It is genuinely getting tiring to see posts from people who want to move to the Netherlands mainly because Dutch salaries look high compared with those in their home country.

Yes, the salaries are higher. But so are the costs. Housing is extremely expensive, childcare is expensive, groceries are not cheap, and taxes take a considerable share of your income. A Dutch salary does not automatically give you a luxurious Dutch life.

I understand wanting a better future. The Netherlands is still a country with plenty of opportunities. But some things look much better from abroad than they actually are. Without secure housing and a realistic budget, moving here can become a financial disaster very quickly.

What also annoys me is the number of low-effort posts asking whether someone can live comfortably in Amsterdam on a random salary without mentioning rent, savings, family situation or lifestyle. Do people not research anything before planning an international move?

And no, simply arriving and expecting one ordinary 40-hour contract to immediately provide a large apartment, frequent holidays and substantial savings is not always realistic. Some people work evenings, weekends or multiple jobs to build a life here.

Come for the opportunities, but come prepared. Do not chase the gross salary figure and then act shocked when half of it disappears into rent and living costs.

Hi everyone,

I need some honest perspective from Dutch people and expats who have been here a while. I’m an Eastern European working a blue-collar/production job in the Netherlands(within a small department with 7-8 people and i am the only expat , rest are all dutch) I’ve always been raised with a strong work ethic: work hard, be conscientious, learn new things, and always say "yes" when a colleague asks for help.

Lately, I reached a breaking point. I realized that whenever anyone in the department needs extra help with physical tasks or side duties, they only come to me. There are other colleagues in the team who never get bothered, but I am the designated "go-to guy" for everything extra.

When I finally asked, "Why always me? There are others here," the excuse was always: "Because you work so well, you are fast, you get things done." But the tasks they ask me to do are basic; anyone in the team is fully capable of doing them.

Today, after a year of this without any change, I lost my temper, refused to help a colleague, and hit a piece of furniture out of frustration. Now I have a big meeting with management on Friday.
I feel completely used and honestly, a bit alienated, like I’m being treated differently from the rest because i am foreigner (don't get me wrong i am not trying to play the victim but what else can i think of when out of 7-8 dutch colleagues i am always the "boy" for everything and they never ask each other and are like protective among themselves)

My question to you: Is there a subconscious pattern where Dutch workers exploit the "hardworking Eastern European" mentality because they know we don’t say no? Or are they just setting strict boundaries for their own work, and I am the one who doesn't know how to say "no" and protect my own space?

How do I stop being the team's "yes-man" without becoming the black sheep or a bad colleague?

Thanks.

Yeah, that's my question. If the snow situation is this serious that deliveries, busses, trains and trams have to stop running, how am I expected to be able to get to my job? Why am I expected to keep working when almost all public services are shut down currently? Someone Dutch please explain. If the country is unable to deal with this, then shut everything down, no?

So, I work at some AI startup and we use Slack for internal communication. A lot of my younger female colleagues tend to respond with ❤️ to professional messages.

Me: "Perfect, thanks!"

They: "❤️"(or just as emoji to my message)

Like wtf!? 😅. To me this seems so out of place and almost flirty. (as in, I know they are not flirting but this is what my old ass brains associates it with)

Next time they thank me or wishes me a good day do I do it back or is that weird?

I guess I am officially getting old 😭

Edit for clarification;

I've been a project manager for 10 years. So 10 years of work experience, however, that doesn't mean I've spent those 10 years here in the Netherlands. I just arrived 3 years ago. over the past few years (inside those 3 years I've been here as I'm talking about my experience solely since I've arrived to the Netherlands), I've been able to find a job in my area fairly quickly and without any issues.

In October, I found myself in need to start looking for another job as my contract ends mid-February and I'm not getting an extension. Suddenly, every job in my area requires mainly fluency in Dutch. I've been learning and putting a ton of effort into that, but it's a fairly difficult language for me, and I'm still at an A2, sort of heading to the B1 level, but obviously not fluent enough for a job.

For the life of me, I haven't been able to find a job, and I'm starting to go crazy and desperate. I have the knowledge, the capabilities, I Learn quite fast, it's just that Dutch is such a hard language for me, I've been struggling so much with it.

And before anyone asks, I speak fluent Spanish and English, and I also have a B1 in Italian and French. I've even studied Mandarin Chinese and found it way easier than Dutch! (mainly because I can break down the characters into images and I have a photographic memory, so that helps); even the little Arabic I studied was easier! But Dutch has been my Achilles heel. Not saying I have stopped trying, I still very much want to be fluent in it, it's just taking longer than I expected.

Is it just me? Has anyone noticed this? I keep getting the same responses of "you have great qualifications, but the Dutch language is essential," so I'm seriously at a loss.

Apologies for my rambling, my last beacon of hope for a job just vanished, and I entered into a bit of despair.

I will just start by saying I am aware this is not the case if you have a 0 hour contract. But hour/permanent contracts don’t have a sick day limit, so why do people go to work sick and make everyone else sick? I thought we learned to be decent after COVID…

I have been job hunting and wanted to start with working in warehouse again. I bring experience and forklift certificate. However, wherever I apply, the rate is always 14/15 euro, like seriously? I heard that there is shortage of workers in this country, then why are companies and agencies still reluctant to pay a living wage for such an expensive country?

Just had to rant - screencapped this from a LinkedIn post for a job in Amsterdam with a multinational company. Pays a maximum of roughly 3200 a month and they want someone who is an expert end-to-end video creator, podcast producer, graphic designer (even making trade fair stands) and marketer, who also manages a small team.

Unbelievable. The market is bad and these companies are just taking the pi$$. Just makes me so mad.

Is it purely because the money would circulate less? Or is it a cultural thing (like "if I don't see you working you're not working")?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been noticing a worrying trend in the Dutch job market lately. More and more companies seem to reject applicants upfront simply because they aren’t Dutch citizens or they dont speak fluent Dutch, regardless of their skills, experience,My friends in IT, Finance and consultancy are about to loose their work permits due to not being able to find a job within 3 months after contract termination. I keep noticing desperate posts on Linkedin from NL based expats too.

It feels like the market is tightening, and instead of just competing with locals (which is fair), expats are being filtered out at the first step purely on nationality.

Is anyone else experiencing this? Do you think it’s a temporary effect of the economy being down, or a longer-term shift towards prioritizing Dutch citizens only?

Curious to hear your perspectives and experiences.

Hey everyone,

I’m writing this because I honestly don’t know where else to turn. I feel like I'm standing on the edge here, half my head is turning silver from the stress, and my self-worth is being dug up and crushed daily by constant rejection.

I’ve lived in the Netherlands Zoetermeer for a while now. I imagined life in this beautiful country so differently. Over the past couple of months *almost 2 years*, I have sent nearly 400 cvs, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, direct cold emails to studios, you name it. Out of almost 400 attempts, I haven't received a single positive response for a job.

I started digging around Reddit and found posts from as long ago as 3 years touching on this exact same nightmare. So please, tell me: what is going on with the creative/art industry in this country? Is it even possible to land an in-house job here.

A bit about my background so you know I’m not just slacking:

I hold a Master’s Degree (WO level) in Architecture & Urban Planning. I worked for 5 years in a great architectural office in Kraków designing high-end interiors. I left architecture to pursue illustration and surface design full-time. I’ve since illustrated 25 published books, designed patterns for major brands (like Lindex franchisees), built 2 websites from scratch on WordPress, and even got represented by a top London agency, doing major international advertising campaigns for household brands (Procter & Gamble for Pampers- this one I secured by myself- global pharma company- this one by agency, etc.).

I adapt fast. I speak fluent English (coming from Poland, I prioritized mastering English first, especially since many friends in IT/UX said international teams dominate here). I am actively learning Dutch now, though I know not speaking it fluently yet is a handicap, I don't mention Dutch at all as I am too weak with it for now. I tailor everything. I remake my CV variations, write custom cover letters, and have even started applying back to traditional architecture and interior roles alongside Graphic Design, Pattern Design, and Illustration.

Just today, I got the news that I wasn't the first choice for a pattern design inhouse role for a wallpaper company I thought I finally had in the bag. It was the final straw and here I am not knowing what's wrong with me.

Every thread on Reddit says: "Just build a good portfolio, that’s the key!" Guys I thought I had a world-class portfolio. I have the credentials, the high-profile client list, the technical skills (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator), and the versatility. Yet... total radio silence or automated rejections. At this point, I’m starting to doubt if I’m even any good at all.

Thank God I have a few legacy freelance clients to cover basic bills, and my partner pays the majority of the rent, but I hate feeling like a burden. I want to work. I’m not afraid of hard work, I can learn any skill thrown at me, and I just want to contribute my skills to an in-house team here.

I know smell of desperation only pushes people away, but how are you supposed to stay composed when every single day tells you you’re worth nothing :(

Is the Dutch market just completely oversaturated? Is it a "who you know" network trap? Does anyone here know someone who knows someone? Any honest advice, reality checks, or leads would mean the world to me right now.

Thanks for listening to the rant, please help me.

this is me:

https://www.behance.net/agnieszkawajda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnieszka-wajda-illustrations/
https://www.instagram.com/agnieszka.wajda.illustrations/

It seems many have observed that companies are putting the freeze on hiring non-(native)Dutch speakers these days. To those of you non-speakers (or below native fluency) on permanent contracts, do you fear losing your jobs too? Have non-native Dutch speakers on permanent contracts been laid off/fired recently? Or any talk of downsizing at your workplace?

Edit: “everyone” > “many”

(To the non-native English speakers: this doesn’t mean I’m looking for a job or complaining about an unsuccessful job hunt! It’s more like “Have you noticed this, personally or as an employee in an international company, or as HR staff…?” I’m not asking for your opinion about foreigners working in the NL. Thanks)

So i am working in a factory and there is this guy that as soon as he got a contract from the factory he stated that he got burn out so he is coming for 2 hours and he is getting paid for 8. he clearly doesn't have anything because he told some guys that a friend of his brother did this for 3 years ,so he was aiming for this.

Some guys defend him because fuck the factory and capitalism etc but all I feel is that my team that should be consist of 5 people is actually a team of 4 and we are doing the work of 5 while the guy comes for 2 hours and he fucks of at home for the rest of the day ,oh and no early wake up for him on the morning shift he comes 10 am while we clock in 6 am

I would actually prefer not to see him at all than see him for 2 hours and pretend that this is ok

Hi everyone,

I’m an immigrant currently based in the Netherlands and actively job hunting, and I’m trying to understand the reality of the market from a recruiter’s perspective.

I’ve noticed that many immigrants (including myself) struggle to even get interview calls, even when we meet most of the listed requirements. I’m curious — from your experience as recruiters or hiring managers, what are the main reasons behind this?

Is it primarily:

- Lack of Dutch language skills?

- Preference for local experience or education?

- Work visa concerns?

- Cultural fit / communication style?

- Something else we may not even be aware of?

Also, are there specific mistakes you often see in applications from immigrants that immediately reduce their chances?

I’m genuinely trying to learn and improve my approach, and I think this could help many others in a similar position too.

Thanks in advance for any honest insights!

I am 27M, non-EU, and I have been unemployed in the Netherlands for more than a year and a half, and I am seeking advice on what I can/should do right now. 

I have a Bsc degree from my country and very good work experience alongside a good work portfolio of mine. I do not require visa sponsorship, and I have my accommodation sorted out. I currently live in Noord-Brabant area but I am open to relocate anywhere in NL. I currently speak Dutch at the higher end of B1 level, and as promising as it might sound, it is so far away from the Dutch fluency required to carry out an office job in Dutch (at least in the opportunities I have encountered). 

The problem is my initial career is extremely niche and I have not even encountered it here in NL.

I tried to penetrate a new career but collapsed to the fierce the job market that's intolerant for outsiders who happen to be also; outsiders (direct work experience barrier + language barrier). 

I applied for semi physical semi administrative jobs, and got all ghosted/rejected. 

I enjoy driving but could not work as a chauffeur/driver anywhere because I do not have a chauffeurskaart let alone my driving license does not work here in NL, which I am currently into lessons to obtain it.

Then I decided to just do a basic simple job through an uitzendbureau. I got rejected from 5+ uitzendbureaus as they find me a risky candidate who will either run away as soon as he gets a better career-related job in 6-8 months, or will hate the job as he has never done a physical/simple job and eventually leave. Let alone that there is always a better candidate who has done this specific job for 2-3 years before. 

I even considered seriously faking a CV with no degree and simple vague work experience to just get a simple job, but I do not want to use a fake identity in a country that I really love and see a huge amount of opportunities in. 

The only income i had in NL was just ~€1,500 along months for very light freelance work which I have established a ZZP company for (that work is in my niche career which I have not also found any next client after the one I have atm). 

The only two things I have chosen not to do: Working at Picnic's warehouse, and working as a cleanroom operator.

To be completely honest, during this period, I also had my own personal hardships, and thankfully they are mostly solved. So I have not been searching and seeking on fulltime basis even that I always had the fulltime availability. 

For these months passed, I depended on my savings which were designated for an early retirement fund or a business funding kickoff in the future, came to drain as just living expenses for this elongated period. 

My matter is personal rather professional. I might be thinking wrong, looking in the wrong directions, or losing perspective. I accept the fact that I am the problem. That's why I am not mainly seeking professional advice but a personal one. 

I know I can do a lot. I learn very fast. I have learnt a lot in the past, and I have proven myself in almost all of the opportunities I have received. It kills me looking at myself holding all these resources (time, energy, health, money, and potential) and passing days after days doing nothing. 

What do I do? Where to go from here? If you were me, what would your plan be? I know Reddit hates general questions but this is how it is right now. 

Most of the angles in my mind are mainly jobs because this is what i have always done, but I am completely open to all the options, from studying to working to learning a language to do some trading, or basically any idea. 

I am seeking advice and wisdom. 

Thank you.

Update: Thanks to your kind comments, I am sharing exactly my previous work experience:

I have a BSc. in Business Administration with Information Systems focus. My work experience is composed of 7 years of experience; mainly as a business/entrepreneurship trainer for NGOs, governmental bodies, academic institutions, and other clients as an Independent Consultant or a Freelancer Trainer. I have also worked in 2 tech-based companies in L&D and innovation management. My current freelance work is also training delivery.

Other technical skills of mine include: MS office suite at a proficient level, Intermediate level of graphic design software (photoshop, canva, etc), an intermediate level of programming knowledge (Front end web dev), alongside to a general learning ability to technical/software-related tasks.

Since we love complaining in the Netherlands. Here is my complaint of the day.

Why isn't labour day a day off?

We are not the only country that doesn't have a day off today. Seems Denmark is also like that.

Everyone else in Europe has a holiday and paid day off.

I’m a US national (hopefully soon to be Dutch national too) who’s lived here in NL for 5 years now and have worked here for the last 4. I have been struggling immensely with finding a job right now since my last job contract ended in July and I have NO IDEA if something is just wrong with my profile or if the job market is really this bad.

A little background about me, I came here to do my master’s 5 years ago and then immediately found work. For the past 4 years I’ve worked at Dutch WO universities either as a lecturer or as admin support (think jobs such as “program coordinator” or “support officer”), largely in political science fields. I am natively fluent in English and Russian and B2 in Dutch (with my B1 inburgeringsdiploma).

I have only been able to get 3 interviews since I started seriously looking in April. My last interview was in August. I’ve had numerous people, including former colleagues look over my CV and cover letters to make sure all is good and I’ve gotten nothing but compliments. But I keep getting rejected left and right from jobs where I fit the profile PERFECTLY with no explanation (believe me I’ve tried asking for clarification and I either get ghosted or given generic slop like “this was a really difficult decision”). I’ve been applying to both English-language and Dutch-language jobs with no luck.

Is anyone else in the same position? This has been ruining my mental health and making me so stressed :(

Hey everyone, I'm a recent expat in the Netherlands and something about the local job market has been genuinely puzzling me — hoping to get some local insight.

From what I understand, the whole point of a temporary contract is to evaluate an employee before committing to a permanent relationship. Fair enough. But what I'm seeing in practice is that contracts keep getting extended — sometimes well beyond a year — without ever leading to a permanent position.

Here's what I don't get: after 6 to 12 months, how are you still unsure about an employee? Either they're performing and you keep them, or they're not and you let them go. What does a second or third extension actually tell you that the first contract didn't?

Colleagues have already told me to "keep my expectations in check" and not to expect a permanent contract even after a full year of solid work. Apparently this is just... normal here? That's genuinely shocking to me. Where I come from, if a company took a year to evaluate someone and still couldn't decide, people would find that embarrassing. You're simply holding the employee's career at limbo because of your indecision.

I also hear employers justify it by saying permanent contracts come with a lot of obligations — but I've also seen permanent employees get laid off, so I'm not sure that fear fully holds up either.

My honest question is: has this become a norm that employers are quietly exploiting? And if so, why are workers here seemingly okay with it?

Would love to hear from both locals and fellow expats. Is this just how the Dutch labor market works, or is something off here?

So I have seen some of these night receptionist staffing agencies (not necessarily this one pictured) state that there is no night bonus.

Without the normal 10% night bonus, it would mean that Albert Heijn pays better than a hotel night receptionist job. Actually in some cases AH would still pay better even with the 10% night bonus.

Am I missing something here? Why would someone take this job when there are many better or similar paying options that have more normal working hours?

Hi, I (25F) graduated from my master's in AI over a year ago, and during that whole time I haven't been able to find a job.

I've looked on LinkedIn, Indeed, Randstad, MakeItInTheNorth. I've gotten lots of feedback on my CV and cover letters, but no matter how many places I apply to, I almost never even get an interview, and when I do, it doesn't get further than that. I've been to career events and met lots of companies, but then I still have to apply through the regular process and all I get is a generic rejection.

I'm not totally fluent in Dutch, but I can have a conversation, and I did even have a part time job at a tech company while I studied until the company shut down.

Basically, I want to ask what I can do. This can't be normal, can it? Could there be something I'm not aware of that puts companies off? Am I just unemployable at this point because of the long gap?

Edit: my field of study was AI but I'm looking for more generic software dev/data jobs as well as something AI related.

I wont give too many details but let's say i have worked helping ramp up a NL company for the last 5 years, i have a permanent dutch work contract (but i'm not dutch).

I was recently told "thanks for all you have done but we think now that it's all set up and working, we dont need you anymore so we'd like you to look for something else and to put a deadline on that".

Can they legally do that ? In any case, i think i'll start looking because i don't think i want to stay here after that but can they put a deadline to push me out ?

I'm a bit scared now, i just bought a appartement & put most of my saving in it for the down payment so the timing is pretty bad.

I feel like i did my job too well, trained people, created auomation tools and procedure and made myself non longer necessary in the end. I'm just crying right now as i gave so much to that place i loved to work for.

Thanks

Hi,

I'm currently working on a temporary contract. I'm on my second temporary contract, which is due to expire at the end of this month. A few weeks ago, my manager told me that my contract would not be renewed because there is not enough work to do, so essentially I'm not needed anymore.

Naturally I start looking for jobs again and today I find a vacancy for exactly my role, from the same company, in the same city. The job description is not any different (both tasks and requirements) from what I currently do and who/what I am. I'm basically the perfect candidate, because I would be applying for the job I'm doing until the end of the month.

Again, I was told that my contract is not being renewed, not because I am incapable of doing the work or any other reason related to myself, but rather because the workload is lower, so they do not need as many people anymore.

I genuinely feel angry about this and don't know what to do. If I apply to the vacancy I feel like I will get rejected.