A fresh perspective for Dylan on work in the Netherlands

“My family just wants what’s best for me,” says Dylan, who moved to the Netherlands with their full support. Reflecting on his decision, he shares: “This move was definitely the best decision I’ve made for myself.” He genuinely feels that everything he’s learned since arriving has enriched his life. “The Netherlands and its people have so much to offer,” he adds, noting especially his fresh perspective on work culture.

One of the first things he had to adapt to was the way people communicate at work, especially between colleagues and managers. Here, authority isn’t rigidly imposed, and that took some getting used to. He feels truly appreciated in his team: “Managers genuinely try to make each employee feel like a valuable part of the team.” His coworkers helped him adjust by inviting him to coffee breaks and encouraging him to join in. “In South Africa, you get praised when you skip lunch or coffee,” he explains. Their example showed him what a healthy balance can look like.

Dylan believes Dutch society truly understands the connection between well-being and productivity. “You don’t need to be overworked to be successful,” he says. He was impressed by the overall quality of life. “It’s an adjustment to realise that you can actually have a balance between work and life, and still live well.” For him, it was a revelation that this is possible without working 12-hour days, six days a week.

“Managers genuinely try to make each employee feel like a valuable part of the team.”

Now that his days are more balanced and less consumed by work, Dylan finds he has the time and energy to enjoy life outside of it. He loves travelling and visiting Saturday markets, often taking trips to explore them in nearby towns. With the convenience of the public transport system, discovering new places has become an easy and enjoyable part of his routine. “The fact that public transport is safe and accessible to everyone is impressive,” he says, appreciating how it opens up more opportunities to make the most of his free time.