I didn't go to school. I started working when I was 16, I did baby-sitting for example. When I was 17, I signed up with a temporary employment agency and did day-to-day odd jobs like cleaning.
After that, I worked in a variety of jobs over the years, including cashier, receptionist and sales assistant. I was also a back-office secretary at Hana Group. I think I found this job with the help of MisterBilingue.
In 2018, I decided to take a continuing professional education course leading to a diploma in Event Production and Artistic Management at the international arts and culture school IESA. This diploma is equivalent to a BAC +2.
After this training, I worked as a personal assistant at Solo Invest before going freelance for 1 year, where I was able to carry out translation assignments in English and Dutch for courts, doctors and police stations. Today, I work as a Dutch translator for Showroom Privé.
How long have you been in France?
I've been in France since 2000. I was still a child when I came, and it was my mother's choice. She's a painter. It was her dream to come to France.
How did you hear about Misterbilingue?
I found out about MisterBilingue through my mother because she was in contact with them and they offered her a job but she wasn't interested. I told her I was interested in the job and was put in touch with the agency. It was the first bilingual recruitment agency I'd come across.
What skills have you acquired during your career that you feel are essential for the position you hold now?
My previous experience has given me solid administrative skills in the field of languages. I have also developed language skills, particularly in English and Dutch, especially in a professional context. Moreover, working with your own country is very rewarding and gives you a certain satisfaction. I've also had the opportunity to travel a lot and meet new people thanks to the bilingual positions I've held.
Did you encounter any difficulties during your job search? If so, which ones?
No, I didn't encounter any difficulties at all. There isn't much competition for Dutch translation jobs.
What are the “everyday life” differences that surprised you the most in France?
The first difference that comes to my mind is the dinner time, which is later than in the Netherlands.
Then, there's the attitude and the way French people communicate. I've noticed they can sometimes be pessimistic and tend to beat around the bush, whereas the Dutch are more open, more welcoming, and they express themselves more directly. They adopt a more optimistic attitude, are inclined to go for it and take action while remaining positive.
Another difference I noticed in Paris was the higher level of professional and academic requirements.
Finally, I didn't really like the open spaces in France, especially in teams made up of women, because the mindset isn't the same. I sometimes found it complicated to work with a team made up of French women, because there is a lot of jealousy and hypocrisy. I've already suffered from this in one of my previous experiences, and I didn't take it very well. I prefer to work with Dutch people, who have a mindset that's closer to mine.
An aspect of French culture that you hate? One that you love?
I don't really like the pessimism of some French people.
On the other hand, I love French expressions and the 'franchouillard' aspect. Of course, I also love French food. And last but not least, I love the manifesto and revolutionary side of the French when they don't agree with something.
What do you miss most about the Netherlands?
What I miss most are the working hours, but also eating at 6pm. I also miss the sociability of everyone. Finally, I'd say the ease of cycling, because you don't have as much access to cycling in France, because it is a much bigger country than the Netherlands.
Author
Jade
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