My Journey from the Netherlands: Reasons for Leaving and Reflections

As someone who sought a new home in New Zealand, my reasons for leaving the Netherlands and the ongoing reasons for my continued contentment are multifaceted. In this article, I will explore the personal and social reasons behind my departure from the Netherlands, and why I remain grateful for the decision to immigrate, even as I continue to visit my Dutch relatives.

Decision to Leave and Continued Gratitude

My parents' unilateral decision to immigrate to New Zealand without consulting their children was a significant turning point in my life. However, after 43 years of life in New Zealand, I am glad and thankful for that decision. The current state of the Netherlands has confirmed that the reasons for my departure are still valid and justifiable. Reflecting on my experiences, I have found myself often comparing the current state of the Netherlands with my life in New Zealand, where I still have a sense of belonging and a supportive community.

Reasons for Leaving the Netherlands

No Future for Seniors: Extended work life for senior citizens and the continuous reduction of pension benefits have made it clear that I have little hope of a stable retirement in the Netherlands. The ongoing challenges have made me realize that I need a more secure and predictable future. Narrow-minded Views: The rigid and often outdated social norms in the Netherlands, including the Calvinist roots and the tendency to control and judge everything that falls outside these norms, have led to a feeling of suffocation. Dutch perspectives on global issues often seem narrow and self-centered to me. Inadequate Support Structures: While the Dutch pride themselves on having a safeguarded financial system, the reality is quite different. The rigid and overly strict policies of this system often leave more people vulnerable, resulting in an increased rate of poverty among the Dutch elderly and those with lower education levels. Egregious Government Practices: The visionless and corrupt government has been making poor decisions for years, failing to address the needs of the people while creating more problems. My involvement in politics further highlighted the pervasive corruption and lack of transparency. Control Through Fear and Penalties: The Netherlands often uses fear and financial penalties to enforce rules and regulations. This approach has made life more stressful for the middle class, who work hard to pay the bills but find themselves heavily taxed and burdened with regulations.

Conclusion

Despite the pull of my Dutch heritage and the love for my home country, my decision to leave the Netherlands is now, more than ever, justified. The reasons for leaving are deeply rooted in social and economic factors that have deteriorated significantly over the years. While I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to live in a country where my values align more closely with my personal ideals, I recognize the importance of maintaining connections with my Dutch roots, even as I continue to advocate for change and improvements in the Netherlands.