11 Reasons why you should move to The Netherlands today
1. The Netherlands is a great place to live and work
Did you know that the Netherlands has the shortest working week in the world? Business professionals in the Netherlands enjoy the shortest working week according to a recent infographic from Bamboo HR. An average 29-hour working week is reported by the study, with women working 25 hours per week and men working 34. This is almost a 4 day week! Much like their South African counterparts, the average paid time off for a starting worker in the Netherlands is 20 days per year. The Netherlands encourages a healthy balance between work and lifestyle, so if you are looking for an international career, then the Netherlands might just be the place to find it.
2. The Netherlands has a strong economy
It’s no surprise that the Netherlands has a strong economy. The country is known for its innovation and entrepreneurship which has helped it become one of Europe’s most successful economies in recent years. The Dutch have also been leaders when it comes to digitalization, with many companies such as Philips Electronics located there (and some headquartered). There are plenty of opportunities for finding a job in the Netherlands, especially if you have skills in the technology or business sectors.
3. Great education system
According to the World Economic Forum, the Netherlands ranks as the third most educated country. Approximately 81% of adults aged between 25-64 years have completed upper secondary education, and that is higher than the OECD average of 79%. If you are moving with your children, their education is in safe hands as students acquire knowledge and ability to read and write, research, maths, sciences, economic and social skills. In addition, the Netherlands education system encourages you to advance your career.
4. A working healthcare system
The Netherlands' healthcare system is one of the best in the world. The healthcare facilities have high standards and skilled staff, indicating your health is covered when you move there.
Health care is offered at both public and private levels. The public level is under the government, which means primary care is at fixed prices. Insurance companies also provide health coverage, while children under 18 are covered by parents’ insurance.
5. Happy and Welcoming Communities
Humans are social beings who require frequent contact and personal relationships. The Dutch people are friendly and won’t hesitate to engage and welcome you to their country. A friendly community is helpful when you are dealing with homesickness. Getting into a circle of friends is not as easy. However, when a Dutch person lets you into their circle, you appreciate how trustworthy, loyal, loving, and warm they are. You can make friendships with your neighbors, workmates, or people in the parks and barbecues.
6. State of the Art Transportation System
The Netherlands is not as large, making travelling to different cities easy. Public transportation is available everywhere, including trains, buses, trams, and metros. Due to its small size, taking long trips from one point to another is unnecessary. The Netherlands is relatively flat, making the residents embrace a cycling culture. If you purchase a bike, you can cycle to your destination as there are separate lanes for cyclists. In addition, cycling is healthy and eco-friendly.
7. English is Still Applicable
When moving to a new country, the language barrier makes life in the Netherlands much harder. In the large cities of the Netherlands, like Rotterdam or Amsterdam, most people can converse in English. You can make it a personal goal to learn Dutch. However, you can go by even if you do not. Despite the Netherlands being a non-native English-speaking country, most of its citizens are conversant with the language.
8. Job Availability and Security
The unemployment rate is currently only around four percent and wages are relatively high compared to other European countries. So, you can be sure that the Dutch economy will continue to thrive in the years ahead. The Netherlands accommodates about 50k foreign workers annually. Approximately 78% of the population aged between 15-64 years are employed, above the OECD average of 66%. Finding employment in the Netherlands is a task by itself, however not impossible. Jobs in the Netherlands are well paying, and the working hours are friendly to prevent burnout. Some recruitment agencies seek out foreigners, making it easier for you to get a job.
9. Perfect Climatic Environment
The Netherlands enjoys a typical maritime climate throughout the year, with warm summers and cold winters. However, due to global warming, climatic changes are unpredictable. You will enjoy rain showers from April to September and spring and fall from March to May. The Netherlands is beautiful during the spring season with the blooming daffodils and tulips. The summer season is from June to August, with significant warmth but not excessive heat. Winter kicks in from November to March, and the cold, snow, and fog are common during this season.
10. High-Level Safety
Based on the 2021 World’s Safest Country index, the Netherlands ranked as the 21st safest country. However, safety is not 100% guaranteed anywhere as you may fall victim to petty crimes like pickpocketing. When moving to a new country, safety is a reasonable concern, especially for families with children and women travelling solo. The Netherlands is generally safe. However, you should avoid high-crime areas and take the necessary precautions. Safety precautions like locking your house when leaving, setting up a burglar alarm or locking your car.
11. Mouth-Watering Delicacies
Some traditional Dutch dishes you will come across are AVG’tje, pea soup, hutspot, stamppot, pancakes, hachee, brown bean soup, and huzarensalade. Netherlands cuisine is diverse as it embraces recipes from different parts of the world. You don’t need to stress about food as the cuisines use common ingredients. So, whether you like your food spiced, smoked, vegan, fried, or dried, you will get a meal you will enjoy. In addition, agriculture in the Netherlands provides most of the ingredients in Dutch meals and not forget the cheeses.
Conclusion
The Netherlands has it all: a strong economy, an excellent education system, a safe environment, a rich history, and plenty of green spaces. So, if you are looking for a country where your family will be happy living in and thriving, then the Netherlands could be just the place for you! If you want to find out more about finding work in The Netherlands, contact us at carike@jobsearchinternational.com.
(Information for article sourced from www.overseasy.nl and www.travelsafe-abroad.com)