LIVING AND WORKING IN THE NETHERLANDS VS. HUNGARY: A HUNGARIAN CNC OPERATOR’S EXPERIENCE
As a Hungarian CNC operator and programmer, I’ve had the chance to work both in Hungary and the Netherlands. Like many people, I was unsure about moving to another country for work—especially temporarily. But thanks to Eastmen, the recruitment agency that helped me with every step, my transition to the Netherlands was smooth and easy. In this blog, I want to share what I’ve learned and encourage more Hungarians to consider working in the Netherlands with Eastmen.
COST OF LIVING AND WAGES
In Hungary, working as a CNC operator can give you a steady income, but saving money is tough. Outside of Budapest, wages are often lower, and finding well-paying technical jobs can be difficult.
In the Netherlands, the situation is different. The wages for CNC operators are much higher, and although rent and groceries are more expensive, the pay more than covers the difference. Plus, if you work through Eastmen, they help arrange housing, which makes it easier to save money. This was a huge relief when I moved since I didn’t have to worry about finding a place to stay on my own. Eastmen’s housing is ready when you arrive, so you can focus on your work right away.
WORK CULTURE: MORE RELAXED AND OPEN
The work culture in the Netherlands is much more relaxed and open compared to Hungary. In Hungary, it’s common for workers to follow instructions without much room for discussion, and overtime can become a habit.
When I started working in the Netherlands, I quickly noticed how valued I was as a CNC operator. The work environment is more collaborative, and everyone’s ideas are welcome. Thanks to Eastmen, I was placed in a company that matched my skills perfectly. There’s also a better work-life balance. Dutch employers expect you to finish on time, and there’s less pressure to stay late.
If you want a work environment where your input matters and you have a better balance between work and free time, the Netherlands is a great place to be.
NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT LANGUAGE
Before moving, I was concerned about not speaking Dutch. Hungarian is hard to translate, and I thought language might be a barrier in my job.
However, the Netherlands is one of the most English-friendly countries I’ve ever been to. At work, everyone speaks English, and all the CNC programming software is in English too. I didn’t have any communication problems. Learning a few basic Dutch phrases helped with day-to-day life, but it’s not necessary for work.
If language is holding you back from applying, don’t worry. With Eastmen, you’ll find that most companies speak English, making it easy to get started.
EASTMEN’S SUPPORT: HOUSING, INSURANCE, AND MORE
One of the best parts of working through Eastmen is the full support they provide. They don’t just find you a job—they help with everything else that comes with moving to a new country. Eastmen arranged my housing, which was a big stress off my shoulders. They also helped set up my health insurance, so I didn’t have to worry about finding it on my own.
Eastmen also took care of my BSN number (Dutch social security number), which is necessary to work legally in the Netherlands. On top of that, they offer rental cars if you need one to get to work, which was really helpful when public transportation wasn’t convenient for me.
Having this kind of support made my move much smoother. I knew I had people who would guide me through every step, so I could focus on adjusting to my new job and life in the Netherlands.
CAREER GROWTH AND LEARNING
TEMPORARY WORK FOR LONG-TERM BENEFITS
In Hungary, there are limited opportunities for CNC operators to grow professionally, especially outside of big cities. It can feel like you hit a ceiling quickly in terms of skill development.
In the Netherlands, there’s a strong focus on training and development. Thanks to Eastmen, I was placed in a company that uses modern CNC technology, and I had the chance to work on advanced machines I hadn’t seen in Hungary. This not only improved my skills but also boosted my confidence as a programmer. Even if you only stay temporarily, you’ll come back to Hungary with valuable experience that can help you get better jobs.
CAREER GROWTH AND LEARNING
A big advantage of working in the Netherlands through Eastmen is that you don’t have to commit long-term. Many jobs are available on a temporary basis, meaning you can work for a few months, earn good money, and then return home.
During my time there, I met other Hungarians working through Eastmen on temporary contracts. They earned much more than they could in Hungary, saved a significant amount of money, and gained new skills they wouldn’t have learned back home. This makes working in the Netherlands a great way to build your future without having to leave Hungary permanently.
CONCLUSION
If you’re a CNC operator or programmer in Hungary and you’re looking for a way to advance your career, earn more, and experience working abroad, I highly recommend trying the Netherlands—especially with the help of Eastmen. They handle everything from finding a job to sorting out housing, insurance, and your BSN number, so you don’t have to worry about the details.
Whether you want to stay temporarily or explore long-term options, working in the Netherlands is a fantastic opportunity to save money, improve your skills, and enjoy a new culture. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Looking for a job in the Netherlands? Have a look at our available jobs and apply below.
