I do take chances all the time and it's usually for the best. All I ask is for experiences from others when it comes to it. How long it took different people to get a job. I know some too 2 month, 5 months and so on. But that's my own calculation. I want actual experiences. It's call research and knowing what I get into. My BF is dutch, and he took 7 -8 months to get one. So yes, I know it differs. Thank you for sharing your experience. marisabelart (Jun 28 2010, 01:49 PM) said: > original post
canuckywoman (Jun 28 2010, 12:54 PM) said: > original post
Then you need to hear from an actual graphic designer who has to tell you whether your qualifications will even be accepted here without additional training and/or freelancing...
Most of us sponsored by Dutchies from outside the EU end up in admin or motherhood to be honest unless they are lucky enough to have recognized qualifications or a Dutchie who can support you while you get on your feet. My experience as a secretary (ad copywriter in a past life) won't help you much unless you're leaving graphic design behind...
marisabelart (Jun 28 2010, 12:57 PM) said: > original post
Hmmm ic, I guess those kind of jobs would be a good start if there is nothing else. But yea, read most do get those jobs. I wouldn't mind as I enjoy that too. But my bf would, as he knows I give up part of my dreams. Which is not true, I would use it more as a stepping stone. Is not like I'm in a hurry. We'll see, thank you for the information.
For example, as the non-EU partner of a Dutchie, you will have to inburger and be taught how to use bank accounts and fill in Dutch forms - because the course is not aimed at western immigrants but the law means you have to do it anyway. osita (Jun 28 2010, 04:33 PM) said: > original post
Now compare who your competition is for those admin jobs: every English speaking expat and their partner, in the country, who can no longer get work in their own fields. Teachers. Lawyers. Managers. Accountants. Dutch people of whom many thousands are still out of work after the recession and who speak much better English than you speak Dutch: the market is biased in their favour. People who have been told that their qualifications have no value here because what good is knowledge of your own country's legal system, taxes, etc in this country? International companies are the ones that made the most lay-offs. English-only jobs are as scarce as hen's teeth.
How would you feel if 'those kind of jobs' are not just a good start, but the only thing you can do for a considerable length of time? There is no way you can move here and not have to make compromises; and it appears those who move here for a partner seem to make the most
If I were you, I'd be looking for a job before you relocate because doing nothing all day while your man works is mindnumbing - it can make you reliant on him for companionship and it's not nice feeling reliant on a guy if you're an independant woman (as you seem to be).
marisabelart (Jun 28 2010, 05:42 PM) said: > original post
Yea, I agree, I don't want to feel like a burden. My idea of living with someone is to share a life, not just depend on them, as much as they are willing to support. I have no problem on learning how to do other things. And I aim for a more global position, maybe I end up freelancing from home on art and such. But it's something I am preparing from now as a "backup" plan. As it's something I'll do anyway regardless of the country I am in. Are some partners working also on freelance? I've read some stories on people that are. Both options have disadvantages and advantages. I am building my contacts from now though, a good network over there is also important to make this possible.
canuckywoman (Jun 28 2010, 06:48 PM) said: > original post
If you can afford to freelance, do it. It will help you feel so much less dependent on your Dutchie from the get-go.
amifoster (Jun 28 2010, 07:20 PM) said: > original post
K my job story which is still on-going. I moved here 8 months ago. Im trained in Finance but i came to holland only known very basic dutch. I knew that i wouldnt be able to get a job in which im trained for, for quite some time but i still apply to jobs. I got a job within the first month as i used the thinking of "i dont care what job i do as long as it puts food on the table". I am currently working in kitchens in a resturant and im proud of it. Nothing wrong with going to a lower paid job if it gives u money and freedom(not stuck in the house while ur dutchie is working)
If ur planning on coming before you have a job. Try coming with the same mind state, you might get a job below ur normal pay but a jobs a job.
Goodluck for when you move:D I know there is highs and real lows when moving such a distance:D So i hope your move goes smoothly.
irishangel (Jun 28 2010, 09:56 PM) said: > original post
Yup took me 8 months to find a job in finance. BUt I decided I wasnt gonna take any job until I absolutely had to.
canuckywoman (Jun 29 2010, 07:10 AM) said: > original post
Sometimes you just can't just take 'any job'...especially if you're older. Otherwise you can kiss your old career goodbye. The tricky part is when you're older and you and your partner can't live on his income alone...
irishangel (Jun 29 2010, 06:26 PM) said: > original post
I appreciate that CW and tbh I was almost at that point of I need a job, any job I just need a job. My savings were gone and on his income alone we werent really living, just exisiting.
And then lady luck wafted in my direction.
canuckywoman (Jun 29 2010, 05:46 PM) said: > original post
Whew!
In my case, I was in a major IND backlog in 2004 that didn't allow me to work for the first year! Nowadays the process averages a couple of months...
Luckily a friend recommended me for a job with her employer...and I was working a month later. I've been in admin ever since, but meh. It pays for a life!
irishangel (Jun 29 2010, 06:26 PM) said: > original post
And then lady luck wafted in my direction.
