Moving to a foreign country to find a suitable job is a huge step in everyone’s life, both personal and professional.
But if you have a significant other with you—it can be even more adventurous and exciting.
And if you choose a country that offers many possibilities, like the Netherlands, it can be a new start for both you and your partner.
Let’s explore the opportunities and see what the Netherlands offers for couples looking to work abroad!
The Netherlands: A Thriving Destination for Couples
The Netherlands, often called Holland, has become an attractive destination for couples seeking new horizons. Its appeal stems from a combination of factors that make it a desirable place to live and work.
The country boasts a strong and stable economy, with a robust job market offering various opportunities.
From the bustling metropolis of Amsterdam to the vibrant cities of Rotterdam, Utrecht, and the Hague, numerous urban centres allow couples to find jobs and enjoy a thriving social scene.
One key draw to the Netherlands is its exceptional quality of life. The Dutch have a reputation for prioritising well-being and striking a harmonious work-life balance.
The country consistently ranks highly in global happiness and satisfaction indexes, thanks to its comprehensive social welfare system, reliable public transportation networks, and well-maintained infrastructure.
On top of that, the Netherlands is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, with a strong focus on renewable energy and eco-friendly practices.
The Dutch culture itself is another captivating aspect for couples considering a move to the Netherlands. The society embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity, making it an ideal environment for couples from all backgrounds.
The Dutch people are known for their directness, egalitarianism, and open-mindedness, creating an atmosphere that fosters collaboration and respect. The country’s rich cultural heritage offers couples ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the arts, history, and traditions of the region. For example, you can visit world-class museums, admire historic architecture, and participate in festivals.
Moreover, the Netherlands’ central location within Europe provides couples with the advantage of easy access and a trip to other European countries. Weekend getaways to neighbouring countries like Belgium, Germany, and France are conveniently within reach, allowing couples to explore and experience the continent’s rich diversity.
With its thriving economy, high standard of living, progressive values, and diverse cultural offerings, it is no surprise that many couples are enticed to explore the abundant opportunities the Netherlands offers.
Whether seeking career improvement, a healthier work-life balance, or a vibrant cultural experience, the Netherlands provides an appealing destination for couples looking to embark on a new chapter of their lives together.
3 Situations Where Working in the Netherlands with Your Partner is Beneficial
Whether your plan is to find a new job abroad for a specific period to earn money and experience or you want to move for an indefinite period, here is a list of situations when going in a team is beneficial:
When One of You Does Not Speak English
Having a person with great English skills (or knowledge of a foreign language) in a new country is beneficial, especially if the other person doesn’t have a strong command of the language.
An English speaker can assist in translating work instructions and facilitate effective communication with colleagues in the workplace.
Language skills become invaluable not only within the professional setting but also in day-to-day interactions at home.
Having someone who can bridge language barriers and communicate with colleagues from different countries significantly eases the transition and fosters a more inclusive and collaborative environment. It facilitates smoother integration into both work and social spheres, promoting a sense of belonging and enhancing overall work and living experiences.
More Privacy on Shared Accommodation
The accommodation in the Netherlands is fully furnished but can be expensive. Because of this, many temporary employment agencies offer shared accommodations in their facilities, where multiple individuals share rooms.
When you choose to work in the Netherlands with a friend or significant other, you can share the same room in the residence. This presents a significant advantage compared to arriving alone, where you may be assigned a room with a stranger, leaving compatibility and rapport solely to chance.
It will be easier for you to share property maintenance, go to work in the same car, and support each other.
Dutch temporary employment agencies consistently prioritise accommodating couples and friends together, recognizing the value of fostering a comfortable and supportive living environment for those embarking on their work journey in the country.
When Going Abroad on Your Own is Too Intimidating
Moving and working abroad is an important step and one that is much more courageous to take with a friend, family member, or your other half.
Experiences and memories are more significant when you have your family to share them with.
4 Reasons Why Working in the Netherlands with Your Partner May Not Be Ideal
While the idea of going to work in the Netherlands with a close companion may seem appealing and enjoyable, it is crucial to acknowledge that certain situations can potentially diminish your employment prospects or impact your social life in the country.
It’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks of working alongside someone you are intimately familiar with, including the following:
Fewer Opportunities to Start With
The most significant problem people who decide to go together face is fewer job opportunities. Many employers don’t allow couples to work together.
It’s important to note that not all employers have such policies. Also, some companies may have specific guidelines in place to manage situations where couples work together effectively.
Reduced Flexibility
When workers arrive together, there is often an inclination to seek opportunities for new jobs and living arrangements. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that this may not always be feasible, as variations in experience levels or English language proficiency can arise.
Finding an employment agency that can provide a job that aligns perfectly with the skills and preferences of both individuals can be challenging. On top of that, many employers don’t prefer hiring couples (or teams) because of previous experiences.
In some instances, agencies may offer shared accommodation but assign different job positions (or even companies) to each worker, presenting a dilemma for those who arrived together. In such cases, employees must make a decision regarding whether to accept the arrangement or explore alternative agency options.
Therefore, it is essential to consider various scenarios in advance and maintain a level of flexibility when deciding to embark on joint work abroad.
Mismatch Between the Desires and Capabilities
Individuals embarking on working abroad often possess distinct expectations and desires.
For instance, one worker may prioritise maximising earnings and taking extra working hours, while a companion travelling alongside them may prioritise leisure, exploration, and immersing themselves in the culture of the host country.
Alternatively, when friends venture together, one friend may excel in their position, receiving more hours and an increased salary, while the other friend may struggle, feeling dissatisfied with their employer and receiving fewer hours.
It becomes essential to assess the alignment of work opportunities with personal wishes and expectations before deciding whether to pursue working abroad alone or with a significant other.
Fewer Opportunities to Meet New People
When working in the Netherlands, arriving alone is generally more conducive to meeting new people and forming friendships than coming with a companion.
Solo workers often find themselves in a situation where they have a greater likelihood of socialising with colleagues, as many individuals arrive independently, seeking camaraderie and support in their shared work environment.
Engaging with others at work not only adds enjoyment to the job but also facilitates household matters, as collaborating with colleagues can make daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
Furthermore, arriving alone expedites the process of acclimating to a new country and enhancing foreign language skills. The necessity of communicating with others pushes individuals to engage in conversations, thereby accelerating their familiarity with the local culture and language.
Conversely, workers who arrive together, whether as a couple or friends, tend to rely on their existing relationship, limiting their opportunities to meet new individuals and impeding their progress in learning a foreign language.
Find Jobs with Accommodation for Couples in the Netherlands with Robin
If you’re ready to find a job with accommodation in the Netherlands with your significant other (or alone!), the best way is to register on the Robin website.
Robin collaborates with reliable Dutch companies and recruitment agencies, offering various positions. Our professional team of recruiters will help you find a suitable job position!
It’s time to take your career to the next level!