A fresh start in the Netherlands after a challenging period
A fresh start in the Netherlands after a challenging period
46-year-old Arkadiusz Bresiak has already made an impressive journey. He grew up in Warsaw, where—after completing his technical education—he also studied law for a period. Life took a different turn than expected. After several years of working in the stock market, he faced a setback in 2016. It forced him to look for new work and a new future.
Finding AB Midden Nederland through his own search
His search first led him to Germany, where he worked in logistics and in a meat processing company. In 2018, he decided to try his luck in the Netherlands. Through a small employment agency he worked in fruit picking and later in an ice cream factory.
When that same agency sent him to a supermarket in Amsterdam, he arrived to find that there was no work available. “I suddenly had no job. So I went online myself to look for a reliable employment agency in the Netherlands. That’s how I found AB Midden Nederland.”
That step brought him the stability he had been looking for as a foreign employee trying to build a future.
A reliable workplace at CartonPlast
His first job through AB Midden Nederland was at a window frame factory. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, he had to temporarily return to Poland. When he later came back to the Netherlands, the position had already been filled. AB Midden Nederland responded quickly and found him a new workplace at CartonPlast. He has now been working there for several years with great pleasure.
In this role, Arkadiusz cleans reusable plastic sheets and operates various machines. It is varied work in production and logistics—sectors in which many international employees feel at home because of the clear structure and the possibility of long-term placements.
CartonPlast is the European market leader in reusable transport packaging for the food and beverage industry. Each year, more than 300 million plastic sheets circulate throughout Europe. In the facility where Arkadiusz works, these sheets are cleaned, inspected and prepared for reuse. His tasks include manual cleaning, operating machinery and ensuring a smooth production process.
“The work is varied and my colleagues are very kind,” Arkadiusz says. “We sometimes meet after work as well. Because my girlfriend lives in Poland, it’s extra nice that I have good contact with others here.”
Good housing and a short commute thanks to AB Midden Nederland
An important part of working in the Netherlands is having good and reliable housing. AB Midden Nederland arranged this from the beginning. Arkadiusz first lived in Gorinchem, but he now lives in Spijk—just a few minutes’ walk from his workplace.
“I can walk to work, but I also have a bicycle through AB Midden Nederland. I mainly use it for groceries or private trips.”
Good accommodation and clear arrangements give him peace of mind and make life in the Netherlands more manageable.
The difference between Germany and the Netherlands: better organised and more trust
Compared to his time in Germany, Arkadiusz sees major differences. “Everything is so much better organised here. In Germany there was barely any wifi, and I had issues with my salary payments. Here everything is clear and straightforward. My salary always arrives on time and I have fast internet at home. I really appreciate that!”
For many foreign employees, these basic elements are essential to feeling safe, valued and settled.
Years of collaboration with account manager Erwin Kragten
What Arkadiusz values most in his collaboration with AB Midden Nederland is reliability. “If something comes up, they take care of it. No hassle, no vague promises.”
It gives him peace and certainty.
His contact with AB Midden Nederland has been stable for many years. “Erwin Kragten, my account manager, I’ve known him since 2018. He is honest, helpful and always thinks along with you. People like him really make the difference.”
The personal support and clear communication are just as important to him as the work itself.
Why Arkadiusz would recommend AB Midden Nederland to others
Today, Arkadiusz has a good workplace, a good living situation and a steady routine in the Netherlands. Although his girlfriend still lives in Poland, he feels at home and confident about his future here.
“I came here for honest and decent work. I found that. I would definitely recommend AB Midden Nederland to others!”
His story shows how important it is for foreign employees to end up with an organisation where reliability, clarity and personal attention come first.
Our core values
Quality
Our employing professionals and our communication are our distinguishing marks
Confidence
We are a long-term trustworthy partner
Openness
We are easily accessible and flexible
Individual approach
We want the work to take place in a pleasant atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you will receive support from your first contact until the end of your work period. Your account manager is your main point of contact.
Make sure to save their phone number in your phone, so you can reach out quickly and easily.
In our job listings, it is indicated whether knowledge of at least English is required. Check this first before applying to avoid disappointment.
Not necessarily. Entry-level roles are available. AB Midden Nederland will discuss together what suits your situation.
Yes, but only in case of emergency aid. You are not insured for general dental care with a basic health insurance.
The ET arrangement is a form of taxation designed for employees who live abroad and come to work temporarily in the Netherlands. The ET arrangement makes it possible to receive tax-free reimbursement of extraterritorial expenses (e.g. accommodation and living expenses at the place of permanent residence).
In order to benefit from the ET arrangement you must have:
- An original BSN document, issued after 2012.
- Proof that you have worked in the Netherlands not longer than 5 years (for example, a CV with periods of employment in the Netherlands).
- Documents that prove you pay housing costs in your home country.
If you cannot meet these requirements, you are unfortunately not eligible for ET.
Do you want to find out more? Take a look at the Mijn AB portal.
When working and living in the Netherlands, everyone is obliged to have arranged for basic health insurance. This applies to foreign employees as well. AB Midden Nederland has an insurance partner, and we can help you arrange for a policy. But you are also free to choose from other health insurance agencies on your own. Just remember to have an insurance arranged before you start work.
When you drive to work and take other people as passengers, you’ll receive a certain fee per day.
Depending on the distance between your house and work, you receive a bike or car.
- In case of a car: you can use it with a valid driver’s license (always carry it with you). You can also join other employees in their car.
- The bike is a standard Dutch bike.
- It’s now possible to get an electric bike. Especially when cars are unavailable and the distance to work is more than 10 kilometers, and less than 20 kilometers.
Want to know more? Check out our FAQ.
