From Labour Migrant to Coordinator: The Success Story of Salih Ozkilic
Tuesday 18 November 2025
From Labour Migrant to Coordinator – The Story of Salih Ozkilic
How do you build a new life in a foreign country?
For Salih Ozkilic, that journey began over four years ago, when he moved from Turkey to the Netherlands. What started with a backpack and a great deal of uncertainty has evolved into an inspiring success story filled with perseverance, growth and humanity. Today, Salih is a coordinator at Uitzendbureau Flexibel and supports others walking the same path.
At Flexibel, we believe in people
At Uitzendbureau Flexibel, we are proud of our colleagues — people who not only work hard, but also inspire others through their personal stories.
One of them is Salih Ozkilic. His journey from labour migrant to coordinator shows that with dedication, understanding and the right support, borders do not restrict — they open opportunities.
Migrating to the Netherlands
Over four years ago, I arrived in the Netherlands from Turkey with nothing more than a backpack. Today, I have a fulfilling job, a close circle of friends and even my own home.
A new country, an unfamiliar language, a different culture and a completely new system — at first, everything felt strange and overwhelming.
But I quickly realised that you are never truly alone. With the right people around you, new connections and an employer who believes in you, you can feel at home in no time. Thanks to my employer, friends and colleagues, I was able to adapt to Dutch society and build a new life and family here.
In Turkey, I spent many years working in the corporate sector as a portfolio manager and team leader at a major telecom company. That experience taught me to listen, to understand and to support others — skills I still use every day.
When I came to the Netherlands, I had to start over. My background may have suited an office role better, but I chose to put my pride aside and work in the field.
Over time, I was given the chance to grow: from logistics employee to planner, and eventually coordinator at Uitzendbureau Flexibel. Today, I am responsible for large and complex clients and I support migrant workers every day who, like me, once had to start from scratch.
Migration means more than moving
Migration is not only about changing countries. It means learning a new language, new habits, a new culture and a new way of living. When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I could manage in English, but because I didn’t speak Dutch, I often remained quiet. That’s when I realised communication is not only about words.
A smile, a helping hand or a small gesture can completely change someone’s day.
At Uitzendbureau Flexibel, we believe exactly in this approach. Valuing people means more than simply helping them find work — it means listening, understanding and truly supporting them. We help people not only with employment, but also with integration, practical matters and feeling at home.
I am currently attending a Dutch language course myself, and our employees also have the opportunity to follow language lessons through Flexibel. In this way, we work together on development — both professionally and personally.
A team full of stories
Our team is made up of people from various countries, cultures and backgrounds — each with their own unique story. We speak different languages, but share one common experience: starting over in a foreign country.
This allows us to truly understand newcomers. We take the time, engage in conversation and make sure they feel welcome. At Flexibel, employees can walk in during our office hours without an appointment to ask questions about work, housing — or simply to talk or enjoy a cup of coffee.
We want everyone to feel that Flexibel is not just an employer, but also a partner helping them build a new life in the Netherlands.
A new beginning in a new country
Working at Uitzendbureau Flexibel means more than just finding a job.
It means becoming part of a community. Here, people have the opportunity to start over, build their future and truly feel at home.
Building a new life in a foreign country is not easy — but with the right people around you, nothing is impossible.
We are here for everyone. Together, we are stronger.