In ACCESS Stories this month, Ana Denis shares her story of rebuilding her life, career and sense of belonging after moving from Russia to the Netherlands.
Ana had built a career in cybersecurity, travelled widely and started her own sustainable fashion project before moving to the Netherlands during the COVID period. At first, the move felt exciting. But when the war between Russia and Ukraine began, her situation changed dramatically. Her income was affected, her husband lost his job, and she found herself trying to build a new life in a new country without the usual support of a familiar home market.
Her story reflects a question many internationals face after moving abroad: who am I now?
For Ana, the answer began to emerge through conversations. She interviewed women from around the world who had reinvented themselves after moving countries or changing careers. Those conversations eventually led to her book, Reinvento: Expat’s Guide to Reinventing Your Career and Identity.
The Hague also became part of her own reinvention. After joining TEDxTheHague, Ana rediscovered her love of speaking and presenting. Hosting events, sharing stories and helping others feel welcome gave her a renewed sense of purpose.
Her story is a reminder that starting over abroad can be painful, uncertain and lonely, but it can also open the door to new communities, new work and a new understanding of where we belong.
Read the full ACCESS story here:
Read the full story here:
https://access-nl.org/features/reinventing-yourself-abroad/
ACCESS is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that has supported the international community in the Netherlands since 1986. English-speaking volunteers provide free, independent information and guidance on living, working and settling in the Netherlands, via a helpdesk, email support and partnerships across the country.
Published in partnership with ACCESS. Image: Courtesy of ACCESS. Ana Denis at TEDx The Hague. Paco van Leeuwen Fotografie.