I fully understand why a café bans working there. It's not an office, it is not your home, it is a place where people come to relax, have a drink and/or meal. Not to hog a table on just a few, or even one drink. Personally I'm lucky, as I already had one of my bedrooms turned into an art studio, which now also serves as my wfh room. So I don't feel the need to go outside to work, as I never feel cramped. Perhaps if I lived in an apartment, or smaller house, I might feel differently.
About taxes, it only it increases happiness; you actually live cheaper if you count all stuff the Dutch government pays for. Especially healthcare, but also a lot of other programs, education, childcare, etc. If you calculate your expenses it suddenly changes a lot :)
I'm SO glad I found your channel! I've been really thinking about the Netherlands for several months now, and finding your channel has been amazing! Please keep making more videos about your experiences! I'm off to binge the rest of your videos now haha
A cafe is a commercial venture and they need the space to sear people who actually are willing to spend money there. I am not saying you aren’t but you are using a space which the owners pay for to run their business (i.e. selling coffee etc.) as they see fit. If you want a space outside your home to do some work look into where your local public library is. Also there are companies that provide shared workspaces which you can rent on a day basis.
@@eskiltester3913 As far I know they will only charge you 1,80 per hour if you don't take a consumption every hour. That is included free water. Just wonder in what city it wouldn't be allowed anymore?
That is assuming the place is full. That's not always the case and then someone working on a laptop drinking a coffee or two is probably better than just an empty table.
It's misconception that taxes are higher in The Netherlands than in the USA. As self-employed / free lancer / non-citizen i wouldn't know. But as a Dutch citizen working for a boss vs an American Citizen employed in the U.S. up until about 50k a year you pay less tax in The Netherlands, above 50k you pay less tax in the U.S. Especially if you have a low wage, like working full time for minimum wage, you pay a lot less tax in The Netherlands. And this is even not taking into account that people with lower incomes get compensated by the Tax-office for instance at min, wage you get compensated for health insurance and your health insurance (that covers almost everything) cost you €10-15 a month, effectively. People who rent a house also get compensated.
I think the difference is that people in the US are now making above 50k a year (especially in cities) so it’s less for most. I know people working non degree jobs that start at 65k. I think the US pays more but your spending power is much better here (unless you live in the more rural parts of the US…but then you’re making much less). Also, in the US I got a lot of tax breaks as a freelancer and I was given money for health insurance through obama care (the affordable care act) and so health insurance is actually more for me in the netherlands. We definitely don’t get compensated for renting though! But, I think your government puts more time into making sure these programs work for everyone, not just a few lucky people. I do feel like I got lucky because qualifying for these things isn’t just ticking boxes like it is here. It’s more nuisanced and wishy washy which sucks for a lot of Americans that either don’t know they qualify or how to get these things.
@@boomdoze It's not about the money you pay in taxes, it about what that money buys you. In many states in you US you need to pay $450 for health Insurance (and when you need it there still is thousands out of pocket). In our system you are fully covered for €150 (with a max of 350 out of pocket). So there's a yearly 3600 difference...already paid for in the Netherlands. Same for a HOA, there's another $500 dollars a month/$6000 a year, that you don't need to pay in Netherlands. Giving birth? In the US you will be down $12.000, over here 10 weeks of paid leave. And so on... The big question is: If you add all those additional costs to your taxes, who's getting more bang for their buck?
@@vogel2280 she is an American, basically she has been told the rest of the world is crap. The amount of time to come to the realisation the USA by and large is a crap country takes time to sink in. 😊
A cafe full of laptops feels so lifeless and awkward. Not at all what you want when you visit or own a cafe. If you want to get out of the house to work, just go to the public library.
A café full of laptops might be awkward I guess but I was in a café today. There were a few people who brought a laptop or tablet. It didn't bother me. Still plenty people there who came to eat something or drink a coffee.
@@gert-janvanderlee5307 A few is no problem at first. But it won't be long before that cafe is discovered by the self-employed, fills up with laptops, the atmosphere tanks, and the owner puts in a anti-screen policy.
@@Durantis I don't think that will happen. If I look at the reviews it's been there a few years and they are known in the reviews for allowing people to work / study there.
@@gert-janvanderlee5307 Perhaps it's not in as much of a high profile area. Here in the centre of Utrecht there is a deluge of screens, even the central Library has designated non-screen areas because every single spot would be taken up by a screen, with no spots left to read a newspaper or a book.
@@Durantis It was close to a city center and almost full. Pretty high profile I guess. But it is saturday. Maybe that's why the number of screens was limited.
In the library at the Eemplein you can work as long as you like. I think also the Starbucks in the city center is suited for doing some work. I see people with laptops all the time there.
Cool video, I love your commentary on how you feel about taxes actually going to things and contributing to the overall well being of everything. It's one of the primary reasons for also moving there in the upcoming months. It looks so chill and beautiful wherever you're at in this video.
Thanks I’ll check them out!! for now I found a cafe in Amersfoort that allows laptops! Tbh, I only work at cafes a few times a month so it’s not a big deal, just a difference I noticed ☺️
A café full of alone sitting working people isn’t inviting for people looking for quality time. In the end you’re not paying for your space and aren’t consuming that much, people there for pleasure order cake or bitterballs people who are working order a few drinks. You also have shared workspaces where you’ll pay for your space and get free drinks. So guess you should look further than just cafes what you’re used doing in the US.
I know an owner of a coffeeshop in the USA who doesn't allow laptops in his shop anymore. People were sitting in his coffeshop for hours on one cup of coffee. They occupy space, usually a table for four so they have room to work, that he can't use for other custumers. It also ruiend the atmosphere in his coffeshop, so he said, that's enough, no more laptops, ipads and so on. Wifi isn't available for customers in his coffeeshop. And if you pull out a laptop you will be politely asked to go somewhere else. And I think he is right.
oh interesting! I’ve never encountered it in the US or any other country I’ve traveled to besides the Netherlands. But I can see more coffeeshops doing this in the future
@@markschattefor6997 Reminds me of a day when I was on vacation in Bernkastel-Kues in the southern end of Germany. At the neighboring table were two girls, staring at their phones. One typed something, clicked "send" and the other girls phone gave a sound. She then typed something, clicked "send" and the first girls phone signaled. After a few back and forth my wife leaned over to them and asked them why they tweeted instead of talking, as they were obviously sitting next to each other. They looked at one another, then began to laugh uncontrollably, put their phones away and began talking!
Coffee company is a chain that always allows laptops, and usually has a nice number of outlets as well. I'm not sure if they have locations in amersfort. Anne & Max usually allows laptops as well, but personally don't love their menu options. Finding a cafe to work from on US hours will be very difficult though as most cafes in the Netherlands close at around 1700 or 1800.
@@boomdoze I am seeing rn that you've been posting about NL. Your videos are just not being shown on my notifications, although the bell is on.. just fyi. peace, peace :)
@@misskaedy I don’t think I’m the best person for this 😆 my bf isn’t dutch, he’s bosnian and I met him in chicago. Maybe I could do a video where I talk to some dutch friends and compare my experience meeting my bf in the US with their experiences here though?
@@QnA22 libraries are always a good option. In cities you can often find spaces you can rent for the day or use for free. Google flexwerkplek + name of city to find some options near you. If they charge you for the space often drinks are free and vice versa.
There are "work Cafe's" where you can work, but yeah, not every cafe likes to have people setting up a 'work station' and keep a table occupied all day.. That is just lost revenue for them,, Instead of selling 5 or 6 cappucinos, they can sell only one to you, maybe two.
I can fully understand that there are times that you have to work but being alone gives you the urge to look for a place where there are other people around. So a nice coffee shop has some attraction for that. I've read some comments that I think might have had a little more empathy/sympathy for you. The suggestion of a library is a good one ofcourse. I hope you will find a nice and more permanent place to work if you feel the need to.😊
If you want to work somewhere out, the best place is a hotel restaurant. Lots of people use hotel restaurants as a workplace. There are job interviews there, work meetings and people who simply type on laptops all day. I've never had a problem with working in a hotel restaurant (during the day, obviously).
As you already stated road maintenance in the us. Would love to hear your take on infrastructure and the likes. Also love your vibe. Needed more cats this video tho! :p
As programmer working free lance funny enough i use often exactly spots where you where talking from if the weather allows i often do remote work in public parks.
That's the thing that kind of annoys me. All these people coming here profiting of off a system that us Dutchies have been paying for for many decades.
@@BabzV Well, being Dutch myself, I don't necessarily agree. There is a salary threshold, so even with 30% ruling, these people pay WAY more taxes than a median salary domestic worker. Plus, they are employed, as there is not enough Dutchies to fill in the roles. I am much more concerned about spending side of the country budget.
You can work (for free) at the following locations in Amersfoort: Seats2meat (at the trainstation), De Observant, Bindi Cafe, Centraal Ketelhuis, Hoog Vuur and the by other named Library at the Eemplein to name a few.
What I have noticed over the years is the short-term thinking of the US. This affects work life balance, vacation, sick leave, parental leave and the taxes that fund it. In the long term, everyone benefits.
I see people working at Starbucks and other places around the Central Station. I like working at the large library at the Eemplein, especially in the tiered middle section where they allow food and drinks in your work spot. Enjoy Amersfoort! ❤
The ikea in Amersfoort has some pretty nice spots to work with outlets. I usually go there if I don’t feel like going to my regular office. You can also pay for a coworking space.
Look on the web where remote working places are. Some cafés, bars and bistro's are on the web promoting themselves for digital nomads. Like, in The Hague the municipality itself has a dedicated webpage where such places are. According to the municipality theater Amare promotes their bistro as an excellent working spot for remote workers. And some places are dedicated spaces for remote workers where you can rent desk space for around 20 to 35 euro's per day. Including all kinds of facilities, like great WIFI, tea, coffee, bathrooms,. And a chance to meet other digital nomads for networking purposes.
A cafe is also for relaxation, not for taking your work to.😉 The longer you are here, the more you see that things can certainly be different than in the USA
@@boomdoze Everything becomes ''normal'' the longer you are here, and you are shocked when you go back to the USA (for vacation, work or family visit), I have seen several videos (such as the one from ITZ SKY) and it is quite interesting. 🙂
The no-screen policy of cafe and coffee place owners is a reaction to the development of the last ten to fifteen years. Back then it was totally normal and accepted to work in a cafe or coffee place, but in some places it got so bad that you only saw laptops and quiet people drinking one or two coffees per day. So it’s understandable that they are taking back control and have been (mostly) banning people with laptops. I used to work a lot in those places, so I had to find alternatives as well. What I found is that libraries offer free work places (with additional services, like maybe a meeting room or printing services). It’s a bit less crowded than a cafe, but I find that I get just enough distractions to make it interesting. Also, special work “hotels” or similar places have been created for working remotely. I tend to work one or two days from home, one at a library, one from the office and then a fifth day I split up between sneaking in a few hours at a cafe, or even a store restaurant (like HEMA, or IKEA). Btw, don’t you just love the beginning of fall in the Netherlands? Like those red/brown leaves and the beautiful mushrooms behind you. And the smell! I love it.
I'm a Dutch person who works from home every day. I don't miss the cafés, because my work day is only 8 hours, so I have enough time to socialize after work. I do pretty much 9-1. Take a 1hr break to walk my dog, talk to some people in the (dog) park and do 2-6 for the other half of the day. After that I can get dinner at a bar or restaurant. Or I eat at home and I leave the house around 8 for some socializing if I want to. More than enough time for that, so I don't feel like I need to work in a public place.
I don't know Amersfoort very well. Here in Amsterdam there are plenty of places that also cater to people working on their laptops. And public libraries are also pretty OK for this. And then there are places like WeWork, where you can pay a small fee for a work spot.
yeah amsterdam seems so be better suited for this! I wonder if cafes in bigger cities in the netherlands allow laptops or if it’s just amsterdam because it’s foreigner friendly
The biggest difference between dutch employees they work during working hours. Americans like to be at work but like you said socializing with people in a cafe is also working.
No we don't it is just different cultures. I have spent hours explaining to Europeans that you have to tip wait staff in the US because that is expected and if you don't you are cheating the wait staff. Just different cultures.
@@user-wp7zn8ii5u It is because employers don't pay them enough to make a good living so they're depending on tips. This should not be something that is expected, it should be something you only get when service is very good (and in no way it should be expected/mandatory). Not only different cultures also a matter of being (less) civilized.
"People from the US have one thing in common: they think the rest of the world has the same standards as they do." Not just that. They actually think their standards are higher than everyone else's. Until they come to Europe, and instead of complaining all the time that nothing is as it is 'at home', they see a lot of things work better here _because_ nothing is as it is 'at home'.
The only reason why they don't allow it is money. You take 1 table to work at, depending on the table this would be for at least two (or 4) people spending money. You are only 1 so they lose 50% on that table as long as you sit there. Since you have your laptop this will be for a longer time than usual. Meaning another 2 people won't be buying coffee and the cafe is losing more money on that table. It's common sense to not allow it if you want to earn money.
No, not the only. It's just not what they offer, they offerr a place for leisure, not for work. That's an atmosphere difference, it's also a difference in what kind of work people want to do. They work in a cafe, they didn't choose a job in an office canteen. They are in the business of hospitality, not in the business of your productivity. If there are 5 people working there, the (bigger spending) group of leisurers will not want to sit in an office environment. In general the trend was also a bit sad, zzp-ers wanting to be seen working in public as some kind of validation, mimicking a social working environment they chose not to have. You chose to work alone for your own business, you have to be able to work alone. When you miss the social interacton with collegues, you have to organize social interaction with non collegues.
If you would go there to read a book for the same amount of time as people are working it really isn't an issue. You're just not making the place uninviting when you're reading a book, doing stuff on your laptop does do that.
Hallo, ik denk dat veel café's het niet willen, omdat vele een halve dag of langer zitplaatsen bezet houden. En een of misschien twee consumpties besteden. Daar verdient een ondernemer niet veel mee. Je zou naar een bibliotheek kunnen gaan, daar hebben ze vaak ruimte om te werken. Er zijn ook flex werkplekken . Deze hoeven ook geen omzet te draaien, om hun zaak te laten bestaan. Café's zullen toch omzet moeten maken om voort te bestaan. Persoonlijk vind ik het irritant dat iemand een tafel bezet houden, bijna niets bestellen. En dat ik andere gasten zie omdraaien omdat er geen plaats is .
sorry, my dutch isn't great so I'll respond in english. you bring up some valid points! In the U.S. I don't know why, but cafes don't care that you don't constantly buy drinks or food while working. Maybe it's because they have more space? As a customer I also never get upset by people working but again, I think our cafes are bigger so seating isn't sparse. In the Netherlands the cafes are smaller so yeah I agree it would be annoying for someone to take a seat for half the day. I've lived in the UK as well and was able to work in cafes there so it was just a shock to me. Not sure which way I like better, but I can see the pros and cons of both!
@@DenUitvreter Utilities, education, welfare system, cleaning, public transit, libraries, fire departments, police departments, healthcare, parks and recreation, arts and culture, the first three channels on your T.V. The army protecting you and come to aid in times of disaster (flooding) About flooding, our entire water defence network. I can probably go on for a bit longer but I guess I made my point, if you see only 10% return of your taxes you must be either blind or uninformed.
@@aristaeus2514 All of those, yes all, have been on the skids in the last decade we saw labour taxes increase from 35% to 40%. I'm not arguing for low taxes, but some tax money well spent or at least on the right things doesn't mean our tax money is well spent overall. Name me one government task that hasn't seriously detoriated while taxes went up.
Here we have these weird buildings with offices and leisure. You can rent a room for work with internet connection, coffee and tea and print facilities as a gym or ping-pong table. On paper it looks awesome but it is more a hub for narcisists wanting to meet other weirdos 😅
On work culture: decades ago I heard Henri Nouwen state: 'you are not what you do, you are not what you possess, you are not who you know'. He said it in his sermon in the Crystal Cathedral, California, I watched him on television in The Netherlands. Fascinating words. If you try them on people, they're often unsettled, uneasy. I like your channel!
I used to complain about taxes in the Netherlands a lot, but since Americans point out how low taxes has an effect on government spending (on road infrastructure, electric infrastructure, quality of tap water, etc.) i stopped complaining.... mostly. Taxes on new cars and gasoline are ridiculous.
I ussualy work remote from home but since i work with privillged client info i can't work in a public space so going to a cafe and work there is a big nono for me. As in generale i totally agre that you shouldn't be allowed to work or look at your screen in a a normale cafe it ruins the vibe of a place. Now can there be specialist combi places where you can? sure as long as it isn't in the place i visite to relax after work.
As an employer, I wouldn't really appreciate you exposing my company's interna to randos (or worse) in a public space. That would be a complete security nono
@@boomdozeOk you want to live in the Netherlands 👍 I find it strange that you comment about the times of day/night you work. Did you not know the time difference? I assume you did so by your own choise you work these hours.......🤷♂️
@@robbertbaart1499 yep I knew them. I think I mentioned in the video that I researched the difference before I came and knew it would take some adjusting (but maybe I edited that part out). The time difference is no big deal - I say that I've come to enjoy it. Having my morning and afternoon free is a huge plus for me.
Muricans should learn the difference between "working extreme long days" and being efficient. And for some strange reason you make me fantasize of a 9 volt battery, ;-).
Hi, correct me if I'm wrong: you were indeed referring to AMERSFOORT........right? Well...To your knowledge, THIS would have NEVER EVER happened in the FAT FOUR(Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague). THERE it would have been TOTALLY OK. How come AI know: well, I'm a SURINAMESE who lived in 'HOLLAND' for 30 years. P.s. in 2005, I decided to call it a day and remigrated to HOME. Haven't been and look back since. Question: WHAT brought you to AMERSFOORT(of all places). For AI wouldn't have wanted to live there. But then again: I was and am the proverbial BIG CITY GUY!
Working at your computer in most cafés isn't allowed because no one in the Netherlands ever said "Hey, let's go to a café where we are surrounded by dickheads working on their computer and giving us the impression like we're in an office." To the people who don't want to work at home, go to an office, where you belong.
Dude, i think you crossed the line between dutch directness and just being plain rude. Even though i agree a café isn't a suitable place for remote work, the way you worded it is unpleasant, combative and not helpfull in any way. Why not just give a suggestion? What would be a good place for remote work (selfemployed, can't just go to an office). according to you?
@@williamgeardener2509 Well you are still being overly rude about it that last sentence was a bit of a NONO considering she can't go to an office. I totally agree with the first part even if its not diplomaticly phrased itas exactly how i feel about it. Ofcourse if someone wanna make a "workcafe" for this thats fine by me as long as they don't do it to my wateringhole.
@@williamgeardener2509 Not offended, just slightly ashamed that you're being 'that guy' in this comment section. Like i said before: i agree with a regular cafe not being a good workingspace. I just don't like how you communicated that opinion because it is overly aggressive and rude imo. Since you seem to care about likes: did you notice that the people who gave the same reply in a less aggressive tone got way more likes than you did? Nuf said. You be you, and i'm happy i don't have to meet you irl.
@@dasja9966 Now ask yourself: Who cares about your opinion? So sorry that you're THAT person who has taken it upon themself to defend people who don't need defending.
public establishments are not your work office or your personal office . GET THE HELL OUT !!!! GO HOME !!!! if not , just buy and pay for coffee and a snack , finish it in less then 15 minuts and '' GET OUT !!!!
@@Lilygirl283 being done over the whole world doesn't make it less wierd. By the way it is not very common in the Netherlands. I find it disturbing when people use public places as their working place, provide your own office they are for rent you know.
@@Lilygirl283 It kinda is a weird concept though. At least in the Netherlands. It might even be a legal issue. If someone is required to work from home, it is a workplace. So it should have adequate chairs, tables etc. The company is required to provide an employee a safe workplace. (Zorgplicht) So you normaly get provided with a good chair, desk etc.
There’s a difference between spoken language and written language, we say “twee uur ‘s-middags” but write 14:00. In English that would be exactly as she says it.
If you remote work from a cafe you can also go into the office. The entire concept is meant for working from home not a cafe. Work ethics from Americans is horrible
Please, dont promote NL in the USA. We have enough and pretty much no "American" here learns Dutch. P.s. you are not an American, you are a person from the USA, America is not a country nor a place , you can say the Americas but that would refer to the a huge region.
when you have the luck to have a job to work @home then work @home whats so hard to understand about that its work,not socializing in a cafe whith a laptop a construction worker cant work @home,so feel lucky you can work at home its allways the office workers who complain about the working surcomstances 😅
Try the library. You can work there and have a coffee. Just make sure to make a online reservations for a workplace, it can be busy.
And PLEASE do not use a phone!
I fully understand why a café bans working there. It's not an office, it is not your home, it is a place where people come to relax, have a drink and/or meal. Not to hog a table on just a few, or even one drink. Personally I'm lucky, as I already had one of my bedrooms turned into an art studio, which now also serves as my wfh room. So I don't feel the need to go outside to work, as I never feel cramped. Perhaps if I lived in an apartment, or smaller house, I might feel differently.
About taxes, it only it increases happiness; you actually live cheaper if you count all stuff the Dutch government pays for. Especially healthcare, but also a lot of other programs, education, childcare, etc.
If you calculate your expenses it suddenly changes a lot :)
I'm SO glad I found your channel! I've been really thinking about the Netherlands for several months now, and finding your channel has been amazing! Please keep making more videos about your experiences! I'm off to binge the rest of your videos now haha
A cafe is a commercial venture and they need the space to sear people who actually are willing to spend money there. I am not saying you aren’t but you are using a space which the owners pay for to run their business (i.e. selling coffee etc.) as they see fit. If you want a space outside your home to do some work look into where your local public library is. Also there are companies that provide shared workspaces which you can rent on a day basis.
Douwe Egberts cafés are great places to work or study!
@lienbijs1205 most don't allow laptops anymore.
They're losing in sales by those people that take a laptop
@@eskiltester3913 As far I know they will only charge you 1,80 per hour if you don't take a consumption every hour. That is included free water. Just wonder in what city it wouldn't be allowed anymore?
Or buy a cup of coffee or tea.. 😂
That is assuming the place is full. That's not always the case and then someone working on a laptop drinking a coffee or two is probably better than just an empty table.
It's misconception that taxes are higher in The Netherlands than in the USA. As self-employed / free lancer / non-citizen i wouldn't know. But as a Dutch citizen working for a boss vs an American Citizen employed in the U.S. up until about 50k a year you pay less tax in The Netherlands, above 50k you pay less tax in the U.S. Especially if you have a low wage, like working full time for minimum wage, you pay a lot less tax in The Netherlands. And this is even not taking into account that people with lower incomes get compensated by the Tax-office for instance at min, wage you get compensated for health insurance and your health insurance (that covers almost everything) cost you €10-15 a month, effectively. People who rent a house also get compensated.
Amen….
I think the difference is that people in the US are now making above 50k a year (especially in cities) so it’s less for most. I know people working non degree jobs that start at 65k. I think the US pays more but your spending power is much better here (unless you live in the more rural parts of the US…but then you’re making much less). Also, in the US I got a lot of tax breaks as a freelancer and I was given money for health insurance through obama care (the affordable care act) and so health insurance is actually more for me in the netherlands. We definitely don’t get compensated for renting though! But, I think your government puts more time into making sure these programs work for everyone, not just a few lucky people. I do feel like I got lucky because qualifying for these things isn’t just ticking boxes like it is here. It’s more nuisanced and wishy washy which sucks for a lot of Americans that either don’t know they qualify or how to get these things.
@@boomdoze It's not about the money you pay in taxes, it about what that money buys you. In many states in you US you need to pay $450 for health Insurance (and when you need it there still is thousands out of pocket). In our system you are fully covered for €150 (with a max of 350 out of pocket). So there's a yearly 3600 difference...already paid for in the Netherlands. Same for a HOA, there's another $500 dollars a month/$6000 a year, that you don't need to pay in Netherlands. Giving birth? In the US you will be down $12.000, over here 10 weeks of paid leave. And so on... The big question is: If you add all those additional costs to your taxes, who's getting more bang for their buck?
@@vogel2280 she is an American, basically she has been told the rest of the world is crap. The amount of time to come to the realisation the USA by and large is a crap country takes time to sink in. 😊
A cafe full of laptops feels so lifeless and awkward. Not at all what you want when you visit or own a cafe. If you want to get out of the house to work, just go to the public library.
A café full of laptops might be awkward I guess but I was in a café today. There were a few people who brought a laptop or tablet. It didn't bother me. Still plenty people there who came to eat something or drink a coffee.
@@gert-janvanderlee5307 A few is no problem at first. But it won't be long before that cafe is discovered by the self-employed, fills up with laptops, the atmosphere tanks, and the owner puts in a anti-screen policy.
@@Durantis I don't think that will happen. If I look at the reviews it's been there a few years and they are known in the reviews for allowing people to work / study there.
@@gert-janvanderlee5307 Perhaps it's not in as much of a high profile area. Here in the centre of Utrecht there is a deluge of screens, even the central Library has designated non-screen areas because every single spot would be taken up by a screen, with no spots left to read a newspaper or a book.
@@Durantis It was close to a city center and almost full. Pretty high profile I guess. But it is saturday. Maybe that's why the number of screens was limited.
In the library at the Eemplein you can work as long as you like. I think also the Starbucks in the city center is suited for doing some work. I see people with laptops all the time there.
right now I’ve been liking livingstone! ☺️
Cool video, I love your commentary on how you feel about taxes actually going to things and contributing to the overall well being of everything. It's one of the primary reasons for also moving there in the upcoming months. It looks so chill and beautiful wherever you're at in this video.
its amazing! good luck on your move 💗
Hey girl, there are also special spaces for remote workers that are usually affiliated with the local library where you can work and chill
Thanks I’ll check them out!! for now I found a cafe in Amersfoort that allows laptops! Tbh, I only work at cafes a few times a month so it’s not a big deal, just a difference I noticed ☺️
A café full of alone sitting working people isn’t inviting for people looking for quality time.
In the end you’re not paying for your space and aren’t consuming that much, people there for pleasure order cake or bitterballs people who are working order a few drinks.
You also have shared workspaces where you’ll pay for your space and get free drinks. So guess you should look further than just cafes what you’re used doing in the US.
I know an owner of a coffeeshop in the USA who doesn't allow laptops in his shop anymore. People were sitting in his coffeshop for hours on one cup of coffee. They occupy space, usually a table for four so they have room to work, that he can't use for other custumers. It also ruiend the atmosphere in his coffeshop, so he said, that's enough, no more laptops, ipads and so on. Wifi isn't available for customers in his coffeeshop. And if you pull out a laptop you will be politely asked to go somewhere else. And I think he is right.
oh interesting! I’ve never encountered it in the US or any other country I’ve traveled to besides the Netherlands. But I can see more coffeeshops doing this in the future
That was a good move, people should talk to each other, and not be staring at silly devices in a cafe or bar or anywhere in public.
@@markschattefor6997 Reminds me of a day when I was on vacation in Bernkastel-Kues in the southern end of Germany.
At the neighboring table were two girls, staring at their phones. One typed something, clicked "send" and the other girls phone gave a sound. She then typed something, clicked "send" and the first girls phone signaled. After a few back and forth my wife leaned over to them and asked them why they tweeted instead of talking, as they were obviously sitting next to each other. They looked at one another, then began to laugh uncontrollably, put their phones away and began talking!
@@macdieter23558 Just imagine how much information you can recall with that little device, but if you ask simple questions they are speechless.
Coffee company is a chain that always allows laptops, and usually has a nice number of outlets as well. I'm not sure if they have locations in amersfort. Anne & Max usually allows laptops as well, but personally don't love their menu options. Finding a cafe to work from on US hours will be very difficult though as most cafes in the Netherlands close at around 1700 or 1800.
Go to the big 4. Den Haag, Utrecht, Amsterdam en Rotterdam. You will have a lot of places where you can bring the laptop to a café😊
Hey Boom you always surprise with new concepts, looks and contents. Love it!
Wish you all the success for your life in the netherlands! 🙌🏿
ah, thank you so much!! ☺️💗💗
@@boomdoze I am seeing rn that you've been posting about NL. Your videos are just not being shown on my notifications, although the bell is on.. just fyi.
peace, peace :)
@@kwamedotafrica ugh, youtube 🫠 thanks for letting me know!
@@boomdoze can you do a video on dating or how you met your bf?
@@misskaedy I don’t think I’m the best person for this 😆 my bf isn’t dutch, he’s bosnian and I met him in chicago. Maybe I could do a video where I talk to some dutch friends and compare my experience meeting my bf in the US with their experiences here though?
There are tons of places you can go to for remote work, don't go to a cafe where people are relaxing.
Where would you go to in the Neterlands? Are there social places where it is accepted?
@@QnA22 libraries are always a good option. In cities you can often find spaces you can rent for the day or use for free. Google flexwerkplek + name of city to find some options near you. If they charge you for the space often drinks are free and vice versa.
There are "work Cafe's" where you can work, but yeah, not every cafe likes to have people setting up a 'work station' and keep a table occupied all day.. That is just lost revenue for them,, Instead of selling 5 or 6 cappucinos, they can sell only one to you, maybe two.
I can fully understand that there are times that you have to work but being alone gives you the urge to look for a place where there are other people around. So a nice coffee shop has some attraction for that. I've read some comments that I think might have had a little more empathy/sympathy for you. The suggestion of a library is a good one ofcourse. I hope you will find a nice and more permanent place to work if you feel the need to.😊
If you want to work somewhere out, the best place is a hotel restaurant. Lots of people use hotel restaurants as a workplace. There are job interviews there, work meetings and people who simply type on laptops all day. I've never had a problem with working in a hotel restaurant (during the day, obviously).
I used to go a van der valk hotel yo do this. Most remote workers use those locations
Yeah, Van Der Valk seems like the best place for something like this.
As you already stated road maintenance in the us. Would love to hear your take on infrastructure and the likes. Also love your vibe. Needed more cats this video tho! :p
As programmer working free lance funny enough i use often exactly spots where you where talking from if the weather allows i often do remote work in public parks.
The Dutch also don't get the 30% tax break.
If you live outside of the NL for 8 years, you can. ;-)
That's the thing that kind of annoys me.
All these people coming here profiting of off a system that us Dutchies have been paying for for many decades.
@@BabzV Well, being Dutch myself, I don't necessarily agree. There is a salary threshold, so even with 30% ruling, these people pay WAY more taxes than a median salary domestic worker. Plus, they are employed, as there is not enough Dutchies to fill in the roles. I am much more concerned about spending side of the country budget.
Freelancers dont get that either. Only employees under certain conditions.
I’m not jealous about the 30% tax ruling, it is there for a reason. So foreign people can fill jobs which the Dutch cannot or will not do.
You can work (for free) at the following locations in Amersfoort: Seats2meat (at the trainstation), De Observant, Bindi Cafe, Centraal Ketelhuis, Hoog Vuur and the by other named Library at the Eemplein to name a few.
In Holland we have several brands that hire flex workspaces on hotspots. Like seats2meet above the main hall of Amersfoort central station
What I have noticed over the years is the short-term thinking of the US. This affects work life balance, vacation, sick leave, parental leave and the taxes that fund it. In the long term, everyone benefits.
Try a library or big cafes that mostly allow it.
I see people working at Starbucks and other places around the Central Station. I like working at the large library at the Eemplein, especially in the tiered middle section where they allow food and drinks in your work spot.
Enjoy Amersfoort! ❤
The ikea in Amersfoort has some pretty nice spots to work with outlets. I usually go there if I don’t feel like going to my regular office. You can also pay for a coworking space.
oh! I didn’t think of Ikea…great suggestion, thanks ☺️💗💗
Very often you can find shared working spaces at the railway station, or public libraries
Look on the web where remote working places are. Some cafés, bars and bistro's are on the web promoting themselves for digital nomads. Like, in The Hague the municipality itself has a dedicated webpage where such places are. According to the municipality theater Amare promotes their bistro as an excellent working spot for remote workers. And some places are dedicated spaces for remote workers where you can rent desk space for around 20 to 35 euro's per day. Including all kinds of facilities, like great WIFI, tea, coffee, bathrooms,. And a chance to meet other digital nomads for networking purposes.
A cafe is also for relaxation, not for taking your work to.😉 The longer you are here, the more you see that things can certainly be different than in the USA
true! It’s just different from what I’m used to
@@boomdoze Everything becomes ''normal'' the longer you are here, and you are shocked when you go back to the USA (for vacation, work or family visit), I have seen several videos (such as the one from ITZ SKY) and it is quite interesting. 🙂
and the CoffeeShop is very different in the Netherlands..😉
@@mandje2002 wel koffie, maar met een toetje erbij 😄
@@thedutchhuman stukkie spacecake erbij 🙃
Bibliotheek van Amersfoort heeft ook gezellig plekjes om te zitten.Je kan er ook wat te drinken kopen met wat lekkers.
The no-screen policy of cafe and coffee place owners is a reaction to the development of the last ten to fifteen years. Back then it was totally normal and accepted to work in a cafe or coffee place, but in some places it got so bad that you only saw laptops and quiet people drinking one or two coffees per day. So it’s understandable that they are taking back control and have been (mostly) banning people with laptops. I used to work a lot in those places, so I had to find alternatives as well. What I found is that libraries offer free work places (with additional services, like maybe a meeting room or printing services). It’s a bit less crowded than a cafe, but I find that I get just enough distractions to make it interesting. Also, special work “hotels” or similar places have been created for working remotely. I tend to work one or two days from home, one at a library, one from the office and then a fifth day I split up between sneaking in a few hours at a cafe, or even a store restaurant (like HEMA, or IKEA).
Btw, don’t you just love the beginning of fall in the Netherlands? Like those red/brown leaves and the beautiful mushrooms behind you. And the smell! I love it.
I'm a Dutch person who works from home every day. I don't miss the cafés, because my work day is only 8 hours, so I have enough time to socialize after work.
I do pretty much 9-1. Take a 1hr break to walk my dog, talk to some people in the (dog) park and do 2-6 for the other half of the day. After that I can get dinner at a bar or restaurant. Or I eat at home and I leave the house around 8 for some socializing if I want to. More than enough time for that, so I don't feel like I need to work in a public place.
I don't know Amersfoort very well. Here in Amsterdam there are plenty of places that also cater to people working on their laptops. And public libraries are also pretty OK for this. And then there are places like WeWork, where you can pay a small fee for a work spot.
yeah amsterdam seems so be better suited for this! I wonder if cafes in bigger cities in the netherlands allow laptops or if it’s just amsterdam because it’s foreigner friendly
The biggest difference between dutch employees they work during working hours. Americans like to be at work but like you said socializing with people in a cafe is also working.
In the netherlands we have a saying. “ we work to live, we do not live to work”.
hi, the library is a quiet place to work, you just have to be quiet there. (so don't call).
She is American. They can't be quiet.
People from the US have one thing in common: they think the rest of the world has the same standards as they do.
No we don't it is just different cultures. I have spent hours explaining to Europeans that you have to tip wait staff in the US because that is expected and if you don't you are cheating the wait staff. Just different cultures.
@@user-wp7zn8ii5uBut why do we as customers have to pay for something that their boss is supposed to pay for, a decent salary.
@@user-wp7zn8ii5u It is because employers don't pay them enough to make a good living so they're depending on tips. This should not be something that is expected, it should be something you only get when service is very good (and in no way it should be expected/mandatory). Not only different cultures also a matter of being (less) civilized.
@@user-wp7zn8ii5u Why should the customer pay the wage? 😂
"People from the US have one thing in common: they think the rest of the world has the same standards as they do."
Not just that. They actually think their standards are higher than everyone else's. Until they come to Europe, and instead of complaining all the time that nothing is as it is 'at home', they see a lot of things work better here _because_ nothing is as it is 'at home'.
In Leusden which borders onto Amersfoort you can work in Huis van Leusden. They sell snacks and serve coffee. I’m not sure if you need to register.
The only reason why they don't allow it is money. You take 1 table to work at, depending on the table this would be for at least two (or 4) people spending money. You are only 1 so they lose 50% on that table as long as you sit there. Since you have your laptop this will be for a longer time than usual. Meaning another 2 people won't be buying coffee and the cafe is losing more money on that table. It's common sense to not allow it if you want to earn money.
No, not the only. It's just not what they offer, they offerr a place for leisure, not for work. That's an atmosphere difference, it's also a difference in what kind of work people want to do. They work in a cafe, they didn't choose a job in an office canteen. They are in the business of hospitality, not in the business of your productivity.
If there are 5 people working there, the (bigger spending) group of leisurers will not want to sit in an office environment. In general the trend was also a bit sad, zzp-ers wanting to be seen working in public as some kind of validation, mimicking a social working environment they chose not to have. You chose to work alone for your own business, you have to be able to work alone. When you miss the social interacton with collegues, you have to organize social interaction with non collegues.
If you would go there to read a book for the same amount of time as people are working it really isn't an issue. You're just not making the place uninviting when you're reading a book, doing stuff on your laptop does do that.
You will love Douwe Egberts cafés. They fascilitate working and studying.
oh, I’ll look into them. thanks!! ☺️💗💗
Hallo, ik denk dat veel café's het niet willen, omdat vele een halve dag of langer zitplaatsen bezet houden. En een of misschien twee consumpties besteden. Daar verdient een ondernemer niet veel mee. Je zou naar een bibliotheek kunnen gaan, daar hebben ze vaak ruimte om te werken. Er zijn ook flex werkplekken . Deze hoeven ook geen omzet te draaien, om hun zaak te laten bestaan. Café's zullen toch omzet moeten maken om voort te bestaan. Persoonlijk vind ik het irritant dat iemand een tafel bezet houden, bijna niets bestellen. En dat ik andere gasten zie omdraaien omdat er geen plaats is .
sorry, my dutch isn't great so I'll respond in english. you bring up some valid points! In the U.S. I don't know why, but cafes don't care that you don't constantly buy drinks or food while working. Maybe it's because they have more space? As a customer I also never get upset by people working but again, I think our cafes are bigger so seating isn't sparse. In the Netherlands the cafes are smaller so yeah I agree it would be annoying for someone to take a seat for half the day. I've lived in the UK as well and was able to work in cafes there so it was just a shock to me. Not sure which way I like better, but I can see the pros and cons of both!
Go to the coffee corner in the library.
5:04
Hit the nail on the head here, about taxes, it isnt the amount of taxes it is about if you can see the benefits of it in day to day life.
I can only see the benefits of like 10% of the taxes. Road maintenance does not justify all the taxes.
@@DenUitvreter
Utilities, education, welfare system, cleaning, public transit, libraries, fire departments, police departments, healthcare, parks and recreation, arts and culture, the first three channels on your T.V.
The army protecting you and come to aid in times of disaster (flooding)
About flooding, our entire water defence network.
I can probably go on for a bit longer but I guess I made my point, if you see only 10% return of your taxes you must be either blind or uninformed.
@@aristaeus2514 All of those, yes all, have been on the skids in the last decade we saw labour taxes increase from 35% to 40%.
I'm not arguing for low taxes, but some tax money well spent or at least on the right things doesn't mean our tax money is well spent overall. Name me one government task that hasn't seriously detoriated while taxes went up.
@@DenUitvreter Ah yes here we can agree on, it used to be better and some parts of life have gotten worse in that regard.
Here we have these weird buildings with offices and leisure. You can rent a room for work with internet connection, coffee and tea and print facilities as a gym or ping-pong table. On paper it looks awesome but it is more a hub for narcisists wanting to meet other weirdos 😅
i’ve found that to be true in the US too so I don’t really like those spaces
On work culture: decades ago I heard Henri Nouwen state: 'you are not what you do, you are not what you possess, you are not who you know'.
He said it in his sermon in the Crystal Cathedral, California, I watched him on television in The Netherlands. Fascinating words.
If you try them on people, they're often unsettled, uneasy. I like your channel!
Try people@places at Central Station, flex workplace at 3 euro 1/2 a day inc coffee or tea
Welke prutser heeft die verwarmingsbuizen zo scheef vastgemaakt?
I used to complain about taxes in the Netherlands a lot, but since Americans point out how low taxes has an effect on government spending (on road infrastructure, electric infrastructure, quality of tap water, etc.) i stopped complaining.... mostly. Taxes on new cars and gasoline are ridiculous.
But… they pay for those nice roads😂
Bagels and Beans is an option to do some work.
You could probably get away with it in the public library...
I don’t like to work in libraries, the atmosphere isn’t as cozy as a cafe. Plus, tasty drinks! 😸
@@boomdoze Do you know Eemhuis library? I admit it's not a cafe but it definitely isn't a boring library.😃
@@MrsMoniquemonique I don’t! I’ll look it up though 💗
There are multiple options to share offices with other people working remotely.
You are probably looking for a flex werkplek depending on where you live they are either cheap or free.
Oh! I didn’t know they were free here! I’m not a fan of coworking spaces but that’s awesome for other remote workers who want something like that.
I think you will might find some, maybe with a coffee corner. Rates will differ a bit I guess.
Maybe you can also look for a place (flex plek) to share with someone, do you don't need to work from home all week.
Coffeeshops hahha jamaan
Wij werken om te leven, wij leven niert om te werken ;p
I ussualy work remote from home but since i work with privillged client info i can't work in a public space so going to a cafe and work there is a big nono for me. As in generale i totally agre that you shouldn't be allowed to work or look at your screen in a a normale cafe it ruins the vibe of a place. Now can there be specialist combi places where you can? sure as long as it isn't in the place i visite to relax after work.
Did i really hear her say, as an office worker i never really liked working in offices, seriously.
As an employer, I wouldn't really appreciate you exposing my company's interna to randos (or worse) in a public space. That would be a complete security nono
Years ago when I was New Zealand you get a coffee and you had 15 minutes of free internet. But now they want free internet access for a coffee.
You can go to a library.
Why did you go to the NL when you not plan to work in an office? Do you need to be in the same time zone?
No I don’t need to be in the same time zone. I came here because I wanted to experience the netherlands ☺️
@@boomdozeOk you want to live in the Netherlands 👍 I find it strange that you comment about the times of day/night you work. Did you not know the time difference? I assume you did so by your own choise you work these hours.......🤷♂️
@@robbertbaart1499 yep I knew them. I think I mentioned in the video that I researched the difference before I came and knew it would take some adjusting (but maybe I edited that part out). The time difference is no big deal - I say that I've come to enjoy it. Having my morning and afternoon free is a huge plus for me.
There's plenty of co-work spaces to be found.
Hello Boomdoze, I can see if you can work at my place...
Muricans should learn the difference between "working extreme long days" and being efficient.
And for some strange reason you make me fantasize of a 9 volt battery, ;-).
No, we don’t ask you what kind of work you do and we don’t ask you how much money you make.
Just an observation. You start the video with a title “ as a American freelancer”. Is there a typo?
We work to live, we don't live to work.
Hi, correct me if I'm wrong: you were indeed referring to AMERSFOORT........right? Well...To your knowledge, THIS would have NEVER EVER happened in the FAT FOUR(Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague). THERE it would have been TOTALLY OK. How come AI know: well, I'm a SURINAMESE who lived in 'HOLLAND' for 30 years. P.s. in 2005, I decided to call it a day and remigrated to HOME. Haven't been and look back since. Question: WHAT brought you to AMERSFOORT(of all places). For AI wouldn't have wanted to live there. But then again: I was and am the proverbial BIG CITY GUY!
Gast...Ben je ooit in Amersfoort geweest? 😂
@@marieke3032 WAT moet ik in de RIMBOE😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
@@gunorijssel7987 Ok, nee dus... 🫣 Maar als ik t goed begrijp ben je bijna 20 jaar geleden terug gegaan naar Suriname?
@@gunorijssel7987 haha noemt Amersfoort de rimboe en remigreert terug naar Suriname, een mooi voorbeeld van ironie.
Working at your computer in most cafés isn't allowed because no one in the Netherlands ever said "Hey, let's go to a café where we are surrounded by dickheads working on their computer and giving us the impression like we're in an office."
To the people who don't want to work at home, go to an office, where you belong.
Dude, i think you crossed the line between dutch directness and just being plain rude.
Even though i agree a café isn't a suitable place for remote work, the way you worded it is unpleasant, combative and not helpfull in any way. Why not just give a suggestion? What would be a good place for remote work (selfemployed, can't just go to an office). according to you?
@@dasja9966 At least 10 people agree with me. Enough said. Because you're offended doesn't mean I'm wrong.
@@williamgeardener2509 Well you are still being overly rude about it that last sentence was a bit of a NONO considering she can't go to an office. I totally agree with the first part even if its not diplomaticly phrased itas exactly how i feel about it. Ofcourse if someone wanna make a "workcafe" for this thats fine by me as long as they don't do it to my wateringhole.
@@williamgeardener2509
Not offended, just slightly ashamed that you're being 'that guy' in this comment section.
Like i said before: i agree with a regular cafe not being a good workingspace. I just don't like how you communicated that opinion because it is overly aggressive and rude imo.
Since you seem to care about likes: did you notice that the people who gave the same reply in a less aggressive tone got way more likes than you did? Nuf said. You be you, and i'm happy i don't have to meet you irl.
@@dasja9966 Now ask yourself: Who cares about your opinion? So sorry that you're THAT person who has taken it upon themself to defend people who don't need defending.
The Netherlands is not USA
2:14 Je gaat toch ook niet zuipen op kantoor?😂
Nope, I refuse to work in what would amount to basically a security nightmare with bad ergonomics and a horrible UX.
public establishments are not your work office or your personal office . GET THE HELL OUT !!!! GO HOME !!!! if not , just buy and pay for coffee and a snack , finish it in less then 15 minuts and '' GET OUT !!!!
Chill pill mate
Try to find a coworking space nearby.
I only work at cafes a few times per month so it’s not worth it for me to pay a membership. I found a cafe here that allows you to work though ☺️
Internet on your mobile is cheap!
Go to a library
What a weird concept, sitting in someones place a start your work. Provide your own working space it is your responsibility not someone elses.
It is not a weird concept, it happens all over the world, maybe you are too old to realise this!!
@@Lilygirl283 being done over the whole world doesn't make it less wierd. By the way it is not very common in the Netherlands. I find it disturbing when people use public places as their working place, provide your own office they are for rent you know.
@@Lilygirl283 It kinda is a weird concept though. At least in the Netherlands.
It might even be a legal issue. If someone is required to work from home, it is a workplace. So it should have adequate chairs, tables etc. The company is required to provide an employee a safe workplace. (Zorgplicht) So you normaly get provided with a good chair, desk etc.
@@jokemmerling4875 Flexwerk is pretty common these days in NL at least in the big cities ...
@@ElMariachi1337 flexwerken is something completely different , nothing to do with your working space.
im pretty sure they do allow that in some places. i remember in groningen having a lot of that because studens study in such places as well
They do! In the video I talk about one I go in Amersfoort ☺️
We do not have pm/am here, you probably meant 14:00h...??
You knew what she meant.
No she meant 2:00 u in the afternoon 😛
If you are trying to correct someone, at least make sure you are doing it right, because litterly no one would say I went to work at 14:00 in NL ...
There’s a difference between spoken language and written language, we say “twee uur ‘s-middags” but write 14:00. In English that would be exactly as she says it.
If you remote work from a cafe you can also go into the office.
The entire concept is meant for working from home not a cafe.
Work ethics from Americans is horrible
work ? you mean you signt up for '' OF '' XD
Please, dont promote NL in the USA. We have enough and pretty much no "American" here learns Dutch. P.s. you are not an American, you are a person from the USA, America is not a country nor a place
, you can say the Americas but that would refer to the a huge region.
They drive zigzag in Chicago to avoid bullets 😅
In one of the vlogs, an American said that's what she was taught in school.
It's absolutely incredible that you don't understand that there is time to work and time to live.
when you have the luck to have a job to work @home then work @home
whats so hard to understand about that
its work,not socializing in a cafe whith a laptop
a construction worker cant work @home,so feel lucky you can work at home
its allways the office workers who complain about the working surcomstances 😅