The final nail

Well I'm quite certain I received the final nail into the coffin today. I'd say my plans to stay put in Amsterdam have completely fallen apart. And I suppose that's how things go. I came here and gave it my best but it just wasn't meant to be. Went down to the IND today to ask about how an employer might go about applying for a work permit on my behalf. At first it was going well, I was given some information on the process, the actual application and I thought I might be in the clear to head down to some places I had decided I'd have a go at first when all of a sudden the hammer fell, hard. I asked the ultimate question: How long does it take for the application to go through? And am I able to work while I wait for it to do so? And the first answer was: No, you're not able to work. And the second answer was: 6 - 8 weeks. First off I have not the time to sit around and do nothing for 6 - 8 weeks and secondly I have not the funds to do so. Two good reasons to abandon my hopes of staying put in Amsterdam. Perhaps if I would have known all of this when I first arrived, or before, perhaps then it may have worked, but no, I just don't see it being possible at this point. But perhaps there is still hope elsewhere. My friend Carolyn has suggested Croatia. May be easier to find a job there. Who knows? My focus will now shift towards finding a suitable alternative plan....


Zach