If only in Brussels, French. If you want to live somewhere nicer, you'll probably have to move to Flanders and, if you want to settle, Dutch and then French.
@jakesespach12572 күн бұрын
Your video and the printable guide is a lifesaver
@EricBishard5 күн бұрын
French first
@beafisch52996 күн бұрын
I enjoy your videos a lot since my girlfriend and me are maybe going to move to Brussels in the summer, depending on where she can find a new job. Just curious: did you take Dutch lessons? I‘m about to finish my level 2 Dutch course and I try to speak more and more Dutch with my girlfriend at home. But it is so much easier to talk in English so I was wondering if you also had to “force” yourself to speak more Dutch? I find that it’s crucial to speak a lot to get better quickly in a language.
@JustBrusselsThings6 күн бұрын
Thank you for your support! ❤️ I actually speak Dutch already, because my parents are from the Netherlands. But because I grew up in Denmark, my Dutch had become quite bad 😅 so I had to relearn it a bit here + adding the Flemish accent. It helped a lot being exposed to it. I am learning French now but have taken a break from it. I find it super difficult to learn!
@Hrng27010 күн бұрын
Liked your video you're cute 🥰💋💋💋🌹🌹🌹🌹
@Hrng27010 күн бұрын
This linguistic geography of Belgium is unfair, yes, there must be a Dutch-speaking area in Wallonia, that's the wrong study, I mean, Brussels can speak French and no one from machimba galanti Wallonia cannot speak Dutch. Belgian laws and constitution should be changed in Wallonia geography, that's it, on lock and the day before yesterday.
@Hrng27010 күн бұрын
This linguistic geography of Belgium is unfair, yes, there must be a Dutch-speaking area in Wallonia, that's the wrong study, I mean, Brussels can speak French and no one from Machimba Galanti Wallonia cannot speak Dutch. Belgian laws and constitution, that's it, on lock and the day before yesterday.
@nawfelmoumen191011 күн бұрын
The reality is the following : 1- French 2- English 3- Arabic (I’m not even joking 💀) 4- Dutch But if you want to live in Flanders then Dutch come first btw German is useless for Belgium
@user-vp5fm3yc2l16 күн бұрын
depending on where you live in Brussels and if you have a car, it's also worth checking out Albert Heijn, a Dutch supermarket chain with usually good grocery prices
@thanasis224518 күн бұрын
What's your area of interest? Do you have a specific industry or company in your mind? Also, after the end of your contract you'll have to register to Actiris, they will provide you with a professional career consultant (for free) and they will guide you until you'll find a job. I had the chance to meet with a very supportive consultant from Radstand! She was great!
@JustBrusselsThings18 күн бұрын
Thanks a lot! I was at an ‘end-of-contract’ meeting at the EP this week, they gave me a lot of information but super glad to hear it worked for you! ❤️☀️
@peterboil406419 күн бұрын
I like having more than one way of brewing coffee. Filter p.o., metal mesh p.o., french press; they all make very different coffee and I never know in which coffee-style mood I am tomorrow.
@JustBrusselsThings18 күн бұрын
Agreed! ☀️ I have gathered all kinds of different ways of making coffee, espresso machine, moka express (difficult though when you have an induction stove), French press 😅 but I will get a pour over at some point, french press is good but pour over is my favorite !
@RongRoseLiu19 күн бұрын
How much does interview coaching cost? Good luck!
@JustBrusselsThings19 күн бұрын
Thanks! 🙏 For this coach it is €125 per session and each session is 75 minutes ☀️
@CreRay19 күн бұрын
Good luck on the interview! One more word of advise, be very aware that it's not just you trying to "sell yourself" to the company, the company is also trying to sell themselves to you, the candidate! Prepare with questions about the position, listen carefully during the interview, and be very specific when you get some vague answers. In the final interview, be specific and have them confirm promises that were made like working from home, are commuting in working hours (comments like "We'll sort it out" is a warning sign). You got this🍀
@JustBrusselsThings19 күн бұрын
You are completely right! ☀️ I was once interviewed for a position where we really got along, and for a second interview it went really bad. It was with a different person interviewing and the vibe was really off. I never looked back and now I regularly see the same job position being available, even though they said it would be the last round of hiring. Dodged a bullet there it seems!
@CreRay18 күн бұрын
@@JustBrusselsThings I quit a previous job after 5 months. In the offboarding meeting we discussed why I left. I stated why the job didn't live up to job description, HR's answer: "Yes we know that, but we were hoping you'd stay for the money".
@JustBrusselsThings18 күн бұрын
@@CreRayOmg that sounds insane! Good choice to leave the company!
@jackbaldwin364920 күн бұрын
Beautiful Apartment Evelyn! The Lego castle and futuristic posters came as a really nice surprise.
@JustBrusselsThings19 күн бұрын
Thank you so much ❤️☀️ I appreciate them every day!
@jackbaldwin364920 күн бұрын
This is so helpful Evelyn! I'm a new viewer. Do you know of websites people use to look for rental property? We are leaning towards living in Antwerp over Brussels. We are retirees from the states.
@JustBrusselsThings20 күн бұрын
Antwerp should overall be a bit cheaper than Brussels!
@boudivv20 күн бұрын
Learn English! French and Dutch will disappear.
@JustBrusselsThings20 күн бұрын
*insert the ‘are you sure about that’ gif
@nikitajenkins995321 күн бұрын
Thanks!
@JustBrusselsThings20 күн бұрын
You’re welcome! ☀️
@12chachachannel23 күн бұрын
learn Belgian
@JustBrusselsThings23 күн бұрын
Which is what exactly? 😂
@BeaglefreilaufKalkar25 күн бұрын
Brussels is officially both French and Dutch
@JustBrusselsThings22 күн бұрын
Which one would you use in Brussels? ☀️
@KokkiePiet22 күн бұрын
@@JustBrusselsThings Dutch, as it is an official language in Brussels.
@teddyproducesstuff27 күн бұрын
Hi, im a new viewer and i lobe your vlogs already, you're a good storyteller & you're pretty too. Sending love and appreciation from kenya!
@JustBrusselsThings27 күн бұрын
Thank you so much for your support! ☀️🙏
@GerritVanderSpurt-bp1bz28 күн бұрын
When I'm in Brussel I speak Dutch. It's officially bilingual, so I speak in my own tongue. When you go south of Brussel, you will have to speak French because almost nobody there can speak Dutch or even English.
@JustBrusselsThings26 күн бұрын
Thanks for your input! ☀️ I agree with you. You will probably have some expats in the south of Brussels who speak English though 😉 but generally French is very dominant.
@MzeeMwalimu-uq8db29 күн бұрын
❤️❤️
@RongRoseLiuАй бұрын
Loved the temporary bar at Cinquantenaire. Such under-utilized space!
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
I always wanted to go to that spot to see the walls closer up, and finally it could happen! ❤️ did not disappoint, would 100% recommend!
@CreRayАй бұрын
Good luck with the job interview! Try to remember what skills they are after, and what your capacities are. If the interviewer is any good they will be curious rather then be after to 'crack' you. If the interview doesn't feel good, don't take the job, it's at least as important that the atmosphere in the company suits you. Is communication between you and your b/f a mix of English and Dutch as we see it in the videos?
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Thanks for the advice! They were luckily very supportive, but in that moment it feels so uncomfortable 😣 but they did OK to make it comfortable for me .. I think 😅 We speak Dutch to each other but I switch to English sometimes. Or if I want to say something that sounds better in English 😂 you know somethings just sounds better or more fun in another language. It goes back and forth!
@DMSBrian24Ай бұрын
French is politically dominant and more useful both in Brussels as well as internationally (that said, French people don't really appreciate you speaking their language xd)
@JustBrusselsThings22 күн бұрын
I think people to appreciate when people speak French in Brussels though. If they don’t, I will quickly switch to Dutch and see people sweat 😂
@peterboil4064Ай бұрын
Nice baking! :-) Do you have gluten intolerance? I don't really (just when I overdo it, but I guess that's considered normal). Anyways, I've read that long dough sheeting makes a huge difference if you have a mild gluten intolerance. So here's my bread roll recipe (because, as a member of the Germanic tribe I find the "bread" offerings in Brussels underwhelming). What's awesome about it: zero kneading necessary, just mix, put it in the fridge, wait, bake: 500g wheat flour 550 370g water 8g yeast (fresh) 12g salt 8g sugar (optional) A splash of vegetable oil (recommended) For the best result please use fresh instead of dry yeast I usually let it sit for at least 12 hours, up to 18 is not a problem. Be *very* careful when you remove it from the container to shape the rolls so it stays fluffy. This car-tax-advantage thing is a nice thing for you individually, so congrats. However it is also the biggest contributor to the worsening traffic situation in Brussels. Here something straight out of my life: I just bought an ebike (25km/h) and I'm using it much more often than my normal bike (because the difference in average speed is just huge), which was the reason buying it. Car stays in the garage much more often now.
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Thanks for your comment! ☀️ I have celiac disease, but it’s not so bad anymore. I have to stick to a gluten free diet, but I can share a toaster with others and taste beer etc. But it can cause permanent damage if I don’t respect the diet, so I try as much as I can to eat gluten free! 🌾 I have heard from quite some Germans that the bread is not impressive in Belgium, I understand why 😂 thanks for the recipe! My boyfriend uses the car for work purposes as well, he uses it quite regularly. I completely understand the point, it causes a lot of pollution and traffic in the city. I would also prefer to be without the system, but as he drives around regularly to meet clients etc., he was obligated to have one.
@cisseilegems2323Ай бұрын
belgium has three official languages. Dutch is spoken by 60% of the population, French 39%, and German 1%
@yutomatsuki6375Ай бұрын
although my comment is quite late, i will post a potentially controversial reply. I am a expat who grew up speaking French. I previously tried very hard to learn Flemish and used every resource available to immerse myself. However one can only immerse themselves so far without actually speaking it to people. Whenever I went to Antwerp or other cities in Flanders, they would always switch languages, usually to English. Why should I try to speak a language that even their own people have no pride in? That’s why I became the “stereotypical asshole” in Brussels who replies in French even when spoken to in Flemish or English even though I understand both, because unlike the Flemish who have given up the i language for English, we are still proud of our heritage and language and dont think our language in our capital city should be replaced by English. We would gladly learn Flemish if there was a need to, but unfortunately there isn’t. Flemish in Brussels is a symbolic move more than anything, like French traffic signs in Ottawa or Toronto in order to claim they’re “bilingual” legally speaking, but the reality is far from that
@Mmmeeee48 күн бұрын
Die mensen probeerden je alleen maar te helpen. Het had niks te maken met trots zijn.
@CreRayАй бұрын
Nice to see that spring has finally started☀ Good luck with the job hunt! 1 Advice for the letter: read the job ad very carefully, and then put it away for a day or so. During the time you put it aside, you'll probably spontaneously come up with ideas about what you want to mention. Make some mental notes, and start compiling the letter when you feel ready with what you want to convey. Inspiration won't be rushed. Is your mind made up about not wanting to extend your current position, even if you get the chance?
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Thanks for the advice ☀️ my mind is completely made up, it’s time for change! 🙏
@ruebennomura9143Ай бұрын
Love your video I hope you find a new job for you
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Thank you ❤️☀️🙏
@peterboil4064Ай бұрын
Funny thing about your newspaper. My BRUZZ delivery works every time for over a year now! I'm flabbergasted that something actually works for a change ;-)
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Wow! How did you make that happen? 😂 I am so sad mine hasn’t showed up yet, but they say it is a problem for them in entire Brussels 😭
@peterboil4064Ай бұрын
You are selling yourself? *shocked*
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Only for the highest bidder 😂
@MzeeMwalimu-uq8dbАй бұрын
Hi I appreciate what you do and it will be good to make video about cost of owning car in brusels
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Are you planning to have your own car or do you have a car through your company? It makes a big difference financially!
@MzeeMwalimu-uq8dbАй бұрын
I planing to have my own car
@RongRoseLiuАй бұрын
Really enjoyed seeing Place Fernand Coq and Emili Max near my old home. I still recall the unbelievable carpet of cherry blossoms casually covering the quiet residential streets... no need to crowd into Japan. Congratulations on the courageous decision to quit. I only accidentally quit because of a confluence of world events. People who get into competitive posts and manage to stay that long are resilient but this can also be our Achilles heel. It's like being on life support: resuscitating/placating yourself enough in the evening/on the weekend with the expensive beauty treatments and trips abroad.
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
I hope I managed to bring back some memories for you 🌸🌺 thanks for the supportive words ☀️ I will try writing some applications this week 🤞
@AnnaShabanova-SerdechnaАй бұрын
As someone who has lived in Italy for almost 3 years now I can tell you that having the sun all the time gets unbearable pretty quickly haha Can't wait to move to Brussels in a month! Also, good luck with searching for your new endeavour, I really hope it works out smoothly for you :)
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Welcome soon to Brussels! 🇧🇪☀️ and thank you for the positive words! The sun is finally out and oh how I have missed it! Be prepared though, autumn lasts for 2,5 seasons here, winter depression for sure is a thing, and the rain… it never really seems to stop 🙈 I hope you will enjoy your time here however, there is so much more to the city 😉
@CreRayАй бұрын
I sooo recognise your situation🙋♂ The exhaustion on the weekends, betting 100% on "doing what makes you happy", only to find oneself asking these questions and wondering "am I doing the right thing?". I think this last question can be a big drain factor, especially in times where work is not fun (yet still you made all these big choices for that job). I will say this though, I have been considering for a short while moving to either Netherlands or Belgium because of the weather! Trust me when I say you are much better off. The most Belgian thing ever btw is a "faciliteitengemeente", look it up if you're not familiar with it:) My advice would be to calmly look for a potential new job, it's calming to know what your options are, and then consider the positives and negatives. Overview creates peace and clarity in the mind. For my case I can say that the range of opportunities I have at my current company are almost unique, moving to Netherlands or Belgium would mean accepting 1 lesser position (as in less interesting) and probably 0 other options that I'd find interesting. Knowing this I feel at peace again with my choice, and I decided to book some short trips to sunny places in those critical times when the rainy days start to get to me.
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
It’s very comforting to know that I am not the only one who has experienced this! 🙏 who ever told us how to ‘career’, can’t remember that lesson for sure 😅 I will try and push my feelings about my job a bit to the side these next few months and try on focus calmly on the next steps ☀️ hope you find what works out for you too!
@lyvia.fortunaАй бұрын
Hey Evelyn! I’m always happy when I see that a new video of yours is out! Thank you for the insights on the professional career. Working for the EU institutions is my dream but it is so important for me to see that no place is perfect and we can have issues everywhere. I’m wishing you all the luck and all the best! Lyvia
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
So happy you are here watching ☀️🙏 I would say definitely give an EU career a try, it’s just important to remember it is not like any other job 😉 I don’t regret working there at all. I can just feel it’s time to move on to something different, whatever that may be!
@ruebennomura9143Ай бұрын
I just watch your video but it up to you if you decide to quit your jobs I think you should find a better job and a good pay too
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
I hope it will all work out, fingers crossed 🤞🤞
@peterboil4064Ай бұрын
Nothing beats a beer for breakfast 🙂 Makes reading the newspaper more bearable!
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Hahah, I think he had it as a brunch, but it wasn’t late for sure 😂🤣 still no sign of solving the newspaper mystery however! 🫣
@thanasis2245Ай бұрын
I will definitely visit Hallerbos this year as always! I wish you all the best with your new career endeavours. It takes time, but I'm sure you'll find something,that you love doing with no stress. :)
@JustBrusselsThingsАй бұрын
Hallebos is so pretty 🩵 thank you for your supportive words, it helps very much ☀️
@CreRay2 ай бұрын
Really nice vlog, and oh so recognisable! I was fully drained before easter and used this easter to sleep in, read some books and already make plans for the summer holiday. I'd love to have some cats as well😊. In terms of work I much respect your dedication, but it seems that with your type of job you put "all the eggs in one basket"? Will you be considered first after elections if things don't go well for your EU parliamentary? Erg leuk trouwens te horen hoe je Nederlands spreekt met een Deens accent😊. Ik kan Deens enigszins verstaan, maar niet spreken. Met mijn Zweeds kreeg ik in Kopenhagen meestal antwoorden in het Engels terug, zodat ik automatisch weer op Engels overschakelde. Eerlijk gezegd geeft Kopenhagen mij wel spontaan een "Ja! hier wil ik wonen" gevoel wat ik in Göteborg niet zo voel.
@JustBrusselsThings2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the kind words 🙏☀️ you are completely right, I do have a narrow focus and my friends tell me that too often. I am trying to be more open minded regarding jobs but I find it difficult still 🙈 I am busy exploring other opportunities but I will not say anything yet as I may jinx it! Zo grappig, ik vroeg mijn partner net of ik een sterk accent heb, en hij zei heel duidelijk JA 😂🙈 ik denk ook dat veel mensen niet goed Zweeds kunnen in Denemarken, ik spreek ook altijd Engels met mijne Zweedse collega’s. Om Scandinavisch met elkaar te spreken is nog al heel moeilijk, maar ik heb sommige collega’s die dat echt graag willen. Gewoon maar blijven oefenen! 👏
@CreRay2 ай бұрын
@@JustBrusselsThings I moved to Sweden to work at my dream company so I can 100% relate😊 In de video klonk je Nederlands uitstekend, complimenten daarvoor! Ik denk dat mijn accent in het Zweeds veel sterker is:) Belangrijkste is dat mensen je zonder problemen kunnen verstaan, de "puntjes op de i" komen vanzelf met oefening.
@user-zs9su6sz4m2 ай бұрын
Super 🎉
@user-zs9su6sz4m2 ай бұрын
Super 🎉
@RongRoseLiu2 ай бұрын
As someone who likes to explore the nooks and cranny of every place, I can't believe I've never even HEARD of the wooden escalator in Antwerp, never mind the one in Galerie Horta! Besides the rubber (?) rotating band, the steps and the sides/handles are really all wood?
@JustBrusselsThings2 ай бұрын
All wood! 🪵 I have to say, it took a Belgian to show it to me before I realised it was there 😂
@RongRoseLiu2 ай бұрын
Tram 81 was the filthiest public transit I've been on anywhere in the world. The dust on the upholstered seating was as thick as the seat and I'm pretty sure I picked up some clothes moth larvae from them. I couldn't believe Belgians could show their face to Europe and the world when that was the state of the tramline running between some of its nicest neighbourhoods. I was also shocked by how socioeconomically divided the neighbourhoods are, sometimes even within the same neighbourhood. During my early days I was visiting an upscale gallery in Scharbeek in one of those ornately sculpted buildings, the owner locked the door behind me telling me to take my time browsing but stay away from the windows because a few block down the same grand avenue the police was running an operation against gun-wielding fugitives. She was cool as a cucumber like it was NOTHING! None of my colleagues in the international bubble seemed to care that life is so different a few metro stops away that they might as well as be on another planet. I was lucky to have made Belgian friends but only because they were VERY internationally-minded (studied, travelled, worked AND dated) BEYOND Europe too. Stumbled upon them when I was homesick a week or two in and saw a sign of a Toastmasters meetings going on in a building I was walking by. It is something I did in Canada so I just walked in, joined their meeting (it was in English), introduced myself and a blond curly haired girl from Ghent (who looks lot like you actually) came up to me afterwards the rest is history! :) My Belgian friends confided in me exactly what you said, that after too many international friends return to their home countries, they've become wary of emotionally investing in yet another person who would just leave. Even as an expat, I got really sad as fellow expat friends moved on by nature of our international careers. The first two years my friend circle was stable and it was THE most amazing thing exploring the city and beyond with a gang of people who landed at around the same time as you so you're literally on the same page. By year three people started moving away and you don't share the same naive enthusiasm as the newcomers. Year four was horrible as all I was left with were the grouchy permanent employees at work, who got their permanency because they weren't good enough to secure career progression on the international circuit but who perfected office politics and the art of doing "just enough". I travelled MANIACALLY out of Belgium to make my expat life "worth it". Unintentionally left Brussels almost on the dot as it turned year five and Covid hit. The END lol!
@RongRoseLiu2 ай бұрын
Re: the pressure to have children, I concur. I moved to Brussels from Ottawa when I was 28 where I was feeling social pressure breathing down my neck about settling down. Once I got to Brussels I felt like I immediately got at least a 10 year extra leeway before anyone around me would question from freedom. It was normal to go out in Brussels and seeing 50s and 60s partying at the same flashy event, although I attribute that to Brussels being more of a work/play town with these "grownups" returning to their home countries on the weekend to live up their adult obligations.
@JustBrusselsThings2 ай бұрын
So true!! ☀️ I have never thought about it that way, but yes - it’s like we got an extra 10 years in this city!
@RongRoseLiu2 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking me around my old haunts. The classic Brussels expat circuit!
@JustBrusselsThings2 ай бұрын
So happy you are watching it with me ☀️🙏
@balinttorjeki2392 ай бұрын
I'm hungarian so I hope you will really enjoy your easter Budapest tour❤
@JustBrusselsThings2 ай бұрын
I am so excited!!☀️ I really can’t wait, and we will have such a great weather too, it’s going to be awesome 🇭🇺❤️
Пікірлер
If only in Brussels, French. If you want to live somewhere nicer, you'll probably have to move to Flanders and, if you want to settle, Dutch and then French.
Your video and the printable guide is a lifesaver
French first
I enjoy your videos a lot since my girlfriend and me are maybe going to move to Brussels in the summer, depending on where she can find a new job. Just curious: did you take Dutch lessons? I‘m about to finish my level 2 Dutch course and I try to speak more and more Dutch with my girlfriend at home. But it is so much easier to talk in English so I was wondering if you also had to “force” yourself to speak more Dutch? I find that it’s crucial to speak a lot to get better quickly in a language.
Thank you for your support! ❤️ I actually speak Dutch already, because my parents are from the Netherlands. But because I grew up in Denmark, my Dutch had become quite bad 😅 so I had to relearn it a bit here + adding the Flemish accent. It helped a lot being exposed to it. I am learning French now but have taken a break from it. I find it super difficult to learn!
Liked your video you're cute 🥰💋💋💋🌹🌹🌹🌹
This linguistic geography of Belgium is unfair, yes, there must be a Dutch-speaking area in Wallonia, that's the wrong study, I mean, Brussels can speak French and no one from machimba galanti Wallonia cannot speak Dutch. Belgian laws and constitution should be changed in Wallonia geography, that's it, on lock and the day before yesterday.
This linguistic geography of Belgium is unfair, yes, there must be a Dutch-speaking area in Wallonia, that's the wrong study, I mean, Brussels can speak French and no one from Machimba Galanti Wallonia cannot speak Dutch. Belgian laws and constitution, that's it, on lock and the day before yesterday.
The reality is the following : 1- French 2- English 3- Arabic (I’m not even joking 💀) 4- Dutch But if you want to live in Flanders then Dutch come first btw German is useless for Belgium
depending on where you live in Brussels and if you have a car, it's also worth checking out Albert Heijn, a Dutch supermarket chain with usually good grocery prices
What's your area of interest? Do you have a specific industry or company in your mind? Also, after the end of your contract you'll have to register to Actiris, they will provide you with a professional career consultant (for free) and they will guide you until you'll find a job. I had the chance to meet with a very supportive consultant from Radstand! She was great!
Thanks a lot! I was at an ‘end-of-contract’ meeting at the EP this week, they gave me a lot of information but super glad to hear it worked for you! ❤️☀️
I like having more than one way of brewing coffee. Filter p.o., metal mesh p.o., french press; they all make very different coffee and I never know in which coffee-style mood I am tomorrow.
Agreed! ☀️ I have gathered all kinds of different ways of making coffee, espresso machine, moka express (difficult though when you have an induction stove), French press 😅 but I will get a pour over at some point, french press is good but pour over is my favorite !
How much does interview coaching cost? Good luck!
Thanks! 🙏 For this coach it is €125 per session and each session is 75 minutes ☀️
Good luck on the interview! One more word of advise, be very aware that it's not just you trying to "sell yourself" to the company, the company is also trying to sell themselves to you, the candidate! Prepare with questions about the position, listen carefully during the interview, and be very specific when you get some vague answers. In the final interview, be specific and have them confirm promises that were made like working from home, are commuting in working hours (comments like "We'll sort it out" is a warning sign). You got this🍀
You are completely right! ☀️ I was once interviewed for a position where we really got along, and for a second interview it went really bad. It was with a different person interviewing and the vibe was really off. I never looked back and now I regularly see the same job position being available, even though they said it would be the last round of hiring. Dodged a bullet there it seems!
@@JustBrusselsThings I quit a previous job after 5 months. In the offboarding meeting we discussed why I left. I stated why the job didn't live up to job description, HR's answer: "Yes we know that, but we were hoping you'd stay for the money".
@@CreRayOmg that sounds insane! Good choice to leave the company!
Beautiful Apartment Evelyn! The Lego castle and futuristic posters came as a really nice surprise.
Thank you so much ❤️☀️ I appreciate them every day!
This is so helpful Evelyn! I'm a new viewer. Do you know of websites people use to look for rental property? We are leaning towards living in Antwerp over Brussels. We are retirees from the states.
Antwerp should overall be a bit cheaper than Brussels!
Learn English! French and Dutch will disappear.
*insert the ‘are you sure about that’ gif
Thanks!
You’re welcome! ☀️
learn Belgian
Which is what exactly? 😂
Brussels is officially both French and Dutch
Which one would you use in Brussels? ☀️
@@JustBrusselsThings Dutch, as it is an official language in Brussels.
Hi, im a new viewer and i lobe your vlogs already, you're a good storyteller & you're pretty too. Sending love and appreciation from kenya!
Thank you so much for your support! ☀️🙏
When I'm in Brussel I speak Dutch. It's officially bilingual, so I speak in my own tongue. When you go south of Brussel, you will have to speak French because almost nobody there can speak Dutch or even English.
Thanks for your input! ☀️ I agree with you. You will probably have some expats in the south of Brussels who speak English though 😉 but generally French is very dominant.
❤️❤️
Loved the temporary bar at Cinquantenaire. Such under-utilized space!
I always wanted to go to that spot to see the walls closer up, and finally it could happen! ❤️ did not disappoint, would 100% recommend!
Good luck with the job interview! Try to remember what skills they are after, and what your capacities are. If the interviewer is any good they will be curious rather then be after to 'crack' you. If the interview doesn't feel good, don't take the job, it's at least as important that the atmosphere in the company suits you. Is communication between you and your b/f a mix of English and Dutch as we see it in the videos?
Thanks for the advice! They were luckily very supportive, but in that moment it feels so uncomfortable 😣 but they did OK to make it comfortable for me .. I think 😅 We speak Dutch to each other but I switch to English sometimes. Or if I want to say something that sounds better in English 😂 you know somethings just sounds better or more fun in another language. It goes back and forth!
French is politically dominant and more useful both in Brussels as well as internationally (that said, French people don't really appreciate you speaking their language xd)
I think people to appreciate when people speak French in Brussels though. If they don’t, I will quickly switch to Dutch and see people sweat 😂
Nice baking! :-) Do you have gluten intolerance? I don't really (just when I overdo it, but I guess that's considered normal). Anyways, I've read that long dough sheeting makes a huge difference if you have a mild gluten intolerance. So here's my bread roll recipe (because, as a member of the Germanic tribe I find the "bread" offerings in Brussels underwhelming). What's awesome about it: zero kneading necessary, just mix, put it in the fridge, wait, bake: 500g wheat flour 550 370g water 8g yeast (fresh) 12g salt 8g sugar (optional) A splash of vegetable oil (recommended) For the best result please use fresh instead of dry yeast I usually let it sit for at least 12 hours, up to 18 is not a problem. Be *very* careful when you remove it from the container to shape the rolls so it stays fluffy. This car-tax-advantage thing is a nice thing for you individually, so congrats. However it is also the biggest contributor to the worsening traffic situation in Brussels. Here something straight out of my life: I just bought an ebike (25km/h) and I'm using it much more often than my normal bike (because the difference in average speed is just huge), which was the reason buying it. Car stays in the garage much more often now.
Thanks for your comment! ☀️ I have celiac disease, but it’s not so bad anymore. I have to stick to a gluten free diet, but I can share a toaster with others and taste beer etc. But it can cause permanent damage if I don’t respect the diet, so I try as much as I can to eat gluten free! 🌾 I have heard from quite some Germans that the bread is not impressive in Belgium, I understand why 😂 thanks for the recipe! My boyfriend uses the car for work purposes as well, he uses it quite regularly. I completely understand the point, it causes a lot of pollution and traffic in the city. I would also prefer to be without the system, but as he drives around regularly to meet clients etc., he was obligated to have one.
belgium has three official languages. Dutch is spoken by 60% of the population, French 39%, and German 1%
although my comment is quite late, i will post a potentially controversial reply. I am a expat who grew up speaking French. I previously tried very hard to learn Flemish and used every resource available to immerse myself. However one can only immerse themselves so far without actually speaking it to people. Whenever I went to Antwerp or other cities in Flanders, they would always switch languages, usually to English. Why should I try to speak a language that even their own people have no pride in? That’s why I became the “stereotypical asshole” in Brussels who replies in French even when spoken to in Flemish or English even though I understand both, because unlike the Flemish who have given up the i language for English, we are still proud of our heritage and language and dont think our language in our capital city should be replaced by English. We would gladly learn Flemish if there was a need to, but unfortunately there isn’t. Flemish in Brussels is a symbolic move more than anything, like French traffic signs in Ottawa or Toronto in order to claim they’re “bilingual” legally speaking, but the reality is far from that
Die mensen probeerden je alleen maar te helpen. Het had niks te maken met trots zijn.
Nice to see that spring has finally started☀ Good luck with the job hunt! 1 Advice for the letter: read the job ad very carefully, and then put it away for a day or so. During the time you put it aside, you'll probably spontaneously come up with ideas about what you want to mention. Make some mental notes, and start compiling the letter when you feel ready with what you want to convey. Inspiration won't be rushed. Is your mind made up about not wanting to extend your current position, even if you get the chance?
Thanks for the advice ☀️ my mind is completely made up, it’s time for change! 🙏
Love your video I hope you find a new job for you
Thank you ❤️☀️🙏
Funny thing about your newspaper. My BRUZZ delivery works every time for over a year now! I'm flabbergasted that something actually works for a change ;-)
Wow! How did you make that happen? 😂 I am so sad mine hasn’t showed up yet, but they say it is a problem for them in entire Brussels 😭
You are selling yourself? *shocked*
Only for the highest bidder 😂
Hi I appreciate what you do and it will be good to make video about cost of owning car in brusels
Are you planning to have your own car or do you have a car through your company? It makes a big difference financially!
I planing to have my own car
Really enjoyed seeing Place Fernand Coq and Emili Max near my old home. I still recall the unbelievable carpet of cherry blossoms casually covering the quiet residential streets... no need to crowd into Japan. Congratulations on the courageous decision to quit. I only accidentally quit because of a confluence of world events. People who get into competitive posts and manage to stay that long are resilient but this can also be our Achilles heel. It's like being on life support: resuscitating/placating yourself enough in the evening/on the weekend with the expensive beauty treatments and trips abroad.
I hope I managed to bring back some memories for you 🌸🌺 thanks for the supportive words ☀️ I will try writing some applications this week 🤞
As someone who has lived in Italy for almost 3 years now I can tell you that having the sun all the time gets unbearable pretty quickly haha Can't wait to move to Brussels in a month! Also, good luck with searching for your new endeavour, I really hope it works out smoothly for you :)
Welcome soon to Brussels! 🇧🇪☀️ and thank you for the positive words! The sun is finally out and oh how I have missed it! Be prepared though, autumn lasts for 2,5 seasons here, winter depression for sure is a thing, and the rain… it never really seems to stop 🙈 I hope you will enjoy your time here however, there is so much more to the city 😉
I sooo recognise your situation🙋♂ The exhaustion on the weekends, betting 100% on "doing what makes you happy", only to find oneself asking these questions and wondering "am I doing the right thing?". I think this last question can be a big drain factor, especially in times where work is not fun (yet still you made all these big choices for that job). I will say this though, I have been considering for a short while moving to either Netherlands or Belgium because of the weather! Trust me when I say you are much better off. The most Belgian thing ever btw is a "faciliteitengemeente", look it up if you're not familiar with it:) My advice would be to calmly look for a potential new job, it's calming to know what your options are, and then consider the positives and negatives. Overview creates peace and clarity in the mind. For my case I can say that the range of opportunities I have at my current company are almost unique, moving to Netherlands or Belgium would mean accepting 1 lesser position (as in less interesting) and probably 0 other options that I'd find interesting. Knowing this I feel at peace again with my choice, and I decided to book some short trips to sunny places in those critical times when the rainy days start to get to me.
It’s very comforting to know that I am not the only one who has experienced this! 🙏 who ever told us how to ‘career’, can’t remember that lesson for sure 😅 I will try and push my feelings about my job a bit to the side these next few months and try on focus calmly on the next steps ☀️ hope you find what works out for you too!
Hey Evelyn! I’m always happy when I see that a new video of yours is out! Thank you for the insights on the professional career. Working for the EU institutions is my dream but it is so important for me to see that no place is perfect and we can have issues everywhere. I’m wishing you all the luck and all the best! Lyvia
So happy you are here watching ☀️🙏 I would say definitely give an EU career a try, it’s just important to remember it is not like any other job 😉 I don’t regret working there at all. I can just feel it’s time to move on to something different, whatever that may be!
I just watch your video but it up to you if you decide to quit your jobs I think you should find a better job and a good pay too
I hope it will all work out, fingers crossed 🤞🤞
Nothing beats a beer for breakfast 🙂 Makes reading the newspaper more bearable!
Hahah, I think he had it as a brunch, but it wasn’t late for sure 😂🤣 still no sign of solving the newspaper mystery however! 🫣
I will definitely visit Hallerbos this year as always! I wish you all the best with your new career endeavours. It takes time, but I'm sure you'll find something,that you love doing with no stress. :)
Hallebos is so pretty 🩵 thank you for your supportive words, it helps very much ☀️
Really nice vlog, and oh so recognisable! I was fully drained before easter and used this easter to sleep in, read some books and already make plans for the summer holiday. I'd love to have some cats as well😊. In terms of work I much respect your dedication, but it seems that with your type of job you put "all the eggs in one basket"? Will you be considered first after elections if things don't go well for your EU parliamentary? Erg leuk trouwens te horen hoe je Nederlands spreekt met een Deens accent😊. Ik kan Deens enigszins verstaan, maar niet spreken. Met mijn Zweeds kreeg ik in Kopenhagen meestal antwoorden in het Engels terug, zodat ik automatisch weer op Engels overschakelde. Eerlijk gezegd geeft Kopenhagen mij wel spontaan een "Ja! hier wil ik wonen" gevoel wat ik in Göteborg niet zo voel.
Thanks for the kind words 🙏☀️ you are completely right, I do have a narrow focus and my friends tell me that too often. I am trying to be more open minded regarding jobs but I find it difficult still 🙈 I am busy exploring other opportunities but I will not say anything yet as I may jinx it! Zo grappig, ik vroeg mijn partner net of ik een sterk accent heb, en hij zei heel duidelijk JA 😂🙈 ik denk ook dat veel mensen niet goed Zweeds kunnen in Denemarken, ik spreek ook altijd Engels met mijne Zweedse collega’s. Om Scandinavisch met elkaar te spreken is nog al heel moeilijk, maar ik heb sommige collega’s die dat echt graag willen. Gewoon maar blijven oefenen! 👏
@@JustBrusselsThings I moved to Sweden to work at my dream company so I can 100% relate😊 In de video klonk je Nederlands uitstekend, complimenten daarvoor! Ik denk dat mijn accent in het Zweeds veel sterker is:) Belangrijkste is dat mensen je zonder problemen kunnen verstaan, de "puntjes op de i" komen vanzelf met oefening.
Super 🎉
Super 🎉
As someone who likes to explore the nooks and cranny of every place, I can't believe I've never even HEARD of the wooden escalator in Antwerp, never mind the one in Galerie Horta! Besides the rubber (?) rotating band, the steps and the sides/handles are really all wood?
All wood! 🪵 I have to say, it took a Belgian to show it to me before I realised it was there 😂
Tram 81 was the filthiest public transit I've been on anywhere in the world. The dust on the upholstered seating was as thick as the seat and I'm pretty sure I picked up some clothes moth larvae from them. I couldn't believe Belgians could show their face to Europe and the world when that was the state of the tramline running between some of its nicest neighbourhoods. I was also shocked by how socioeconomically divided the neighbourhoods are, sometimes even within the same neighbourhood. During my early days I was visiting an upscale gallery in Scharbeek in one of those ornately sculpted buildings, the owner locked the door behind me telling me to take my time browsing but stay away from the windows because a few block down the same grand avenue the police was running an operation against gun-wielding fugitives. She was cool as a cucumber like it was NOTHING! None of my colleagues in the international bubble seemed to care that life is so different a few metro stops away that they might as well as be on another planet. I was lucky to have made Belgian friends but only because they were VERY internationally-minded (studied, travelled, worked AND dated) BEYOND Europe too. Stumbled upon them when I was homesick a week or two in and saw a sign of a Toastmasters meetings going on in a building I was walking by. It is something I did in Canada so I just walked in, joined their meeting (it was in English), introduced myself and a blond curly haired girl from Ghent (who looks lot like you actually) came up to me afterwards the rest is history! :) My Belgian friends confided in me exactly what you said, that after too many international friends return to their home countries, they've become wary of emotionally investing in yet another person who would just leave. Even as an expat, I got really sad as fellow expat friends moved on by nature of our international careers. The first two years my friend circle was stable and it was THE most amazing thing exploring the city and beyond with a gang of people who landed at around the same time as you so you're literally on the same page. By year three people started moving away and you don't share the same naive enthusiasm as the newcomers. Year four was horrible as all I was left with were the grouchy permanent employees at work, who got their permanency because they weren't good enough to secure career progression on the international circuit but who perfected office politics and the art of doing "just enough". I travelled MANIACALLY out of Belgium to make my expat life "worth it". Unintentionally left Brussels almost on the dot as it turned year five and Covid hit. The END lol!
Re: the pressure to have children, I concur. I moved to Brussels from Ottawa when I was 28 where I was feeling social pressure breathing down my neck about settling down. Once I got to Brussels I felt like I immediately got at least a 10 year extra leeway before anyone around me would question from freedom. It was normal to go out in Brussels and seeing 50s and 60s partying at the same flashy event, although I attribute that to Brussels being more of a work/play town with these "grownups" returning to their home countries on the weekend to live up their adult obligations.
So true!! ☀️ I have never thought about it that way, but yes - it’s like we got an extra 10 years in this city!
Thank you for taking me around my old haunts. The classic Brussels expat circuit!
So happy you are watching it with me ☀️🙏
I'm hungarian so I hope you will really enjoy your easter Budapest tour❤
I am so excited!!☀️ I really can’t wait, and we will have such a great weather too, it’s going to be awesome 🇭🇺❤️
BUY COFFEEEEEE
Thank you for the reminder! 🙏😂😂
Love your self care weekend on this video
Thank you ☀️🙏