Rens’ adventure: working as a moving advisor from Spain
Een ander avontuur
“Is this it?” It’s a question that Rens Venema asked himself a few years ago. He was stuck in a routine that seems natural to many: school, work, enjoying retirement and then… But for Rens, it didn’t feel like enough. Together with his wife and their three children, he decided to take a completely different path. Their adventure not only brought them closer as a family, but also to a new life in Spain.
A life full of change
Always someone with a drive to work. Sitting still was therefore never an option for Rens. Yet he started to wonder if there wasn't more to life than working and waiting for the weekend. Instead of living a 'normal' life, Rens and his family packed their bags and left for Spain. "Two years ago we made a nine-month trip through Spain and a part of Portugal. In the end, we felt that Spain really suited us," he says.
After a brief return to the Netherlands - including a stay in Oude Pekela - they decided to take the big leap. With their caravan, Rens, his wife, three children and the dog set off for Andalusia. There they found their home in an authentic environment, far away from the hustle and bustle of the Netherlands.
The children and Spanish life
For Rens and his wife, the happiness of their children was paramount. At the Spanish school, the children enjoyed themselves and were able to keep up well. However, the eldest sometimes got a bit lost. "We encouraged her to play, get dirty, just be a child. We got a completely different child back than when she was in school from 8:30 to 2:30."
The middle one, on the other hand, sometimes needed more challenge. "She's not afraid of anything and picks things up quickly," says Rens. That's why they combined school with learning moments from daily life. The family homeschooled in a playful way. "We made it an adventure: four bananas and four apples? How much fruit do you have then? Or ask in a restaurant how to get to the toilet and get the bill."
A new start at De Jong Verhuizingen
Despite his new life in Spain, Rens always remained involved in his work. "I never thought: I don't want to do anything anymore. Work gives me energy." When his previous employer was not open to his plans to work from Spain, Rens decided to look for something new. That's how he joined in May 2022 De Jong Verhuizingen terecht.
What started as a cautious conversation with Peter and Maurits, the owners of the company, grew into a successful collaboration. "It clicked immediately. They had an open mindset and saw the possibilities of online work. That gave me the space to use my expertise in my own way."
At De Jong Verhuizingen and Halo Removal Logistics, Rens mainly focuses on videotaxaties. "The great thing is that I can organize my work very flexibly. I often work in the evenings, after the children are in bed, so that I can spend time with my family during the day."
Working from home and connection
Although he sometimes misses contact with colleagues, Rens has found his own way to stay connected. "We have a group app where we can discuss everything. And if there are questions from movers, I'm always ready to help."
His experience as a physical mover – he has been in the business for more than fifteen years - still comes in handy in his role as a moving advisor. "I know what's going on on the work floor. I now use that experience to advise clients well and come up with new solutions."
Future plans
For Rens, his work at De Jong Verhuizingen and Halo Removal Logistics does not feel like a job, but as a way to continue to grow. "As far as I'm concerned, we'll continue this way. The combination of my family, our life in Spain and my work is exactly what I need."
