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In recent months, I’ve often felt like an alien in my professional life. I’m someone who is passionate about AI, innovation and digital transformation. I live in a world full of ideas that I want to implement and share. But in my current environment, I often encounter a lack of understanding. Rigid structures, formal hurdles and questions like ‘And what exactly does that mean?’ when I talk about my passions. It felt like I was speaking a language that no one understood.
I often think about the sng from The Police “An Englishman in New York” 🙂 “I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien, I’m a Englishman in New York” I like t change it in “I’am an alien, I’m a legal alien, I’m a Dutchman in Germany” 🙂
But then came the turning point.
I recently took part in a virtual networking event: ‘Networking for AI Professionals Worldwide’. I didn’t have high expectations, but what I found was a real ‘oasis’. A space where you can get straight to the heart of the matter, without small talk and superficial pleasantries.
I exchanged ideas in one-to-one conversations with people from India, Taiwan and Australia. The crazy thing is that most of them now live in Amsterdam. We talked about our projects, our ideas and the future of AI. I boldly shared my blog and my certificates, and the reactions were simply overwhelming. Curiosity instead of scepticism. Recognition instead of blank stares. It wasn’t just encouraging, it was liberating.
During these conversations, something became clear to me: I never really felt comfortable in Germany because it wasn’t me, it was the culture. The internationality, the open and pragmatic approach that is lived in the Netherlands is exactly what I am missing. It’s not about titles or formal requirements, but about skills, mindset and the will to make a difference.
One conversation perfectly underscored this point: one of the participants, who works for Shell, told me that he doesn’t speak Dutch. That’s the best proof that nowadays it’s not your nationality or the language of the country that matters, but your skills and your contribution.
This event was more than just a networking opportunity. It was the final confirmation: I don’t fit in Germany because I simply function better in an international environment.
And that’s exactly why I made my decision: I want to make a new start in my home country, the Netherlands. I’m looking for a place where my language is understood – the language of innovation and progress.
