12/10/2026
From starting over in a new country to stepping into management again 🇳🇱✨
Being an expat in a country where you don't fully understand the language, where finding a job is challenging because you don't speak the language fluently, and where you have to rebuild your life from scratch has been one of the hardest things I've ever done.
Even though I speak Afrikaans, learning Dutch has been a challenge. Sometimes, it feels like learning your own home language all over again! 😅 I often wonder whether it would have been easier if I had grown up speaking Dutch.
But one thing this journey has taught me is just how much I am capable of, even when I step outside my comfort zone.
📸 My journey in three moments:
🇿🇦 2013 – Age 20: Working as a floor manager at Wimpy in South Africa. I was one of the youngest managers, responsible for leading people twice my age. That experience taught me a lot about leadership, responsibility, and earning people's respect.
🇳🇱 3 March 2026: Starting a new chapter at McDonald's in the Netherlands.
🎉 3 October 2026: Seven months later, stepping into management again!
And here's the funny part: back in 2013, I was one of the youngest in the room. Now, I sometimes feel like one of the oldest! 😂 My crew trainer, who did an amazing job teaching me the ins and outs of the service industry here in the Netherlands, is only 17 years old.
It's a great reminder that you can have years of experience and still have so much to learn from others, regardless of their age.
In South Africa, I loved working in the hospitality industry. However, the long hours and lack of work-life balance eventually became challenging. Even as a manager, I had very little flexibility over my working hours.
Moving to the Netherlands has given me a new perspective on work, life, and personal growth.
Over the past seven months, I've been balancing running my own business with working three days a week at McDonald's. It's not always easy, but I've learned that sometimes you have to be willing to take a step back to move forward.
And what a journey it has been!
🇳🇱 I've worked hard on my Dutch and reached approximately B2 level in speaking, while becoming much more comfortable understanding spoken Dutch.
🌍 I've learned so much about Dutch culture and connected with colleagues from different parts of the world. Many of them are studying, building their own businesses, or working towards their own goals. Being surrounded by people who are also building something for themselves has been incredibly inspiring.
🤝 I've gained two new clients for my business through networking while continuing to learn, grow, and develop professionally.
Most importantly, I've learned that starting over doesn't mean starting from zero.
You bring your experience, knowledge, skills, and determination with you. Sometimes, you simply need to find a new way to use them.
Moving to another country has challenged me in ways I never expected. It has tested my patience, resilience, and confidence. There have been moments of uncertainty, but also countless opportunities to learn more about myself and what I'm capable of achieving.
Looking back at these three photos, I see more than just a career journey. I see a young woman who started her management career at 20, someone who dared to start over in a new country, and someone who refused to give up on her ambitions.
I'm proud of how far I've come, grateful for the people I've met along the way, and excited about what the future holds. ❤️
Seven months. A new country. A new language. A growing business. A return to management. And countless lessons along the way.
Sometimes, the path forward requires you to become a beginner again, even after years of experience.
And that's okay. Growth happens when you're willing to learn, adapt, and keep showing up.
Here's to embracing the journey, trusting the process, and never underestimating what you're capable of! 🥂
Have you ever had to start over in your career or move to a new country? What has that experience taught you? I'd love to hear your story. 💬
