Breda, 5 March 2024
Get ready for a glimpse behind the scenes as we speak with none other than our esteemed colleague, Jan Diepstraten (Office Manager Finance). With no less than six years’ experience in our team, Jan has made himself a valuable asset. We put 10 challenging questions to him, ranging from dreams and advice to job satisfaction. Keen to hear Jan’s insights? Then read on and find out about the person behind the professional!
- What do you like most about your job?
The most enjoyable aspect of my work is that all the channels at LAB Services culminate in a palpable result at the administrative department. Accurate records are important, but ensuring that all of those channels’ processes leading to the administrative department are running smoothly is even more fun for me.
- What is the most important lesson you have ever learned? And from whom did you learn that lesson?
Lesson…. better to say good advice from my father, who was a car mechanic his whole life. He said: ‘Drive the car you can afford’. You could take that to mean: don’t buy a Mercedes if you’ve only got enough for a Fiat, but obviously it applies to any form of expenditure. Live within your means. Pretty useful advice for a financial controller. Another variation on the same theme could be: Be yourself, don’t pretend to be something you’re not. That’s how I was raised.
- What did you dream about as a young child?
Phew, an easy question. I wanted to be goalkeeper for NAC Breda, then progress via Feyenoord to Liverpool. Isn’t that every footballing boy’s dream? Unfortunately I didn’t get beyond VV Bavel’s first team.
- How would your nearest and dearest describe you?
As a family man, I reckon. Someone who can’t say no, who’s always ready and willing but who sometimes ends up with too much on his plate as a result. Someone who enjoys life, enjoys eating, drinking and family.
- If you could change anything about yourself, what would that be?
I’m pretty happy with myself. Apart from being 20 kg over my ideal weight, I’d like to be able to say no more easily, which would enable me to live a more relaxed life.
- What do you usually do after work? Who is Jan outside of working hours?
When I get home, I take some time to chill out. A variety of activities might follow dinner. Aside from a quiet evening watching TV with the family (I’ve got four kids), I also like playing padel or I get on with some football-related business for the fantastic football club VV Bavel, which I’m treasurer of.
- What is the best idea you have ever had?
Applying to Lab Services!!!! What a no-brainer….😊
- What advice would you give to your younger self?
With the benefit of hindsight, there’s one thing I’d do differently. I didn’t really make the most of the ‘crazy’ years in life, from 16 to about 25. I’d have liked to have seen more of the world, gone on some great trips (backpacking, for instance) and perhaps also do some stuff that I ought not to 😊.
- In what areas would you like to develop yourself further?
In terms of work, I want and intend to become more adept at our great new ERP package from Microsoft, and to that end I’d also like to explore all the options presented by MS Office products, including Power Bi, for example. On the other hand I’ve got an awesome guitar sat at home, with the emphasis on sat. I really want to learn how to play a tune now.
- Do you have any major dreams for the future?
Travelling. I saw quite a lot of the world in my late twenties and early thirties. Then along came the kids and we didn’t get much further than family camping holidays in Europe. And we couldn’t stop having kids. I know ……. our own fault. But I’m keen to get back to travelling to exotic places. South America and the Far East are high up on my bucket list.