A real leap into
the unknown.

My husband and I moved The Netherlands with two suitcases and two dogs. My husband to be working as an engineer and me as a supervisor in the audit practice.
Lees mijn verhaal in het Nederlands

I emigrated from South Africa to the Netherlands

22 februari 2024
Professional Werksfeer Mensgerichtheid Accountantscontrole

Everyone is always afraid or nervous to try something new. My husband and I on the other hand are inclined towards spontaneous actions and do not shy away from challenges. With two suitcases and two dogs, we moved to the Netherlands. My husband to be working as an engineer and me as a supervisor in the audit practice.

Culture shock?

Fundamentally, the Netherlands and South Africa aren't all that different. The language has some similarities. I can read and understand Dutch, but speaking it is still a bit challenging. However, who we are as people and our mentality are quite similar. This made the transition no less stressful, but you do adapt more quickly to your new environment.

Just bread with a slice of cheese? No, not for me!

The biggest difference is the traffic. In South Africa, it is very unsafe to cycle, whereas here I have never seen so many people on bikes. Even small children on bikes, it was completely new to me. Another significant difference is the lunch routine. I am used to having something warm, like pasta, for lunch. Just bread with a slice of cheese? No, not for me! I'm now trying to find a middle ground; I often have a croquette for lunch. Very Dutch, but at least it's warm, haha!

Irene Conradie
Irene Conradie Controleleider
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Adventurous and social people

At our office, there are many people working from different countries and backgrounds, making it quite adventurous! This immediately creates a connection, as you are all in the same boat, to some extent. I enjoy getting to know each other on a personal level, like grabbing a drink after work and discussing 'normal' life instead of work.

I enjoy getting to know each other on a personal level, like grabbing a drink after work and discussing 'normal' life instead of work.

In our team, people who are open to opportunities and want to develop themselves fit in well. We have a very diverse group with various backgrounds, which makes it super enjoyable. I like to talk, but there are also quieter people. This mix is what makes it interesting. And in our team, not everyone is from abroad; there are also Dutch people.

My journey to Jong & Laan

A year ago, I applied via LinkedIn for an audit position at 5BAR Assurance after my husband got a job offer in the Netherlands. I studied Financial Accounting with honors in Advanced Accounting. Working with international clients appealed to me, as well as the multicultural team.

I wouldn't want clients only from the same country; I think it would stop being challenging for me too quickly.

Working with international clients is challenging for me. You must apply a broader perspective to your work because you are dealing with multiple legislations and again people from different countries. I wouldn't want clients only from the same country; I think it would stop being challenging for me too quickly.

Meanwhile, 5Bar Assurance has been taken over by Jong & Laan. I appreciate that they prioritize sustainability and ESG. This is personally important to me. I would like to delve more into this, contributing to discussions about sustainability and ESG in companies. I am still young, and I want to (keep) exploring. So, my future plans are still taking shape. Nonetheless, I have ambitions that I want to pursue. Besides sustainability, I would like to advance to a junior audit manager role.

We are looking for you!

It was truly a leap into the unknown for us, but we are so happy that we took this step. Our future looks bright, and I really enjoy my work. I am getting more responsibilities, and my tasks are very diverse. I am learning a lot about different companies, cultures, and legislations in other countries.

Would you like to get to know me and our team? Feel free to contact me!

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