Moving forward with confidence after redundancy, severance or VSO
Losing your job while living abroad is never easy. As an expat in the Netherlands, you may leave your employer through a VSO (vaststellingsovereenkomst, Dutch settlement agreement) or as part of a severance package. Although this transition can feel overwhelming, many agreements include a budget for career coaching or outplacement support. At Orange Expats, I help you make the most of this opportunity, guiding you through change with confidence and compassion.
Your Challenges
- Coping with the uncertainty after redundancy, a VSO, or severance agreement
- Deciding what’s next when your employment suddenly ends
- Exploring career options in the Dutch and international job market
- Finding clarity if your visa or residence status depends on employment
- Rebuilding confidence and motivation after a stressful period
- Navigating change while living abroad, away from your familiar support network
Starting at your own pace
Every expat’s situation is different after redundancy or a settlement:
Some need to act fast. If your visa or residence status depends on employment, time is critical. In these cases, we can start immediately, focusing on fast-track job search and re-entry into the Dutch labour market.
Others prefer to pause. After a stressful period, finally signing an agreement can feel like a relief. Taking time to rest and recover before starting coaching is completely fine. The program is flexible and can begin whenever you are ready.
At Orange Expats, I adapt to your pace. Whether you need a moment to breathe or a partner to move quickly.
How Orange Expats is different
Large outplacement providers often work with standardised, corporate programs. At Orange Expats, I know that expats in the Netherlands face unique challenges and deserve personal support.
With Orange Expats, you will find:
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Flexibility – no fixed trajectories; the program is tailored to your needs, timing and budget.
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Personal connection – you work directly with me, not through a large system.
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Expat focus – as a Dutch professional, I understand the challenges of building a career in The Netherlands.
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Holistic approach – career guidance combined with your wellbeing support.
Your outplacement journey is not just about the next job, but about feeling supported, regaining motivation and confidence.
Testimonial
Marketing Designer
“When I first started working full-time in the Netherlands, I quickly realized that expat life came with challenges I hadn’t fully prepared for. Between the housing crisis, the pressure to perform at work, my health concerns, and the uncertainty of whether I was on the right career path, I often felt overwhelmed. At one point I even questioned whether staying in the Netherlands was the right choice for me. Stella’s coaching completely shifted how I approached my career and life abroad.
What stood out immediately was Stella’s ability to really listen and create a safe space during such a difficult period. She helped me reflect on my strengths, values, and motivations—things I had overlooked while simply trying to cope with daily pressures. Instead of feeling lost, I began to see new perspectives and possibilities, whether that meant continuing my career here or considering a transition elsewhere.
Her guidance was practical and very hands-on. Stella tailored her advice to the Dutch culture, and gave me tools to navigate the uncertainties ahead. Each session left me with concrete steps but also with the reassurance that I didn’t have to face these decisions alone.
What made the biggest difference, however, was her emotional support. Losing a job or considering a move back home can feel daunting, but Stella reminded me that transitions aren’t just about employment—they’re also about regaining clarity, stability, and confidence for the future.
Looking back, working with Stella was one of the best decisions I made in the Netherlands. She didn’t just help me plan my next career steps. Her support was essential because it helped me to find the courage to move forward, wherever that path would take me.”
What does the Outplacement Support include
I support international professionals through every stage of outplacement: from reflection and processing change to discovering new direction and taking confident next steps.
Every journey is different. Some people continue their careers in the Netherlands, others return to their home country, and some take time to rethink what they truly want from work and life. Whatever your situation, I offer structure, perspective and genuine human support.
The Intake: Understanding Your Situation
After an introductory call, we start with an in-depth intake to understand your current situation and needs. Sometimes, what’s needed most is practical clarity; other times, it’s space to process what has happened.
A reorganisation, an unexpected contract ending, or a settlement agreement can bring mixed emotions — both grief and relief. We take time to explore what led to this moment, what its impact has been, and what kind of support will help you move forward.
From Reflection to Direction
Once there’s space to look ahead, we move into self-reflection and reorientation. We explore what energises you, what no longer fits, and what feels meaningful for the next stage of your career.To support this process, we use The Career Check-Up, a structured assessment with a personal report that gives insight into your values, drivers, competences and interests.
With the integrated Career Matrix, you can instantly explore matching sectors, learning options and real job opportunities in the Dutch market. This transforms reflection into clarity, direction and tangible next steps.
Exploring What’s Possible
Not everyone is ready to jump straight into job searching — and that’s completely fine.
For some, this is the right time to pause and redefine what work means.
We often see different directions take shape, such as:
- Returning to the home country and rebuilding a network there
- Retraining or exploring a completely new professional field
- Taking time for study, reflection or a sabbatical
- Starting a business, consulting or freelancing
- Seeking a better balance between work and personal life
Labour Market Orientation
When it’s time to re-enter the job market, you’ll get structured and practical support. I’ll help you understand the Dutch and international labour landscape, refine your profile, and strengthen your CV and LinkedIn presence. We also prepare you for interviews and professional networking. Along the way, doubts or insecurities that you may surface we’ll address— about confidence, identity or future plans — helping you rebuild a strong professional foundation.
Transition & Integration
We focus on a smooth transition, maintaining balance and energy, and handling the emotional and practical aspects of settling into a new phase.
A Thoughtful, Human Approach
Outplacement is not just about finding a new job. It’s about understanding, reflection and renewal, about giving yourself the space to reorient and move forward with purpose.
Expected Outcomes
- A clear understanding of your career goals and direction
- Increased confidence in making informed career decisions
- Enhanced ability to position yourself for future opportunities
- Improved networking strategies
- A plan for navigating career transitions after VSO or severance
- Greater alignment with your values and purpose in your professional life
- Clarity even if your next step is outside the Netherlands — whether that means returning home, moving to another country, or taking a career break, coaching helps you make this transition with confidence and peace of mind
Outplacement Costs and Settlement Budgets
Outplacement support doesn’t have to depend on a fixed budget.
Whether your settlement or employer offers a small or more extensive allowance, we can design a programme that fits.
The content and number of sessions are always tailored to your situation, goals, and needs, so you get meaningful support that makes a real difference.
We’ll discuss this further during your free introductory session.
My clients
