moving out of my comfort bubble. Literally.

And just like that, it’s been six years since I moved from Switzerland to the Netherlands. Sometimes, I wish I could chat with my younger self and let her know she’s going to be just fine.

I’d tell her those first months will be tough, and no amount of prepping or last-minute Dutch lessons will make things less confusing—but it’s all worth it to build a nest with the person she’s loved long-distance for almost three years.

I’d let her know it's okay to take a career detour. Every bump along the way will add to her empathy. She’ll show up too early on her first day of work, expecting Swiss working hours, and wonder how her new salary will cover Amsterdam prices. But none of that will stop her from crafting a fulfilling career.

Missing family and friends who love her unconditionally is okay, too. But the new people she’ll meet will be just as caring. They'll be curious about her dreams, relate to her worries, and support her through burnout and a layoff.

She should get out there and explore the city—whether she's scared to ride a bike or it's raining. She’s not made of sugar. Plus, finding a community and connecting with people will show her that everyone’s just figuring things out.

I’d remind her that she doesn’t have to solve everything on her own. Asking for support isn’t failing to adjust to a new country. No one will judge her for thinking that staying in her home country would have been just so much easier. Even with the largest safety net, it’s okay to feel lost and worried at times.

I’d tell her all this but still let her stumble through it all on her own—because those stumbles blurred the borders of my comfort zone, and that’s been my favorite part of it all.

And yes, she’ll absolutely miss the mountains (everyone will remind her of it), but living in her now favorite city, surrounded by the most wonderful people, working on a business she loves, will make up for it every single day.

about the author:

Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.