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I Stopped Searching for Friends—And Found Them (Here’s How)
When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I was eager to make friends. Back in Sydney, I used to host Meetups myself and loved seeing how much joy and connection these events brought to people. Naturally, I thought attending Meetups here would be a great way to build my own social circle. So, off I…
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“Then Learn Dutch”: Reflections on an Unpleasant Encounter
Earlier this March, I finally committed to learning Dutch and signed up for a language course (thankfully funded by my employer!). Learning a new language from scratch is never easy, and it becomes even more challenging when everyday tasks turn into stressful experiences due to the language barrier. I remember one time at the supermarket…
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What Finally Inspired Me to Learn Dutch as an Expat
To be honest, for a while I struggled to find the motivation to learn Dutch consistently. Dutch people speak amazing English, and working at an international school where English is the official language doesn’t help either. So yeah, my motivation was kinda meh During my first 2 months in the Netherlands, I barely uttered a…
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On Making Friends in a Foreign Land
Life as an expat or immigrant is never easy. Even the smallest things can weigh you down when you don’t have your go-to place for everything yet—whether it’s a GP, a favourite cafe, or even just finding a dress (YES THAT’S RIGHT). ⠀But the most challenging part of all is rebuilding your social network. Finding…
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The ‘All or Nothing’ Myth in Entrepreneurship: Why Going Back to a Job Isn’t a Step Back
Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of bold advice, and the coaching industry has its flaws. Over the years, I’ve heard the same message on repeat: “If you’re serious about your business, you need to go all in. No backup plans, no returning to a regular job.”⠀As someone who spent three years running a business full-time,…
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