Who doesn’t dream about holidays, travelling, experiencing adventures or even being away from work for a while. This is exactly what went through the mind of colleague Satria and his girlfriend exactly one year ago. They decided that they wanted to travel to Indonesia, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize for five months that year. A sabbatical from August to December was planned.
Immediately after their decision, Satria contacted his Chiefs AnneMarie and André. They responded very positively to this request and everything was immediately put into operation. Nekst IT unburdened him as much as possible, so that Satria and his girlfriend could enjoy this valuable period to the maximum! Satria felt the freedom and space from Nekst IT to realize his wish. And so it happened!
What Role Has Nekst IT Played in That Freedom?
In April 2022, Satria and his girlfriend decided to go on a trip. They announced this only four months before they left. In June they had finally decided that they were going for no less than five months. But Nekst IT once again responded very positively: ‘If you need this, if you want it, we will facilitate it for you. Then we will now arrange all the business details for you.‘ Satria was very pleased to notice that he could immediately count on the cooperation and support of his employer. Even on such short notice!
‘They Helped Me a Lot, in All (Financial) Ways. 100% Unburdening and I Felt That They Really Granted Me This Opportunity. I Find That Really Special.’
During his sabbatical he was able to let go of work and enjoy the sabbatical to the fullest. But sometimes he did miss work. Mainly to be challenged mentally, on an intellectual level. Just a challenge instead of just travelling. He has read a lot of professional literature on programming and Test Automation. Of course on the beach! He also kept an eye on the group app to see if he could think along with challenges, from a distance. It would be ideal to combine work and travel, so to work remotely. During his trip he was often reminded that remote working is actually possible anywhere. After all, working at Nekst IT is now also possible from the Nekst IT office in Spain or from the new Nekst IT Global office in India.
Do You Experience Life in the Netherlands Differently After Your Sabbatical?
Every country and culture has aspects that you would also like to see in the Netherlands and vice versa. He appreciates all cultures in their own way. For example, consciously and timely responding to the situation, if you notice that you need some rest or time, is always good. At Nekst IT they pay close attention to this. It is a small-scale, personal and informal company where they really take care of each other. So as they say in Belize: Go Slow!’ Especially in a Dutch society that is already busy.
‘Everything Is Possible at Nekst IT, as Long as You Do It in Consultation and Can Substantiate It Well. They Are Always Thoughtful. And That Feeling Has Only Been Reinforced During and After My Sabbatical.’
Did You Feel Like Coming Back After Your Sabbatical?
And suddenly it was December. Time to return after five months of marveling, enjoying and relaxing. Once you’re in that mindset and that rhythm, it’s a bit of a switch to go back. It felt like coming home after his sabbatical and he enjoyed seeing new faces in the Nekst IT team. Nekst IT has not changed anything in terms of norms and values. They know what they stand for and they still carry it out with pride. Rightly so.
After his sabbatical, Satria immediately had an assignment, which was very nice. He did not first ‘sit on the couch’ waiting for a new assignment, but also made time during his vacation to make a soft landing after his return. His new assignment started on January 2, 2023. He still takes great pleasure in his work. And we’re glad he’s back! And what beautiful photos and stories he brought with him.
