On growth, opportunities, and enjoying your work
Working in the Netherlands through AB Midden Nederland
Coming from Poland to the Netherlands for a few months of work and eventually growing into a team leader role at a major logistics company. That is the story of Maciej Ostatek. His journey shows what is possible when you dare to seize opportunities, work hard, and receive the right guidance. In this in-depth interview, Maciej speaks openly about his experiences, challenges, and what working through AB Midden Nederland means to him.
First steps in the Netherlands: from Poland to a new future
When Maciej came to the Netherlands in 2019, he did not plan to stay for long.
“I originally wanted to work for just three months to save some money,” he says. “But things turned out differently. After a while, I noticed that there were more opportunities here than in Poland. The working conditions, the contact with colleagues, and the support were simply better.”
His first job was in a MediaMarkt warehouse. “I worked there for two years, but due to company circumstances I had to look for something new. Through a friend, I heard about AB Midden Nederland. The switch was easy, and soon I started working at Monta in Breda.”
Maciej began there as an order picker. “It was physically demanding work, but I enjoyed being active. Everything was well organized: working hours, transport, contact with the coordinators. What stood out most to me was that I wasn’t just a number. People knew my name and asked how I was doing. I had never experienced that before.”
Career at Vos Logistiek: growing with AB Midden Nederland
After some time, AB Midden Nederland offered him the opportunity to move to a new position at Vos Logistiek in Woerden.
“I really enjoyed working there. The atmosphere was good, and the cooperation with AB Midden Nederland was even better. I was in contact with coordinators like Rudy and Harold, who were always ready to help. If there was an issue, it was handled immediately.”
In 2021, Maciej started as an order picker, but his dedication quickly stood out.
“I did my job with pleasure and was always willing to help out. After a few weeks, I was given the chance to take on more responsibility. First as a floor manager and later as a team leader. It happened faster than I expected, but I felt ready for it.”
From order picker to logistics team leader
Today, Maciej leads a team of fifteen to thirty people, depending on the season.
“During busy periods, we work with a large team. My role is to make sure everyone knows what needs to be done. I divide the work, monitor progress, and step in when someone runs into difficulties. That’s what I enjoy most about my job—working together, motivating people, and achieving something as a team.”
His leadership style is down-to-earth and people-oriented.
“Everyone deserves respect. I always try to listen to my team. We come from different countries—Poland, the Netherlands, sometimes Romania—but we work as one team. If something goes wrong, we solve it together.”
Leadership doesn’t always come naturally, though.
“In the beginning, it took some getting used to,” he admits. “You have to learn how to deal with different personalities. Some people need a push, others need calm and trust. The most important thing is to be honest. If I say I’ll arrange something, I make sure I do it. That’s how you build trust.”
Working with different cultures in logistics
In international logistics, people work with diverse backgrounds, which brings challenges.
“There are sometimes small misunderstandings,” says Maciej. “A word that is completely normal in Polish can be offensive in another language. That’s why communication is so important. We’ve learned to respect each other and, most of all, to laugh about our differences.”
At Vos Logistiek, English is the main working language, but Maciej also speaks some Dutch.
“That helps a lot. Some Polish colleagues don’t speak English, so I often translate. It keeps communication smooth. It feels good to be able to contribute something extra.”
Honest work and clear communication at AB Midden Nederland
Maciej believes it’s important to be honest with new employees coming to the Netherlands.
“Many people think you can get rich very quickly here. On social media, you see videos of people claiming they earn thousands of euros in just a few weeks. But that’s not reality. You have to work hard. Through AB Midden Nederland, you get paid fairly and receive good support. That’s what really matters.”
According to Maciej, clarity is key.
“When you come to work, you need to know what you’re getting into. Sometimes people think they’ll only be picking orders, but in a warehouse you do many different tasks. If you’re flexible, you can learn a lot. I always say: be open and see every task as an opportunity to grow.”
Working together with trust and respect
Maciej describes the cooperation with AB Midden Nederland as professional yet personal.
“I’ve never had any problems. If there’s an issue with work or housing, it’s resolved immediately. Even once, when there was no hot water for a weekend, someone was there on Monday to fix it right away.”
He laughs:
“Of course, things go wrong sometimes—that’s part of life. But with AB Midden Nederland, you can feel that they truly try their best. You’re not a number; you’re a person. And you can really feel that.”
Free time, hobbies, and work-life balance
Outside of work, Maciej makes good use of his free time. He enjoys relaxing with music or spending time with friends. He also has a striking hobby: tattoos.
“I love tattoos and I already have quite a few,” he says with a laugh. “In Poland, people sometimes found that strange, but here in the Netherlands nobody looks twice. I like that—everyone is free to be themselves here.”
His tattoos tell part of his life story.
“Some are just beautiful, others have a deeper meaning. It’s my way of being creative and expressing my personality. It has become a bit of a hobby. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink—my tattoos are my way of relaxing.”
Future plans and personal growth
Although Maciej plans to stay in the Netherlands for now, he also thinks about the future.
“My wife and I are expecting our first child soon. We’re considering returning to Poland in the long term, closer to family. But I’m sure that my time with AB Midden Nederland will always help me. What I’ve learned here, I’ll take with me wherever I go.”
His advice to others?
“Don’t be afraid to start. Everyone has a first day. Work hard, learn from your mistakes, and be honest. The rest will follow naturally. The Netherlands is a country full of opportunities, and through AB Midden Nederland you can truly make the most of them.”
Why choose AB Midden Nederland?
The story of Maciej Ostatek shows that working through AB Midden Nederland is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to develop yourself, take responsibility, and grow as a person. His journey from order picker to team leader proves that commitment and dedication are rewarded.
Whether you’re coming from Poland, Romania, or another country: at AB Midden Nederland you get the opportunity to work, learn, and build a future. As Maciej puts it:
“If you show that you’re willing, you’ll get all the support you need.”
Ready to start as an order picker?
Would you like to start your logistics career like Maciej and grow into a leadership role? AB Midden Nederland is happy to help you get started. As an order picker, you can quickly begin working at leading companies, with good guidance and fair conditions.
👉 Register today and start building your future in the Netherlands!