Jan Rijsdijk"We will be faced with a period of scarcity on the labour market for many years to come."
Jan Rijsdijk on entrepreneurship
Integrity and networking are the keys to success
For over ten years, Jan Rijsdijk has worked as an independent professional, always through one of the brands of HeadFirst Group. He is currently fulfilling an assignment in application and service delivery management at Rijkswaterstaat. Over the years, he has not only earned his stripes with various challenging assignments but also sharpened his view on entrepreneurship. In this interview, he shares his experiences, how he navigates the ever-changing labour market, and how he aims to help a new generation of freelancers grow.
From employee to entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship has always been in Jan's blood, but the decision to become independent became even more relevant in 2008 when the economic crisis turned the labour market upside down. "At that time, you had to organise work differently. I consciously chose self-employment and sought organisations that could support me.”
“HeadFirst Group brands, such as Between and Myler, immediately appealed to me. They offer fair margins, fast payments, and mediation to new assignments. The collective disability insurance is also a huge plus, especially now that I’m getting older," he explains.
In addition to the business benefits, Jan values the human side of entrepreneurship. "A cup of coffee to personally get to know each other and catch up is essential for me in a collaboration. You really have to get to know a freelancer, understand how they prepare, and what value they can bring."
Working at Rijkswaterstaat
In his current assignment, Jan is working at Rijkswaterstaat. Within the maritime traffic management department, he is responsible for managing the mobile measuring system. Sensors have been placed on about one hundred vessels to conduct measurements of saltwater and freshwater levels and flow rates. Additionally, sonar and radar are used to map the bottom of our waterways. In this assignment, Jan also focuses on improving the management environment of the technical application management team and its organisation. He ensures that contracts are well structured and that there is sufficient support within the team.
"I really enjoy doing that," he says. "What challenges me the most is being truly critical of the process." However, Jan knows better than anyone that not every assignment is a success. "In the past, I’ve returned an assignment because I couldn’t fully stand behind it anymore. It came unexpectedly, but it actually earned me respect. They saw that I was honest and didn’t stay in a situation that wasn’t working. That’s the power of self-employment: you have the freedom to steer your own course."
The DBA law and challenges for freelancers
Despite his experience and strong network, Jan finds that legislation remains a challenge, especially the Deregulation of Assessment of Employment Relationships (DBA) law. "The lifting of the enforcement moratorium creates unrest for both freelancers and clients, while flexibility is crucial. Even within the government, external hiring is being scrutinised more strictly."
He sees it as his responsibility to advocate for a better labour market for independents. "Freelancers deserve more than just a standard mediation process. I recently spoke with VVD Member of Parliament Thierry Aartsen about this issue. It’s good to see that HeadFirst Group is actively involved in this societal debate and makes its voice heard. Let’s not forget, hiring freelancers is still possible."
With over ten years of experience as an independent professional, Jan Rijsdijk is an entrepreneur with a sharp vision: integrity and networking are the keys to success. By remaining critical, sharing knowledge, and continually developing himself, he ensures that he is always ready for the next challenge. Besides his work as a freelancer, Jan enjoys his passions: motorcycling, drumming, and vacations to the Caribbean Netherlands. "I have too many hobbies and too little free time, but that makes life interesting!"
The real power of freelancing is the freedom to stay true to your values.
Networking and continuous development
What makes a successful freelancer? For Jan, the answer is clear: networking and continuous learning. "Entrepreneurship is about making connections. Whether that happens during an informal conversation or at a professional event." He is also actively involved in initiatives that support independents. "For example, I participated in a usability test for Striive, HeadFirst Group’s platform, because I like to share my opinion. And at the Striive Live event, I had my CV checked. That reminded me of the importance of training to stay up to date."
According to Jan, intermediaries can also play a crucial role here. "Coaching, guidance, and development make all the difference. I’d love to contribute to that myself, so that the new generation of independent professionals can learn from my experiences."