Jordan's Story: From a hectic life in Chicago to a happy life in the Netherlands!

 

Last year Think Global Recruitment assisted Jordan in securing a role in the Netherlands with a Big Four Firm which he says has offered him offer endless opportunities ever since.

We recently got in touch with him to tell us more about his new life.

Jordan began his career in Chicago, USA but now lives and works in the sunny Netherlands as an Audit Senior, living in the multicultural capital Amsterdam and making the daily commute to his job in Zwolle.

 

"I was driven by the opportunity for international exposure, especially with the Big 4 in Europe. I wanted a better work life/balance than I had in Chicago and wanted the challenge of working in a new continent."

At first Jordan felt concerned about how his wife would feel in their new home and how long it would take for both of them to settle in, these fears quickly dissipated by the warm welcome they received when they moved in.

 “Once my wife arrived, everything fell into place. I’m really enjoying life in Europe and I think everyone should make the move. My firm is fantastic, I am busy but feel motivated and happy in my new role. I feel like the move is all I could of hoped for.”

Life in Holland

Jordan is making use of Holland’s central location by taking advantage of the travel opportunities having spent the New Year in Italy and visiting other cities that are near to his home in Amsterdam. With a notably improved work/life balance, this has freed him up to make the most of his surroundings in central Europe, and is enjoying his new sunnier climate.

So what does Jordan think about the people in his new found continent?

 "Europe feels much more culturally diverse than the USA. People are much more tolerant and welcoming here". 

 

 

Working overseas

 

“I have advised all of my colleagues and work mates in Chicago to spend time working abroad as it improves their CVs and they can grow as people. Learning new methodologies and ways of working are just some of the advantages gained from an international move as well as exposure to different cultures and languages."

 

 

 

Our Service

“My consultant really listened to me and my wishes. He understood what I was looking for in my international move and really guided me through the process. He gave me lots of time and information so that I could make an informed decision. Think Global Recruitment gave me honest advice, helpful interview preparation and an impressive list of potential roles. Clearly you have well-connected consultants with lots of industry knowledge.

This move definitely helped to enhance my career, allowing for the opportunity for me demonstrate my adaptability and willingness to challenge myself."

We wish Jordan and his wife all the best with their new life in the Netherlands!


If this story has inspired you and you would like to hear more please get in touch by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.

NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

ABIGAIL'S AUSTRALASIA  TOUR - MARCH 2013

COUNTRY 1 – NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

Awesome New Zealand!   Thanks to typical Kiwi hospitality, my journey started in the modern harbor  City of Auckland.  Within an hour of landing I was boarding a boat to go across to Rangitoto Island  – an extinct volcano with a fantastic view of Auckland.  The boat journey itself was great, with a panoramic view of the city, in the sun.  However, running up then down the volcano was a lovely way to stretch the legs after a long flight.  After which we had a BBQ on the boat, before heading back into Auckland. 

                   View from Boat back at Auckland

The next day I was in a string of meetings with potential employers of accountants.   There are a number of varied really interesting opportunities across New Zealand.   The thing that stood out the most when speaking with employers was that they are very enthusiastic about how the companies they work for look after them.  Companies appear to concentrate on a work life balance, through to providing fruit for staff and a large number of social events.

Another consistent theme seems to be that all the businesses are based in lovely, modern buildings, with good views of the lovely city and its harbor.  I could imagine myself having lunch breaks on the harbour before returned for an afternoon’s work, leaving at a reasonable hour and then off to the gym.

I then headed down to Wellington.  The capital city, also with a lovely waterfront.  Home to the government, most work opportunities there will be either working for the government or providing a service to it.  

However, instead of being a ‘stuffy’ capital, the city has an air of cosmopolitan about it.  Excellent restaurants from Waterfront Sea food and wine bars to trendy funky Mexican to American breakfast diners. 

Wellington is a very hilly city.  It reminds me of Cape Town for the mountains that surround it and of Chicago because it is such a windy city.  However, you don’t have to run up the hills, as I did, you can even take a tram to the top to get the view’s.  

From Wellington I took a ferry across to Picton on the South Island .  Now I am sure you are getting the theme, but yes, I did take place in a run around Picton.  What better way to see all these great places.  Picton has the feel of a small sleepy town.  It is pretty and a great gateway to the wonders of this fun filled beautiful island.

   View from Ferry between North and South Island

The rest of my trip consisted of visiting more remote old fashioned hotels, to walking through forests to the lovely pretty town of Nelson, with its stunning long beaches.  Previous trips have included flying in small planes over the stunning Lord of the Rings type scenery, river surfing down the rapids in Roturua, climbing a volcano near Lake Tapo and watching crazy people bungy jumping against the most scenic backdrops.   There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country, I could go on forever!  

Why wouldn't you want to live and work there?

Time for a Run...

Unusually early I am sitting waiting to run my first half marathon of the year. I love this distance, it is a challenge, but does not consume my life leading up to it and not too high a threat of injury if I keep my fitness good inbetween races.

My fun running has taken me all over the globe, one of the reasons I am so pationate about finding positions for people overseas. Seeing what the world has to offer is enlightening.

Living in two continents has helped me run in Australia, New Zealand, England and Scotland on many ocassions. The trickiest run I had was going from snow and minus 15degrees in Scotland to running in plus 38 degrees 48 hours later.

Other hot places I have ran in include Thailand, Cambodia, Borneo, Panang, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands and Malaysia.

Oops better go, got a half marathon to run...

Which countries have you ran in?

Abigail