Ronny Hamelinck finally works in landscaping after thirty-five years

You are never too old to change careers. Ronny Hamelinck from Schoondijke is another case in point. After, to his mind, having spent his entire life driving a lorry, in 2021 he switched to landscaping through AB Werkt.

Ronny is 55 and worked as a lorry driver from the age of 20 until about ten years ago, with great pleasure. At his previous employer, he was promoted from this role to work planner. However, that didn’t seem to agree with Ronny. ‘I did that for eight years, but the longer I did it, the more I realised that office work didn’t suit me after all. You sit inside all day and get to go outside for half an hour during lunch break. I grew tired of that.’ Ronny is an outdoor man. In his spare time, he likes to spend as much time as possible on his bicycle. ‘I thought, surely there must be work where I spend more time outdoors? Then, late last year, I stumbled upon AB Werkt’s walk-in ad at H4A Green: they were looking for an employee in landscaping. Then it hit me: it’s now or never.’

No more phone calls

Ronny went to talk to Eline from AB Werkt and the manager of H4A Groen, with success. As a result, Ronny started working for H4A in landscaping for the municipality of Sluis through AB Werkt last March. ‘I like it a lot! I work with a partner, and there is another duo too. The four of us ensure that all public mowing and pruning work is done every week from March to November.’ Ronny experiences it as a world of difference from his previous job. ‘It’s so relaxed, I love it. As a planner, I had to handle 150 phone calls daily. That’s all behind me now,’ he says laughing. What also contributes to his job satisfaction is that he got on well with his colleague from day one.

Wintering on the road

Between November and March, there is no landscaping work. In order not to lose the good people – who are badly needed again in March – H4A has found a bridging solution in collaboration with AB Werkt. Ronny works as a lorry driver for another division of H4A during these winter months. ‘That’s ideal; I know the work, I know it’s temporary and I don’t have to look for something else for the winter myself. That way, it’s good for everyone. During these months, my colleague works in construction for the H4A construction division through AB Werkt. In March, we will start landscaping together again.’

Asked for advice for people who also aspire to work in landscaping, Ronny replied: ‘I can recommend it to everyone. Working outdoors is healthy and enjoyable. You have to be able to stick to schedules and work hard, but that goes without saying. Of course, the municipality does check that we are doing our job properly. Working for AB Werkt is very enjoyable. If there are any issues, I call and action is taken immediately. You really feel appreciated. It’s all just very well organised.’