Yuliya came to the Netherlands from Ukraine when the war with Russia made it unsafe to stay. It was the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Back home, she worked as a Learning & Development specialist in a direct sales company, helping women build their businesses with inspiring in-person trainings and online lessons. In just three and a half years in her new home, she’s held seven different jobs - from Albert Heijn to Nike. Each role brought valuable lessons, and now she’s sharing them to inspire others navigating their own job journey.
Job searching as a foreigner can be long and exhausting. Every rejection chipped away at my confidence. I felt useless, even worthless at times.
But I had to remind myself: A job doesn’t define me - I define the job. I am valuable with or without a job. I also had to accept that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. So, I prepared mentally and physically for the long run. No panic. No rush. And plenty of exercise.
Even when things feel tough, make space for joy. I started scheduling ‘fun blocks’ into my week:
These little joys show me that life is more than chasing goals - it’s about enjoying the ride.
On the way to my dream job, I did work that never made it to my ‘ideal job’ list. I felt tired and frustrated. But looking back, those jobs helped me:
Each role wasn’t just a paycheck - it was a step toward building a new life, learning the culture, and feeling at home.
Even if I didn’t like a job, I set goals to make the most of it. For example, while working at a local supermarket, I focused on:
This approach turned every job into a steppingstone. And each goal I ticked off brought a sense of progress and fulfillment.
As a newcomer, I knew very few people. But I learned that people are key to getting where you want to be.
I started small - just showing up. Then I got braver: saying hello, asking questions, joining conversations.
Here are a few places that helped me:
And yes, networking is a two-way street. I always ask the other person:“How can I be of use to you?” “What can I do for you?”. Even with limited resources, I can offer something - a helpful tip or connection, a book recommendation, or even a lunch.
Getting to your dream job often means passing through a few unexpected stops along the way - and you can’t always skip ahead. Patience does make a difference.
My short-term contract at Uber Eats, for example, turned out to be great preparation for my current role at Nike - both in terms of culture and tasks. It taught me how to adapt, communicate, and navigate multicultural work environment.
I’ve come to understand: I am where I need to be. And when I’m ready, I’ll have the strength and clarity to move forward.
Sometimes, new doors open, but fear holds us back. I’ve doubted myself: “My Dutch isn’t good enough.” “I don’t have this experience!”. Now I know that when opportunity shows up, it’s often a clear sign you’re ready - even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. Taking the leap is usually the first step toward discovering what you’re truly capable of.
After all the effort of building a life in a new country, it’s tempting to pause and settle. Still, something inside me keeps urging: “There’s something bigger and more exciting ahead.”. Whether it’s within my current company or somewhere new, I stay open to the next adventure. I learn. I connect. I grow. And when the moment comes, I’ll meet it with confidence.
If you’re a foreigner looking for work in the Netherlands, I hope these lessons offer a bit of encouragement. The journey isn’t easy - but it’s filled with growth and wins, both big and small.
At Nike, I came across a quote that stuck with me:“You won't make every shot, and you won't win every game. But every time you step on the court and compete, you have the chance to be great.” — Caitlin Clark
Keep going!
If you’d like to connect or share your own journey, I’m always happy to chat. You can find me on LinkedIn.
Job searching can be tough to do on your own. At JobOn, you can join our workshops to practice, ask questions, and meet others who are figuring things out too. Drop by for one session and leave with at least one concrete next step—and a few new connections.Want to do more? Become a volunteer event manager and help organize workshops for other jobseekers.