(Untitled)

[relativism]

Residence permits in The Netherlands are an absolute bitch, unfortunately. To put it shortly, if you want to come here to work, you have to have a job lined up before arriving and you have to wait six months for the paperwork to get settled before you can actually work. Lots of other tiny circular little things have to get dealt with too, but that'

Comments

[cheroon]

I already told Elger this, but you should try everything you can get your hands on. I know that you need a social security number to apply for some jobs, but heck, you have a lot to offer so just try and if they ask, say: 'here I am, I am great, take me now or lose me to another company who can see my qualitees.' And do not be afraid to try and find jobs outside Groningen. Even if you have to work in Limburg or Zeeland, at least you can stay in the netherlands, and can commute or something. Even belgium or Germany are options. (you could actually stay in the Netherlands for three months, then move to Belgium for three months and then Germany. Still near enough to find a job but they will not kick you out. yes there is the small matter of money, but you have love to feed you...

[relativism]

Money is more than a small matter, very sadly. Not for Elger and I as a couple of course, but for me to be able to afford applying for the residence permit and then not working for six months and not being able to just hop around to different EU countries. I've sent in an application to the NIS News Bulletin, an English newspaper in 's-Hertogenbosch, and I've filled out a profile for an aupair agency and called American translation companies in Amsterdam. Point being: I've tried and I am continuing to try.

[tealady]

Unfortunately, I think this is how it is with a lot of countries. I know it's true for Australia, New Zealand, and even the United States. The only exception I know of is Canada. It's rather unfair for people like us who don't have thousands saved. : [

I'm surprised that the Netherlands does this too since they're rather liberal, but I guess they have keep the people who want to live in a country where pot and prostitution are legal at bay.

[relativism]

Well, they were liberal until two prominent citizens were killed by Muslim extremists and the people elected a more conservative government that discriminates against any non-EU would-be immigrants. That, and it's tiny and already very densely populated, and all the fun legal things make it pretty appealing...

[tealady]

That is true...what happens if you got married? I mean, after Elger gets all settled and you're both okay financially. Would it count since you're on your way becoming a citizen?

[relativism]

The Netherlands doesn't regard marriage or commited relationships any differently, and all that matters is that your partner makes enough money...

[relativism]

Yeah, that whole matter of a company having to prove that they've had a job opening for at least three months and have tried to employ EU candidates before anyone else is troubling. But, the irony of all this is that once Elger makes enough money and I could potentially be completely financially dependent on him, THEN I can take my time and find any job I like with ease. Grr.

[relativism]

I want him to take his time and do what he needs to do, I'll move here as soon as I can. I'm just trying to do all I can on my own until then.

(I understand the sentiment, though.)