Bridging Borders: Moving to Amsterdam
Last month, I relocated from Karlsruhe, Germany to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. My two primary motivations have been the desire to live in a different country and a job offer that sparked my interest. It has been quite an adventure so far and I wanted to share my experiences.
Plaid offered me a role as Software Engineer with a focus on infrastructure topics such as Kubernetes. However, I had to relocate to either the UK or the Netherlands because Plaid has subsidaries in these countries. The job offer was too good to ignore and I was excited to take on the challenge. I chose the Netherlands over the UK because of it’s proximity to Germany as my girlfriend stays in Germany until she is finished with her studies. Additionally, the Netherlands offers an enticing tax program for skilled migrants, the so called “30 % ruling”. 30 % of the salary can be received tax free by the employee for 5 years.
Relocating to another country can be daunting, but as an EU citizen, I have the freedom to work and live in any European country without a visa. The process was straightforward but it required some paperwork. Thankfully, Plaid hired a relocation company that made the transition smoother.
Finding accommodation in Amsterdam was a challenge, especially because I decided to rent an apartment close to the city center to experience the vibrant culture of Amsterdam. Although the rent is higher than what I was used to paying in Germany, the apartment is larger and fully furnished. I quickly settled into my new home and began exploring the city.
One of the best things about moving to the Netherlands is the chance to experience a new culture. Most people in Amsterdam speak English fluently and some speak German as well which makes it easier for me to communicate as I don’t speak Dutch yet. As a Software Engineer, I was keen to explore Amsterdam’s tech scene. The city has a thriving startup culture, and I was impressed by the number of innovative companies that are based here. I attended several tech meetups and conferences which was a great way to network and learn about the latest trends in the industry.
Working for Plaid has been a great experience so far. The company culture is different from what I am used to in Germany, but it is a great opportunity for me to learn and adapt to new ways of working. The team is dynamic and diverse and it has been great to collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds.
Overall, my experience of relocating to Amsterdam has been a positive one. It is a chance to explore a new culture, make new friends and advance my career. I would encourage anyone who is considering a move to take the leap and embrace the adventure. It can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it.