Finding a Job Abroad vs. Finding Yourself—Which Matters More?

I help expats land jobs in the Netherlands, and I’ve seen many succeed. Getting that high-qualified job is a huge victory, but my mission goes deeper. It’s not just about finding a job that fits your talents—it’s about finding your place in the world, the one you were born for. Because meaningful work isn’t just about success—it’s the only way to feel truly happy.

Moving Abroad = A Life Revolution

Expats are brave, creative, resilient, and open-minded—but above all, they go through a massive life shift. Moving to a new country isn’t a slow, step-by-step change—it’s a revolution.

🌪️ You lose…

• Your reputation & past identity, but you get to reinvent yourself.
• Your secure network, but you can build one that truly fits you.
• The familiar comfort zone, but you get endless new possibilities.

🌍 You gain…

• The chance to choose who you want to be, without old labels.
• A blank slate to design a life that aligns with what makes you happy.
• The ability to pick the exact elements that feel right for you.

I could go on, but you already know where this is leading.

What’s Next?

If you’re struggling to find your way in a new country, remember that life happens in short-, mid-, and long-term perspectives. Securing a job can be ajy of them, but being happy is your ultimate long-term goal.

Before fears, rejections, or homesickness take over, take a moment and ask yourself:
💡 What makes me happy?
💡 What have I always wanted to become?
💡 How can I use this opportunity to start fresh on my own terms?

 Here’s an exercise to help you get clarity:

Journal on these prompts (no judgment, just write!):
✅ Your top values (download a free exercise on www.akacoaching.nl)
✅ 50 strengths (or take a strengths assessment)
✅ Your 100 achievements (no matter how big or small)
✅ 50 talents (from childhood to now, personal & professional)
✅ 100 things that come effortlessly to you
✅ 100 things you love doing
✅ What could you do for hours without noticing time? (list 40)
✅ What would you never do, even for a high salary? (list 50)

A Tip: Let It Flow

Your inner critic will try to judge and analyze. Ignore it. This isn’t about logic—it’s about discovering what truly matters to you. If your inner critic get too loud—let it. But instead of judging your thoughts, let it measure how freely they flow onto the paper, straight from your heart. That’s the real success here.

Now, Connect It to Your Job Search

Once you’ve explored your happiness blueprint, go back to your job search. How close is your next job to your life purpose? Is it 10% aligned or 60%? How can you use this information?

Remember: Life purpose is a journey, not a destination.

If you’ve already made a revolutionary change in your life, you don’t need to become your dream self overnight. Maybe you need new skills, more experience, or a different network—and that’s okay! What truly matters is keeping your mission in focus, because life purpose isn’t a goal to reach, but a way of living—being true to yourself while growing and developing to support your journey.