From Local Ledgers to International Ventures

"There is no need for him to go to university," my father told the dean of my school in 1978, "because he can work at my office." My father owned a small accountancy firm where my brother already worked. I spent 11 years attending evening school to study for my new profession. Disliking the work, I left my dad's office and became a support engineer for financial systems at a Dutch IT company.

A few years later, I advanced to a consultant role at the same company. I enjoyed my job and satisfied my customers. Later, a big US-based software company hired me as a consultant, and my work became international. My salary grew, I drove better company cars, and happiness filled my life. We faced no financial problems and enjoyed wonderful holidays. Life treated us well! However, in 1996, the company discontinued its consulting activities and shifted focus to selling licenses only. I then joined another US-based company, securing a job at their European Shared Service center in the Netherlands. I integrated newly acquired European companies into the parent organization.

When Life Decides to Reboot Your System

Fast forward to January 2013. On a hectic Monday morning, my wife and I woke up together. As I tried to get out of bed, I noticed difficulty walking. I heard my wife say "See you tonight" as she left the house. Struggling to put on my shoes, I realized I also had trouble speaking. Despite these alarming symptoms, I climbed into my beautiful Saab and drove 60 kilometers to the office.

"She quickly recognized the signs of a stroke and called an ambulance."

Upon arrival, I entered the parking garage and spotted two colleagues on a smoke break. One colleague observed my drunken-like gait and inability to speak clearly. She quickly recognized the signs of a stroke and called an ambulance. Within 10 minutes, I found myself in an ambulance, its blue lights flashing and sirens wailing. At the hospital, doctors confirmed I had indeed suffered a stroke.

The Corporate Ladder Becomes a Slippery Slope

After a week in the hospital, I moved to a rehabilitation clinic. Six months post-stroke, I attempted to return to work, starting with 2-hour days. We planned to gradually increase my working hours. Reality quickly set in. Even two hours of work exhausted me. I struggled greatly with organizing my work and relied heavily on my compromised memory. My employer noticed these issues and deemed me a risk to the company. One day, they accused me of fraud and suspended me pending an investigation by the internal accounting department. After three months, the internal accountants cleared me of any fraudulent activity. However, the HR department in the Netherlands informed me that my relationship with the company had deteriorated, and they terminated my employment. This news shocked me, and I questioned my ability to work at all. I returned to the rehabilitation clinic, asking: "Can I even work anymore?"

I returned to the rehabilitation clinic, asking: "Can I even work anymore?"

After a three-month assessment and battery of tests, the clinic concluded that I could no longer work. I took this report to the official Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), which accepted the clinic's findings. During this assessment period, I suffered a second stroke, followed by a third just two months later. Now, I receive a disability benefit along with my pension.

From Executive Suite to Home Sweet Home: Embracing a New Purpose

I've come to terms with my current situation. My wife continues to work 22 hours a week, while I've transformed into a househusband. I handle the grocery shopping and cooking, and I've rekindled my passion for photography. Additionally, I serve as an ambassador for the Dutch patient society, advocating for individuals who have experienced a Cerebrovascular Accident A cerebrovascular accident occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted either by a blockage or bleeding. This leads to a reduced or lost blood supply to the brain. (CVA).