My journey from Greece to the Netherlands

Moving to a new country for work can be both exciting and challenging. For many, including Mike from Greece, coming to the Netherlands was an exciting new step. 

So far The Netherlands has been a great place for him to start fresh and build a career. Here’s how Mike’s experience unfolded and how LabourLink helped me along the way.

Why did you choose to move to the Netherlands?

,,I decided to come to the Netherlands based on two things: recommendations from mutual fariends and I did some research of my own. I was curious about the work culture here and felt it was the right place to take my career to the next level.”

How was the job finding process?

,,Initially, I started looking for jobs through LinkedIn. However, most listings required that I either already live in the Netherlands or speak Dutch, which made things difficult. After some Google searching, LabourLink popped up as one of the first results.”

,,They seemed to specialize in helping people like me who were ready to relocate, so I decided to give Labourlink a try.”

,,The overall process of working with LabourLink was pretty smooth. They helped me get all my paperwork done, both before and after I arrived in the country. It was a relief to have guidance on things like permits and documents, which can be a bit overwhelming if you’re handling it alone.”

What were questions you had before moving?

,,Naturally, I had some concerns before moving. I wasn’t sure how taxes worked, what the standard working hours were, or how many holidays I could expect. Most importantly, I needed to figure out how to find accommodation with registration, as this is essential when you move to the Netherlands. Fortunately, Labourlink helped me along the way.”

What surprised you the most about the Netherlands?

,,My biggest surprise? How friendly Dutch people are. Coming from Greece, where people can be a bit grumpy on the street, it was nice to see strangers greet you with a simple “good morning” or a polite nod. It may seem small, but it made me feel much calmer and more welcome here. Also, it’s funny how people in the Netherlands seem to find any excuse to have a drink! It adds a nice, laid-back vibe to the culture.”

Is there something you wish you’d known earlier?

,,If I could turn back time, I wish I had moved to the Netherlands sooner. I didn’t realize how much better life could be here compared to Greece, both in terms of work opportunities and overall quality of life.”