When people see my life today, a corporate job in tech, travel, a home in the Netherlands, they often think it was always easy. It wasn’t.
When I moved to the Netherlands at 29, I left behind a good-paying job in India. I came with no job, no guarantee that I would find one, no Dutch, and no friends here. The first months were some of the saddest of my life.
This is the honest story of moving abroad with no job, how it felt, and what I’d tell anyone standing where I stood.
Why I moved without a job
I moved because of my partner’s job. Like many people who move abroad for a partner, I didn’t have a job lined up. I had a career I was proud of in India, and I gave it up for a new life with no certainty at all.
On paper it sounded exciting. A new country, a new life, Europe. In reality, I was scared.
The hardest part of the first months
The hardest part wasn’t the weather or the food. It was the feeling of losing my identity.
In India, I had a job, my own income and a clear direction. Here, I suddenly had nothing to do every morning. And my biggest fear was this: what if I become a housewife?
There’s nothing wrong with being a homemaker if that’s your choice. But it was never what I wanted. I had always wanted my own career and my own money. Sitting at home with no job and no certainty made me very, very sad.
I wrote more about this feeling in moving abroad for your partner and building your own identity again.
How it turned around
I decided that waiting was not an option. I started applying, learning, and most importantly, messaging people on LinkedIn directly. It took around four to five months, but I got my first job in the Netherlands.
That first job changed everything. My confidence came back, I had my own income again, and I slowly started building a life here. Since then I’ve changed roles a few times and built a career I’m proud of. You can read how I found that first job in how to find a job in the Netherlands as an expat.
What I wish I knew before moving abroad with no job
1. The sadness is normal, and it passes
Feeling lost in the first months doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It means you’re going through a big change. Give yourself time.
2. Start your job search before you arrive
Update your CV and LinkedIn, research companies and start connecting with people in your new country before you land. It saves you months.
3. Check your visa rules
Find out if your residence permit allows you to work. In my case, being on a partner (dependent) permit was an advantage. I explained it in dependent visa in the Netherlands: can you work? Always check the official IND website for current rules.
4. Build a routine from day one
Wake up at a fixed time, plan your day like a job: job search, learning, exercise. Structure protects your mood.
5. Make friends on purpose
Join expat groups, dance classes, sports clubs or community events. Friends abroad slowly become your family.
6. Keep some money aside
Moving without a job means living on one income for a while. A financial buffer reduces stress a lot.
7. Remember why you came
On hard days, remind yourself what you’re building. For me, it was a new life and a new career, and it was worth it.
Is it worth moving abroad without a job?
For me, yes. Those first months were hard, but they made me stronger. Today I have a career I love, a home I’m proud of and a life I couldn’t have imagined back then.
But go in with open eyes. Expect a few tough months, plan your job search early and be kind to yourself. If homesickness hits, my post on dealing with homesickness abroad might help.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good idea to move abroad without a job?
It can work, but it’s risky. Have savings, check that your visa allows work, and start your job search before you move.
How long does it take to find a job after moving abroad?
It depends on your field and the country. For me in the Netherlands, it took around four to five months.
How do I deal with feeling lost after moving abroad?
Build a routine, set small goals each week, connect with people and remind yourself that the first months are the hardest.
Is 29 too late to move abroad?
Not at all. I moved at 29 and built a whole new career. It’s never too late to start again.
Did you move abroad without a job? How were your first months? Tell me in the comments 👇
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