"We came for temporary work, but Holland became our home." 

For Pamela and her mother Renata Karczewska, Poland was their home, a place where they had built their entire lives in the small town of Złocieniec in western Pomerania, before deciding to start a new chapter in the Netherlands.
In 2009, Renata decided to move to the Netherlands, initially only for a few months to do temporary work. Life in Poland took many uncertainties with it, especially with a family and young children. The idea was simple: earn money temporarily, return home, get on with life. But as is often the case with big leaps into the unknown, things went just a little differently than planned. 

"At first I thought I might stay for two or three months," Renata says. "But I fell for Holland, the people, the work and the freedom you have here. And then I decided to stay." 

Seven years later followed her daughter Pamela, just 18 years old and just graduated from high school. Her first real job was with Flexspecialisten. "I also thought I would only stay for a short time, but Holland immediately felt like a place where I could grow and where I could feel at home," Pamela says. "I came here with no work experience, no papers, and yet they saw my potential." 

A fresh start in a new country 

Pamela recalls her first impressions of the Netherlands: open, friendly people, a society that invites people to live rather than just survive. "In Poland, it's often all about work and daily worries. Here people have time for each other, for their families, for fun," she says. 

The difference goes beyond working hours or leisure time. Practical matters, such as rent, electricity, mortgages and health care, also provide a stability that is often lacking in Poland. "In Poland, you can pay 1,700 zloty today and suddenly pay 3,000 the next month. Here you have guarantees, here you know where you stand," Renata explains. 

The result: a sense of freedom and security that helped the whole family build their lives in the Netherlands. Pamela: "We worked hard and because of that we could finally buy a house, create our own place. That's a huge step toward independence and happiness." 

Growth and opportunities at Flexspecialisten 

Pamela started as a production worker, a first step in her career. Within months, her potential was noticed by Flexspecialisten. "They saw that I had more up my sleeve!" says Pamela. "At 18, I was given the opportunity to become a coordinator. With no experience, no papers, just based on what they saw in my work attitude and motivation. Something unthinkable in Poland." 

Today, Pamela is employed by Flexspecialisten in the Flex Support position: an internal pivotal position in which she guides flex workers, answers questions and provides support for both work and life in the Netherlands. "I feel I'm really needed," she says. "Flex workers know they can come to me, and that gives me energy and a sense of pride." 

Her mother Renata previously worked as a House Master and supervised several locations. Together they have made impressive strides in which trust, responsibility and growth are central. "Flexspecialisten sees potential, gives opportunities and helps people develop. That makes all the difference," says Renata. 

Cultural differences and integration 

Moving to a new country is not without its challenges. The Karczewskas quickly noticed the differences between Dutch and Polish culture. "Dutch people are more open, friendly and helpful. They are not as closed or suspicious," Pamela says. "At work you can laugh, listen to music, sometimes even dance. You don't see that happening so easily in Poland." 

Working in an international environment at Flexspecialisten also provides an opportunity to learn from colleagues from various countries. "We learn not only about work, but also about habits, customs and culture of other countries. That enriches our lives, not just our work," Renata adds. 

Trust and loyalty 

What Pamela and Renata especially appreciate about Flexspecialisten is the trust they receive as well as the personal approach. "They really see you as a person, not as a number," says Pamela. The company offers support, even in personally difficult moments. When Pamela lost her father, colleagues and management were ready with help and support. "That makes the bond with Flexspecialisten stronger than ever," Pamela says. 

Their advice to newcomers is clear: "be motivated, believe in yourself, take your time and open your mind to the opportunities this country and the work offer." 

Pride and future 

What makes Pamela and Renata most proud? "Our home, our family and what we have accomplished together," says Pamela. "But also my career. From production worker to Flex Support ... I never expected that." 

Renata adds:

"The most important thing is that we feel at home here. The Netherlands has become our home, and that gives us peace, security and happiness." 

Their story is an inspiring example of courage, perseverance and daring to seize opportunities. It shows that with the right motivation and an open attitude, a new country is not just a place to work, but a place to grow, prosper and build a life that makes you happy and proud. 

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