A Journey... Work! Life! Adventure! Appreciation

As I started getting dressed this morning, wondering what to wear for the day—I work remotely, and believe me, just like anyone commuting to the office, it can sometimes be a struggle—I took out a few shirts, searching for something comfortable. Inevitably, I decided on my Ir Olav’s Globetrotters grey golf shirt. And boom! So many memories came rushing back.

How blessed am I to have had such a fruitful, fun, and challenging journey in my recruitment career? Thirteen years ago, I took the leap to start my own recruitment company, filled with both successes and tribulations. Then one day, I opened LinkedIn, and there it was: Are you interested in working in the Netherlands?

I never intended to work for another company again—I was successful and happy working on my own. But working abroad had always been a dream of mine, and in that moment, it all began. I clicked apply.

Soon after, things started unfolding. Diane and Sonja reached out, and our meetings went well. However, the position was no longer available. I thought, the universe is definitely working in mysterious ways. But six months later, my journey with them truly began.

What an Exciting Time!

I had the privilege of working with international colleagues—I was on top of the world to be given this opportunity. The business started during COVID, and while I was still working for myself, I played a role in Ir Olav’s Globetrotters, providing marketing insights and candidate profiles to present to clients willing to employ South Africans remotely until they could immigrate.

My Personal Journey – The Decision to Stay or Go

Making the decision to move or stay was not easy. I am forever grateful to these two incredible women who saw my value and gave me the option to stay in South Africa or move to the Netherlands. This was a real internal struggle. I have two young adult sons whom I could not leave behind, and I had built a good life in South Africa. The support of my family was amazing—they stood by me in all my adventures and decisions. But this was not a choice I could make purely for myself; I had them to consider as well.

Many discussions, difficult conversations, and hard decisions followed. In the end, we decided to stay. I was offered a permanent position with Ir Olav’s Globetrotters, and for that, I am forever grateful.

A Dream Fulfilled – Exploring the Netherlands

The world opened up for me. My dream of working for an international company became a reality. I had always wanted to travel to places unknown to me, and now, I travel to the Netherlands once a year to connect with my colleagues and clients. Visualising everything I have experienced since touching down in Europe has been nothing short of amazing.

My first visit took my breath away. I felt a little anxious, unsure of what to expect, but Diane and Sonja were incredibly accommodating, making the week feel like a feestweek. Diane took me all around the Netherlands, giving me the most incredible experiences.

I explored Zaanse Schans, with its iconic windmills and scenic landscapes. Amsterdam Central felt like stepping into a postcard—historic architecture, trams gliding past, and bicycles everywhere. And then, there was the moment I tasted a fresh, warm stroopwafel.

I even experienced a local carnival in a small town for the first time. The excitement of the people was contagious—their joy and energy were unlike anything I had ever seen before. The festive atmosphere made it feel like a scene from a movie—a perfect blend of Dutch charm. As a South African, this was a completely new experience for me, and I was in awe of how the entire town came together to celebrate with such passion and vibrancy.

Everything felt so surreal to me. I think I was a bit overwhelmed and couldn’t fully express what I was experiencing at the time. When asked about the areas, the food, and the people, I struggled to put my thoughts into words—I was still processing it all.

One moment that truly stood still in time for me was visiting the Anne Frank House. It was deeply emotional, and my mind couldn’t fully comprehend what it must have been like. Walking through that space, you don’t just see history—you feel it. For a moment, you almost live what she went through, and it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

The Netherlands wasn’t just a trip; it was a journey of emotions, discoveries, and moments that will stay with me forever.

Gratitude and Reflection

As I reflect on my journey, I realise how much I have to be grateful for:

• The freedom of remote work, allowing me to structure my day in a way that suits my lifestyle.

• The daily companionship of my beloved dogs—Lily, Alex, Vettie, and Jessie—who never fail to bring me joy and keep me company.

• The special moments with my son, who visits daily, giving us the chance to chat and break the routine.

• The opportunity to focus on what truly matters—relationships with my colleagues, even though they are 13,000 km away. Despite the distance, our connection is strong, and I never feel alone in this journey.

I have also been incredibly blessed to explore new places and cultures, allowing me to experience the beauty of Portugal, Ireland, and Belgium.

Each destination brought its own magic—Portugal with its rich history, Ireland with its warm people and stunning landscapes, and Belgium with its medieval charm.

Every step of my journey, whether at home or across the globe, has been filled with incredible moments, learning, and appreciation. And for all of this, I am truly grateful.