5 Years of Expat Life in the Netherlands: My Unfiltered Journey

So, picture this: I'm on the plane, fresh from an awesome vacation in Bulgaria, and it hits me - it has been 5 years since I moved to the Netherlands and embraced the expat journey! Time really does fly when you're having fun!?

My 18-year old was ready to take on the world and dive headfirst into all the wild adventures life had in store. But as I look back at these five years, I've had some real "Aha!" moments:

1. "But do you do this in your country?": As an expat that moved for my studies I got the amazing opportunity to meet so many astonishing people from all over the world. Different cultures, traditions, and life stories were dropping on me like confetti every day. Coming from a small Bulgarian town, this was a culture shock in the best way possible. Though it was the most eye-opening experience ever, it came with its fair share of challenges. Learning how to navigate cultures that were sometimes polar opposites of my own was a fascinating yet tricky journey. If I could chat with my 18-year-old self today, I'd say, "Keep that curiosity alive, soak it all in with open arms, and remember, this adventure is a lifelong deal!"
2. "Sometimes letting go or giving up is exactly what you need!": Society often tells us that quitting is a sign of weakness, right? But here's the thing: pushing through doesn't always lead to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Sometimes, it's about knowing when to let go, whether it's a job that doesn't fit you anymore, dropping out of studies that do not fit your vision & expectations or even moving to a different country. Being an expat, I've wrestled with these dilemmas, and I am very familiar with the stress and anxiety that comes with them. One lifesaver (besides a bit of therapy!) has been asking myself a simple set of questions: "Am I genuinely happy where I am (with my job, studies, or in this country)? If yes, why? If no, what do I need to change to make it a yes?" A few very simple questions can take us a long way sometimes.?
3. "Network, network, and don't be afraid to ask!": We all keep hearing that having a good network is essential in today’s market (and it’s true!), but building one when you are an expat starting from scratch could seem like a scary challenge. And while many people make it seem like a child’s play, I had a tough time figuring this one out. I've been there, feeling awkward and shy, reaching out to strangers, asking them to join my network or even just chatting for a bit to pick their brains. But guess what? People are surprisingly open to responding and sharing their own experiences and insights. If you're nodding along, here's a little tip & trick for you: identify five people who are exactly where you want to be in your career. Shoot them a quick message, connect based on their background, and maybe, if you're feeling brave, ask for insights or even a virtual coffee chat. Trust me, it's worth it!
4. "The Weather is an Experience": To end on a funny note, let's talk about the Dutch weather. In my very first intro lecture at university, the welcoming mentor told us, "Prepare for four seasons in one day in the Netherlands!" I laughed so hard, thinking it was a joke. But soon enough, I realized it was a survival tip. Dutch weather is like a rollercoaster, and rain has a knack for showing up unannounced. But you know what? It's all part of the expat adventure, and over time, you (kinda) get used to it!

So there you have it, part of my unfiltered journey as an expat in the Netherlands.

These insights come straight from the heart, from my own experiences. I hope they resonate with fellow expats, offering a glimpse into the rollercoaster I've been on. Let's raise a virtual toast to celebrating our unique paths and embracing growth!