Corrie’s Reflections as a FairPlayer in the Netherlands

When we started the “Where Are They Now?” series, the idea was simple. We wanted to check in with FairPlayers who’ve already made the move and ask them to share their “Lessons Learned” with those still thinking about taking that first big step.

We expected little snippets of thoughts, what you might expect from busy engineers. What we received have been thoughtful reflections on what it really takes to build a new life in the Netherlands: a mix of courage, patience, and determination.

Corrie’s story is one of them. She relocated from South Africa with her husband and children, and together they took on the challenge of recreating their life in the Netherlands. What she shared is a grounded, genuine reflection on bravery, determination and finding your way as a family in a new chapter.

Looking back, I do feel the timing of my move to the Netherlands from South Africa was right. At the time, both professionally and personally, it aligned well with my goals and the opportunities available for my family.

Of course, with hindsight, there are always things one might have done differently or sooner, but overall, I believe the transition happened at a moment that allowed me and my family to grow, adapt, and contribute meaningfully. It’s been a journey of learning, integration, and sometimes frustration, heartache, and missing, but I’m grateful for how things unfolded.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but what gave me the courage was a combination of clarity and conviction about our family’s future. I reached a point where I felt I had grown as much as I could in South Africa, and I was ready for a new challenge both professionally and personally.

The Netherlands offered opportunities that aligned with our values and ambitions, and my husband and I had a strong belief that we could adapt and thrive. Support from family, friends, and colleagues also played a big role, and the fact that our children understood and supported the decision made it even more meaningful.

Ultimately, it was about trusting myself and the strong bond between my husband and our children that helped us take a leap into the unknown for something we believed in.

One of the most positive surprises has been how welcoming and open people are here. I expected a bit of a cultural gap, but I’ve found that colleagues and neighbors have been genuinely helpful and curious.

Another pleasant surprise is how well-organized everything is. From public transport to healthcare and how much value is placed on work-life balance. I’ve also come to appreciate the Dutch directness; it’s refreshing and makes communication clear and efficient.

All in all, it’s been a very positive experience.

I’d say: trust your instincts, but don’t let fear hold you back. Moving to the Netherlands is a big step, but it can open up incredible opportunities professionally, personally, and culturally.

The country is well-organized, safe, and offers a high quality of life. If you’re doubting, take time to research, talk to others who’ve made the move, and reflect on what you truly want for your future. Sometimes the hardest part is making the decision, but once you do, you’ll likely find that you’re more resilient and adaptable than you thought.

I first reached out to Corrie in January 2024. We had such an easy, genuine conversation about her experience and what she was looking for. At that moment, we didn’t have the right role for her, but I already knew she had the kind of background that would open a lot of doors. It was just a matter of timing.

We reconnected in September and from there, everything just flowed. The position, the relocation, the housing… it all came together so smoothly that it almost felt meant to be.

Working with Corrie and her family was honestly such a pleasure. From the beginning, we had this natural connection and real trust, which makes the whole journey so much nicer. When they walked into our office after a long flight, exhausted but smiling and full of motivation, it was one of those moments that remind me why I love what I do.

Corrie’s story shows exactly that: sometimes you just need to trust the process, even when you don’t see the full picture yet.