A Fabulous Pink Kimono + What it Really Means to Work Abroad

One of my stipulations for making the move last year was that I get a job in Amsterdam by the time we arrived or shortly thereafter. I can’t begin to express to you how much stress I went through because of that. I worked tirelessly, applying, reaching out to connections, and crossing my fingers that something would work out. I got incredibly lucky and landed a job at one of my dream ad agencies just two weeks before we were scheduled to move. Not only was I moving to another country, but I was going to be working abroad at an amazing place!

The past few months have been wonderful. I’ve gotten to work with a great client, on a talented team, and have produced a number of commercials and other great work in that time. It’s been a dream, and the agency culture has been phenomenal. From the beginning, they got me set up with my resident permit, work visa, insurance, basically everything I could need when moving to a new country.

Unfortunately, in the past month I’ve had to face the harsh reality of being an American expat in Amsterdam. My contract is coming to an end in February, and due to the costs of having an American work visa, I won’t be able to stay on. It has been heartbreaking for me. There’s nothing worse than doing a good job and enjoying your work and being essentially let-go due to factors out of everyone’s hands.

I’ve been on the job hunt, but the difficult thing is that anywhere else I try to work will have the same issues. I can’t even go get a job at a cafe because they won’t be able to afford the visa. As someone who is obsessed with planning, it’s a pretty nerve-wracking time. I’ve begun a lot of amazing conversations and am taking all the right steps. I’m sure things will work out just fine, but not knowing what will happen next isn’t easy.

Dealing with the uncertainty is something I’m definitely working on, since it’s outside my comfort zone. Some days I feel very confident and some days I feel like I’m going to be jobless for months. In the meantime, all I can do is keep these conversations going, keep applying, and keep my hopes high.

Have you ever dealt with job insecurity? How did you cope with not knowing what was going to happen next?

On another note, how cute is this pink kimono with faux fur cuffs?! One of my resolutions was to wear more of what makes me happy, especially when it comes to more outrageous fashion. I feel like I’m hitting the nail on the head with this look. Although by pairing the kimono with a white blouse, my favorite J.Crew Factory jeans, and chelsea boots, it doesn’t look as outrageous as you’d think.

Xx, Kelsey

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Zara pink kimono with fur cuffs (on sale! but they’re restocking) | H&M white blouse | J. Crew Factory toothpick jeans | Calvin Klein chelsea boots (similar pair here and here)

Special thanks to @aussiegoesdutch for shooting these photos and joining me for an over-indulgent brunch at Corner Bakery