanted it himself. - Especially since he according to The CP-couple, is a ''very creative soul who likes to work'' - and who ''has wanted to work creatively for a long time (see post 562 & 567).''

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I wonder if he “dropped out” and “came home” because of his moms health. We don’t know nor do we know if he continuing his education quietly without the media and public getting evolved...JMOO

Marius might have left his old job only after he was offered and accepted the new job.

I don't know how familiar you two are with all this, but here is the short version:

January 2017: Left for The US to study business administration, but dropped out after some few months.
September 2017: Started in a practice-job for the German fashion designer, Philipp Plein, in Milan, but quit after a few months.
Early 2018: Moved in with his new girlfriend in London, where he in March got a job in the British luxury magazine ''Tempus Magazine.''
October 2018: The Magazine closed down, which meant that Marius lost his job (something he himself confirmed to Norwegian media), and moved back to Norway.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

To Duc_et_Pair: Well, not how egalitarian Norway works - and with the exception of some of The CP-Couple's wealthy friends (perhaps not even them), I can't think of one company/individual offering him a job just because he is ''the stepson of the future King.''
And as one of the commentators said last year (think it was the serious Royal Author, Tor Bomann-Larsen): ''In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

[...]

But isn't Tor Bormann-Larsen exactly making the same point as I did? "In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

With other words: his royal connections help Marius. Even in so-called egalitarian Norway. Or am I misreading it?

 

[Lee-Z]

To Duc_et_Pair: Well, not how egalitarian Norway works - and with the exception of some of The CP-Couple's wealthy friends (perhaps not even them), I can't think of one company/individual offering him a job just because he is ''the stepson of the future King.''
And as one of the commentators said last year (think it was the serious Royal Author, Tor Bomann-Larsen): ''In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

But isn't Tor Bormann-Larsen exactly making the same point as I did? "In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

With other words: his royal connections help Marius. Even in so-called egalitarian Norway. Or am I misreading it?

As i read it i took it to mean Marius has more difficulty to get a job than if he didn't have royal connections, in other words, if he didn't have royal connections it would be easier...(which is quite egalitarian, maybe even too much of it..)

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

As i read it i took it to mean Marius has more difficulty to get a job than if he didn't have royal connections, in other words, if he didn't have royal connections it would be easier...(which is quite egalitarian, maybe even too much of it..)

English is not my native language, so the finesse of Bomann-Larsen's words will have escaped me. It would be unique when Marius would exactly not get a job because he is part of the royal family. For so far I can see, the boy has a privileged life with not too pauvre friends, exactly because of the circles of society his family mingles in. These circles of society would suddenly close when it comes to job opportunities for Marius? Hard to believe. Even in "egalitarian" Norway.

 

[Somebody]

I wonder if he “dropped out” and “came home” because of his moms health. We don’t know nor do we know if he continuing his education quietly without the media and public getting evolved...JMOO

After dropping out he didn't come home indefinitely but went to London earlier this year. All information available suggests that he wanted to do something in fashion. The journal he worked for most recently wasn't succesful and only recently he returned to Norway. See also Royal Norway's excellent summary. So far, he hasn't been able to either study or work for a longer period of time.

So, I'd rather not use MM's health as an excuse for all decisions Marius is making; including those most likely quite some time before they knew what was going on.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

But isn't Tor Bormann-Larsen exactly making the same point as I did? "In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

With other words: his royal connections help Marius. Even in so-called egalitarian Norway. Or am I misreading it?

I read it as you did- it will be more difficult for Marius to find a job in Norway (than other places) but his royal connections help (open doors.)

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

But isn't Tor Bormann-Larsen exactly making the same point as I did? "In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

With other words: his royal connections help Marius. Even in so-called egalitarian Norway. Or am I misreading it?

''I Norge vil det bli vanskeligere for Marius å få en jobb enn det ville ha vært uten hans kongelige forbindelser, selv med en god utdanning.''
Translated to: ''In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job than it would've been without his royal connections, even with a good education.''

1. ''In Norway it will be more difficult for Marius to get a job'' (which means that it will be more difficult to get a job now).
2. ''Than it would've been without his royal connections'' (which means that it would've been easier to get a job without his royal connections).
3. ''Even with a good education'' (which means that even with a good education, it will be more difficult for him to get a job now).

Other commentators have said similar things, even those who are opposed to the monarchy.

??

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As i read it i took it to mean Marius has more difficulty to get a job than if he didn't have royal connections, in other words, if he didn't have royal connections it would be easier...(which is quite egalitarian, maybe even too much of it..)

You ''took'' it right! ?

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English is not my native language, so the finesse of Bomann-Larsen's words will have escaped me. It would be unique when Marius would exactly not get a job because he is part of the royal family. For so far I can see, the boy has a privileged life with not too pauvre friends, exactly because of the circles of society his family mingles in. These circles of society would suddenly close when it comes to job opportunities for Marius? Hard to believe. Even in "egalitarian" Norway.

Well, notice what I wrote in the post you quoted:

Well, not how egalitarian Norway works - and with the exception of some of The CP-Couple's wealthy friends (perhaps not even them), I can't think of one company/individual offering him a job just because he is ''the stepson of the future King.''

''I can't think of one company/individual offering him a job just because he is the stepson of the future King.'' That doesn't mean he won't get a job.

''With the exception of some of The CP-Couple's wealthy friends (perhaps not even them).'' That doesn't mean they won't offer him a job.

And why did I wrote ''perhaps not even them'' in reference to The CP-Couple's wealthy friends? Well, this:

Well, Norway is an egalitarian society, where The Law of Jante (English Wikipedia article - link) is still very present - and that is of course reflected in the media.
And it doesn't make it any better that The CP-Couple (especially CP-Haakon) has been under constant criticism from commentators, the so-called experts and even some non-socialist MPs in The Storting since 2013, due to their friendships/networking with Labour MPs, wealthy business-people and the fact that they took Ingrid & Sverre out of the public school, etc.

And if it then should become known that ''The Crown Prince has used his position to help his spoiled stepson get a job'' (as the press would say), no, then nothing will save him from the media (not even CP MM's illness). - And believe me, if there's something CP-Haakon doesn't need, it's more bad press.

You know, they don't want to put The Crown Prince and most IMPORTANTLY the monarchy in an even more difficult position in terms of negative media-coverage.

Just take the 62-year-old wealthy businessman, Stein Erik Hagen (billionaire in NOK and friendly with the royals), who doesn't want to accept any invitations to royal celebrations or be seen publicly with the RF anymore, because he is afraid of how it will affect the monarchy.
Why? Due to the famous ''horse scandal'' in 1998 (The King's ''Annus horribilis''), where His Majesty gave him permission to buy a horse (to 8.1 million NOK) for Märtha's use. - And when the King later the same year (during a state visit to Latvia) opened a seminar at a newly opened shopping-center in Riga, which Hagen owned a large part of, he was heavily criticized in the media.
They wrote/said that HM only opened the seminar to give thanks to Stein Erik Hagen for the ''gift'' (the horse), which of course proved to be false, although it must be said that the government of the time, refused to take any responsibility.

Yes, a bit different, I know. - But it just shows how careful the NRF and their wealthy friends have to be.

 

[Mbruno]

I wonder if he “dropped out” and “came home” because of his moms health. We don’t know nor do we know if he continuing his education quietly without the media and public getting evolved...JMOO

I appreciate other members' opinion that "university (college in the US) is not for everybody". I also understand that, in some "egalitarian" countries like Norway perhaps, a university education is not as highly valued/ important in relative terms as it is in more unequal societies like the US or maybe even the UK. Having said that, my personal (probably biased) opinion still is that , in 2018/19, not getting a university degree reflects badly on a person of Marius' social standing/class.


The same argument could be made actually for other royals like Prince Harry or Prince Andrew, but, at least in their case, they have an excuse of having pursued a military career as officers, which, to some extent, is a substitute for a university degree . In the US for example, graduating from a military academy is actually academically equivalent to getting a bachelor's degree. I know that is not the case in the UK or some other countries, but, still, it is a post-secondary education anyway.

 

[Lee-Z]

English is not my native language, so the finesse of Bomann-Larsen's words will have escaped me. It would be unique when Marius would exactly not get a job because he is part of the royal family. For so far I can see, the boy has a privileged life with not too pauvre friends, exactly because of the circles of society his family mingles in. These circles of society would suddenly close when it comes to job opportunities for Marius? Hard to believe. Even in "egalitarian" Norway.

No, I totally get it:
They want to avoid any shred of favoritism or nepotism

To be honest, in my environment it's exactly the same (even though we are not royals, not even remotely ?): if given the choice who to hire at equal capability, the person not related to you would be chosen *because* they are not related (that's why i called it "too much egalitarian")

In practice: to avoid this negative effect of egalitarism, the person who makes the choice could leave the choice to a totally impartial colleague, so the related person *does* have an equal chance.
But as practically everyone knows the royals, it would be hard to find a completely "impartial" person in the country of residence.

Following this line of thinking I can imagine that it would be way easier for Marius to find a job outside of Norway, just *because* he is related to the Norwegian royals

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

I appreciate other members' opinion that "university (college in the US) is not for everybody". I also understand that, in some "egalitarian" countries like Norway perhaps, a university education is not as highly valued/ important in relative terms as it is in more unequal societies like the US or maybe even the UK. Having said that, my personal (probably biased) opinion still is that , in 2018/19, not getting a university degree reflects badly on a person of Marius' social standing/class.

Well, (although always highly valued, also in Norway) talking about ''that not getting a university degree reflects badly on a person of Marius' social standing/class,'' is probably looked more down on here, than him actually lacking it.

Yes, that is Norway for you, and something I am proud of with this country. ?

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Following this line of thinking I can imagine that it would be way easier for Marius to find a job outside of Norway, just *because* he is related to the Norwegian royals

Exactly, and something he has tried twice. - But as you know, the practice-job in Milan didn't work out and the job in London went down hill, due to the closure of the magazine. So, perhaps he just wanted to find something here at home, where he has both his two families, friends, etc.

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BTW: To my GREAT surprise, it seems like the media is willing to let this go, at least for now.
Hmm, but when you think about it: The King's enormous popularity, CP MM's illness and the fact that the monarchy has record-high support in the polls (despite the intense criticism of The CP-Couple over the past 5 years) is probably not something they want to mess with. So, perhaps they've finally given up, something we've already seen several signs of this year.

 

[AdmirerUS]

As a University level instructor and in my personal life, I have seen so many times people fail to complete college at the first, second or more attempts due to circumstances more often than personal weakness.

Sometimes people just need time to have life knock them about, or to learn real life lessons or otherwise mature to understand that college work is worth it in more than one or two ways. Sometimes, life interrupts when there is a geographic move, a promotion, a new family. Perspective is everything. And only life experience brings perspective. JMO. There is always hope for a young person like Marius.

 

[Osipi]

When it comes to university studies, I sincerely believe that the student needs to want to be there rather than expected to be there. So often after finishing up the required many, many years of schooling, a person just has had enough and as a young adult, wants to explore his young adult world. Its definitely a period of life where there's a whole lot of trial and error going on until they hit on a path in life they feel is where they want life to take them and then see the studies at university as a ways and means of getting there.

Its important, I believe, that Marius finds his path but I don't think there's any real rush to do it right now instantly. He's got youth on his side and a supportive family. He'll be just fine.

 

[Ista]

A university education can be a wonderful thing, but I've seen many, many young people in the US complete college, and then end up in jobs at call centers, or doing temp work, or very entry level admin work with not much prospect for advancement. It's not that it can't be important, or expose the students to ideas and possibilities they hadn't considered before, but I don't think it says much about the young person's ethics, willingness to work hard, or value if they don't go to university right out of secondary school. It's certainly not the guarantee of a great career that it used to be 40 years ago. Sometimes all it means is that they need a little time and experience to find out about themselves. And sometimes they find work they are passionate about without ever going to university. Marius might be one of those people who just needs a little time to experiment and find his own way.