You have to believe in yourself

I was ready for a new assignment and to explore a new country, having already worked abroad for Vanderlande. My wife and I were both really looking forward to the move from our home in Turkey to Canada, and the wheels were in motion to make it happen… when COVID hit! I was worried about losing the offer, which would have been understandable with so many projects on hold.

I was a bit down and so I asked Mike what was happening? He reassured me that I was already part of the team. And after the travel restrictions were lifted, we were good to go. I will never forget the day I arrived in Canada, full of anticipation for the challenges that lay ahead!

I must confess that I had some doubts, because I was outside my comfort zone. It was also challenging for my family due to the language barrier, but we kept positive that every day our lives would get better in Canada. And that’s how it’s turned out, we’re really happy living here!

The most important thing I learnt from a former manager is that you have to believe in yourself. And then it’s easier to overcome the challenges, especially with the support of my wife and family.

I’ve now lived in 14 houses in 11 cities in five countries over the past nine years. I love travelling and experiencing other cultures, so I think these numbers will increase.

Back home in Istanbul, I was always saying that I would like to work further afield. I never lost focus of this and was confident that it would happen. And that’s why I’m a great believer in karma… and supportive colleagues like Mike.