Why I left The Netherlands after 7 years

Summary

In this heartfelt video, the speaker reflects on their seven years living in the Netherlands, where they found peace, adventure, and fulfillment. From their initial curiosity about Europe to the challenges they faced, including a career setback and personal crises, they share the journey that led them back to California. With a new perspective influenced by Dutch, American, and Chinese cultures, the speaker explores the concept of a 'good life' and how these experiences shaped their future. Grateful for the opportunity to live abroad, they look forward to rediscovering America and continuing their journey of personal growth and exploration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker spent seven years in the Netherlands, during which they built a fulfilling life, found themselves, and felt at home.
• 😀 They left the U.S. not to escape, but out of curiosity to explore Europe and experience a different way of life.
• 😀 Their dream of living abroad started during university when they studied in Spain and was reignited as they approached their 30s.
• 😀 After several job rejections and a nearly failed application to Helsinki, the speaker pursued a master's in the Netherlands as a gateway to Europe.
• 😀 They ended up studying in Maastricht, loved their experience, and later moved to Amsterdam, where they enjoyed their work and made great friends.
• 😀 2024 was the hardest year of their life, starting with a layoff, followed by an emergency back in the U.S. that caused a life-changing shift.
• 😀 Family became a top priority, and they decided to return to California, despite feeling a bit behind in life and overwhelmed by the pressures of being home.
• 😀 The speaker intends to reconnect with family and friends, explore their new identity shaped by their time in the Netherlands, and return to work in coaching and facilitation.
• 😀 They're curious about how the Dutch mentality, such as directness and work-life balance, will influence their life in California moving forward.
• 😀 The speaker plans to continue creating content and exploring different cultures, with a focus on what makes a good life, blending influences from American, Chinese, and Dutch cultures.
• 😀 They express deep gratitude for their time in the Netherlands, appreciating its urban design, slower pace of life, and the profound impact it had on their personal and professional growth.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to leave America and move to Europe?

The speaker left America out of curiosity about the world and Europe, particularly after learning about a different way of life where time was valued more than money, which they encountered during their university travels.

What made the speaker choose the Netherlands for their move?

The Netherlands was chosen because of its many English-taught programs, high proficiency in English, welcoming atmosphere, and the presence of international companies that would offer job opportunities. Additionally, Dutch education was seen as more affordable compared to American education.

How did the speaker initially feel about living in the Netherlands?

Initially, the speaker found it challenging to adjust to life in a new city and job. However, they gradually fell in love with living in Maastricht and later Amsterdam, enjoying their work and the friendships they formed.

What was the most difficult year of the speaker's life, and why?

2024 was the hardest year of the speaker's life due to being laid off from their job and facing a personal family emergency that required frequent travel between the U.S. and Europe, leading to major life changes.

What values became more important to the speaker after their time in Europe?

After living in Europe, the speaker began to value family more deeply, alongside the work-to-live mentality, a slower pace of life, and a more direct way of communicating, which they experienced particularly in the Netherlands.

What is the speaker's current state of mind upon returning to California?

The speaker feels somewhat behind in life, especially in a place like San Francisco, due to the overwhelming pressures of the city. However, they are focusing on reconnecting with family, friends, and themselves while reflecting on the changes they’ve undergone.

How has living in the Netherlands changed the speaker?

Living in the Netherlands has significantly influenced the speaker's mindset, particularly in terms of being more direct in communication, adopting a work-to-live mentality, and appreciating the slower pace of life, which contrasts with the fast-paced American lifestyle.

What are the speaker’s plans for this YouTube channel moving forward?

The speaker plans to continue making videos, focusing on teaching, sharing experiences, and exploring cultural systems. The channel will evolve to include a mix of Dutch perspective alongside rediscovering and exploring American culture.

What does the speaker want to explore in their future content?

The speaker wants to explore what makes a good life by examining various cultural and societal systems, influenced by American, Chinese, and Dutch cultures. They aim to understand how these cultures shape their identity and what aspects they can integrate into their own life.

What does the speaker appreciate most about their time in the Netherlands?

The speaker appreciates the opportunity to study and work in a place like Maastricht and Amsterdam, experiencing world-class urban design, the slower pace of life, and the high quality of life in the Netherlands. They also value the connections made with people from diverse cultures.