From hospitality industry to dream job in pig farming

‘Never going back, piglets are everything to me’

A crisis can lead to unexpected opportunities. Melanie van den IJssel (46) was working in the hospitality industry when Covid broke out and she spotted the pig keeper vacancy at AB Werkt online. She followed her passion for animals, took the plunge and has now found her dream job in pig farming.

Melanie is a hard worker and cooked at a US school for 100 students. A challenging job, but with irregular working hours and no permanence. Covid broke out and US students went home in a hurry, forcing Melanie to look for other work. ‘And I actually always wanted to do something with animals.’

Dream career switch

In September, just before the second lockdown, Melanie spotted the pig farming vacancy. ‘Although my husband immediately said it would really be something for me, I was uncertain: I’d never even seen a pig in real life.’ After an open and honest conversation with Loes van Lier at AB Werkt and the client, Melanie was given the opportunity she was hoping for. ‘There was an instant click and despite my inexperience, my enthusiasm was the deciding factor.’ Together with Richard, Melanie now looks after the 600 pigs. She mainly works in the farrowing wards, where she vaccinates, weans and moves the sows. ‘I truly have the best job there is and go to work every day with a big smile.’

Working through AB Werkt is perfect

When Melanie saw that the vacancy at AB Werkt, she was sceptical. ‘I preferred not to work for a temporary employment agency but a year later, I have really changed my mind about that. I feel part of AB Werkt and that is also because of the friendly atmosphere. Contact with Loes is very pleasant and easy. If I need her, I often get to see her the same day. We even have an AB Werkt Euro football pool, which I signed up for. I’m not a football expert, but in this way you become part of a team. I always receive my pay on time as well. To be fair: I wasn’t looking forward to it, but the job is fantastic and everything runs smoothly through AB Werkt.’

No doubt

When asked if she would like to return to the hospitality industry, a clear answer follows: ‘Never! This job is perfect for me. Working during the week, weekends off and I’m finally working with animals. And if I have any time over, I cuddle the piglets. But make no mistake, there is a lot more to it than just feeding them. I learn about all facets of pig keeping every day. When to vaccinate, for example, or how to prevent and recognise diseases. I am enchanted by the respect for animals in agriculture. That love between animals and humans, I never expected that.’

Inexperience is irrelevant

Melanie is still really happy about working for AB Werkt and that Richard gave her the benefit of the doubt. ‘Despite my inexperience, I was hired. Richard sometimes even says this is the best thing that has happened to him as a pig farmer.’ For both employers looking for good people and employees with a dream, Melanie does have a tip: ‘If someone really wants to do something, let them try. And jobseekers: go for it! Passion, eagerness to learn and enthusiasm for the work are much more important than an education or years of experience. Going to work is a treat for me. Every single day.’