If you're reading this because you want to work abroad or try something new, its never too late, and you'll probably regret it if you don't try everything in your power to make it happen...so here's my experience...
Why Amsterdam?
So, if you've read my previous blog posts, you might have been able to tell that Amsterdam has always held a special place in my heart. I'm not entirely sure exactly why, I love the quaintness of it, the pretty canals and bridges and have always dreamed of living and working here.
Since Brexit, of course its been a lot more challenging as I couldn't move to the Netherlands and work, unless I had a permit, which for me, meant that I needed to be classified as a "Highly Skilled Migrant" and sponsored for my permit by a company.
"Since Brexit, of course its been a lot more challenging (to work abroad)"
How I found work in Amsterdam
Linked In! Use it. Having worked for BBC Studios for just over three years, I was not willing to leave for anything less than an exceptional role, in the city I dreamed of. I‘ve worked hard and managed to land a job with an excellent, forward thinking company. It's also still in Events, but a step up from my former role, so I can't wait to get stuck in. Also, if you're interviewing for a large company, bear in mind that they will have many roles available over time and perhaps some you won’t even know about. So even if something isn't directly related to your current role, or where you want to go, its best to give it a shot because you never know what might come from it or how it might expand your network.
Moving to Amsterdam with Employment
"they will probably support and guide you through the whole moving process as an expat"
If you are thinking of moving abroad I would highly recommend you get a job there before you move. It will make everything so much easier for you. Depending on the company, they will probably support and guide you through the whole moving process as an expat, and I can tell you, there are a LOT of forms and processes when you are going through immigration and getting a BSN number (that's like your National Insurance/Social Security number) and you need it for everything here! You also need it to open a bank account, which is imperative because some stores here don't accept Visa/Mastercard. There are also other things to set up like health insurance which is mandatory here. Your company (if they are a good one) may also arrange the moving and shipping all of your things, and provide you with temporary accommodation until you find your own place, which they may also assist with.
You're scared/worried/anxious/afraid/alone?
"if you don't do it you'll always be wondering 'what if?'"
I totally understand this, and all of these feeling are natural, but if you don't do it you'll always be wondering 'what if?', plus you can always go home if you don't like it. So many people kept telling me how brave I was to do this, but it wasn't a hard decision for me at all. I moved to this city alone, with less than a handful of friends here, and have had an amazing two weeks since I've been here. Life really is what you make it (I know - so many cheesy lines here, damn...or dam..) but of course if you don't go out and explore or put yourself out there you will feel alone. In my experience Bumble BFF has been a great way to meet people and make friends quickly, over some yummy brunch or whatever you fancy. Also, even if you know just one person, they will most likely introduce you to their friends (you know who you are - thank you!) and you can talk about the culture, and learn new words/phrases (lekker, gezellig) in a new language from them. It's all so exciting and new. Even if you are alone sometimes, learn to enjoy your own company, because you only get this for a small amount of time in life, so appreciate it whilst you have it.
Need motivation?
They always say 'you only regret the things you didn't do', and everything happens for a reason. I always knew I wanted to work abroad at some point in my life, to experience a different culture, new people and a new way of life. I knew that if I didn't work abroad I would regret it and feel as though I had missed out on a huge opportunity. So if you have any thoughts about doing it, just go for it honestly, it might just be the best decision you ever make...
If you have any questions about any of the above, please drop me a message, I'd love to hear from you! From now on you can expect some more Amsterdam related articles from me, enjoy!
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