Options?
Jan 28th 2016, 11:19 pm
#1
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Options?
Hello I am a 21 year old english male looking to move to Amsterdam, I have been offered a position at Schipol airport in the warehouse through work in holland.
They will pay for my flights and I can rent a room in a 2 bedroom property for 500 odd euros a month until I find my own place.
They also help with BSN, bank accounts health insurance etc.
The wage mon-Fri is above minimum wage and you get extra for nights and even more in top for weekends (work Sunday is €16.47 and hour) and they say its a 35 hour contract but could be more depending on how busy it is.
Now this sounds great but I have a few worries.
For a little background, I left school at 16 and worked solidly from then up until now but I have sort of floated around from working in a garage repairing vans to landscape gardening and respraying lorry bodies.
I am quite multi skilled and very good with my hands but I don t have any paperwork to back it up apart from mandatory health and safety courses I've done.
I dint speak Dutch at all but I speak a small amount of german and speak good french as my grandfather is french-canadian I am a fast learner with languages but never tryed to learn any outside of what I needed for school or taught by my family
I would learn dutch and integrate myself with them as much as possible
The problem is I am on paper unskilled and if I move to Amsterdam and for some reason I lose my employment or after a year decide I want to do something else and I can't because I have no qualifications then I would be stuck not literally because I can come home but you know what I mean.
I like physical things like mechanic or something along those lines Im not saying I want to be a dentist there but would I have other options if I already had a job?
Theres alot of bikes in amsterdam I wonder if I could get a job doing that?
I know alot of people come here and ask these questions and I know only I can answer them but I would like other opinions from those what know.
And I know that I have a better start in the country than most cause I will have a job waiting for me and somewhere to live until I find somewhere.
I read the wiki on this page and looked and the places to rent page paraius it was called or something and was not suprised by rent prices, the trouble ill have is that I either have to stay in the hoopdoorf or some other bland area or central and get the train in but rent prices are pretty hugh there but where I lI've is important to me and I have to be happy with and having to take 3 trams and a bus to get to work 10 times a week would stress me out as I'm not in control of it.
Things to think about I know and at least it's only me making the plan and I can live on a small budget anyway I don't smoke anything stronger than tobbacco and hardly drink alcohol
I guess I just want other options and opinions
Thank you very much
They will pay for my flights and I can rent a room in a 2 bedroom property for 500 odd euros a month until I find my own place.
They also help with BSN, bank accounts health insurance etc.
The wage mon-Fri is above minimum wage and you get extra for nights and even more in top for weekends (work Sunday is €16.47 and hour) and they say its a 35 hour contract but could be more depending on how busy it is.
Now this sounds great but I have a few worries.
For a little background, I left school at 16 and worked solidly from then up until now but I have sort of floated around from working in a garage repairing vans to landscape gardening and respraying lorry bodies.
I am quite multi skilled and very good with my hands but I don t have any paperwork to back it up apart from mandatory health and safety courses I've done.
I dint speak Dutch at all but I speak a small amount of german and speak good french as my grandfather is french-canadian I am a fast learner with languages but never tryed to learn any outside of what I needed for school or taught by my family
I would learn dutch and integrate myself with them as much as possible
The problem is I am on paper unskilled and if I move to Amsterdam and for some reason I lose my employment or after a year decide I want to do something else and I can't because I have no qualifications then I would be stuck not literally because I can come home but you know what I mean.
I like physical things like mechanic or something along those lines Im not saying I want to be a dentist there but would I have other options if I already had a job?
Theres alot of bikes in amsterdam I wonder if I could get a job doing that?
I know alot of people come here and ask these questions and I know only I can answer them but I would like other opinions from those what know.
And I know that I have a better start in the country than most cause I will have a job waiting for me and somewhere to live until I find somewhere.
I read the wiki on this page and looked and the places to rent page paraius it was called or something and was not suprised by rent prices, the trouble ill have is that I either have to stay in the hoopdoorf or some other bland area or central and get the train in but rent prices are pretty hugh there but where I lI've is important to me and I have to be happy with and having to take 3 trams and a bus to get to work 10 times a week would stress me out as I'm not in control of it.
Things to think about I know and at least it's only me making the plan and I can live on a small budget anyway I don't smoke anything stronger than tobbacco and hardly drink alcohol
I guess I just want other options and opinions
Thank you very much
Jan 29th 2016, 7:34 am
#2
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Joined: Sep 2015
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 262
Re: Options?
Hi,
From what you've said, you've done very well to get as far as you have; I've also read the comment you made on James's post; it proves it can be done.
Don't think I can add much except to say the best of luck. You may want to pass James the contact details of the Company you got a job with.
From what you've said, you've done very well to get as far as you have; I've also read the comment you made on James's post; it proves it can be done.
Don't think I can add much except to say the best of luck. You may want to pass James the contact details of the Company you got a job with.
Jan 29th 2016, 7:44 am
#3
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4
Re: Options?
as for jobs to be fair to be honest there are plenty here, and also keep in mind the Netherlands is more then just Amsterdam, i Live in a place called Almere and commute to my job near Schiphol everyday, my Wife works in an English speaking admin job in Almere that she managed to find within 3 weeks of arriving.
I would get the lay of the land while your here and have a job so you can decide how to proceed, you will have the cushion of an income while you look for other avenues you would be interested in.
Also remember you will save money living in Hoofdorp and it is a hop skip and jump away from your work in Schiphol, yet even from Hoofdorp your only 20 minutes or so away from Amsterdam c station
I would get the lay of the land while your here and have a job so you can decide how to proceed, you will have the cushion of an income while you look for other avenues you would be interested in.
Also remember you will save money living in Hoofdorp and it is a hop skip and jump away from your work in Schiphol, yet even from Hoofdorp your only 20 minutes or so away from Amsterdam c station
Jan 29th 2016, 8:52 am
#4
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Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Noord Holland
Posts: 568
Re: Options?
I'd love to know the name of the agency who offered you this golden ticket. Does it sound too good to be true?
Let me tell you about 500 euros for a two bedroom apartment (having worked with many Polish people who do this). It is a bed in a two bedroom apartment, not necessarily even your own private bedroom. It is miles outside Amsterdam (Zandvoort is a popular place to put foreign workers up in off-season hotels) and you will be picked up by minibus and will work exactly the hours you're told to work.
You started at 7 am but they want you to work until 11 pm because they're busy? No choice, the bus ain't leaving until the work is done. If the company only has enough work until lunchtime, you will be paid until lunchtime. If there is no work that day, you don't get paid. If you're sick or injured, you have unpaid 3 waiting days before the agency starts to pay you sickness benefit (and after 3 weeks or so, your contract ends, and so does the accommodation). With no guarenteed income, you still have to meet your rent and your health insurance (I believe you are guarenteed a minimum of 28 hours work per week, at minimum wage). Doing a 40 hour week will bring you around 300 euros per week after tax: so 1200 a month of which 500 is going back into the agency's pocket for your accommodation, leaving you with just over half your salary for food, insurance, savings for any travel, and spending on clothes and everything else.
This might still appeal to you and if so, that's great, but have realistic expectations: if you have a dream of socialising around Amsterdam in the evenings after work, the reality is you'll be tired, probably stuck in the middle of nowhere and the locals will no doubt sniff at you as 'just another immigrant'.
Even as a qualified/experienced person (such as IT), the second job can be even tougher to find, because the clock is ticking to find an English only role. Your age is in your favour for now, but you won't always be 21. So be open minded. Study Dutch, perhaps consider later doing some Dutch vocational qualifications at an RoC (college), and your future here might be brighter.
Edit** In your shoes, I would spend my first 40 euros to register on Woningnet.nl (the social housing site). Until the age of 23 you can apply for youth-contract houses, which are income adjusted because of your low pay. You wouldn't get one via the waiting list obviously (you're looking between 4-9 years on the list for any kind of priority), but they draw lots on some housing units and in this way, you just might 'win' a studio in Amsterdam which you can afford. My son just this week got his foot on the housing ladder in this way.
Let me tell you about 500 euros for a two bedroom apartment (having worked with many Polish people who do this). It is a bed in a two bedroom apartment, not necessarily even your own private bedroom. It is miles outside Amsterdam (Zandvoort is a popular place to put foreign workers up in off-season hotels) and you will be picked up by minibus and will work exactly the hours you're told to work.
You started at 7 am but they want you to work until 11 pm because they're busy? No choice, the bus ain't leaving until the work is done. If the company only has enough work until lunchtime, you will be paid until lunchtime. If there is no work that day, you don't get paid. If you're sick or injured, you have unpaid 3 waiting days before the agency starts to pay you sickness benefit (and after 3 weeks or so, your contract ends, and so does the accommodation). With no guarenteed income, you still have to meet your rent and your health insurance (I believe you are guarenteed a minimum of 28 hours work per week, at minimum wage). Doing a 40 hour week will bring you around 300 euros per week after tax: so 1200 a month of which 500 is going back into the agency's pocket for your accommodation, leaving you with just over half your salary for food, insurance, savings for any travel, and spending on clothes and everything else.
This might still appeal to you and if so, that's great, but have realistic expectations: if you have a dream of socialising around Amsterdam in the evenings after work, the reality is you'll be tired, probably stuck in the middle of nowhere and the locals will no doubt sniff at you as 'just another immigrant'.
Even as a qualified/experienced person (such as IT), the second job can be even tougher to find, because the clock is ticking to find an English only role. Your age is in your favour for now, but you won't always be 21. So be open minded. Study Dutch, perhaps consider later doing some Dutch vocational qualifications at an RoC (college), and your future here might be brighter.
Edit** In your shoes, I would spend my first 40 euros to register on Woningnet.nl (the social housing site). Until the age of 23 you can apply for youth-contract houses, which are income adjusted because of your low pay. You wouldn't get one via the waiting list obviously (you're looking between 4-9 years on the list for any kind of priority), but they draw lots on some housing units and in this way, you just might 'win' a studio in Amsterdam which you can afford. My son just this week got his foot on the housing ladder in this way.
Last edited by Red_Wine_Fairy; Jan 29th 2016 at 9:09 am.
Jan 29th 2016, 9:09 am
#5
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4
Re: Options?
a bit pessimistic that last message 
to be fair it is true 500 euro will get you a room not really a flat, but thats ok at your ageand 500 Euro will get you something fairly decent in Amsterdam ( if 500 is your budget you do not have to live in Zandvoort), not the center of course but remember Amsterdam is like a huge village, and i lived initially in a really nice room in Gaasperplas for 340 euros a month and it was a 20 minute tube ride to Amsterdam central station. 1200 euros which you should earn even at the lower end is still fairly decent for someone your age, if you live in amsterdam 80 euro will go towards your travel for a GVB subscription, probably 90 for your health insurance ( mandatory) and the rest is stepping out cash and food money
Jan 29th 2016, 1:14 pm
#6
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Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Noord Holland
Posts: 568
Re: Options?
Sheik. The OP is coming via an agency, he is not coming here independently. It's a symbiotic relationship - he has his flights paid for, a basic job and accommodation laid on from day one, and in return, the agency take around half his pay and have a measure of control over him.
This is not a completely independent move he would be making (free to choose where he works or where he lives), it's very much a package deal, the type of which is common all over Europe with various agencies handling different nationalities for one reason only - it is incredibly LUCRATIVE for the agencies! It also benefits the client/employer (who doesn't have to pay staff when there isn't enough work to do), and so the burden falls very much on the worker: you are discarded are replaced by another lowpaid european should you be injured (who will also be taking your bed, so vacate it). Seen it happen many times, and the OP needs to see if he is free to choose his own accommodation as it varies by agency: some will allow it and he will hear on the grapevine from his colleagues when rooms become available.
Note: At 21, the OP won't be getting the full minimum wage either as you only achieve the top level at 23. At 21, and before tax/social contributions, the amount is € 1.105,35 per month/€ 255,10 per week/€ 51,02 per day.
This is not a completely independent move he would be making (free to choose where he works or where he lives), it's very much a package deal, the type of which is common all over Europe with various agencies handling different nationalities for one reason only - it is incredibly LUCRATIVE for the agencies! It also benefits the client/employer (who doesn't have to pay staff when there isn't enough work to do), and so the burden falls very much on the worker: you are discarded are replaced by another lowpaid european should you be injured (who will also be taking your bed, so vacate it). Seen it happen many times, and the OP needs to see if he is free to choose his own accommodation as it varies by agency: some will allow it and he will hear on the grapevine from his colleagues when rooms become available.
Note: At 21, the OP won't be getting the full minimum wage either as you only achieve the top level at 23. At 21, and before tax/social contributions, the amount is € 1.105,35 per month/€ 255,10 per week/€ 51,02 per day.
Last edited by Red_Wine_Fairy; Jan 29th 2016 at 1:21 pm.
Jan 29th 2016, 1:45 pm
#7
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 16
Re: Options?
Sheik. The OP is coming via an agency, he is not coming here independently. It's a symbiotic relationship - he has his flights paid for, a basic job and accommodation laid on from day one, and in return, the agency take around half his pay and have a measure of control over him.
This is not a completely independent move he would be making (free to choose where he works or where he lives), it's very much a package deal, the type of which is common all over Europe with various agencies handling different nationalities for one reason only - it is incredibly LUCRATIVE for the agencies! It also benefits the client/employer (who doesn't have to pay staff when there isn't enough work to do), and so the burden falls very much on the worker: you are discarded are replaced by another lowpaid european should you be injured (who will also be taking your bed, so vacate it). Seen it happen many times, and the OP needs to see if he is free to choose his own accommodation as it varies by agency: some will allow it and he will hear on the grapevine from his colleagues when rooms become available.
Note: At 21, the OP won't be getting the full minimum wage either as you only achieve the top level at 23. At 21, and before tax/social contributions, the amount is € 1.105,35 per month/€ 255,10 per week/€ 51,02 per day.
This is not a completely independent move he would be making (free to choose where he works or where he lives), it's very much a package deal, the type of which is common all over Europe with various agencies handling different nationalities for one reason only - it is incredibly LUCRATIVE for the agencies! It also benefits the client/employer (who doesn't have to pay staff when there isn't enough work to do), and so the burden falls very much on the worker: you are discarded are replaced by another lowpaid european should you be injured (who will also be taking your bed, so vacate it). Seen it happen many times, and the OP needs to see if he is free to choose his own accommodation as it varies by agency: some will allow it and he will hear on the grapevine from his colleagues when rooms become available.
Note: At 21, the OP won't be getting the full minimum wage either as you only achieve the top level at 23. At 21, and before tax/social contributions, the amount is € 1.105,35 per month/€ 255,10 per week/€ 51,02 per day.
To begin with the accommodation they provide he admitted was expensive 500 euros for a room but I don't have to go there I could find some were else for myself before hand and they will help me with to get it if I want
The reason they provide it is that many people do not want to move to another country without somewhere to live which is fair enough but once again I am under no obligation to live in their apartment and they actively encourage employees to find their own place once settled I think this is good as I have read through this forum and many single people that move their have trouble finding some here that isn't illegal.
You make your own way to work there isn't a bus that comes around and collect a everyone and forces them to work until the works finished.
Also yes it is a bedroom in a 2 or 3 room apartment.
They average 35 hours a week 5 out of 7 and weekends are the busiest times I used the Netherlands tax calculator thing and if I worked 35 hours at the rate if pay 7 to 6 Monday to Friday I will bring home just over 1500 a month after tax and social security of course there are other things to come out like health insurance etc.
There are in hoofdorp and in reality a bus to schipol and then a train to central which Is what me and my friends did when we did a little European road trip in 2013 is fine until I get my own place.
Also bear in mind that this agency only recruits english people for this work and I realise that it wont be exotic work but you have to start somewhere and I'm hard working person who gets on with it.
I also think that I have a better start than many as I will habe a job and somewhere to live and even if it does all go wrong and I hate it its only a hour flight and 100 quid to come home again at least I tried it's better to try than to not and then regret it I think.
Jan 29th 2016, 1:48 pm
#8
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4
Re: Options?
I have read your post in James707 thread and I get the feeling you are a glass half empty think if every bad scenario which is fine but on this occasion I have to say this as I have spoken to the them and seen the contract.
To begin with the accommodation they provide he admitted was expensive 500 euros for a room but I don't have to go there I could find some were else for myself before hand and they will help me with to get it if I want
The reason they provide it is that many people do not want to move to another country without somewhere to live which is fair enough but once again I am under no obligation to live in their apartment and they actively encourage employees to find their own place once settled I think this is good as I have read through this forum and many single people that move their have trouble finding some here that isn't illegal.
You make your own way to work there isn't a bus that comes around and collect a everyone and forces them to work until the works finished.
Also yes it is a bedroom in a 2 or 3 room apartment.
They average 35 hours a week 5 out of 7 and weekends are the busiest times I used the Netherlands tax calculator thing and if I worked 35 hours at the rate if pay 7 to 6 Monday to Friday I will bring home just over 1500 a month after tax and social security of course there are other things to come out like health insurance etc.
There are in hoofdorp and in reality a bus to schipol and then a train to central which Is what me and my friends did when we did a little European road trip in 2013 is fine until I get my own place.
Also bear in mind that this agency only recruits english people for this work and I realise that it wont be exotic work but you have to start somewhere and I'm hard working person who gets on with it.
I also think that I have a better start than many as I will habe a job and somewhere to live and even if it does all go wrong and I hate it its only a hour flight and 100 quid to come home again at least I tried it's better to try than to not and then regret it I think.
To begin with the accommodation they provide he admitted was expensive 500 euros for a room but I don't have to go there I could find some were else for myself before hand and they will help me with to get it if I want
The reason they provide it is that many people do not want to move to another country without somewhere to live which is fair enough but once again I am under no obligation to live in their apartment and they actively encourage employees to find their own place once settled I think this is good as I have read through this forum and many single people that move their have trouble finding some here that isn't illegal.
You make your own way to work there isn't a bus that comes around and collect a everyone and forces them to work until the works finished.
Also yes it is a bedroom in a 2 or 3 room apartment.
They average 35 hours a week 5 out of 7 and weekends are the busiest times I used the Netherlands tax calculator thing and if I worked 35 hours at the rate if pay 7 to 6 Monday to Friday I will bring home just over 1500 a month after tax and social security of course there are other things to come out like health insurance etc.
There are in hoofdorp and in reality a bus to schipol and then a train to central which Is what me and my friends did when we did a little European road trip in 2013 is fine until I get my own place.
Also bear in mind that this agency only recruits english people for this work and I realise that it wont be exotic work but you have to start somewhere and I'm hard working person who gets on with it.
I also think that I have a better start than many as I will habe a job and somewhere to live and even if it does all go wrong and I hate it its only a hour flight and 100 quid to come home again at least I tried it's better to try than to not and then regret it I think.
Absolutely, at your age, give a bash and it is does not work out so be you can always go back home
Jan 29th 2016, 1:48 pm
#9
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Joined: Jan 2016
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Re: Options?
a bit pessimistic that last message to be fair it is true 500 euro will get you a room not really a flat, but thats ok at your ageand 500 Euro will get you something fairly decent in Amsterdam ( if 500 is your budget you do not have to live in Zandvoort), not the center of course but remember Amsterdam is like a huge village, and i lived initially in a really nice room in Gaasperplas for 340 euros a month and it was a 20 minute tube ride to Amsterdam central station. 1200 euros which you should earn even at the lower end is still fairly decent for someone your age, if you live in amsterdam 80 euro will go towards your travel for a GVB subscription, probably 90 for your health insurance ( mandatory) and the rest is stepping out cash and food money
Jan 29th 2016, 1:51 pm
#10
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 16
Re: Options?
Hi,
From what you've said, you've done very well to get as far as you have; I've also read the comment you made on James's post; it proves it can be done.
Don't think I can add much except to say the best of luck. You may want to pass James the contact details of the Company you got a job with.
From what you've said, you've done very well to get as far as you have; I've also read the comment you made on James's post; it proves it can be done.
Don't think I can add much except to say the best of luck. You may want to pass James the contact details of the Company you got a job with.
Yes I have read through this forum and I know that the 2 biggest problems people like me have js getting a job and finding somewhere to live and with this I have both alright there not the most glamorous but I can find my own place once I'm settled there and with a good mindset I think I can progress.
Jan 29th 2016, 1:54 pm
#11
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Joined: Jan 2016
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Re: Options?
as for jobs to be fair to be honest there are plenty here, and also keep in mind the Netherlands is more then just Amsterdam, i Live in a place called Almere and commute to my job near Schiphol everyday, my Wife works in an English speaking admin job in Almere that she managed to find within 3 weeks of arriving.
I would get the lay of the land while your here and have a job so you can decide how to proceed, you will have the cushion of an income while you look for other avenues you would be interested in.
Also remember you will save money living in Hoofdorp and it is a hop skip and jump away from your work in Schiphol, yet even from Hoofdorp your only 20 minutes or so away from Amsterdam c station
I would get the lay of the land while your here and have a job so you can decide how to proceed, you will have the cushion of an income while you look for other avenues you would be interested in.
Also remember you will save money living in Hoofdorp and it is a hop skip and jump away from your work in Schiphol, yet even from Hoofdorp your only 20 minutes or so away from Amsterdam c station
If I like the job then there's no reason I couldn't keep doing it I don't think I'm beyond manual labour and I'f anything I relish manual work.
Jan 29th 2016, 2:01 pm
#12
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Joined: Jan 2016
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Re: Options?
Also I have found a website called craig list which has flats to rent and they seem reasonably priced but is it safe or are they illegal or dodgy in some way they seem cheager than Pararius which sends my alarm bells off.
Jan 29th 2016, 2:21 pm
#13
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Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Noord Holland
Posts: 568
Re: Options?
Use your common sense and don't give anyone a cent until you've viewed the property, and don't send money out of the country ''because the owner lives abroad''. Pararius is a website meant for executive expats with a relocation package: I linked some better websites for finding cheaper housing in James' thread. I would answer your question about Craigslist, but I'll let others do so as I'd hate to be called 'glass half empty' again for stating what the rest of the world knows about Craigslist .
Good to see you checked out with the agent what the tie-in would be with your contract because it seemed you hadn't been clear on some of it, but bearing in mind that you're not yet on the top rate of minimum wage (google minimum loon), I would ask the agency for a dummy payslip for a basic week rather than making a guestimate of your take home pay - it's always better to know what a bad week will look like in your bank account, and then any week with overtime is a pleasant bonus. Good luck.
. Good to see you checked out with the agent what the tie-in would be with your contract because it seemed you hadn't been clear on some of it, but bearing in mind that you're not yet on the top rate of minimum wage (google minimum loon), I would ask the agency for a dummy payslip for a basic week rather than making a guestimate of your take home pay - it's always better to know what a bad week will look like in your bank account, and then any week with overtime is a pleasant bonus. Good luck.
Jan 29th 2016, 3:05 pm
#14
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 16
Re: Options?
Sorry if I seemed dismissive of your advice I take what everyone says to heart.
I don't know anything about craig list I've never used it although I've heard of it in America where they buy cars from there.
It seems bizarre that what is over a 1000 a month on paraius is only 800 on craiglist?
I don't know anything about craig list I've never used it although I've heard of it in America where they buy cars from there.
It seems bizarre that what is over a 1000 a month on paraius is only 800 on craiglist?
Jan 29th 2016, 3:05 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2015
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 262
Re: Options?
Someone was intrigued enough to start a blog about it. Anyone interested, here's a link to the blog.
Just to add - some ISP's block Craigslist.