Between cultures, beyond comfort zones

Mark didn’t set out to become a recruiter, and he certainly didn’t expect to end up in Jakarta. But one conversation changed the course of his career. What started as a leap into something unfamiliar became a journey of growth, connection, and perspective. Below, he shares how moving between cultures – and beyond comfort zones – reshaped the way he works. 

When I first got a call from Robert Walters Netherlands about becoming a recruiter, I wasn’t convinced. I came from banking and ran a niche web shop on the side. Recruitment wasn’t even on my radar. Honestly, I had a bit of a prejudice about the role.

But those early conversations changed everything. The first call didn’t hook me – I actually thought, “Sure, she’s just selling the role.” But after two or three more conversations, I started to see it differently. They didn’t just pitch the job – they listened. They asked what I felt was missing in my work and showed me how recruitment at Robert Walters could offer the freedom, ownership, and entrepreneurial spirit I was craving. Eventually, I took the leap. I’m glad I did.

From the start, I knew I wanted to work abroad. It wasn’t about leaving something behind – the Netherlands office was fantastic. But I’d always had this personal aspiration to live and work in a different culture. I wanted to stretch myself, to see the world through a different lens, and to find deeper purpose in my work. Banking never gave me that sense of contribution. I didn’t feel like I was making a difference. Recruitment, on the other hand, felt human. It felt real.

Six months into my time with the team, I was asked a simple question: “Would you ever be open to an internal move to another country?” I didn’t hesitate – “Yes, absolutely.” That seed stayed with me.

I started exploring. Japan had an internal vacancy. Dubai was appealing because of the image and lifestyle. But Jakarta? Honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar – until I joined a webinar hosted by Eric, the Country Head of Robert Walters Indonesia. Something about the way he spoke about the market, the culture, and the opportunity sparked my curiosity. We had a conversation after that, and it completely shifted my perspective. What followed were several conversations with the management team. Each one felt more like a dialogue than an interview. They weren’t just assessing me – they were helping me see what this move could mean. That it wasn’t just about hunting and placing people. It was about building something meaningful, with purpose.

Jakarta has challenged me in all the right ways. The market is less structured, and more relationship driven. I’ve had to unlearn and relearn how I communicate, how I build trust, how I listen. A “yes” doesn’t always mean yes. Patience and presence matter more than ever.

What’s made this journey so rewarding is the people. Indonesians are incredibly generous with their time, their networks, and their kindness. They genuinely want you to succeed and will help you get there.

The culture at Robert Walters Indonesia felt like family from day one. We share roles, clients, and experiences, and we support each other beyond the job. When I felt a bit lost, my team reminded me why I made the move.

In just six months, I’ve grown more than I thought possible.

I’ve built a strong network, gained new perspectives, and developed new techniques in communication and recruitment. And I’m only getting started.

If you’re thinking about making a move – especially within Robert Walters – my advice is simple: don’t overthink it. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just be open to the experience. The growth will come.

Inspired by Mark’s journey? At Robert Walters, we support global career moves that challenge, grow, and connect you. Explore internal opportunities today – your next chapter could be just one conversation away.