Hey April- how exactly do you find work as a freelancer?
I think that this is a major question that has been plaguing readers and potential movers alike- how do I find work when I get to Amsterdam! Ahhh
Have no fear, what I like to say to others (and to myself) where there is a will there is a way! I have had so many random freelance jobs since moving here that I have lost count. My very first job in Amsterdam was as a tour guide for bachelor parties that wanted to go clubbing and through the red light district. Needless to say, I have gathered enough strange experiences to last my grandchildren a week of grandma's stories.
I cannot say that freelancing has been easy- my main goal coming out here was to establish a legitamite marketing agency that does business with large corporate companies as my own consultant. I will not say that that cannot happen, I have just had to roll with the rejections and find income elsewhere. I think that doing odd jobs in the beginning to build up a network is the way to go. So for kicks, here is a short list of jobs that I have done in the past 5 months:
1. Bachelor party tour guide
2. Spa manager of a nudist green vegan party
3. Bartender of various sorts (public relations)
4. Ticket scanner at festivals (street marketing)
5. A marketing baker (start up company needed a marketeer/baker)
6. Indian travel tour guide for Holland
7. Graphic designer for a start up company
I could keep going...
But my main point is that jobs will come to those that are looking for them! I started my search on craigslist, markplaats, indeed.nl, job pages on Facebook, linkedin, friend connections, etc.
I never used just one portal for finding jobs. Once I found the first one, other jobs just presented themselves to me. I was confident in my abilities and presented myself in a way that people were happy to hire me as a freelancer.
Do you have any specific questions about finding jobs as a freelancer when you first move to Holland? Ask away!
