People of Amsterdam | Peter

Meet the People of Amsterdam. Here we will showcase a different Amsterdam native every week. Every Amsterdam native will share a little about their lives during quarantine, sharing their favorite spots, and what makes Amsterdam so special to them. These interviews showcased another perspective that influenced their lifestyles. Read about how each individual continues to pursue their career. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Peter Vandor, Creative Business Strategist.

Have there been any changes in how you work? How do you cope with those changes?
Now we are back in the office – kind of a hybrid model – it’s much better. Though I never had problems with staying motivated, I purposely went for a 30-40 mins walk combining with grabbing a coffee every morning while working from home. I feel like I went somewhere, this way, not just going from my bedroom to where my computer was set up.

The biggest change was the people around me. Since I work in the creative industry, the creative and vibrant atmosphere makes the work complete. It also pushes me, so I definitely miss(ed) that from home.

My role is quite client-facing, which definitely changed. I liked going to other offices, shaking hands, and making good first impressions in real life. This is very different now. Now, I make sure that messages don’t pop-up and the background is tidy 🙂

Could you share with us about your mindset to stay motivated?
I was always a motivated person. Also, I’m doing what I like. So honestly, it’s not that hard to stay motivated. I also created this routine of going for a walk/coffee, which helped to make my day complete.

As well, I always create a checklist/ToDo list. Ticking off tasks from there gives such an accomplishment and empowering feeling that pushes me to tick off the rest.

How do you continue to build relationships with the people you work with?
We had daily standup meetings with all the people. Since it’s a highly collaborative work, we were constantly chatting and video-calling. We had e-Vrijmibos.

We got together sometimes outside – some beers and snacks. It was very strange. I’m also hosting a dinner with some colleagues at my place this weekend 🙂

Could you tell us about the spot where you and your colleagues love to hangout?
We go to the Kanarie Club. When the weather is nice, we go outside – we still do these things. We had some gatherings at Marineterrein and other bigger parks.

Do you have a goal of how you’ll come out of this Covid-19 situation? Could you tell us about it and how you’re going to achieve it?
Honestly, I’m not sure. The uncertainty is what makes this whole thing annoying. Now that we are back in the office, it really makes it bearable. Sticking to a daily routine makes the lifestyle – right? So that’s what I’m doing 🙂 One day at a time.

Is there something or someone that’s helping you to get through the lockdown?

I live with my older brother – so that helps a lot. Alone, it would’ve been way harder. Like this, it was okay. I was never really alone and I always had someone I could talk to in person.

Actually what kept me busy was video calling friends all over the world: people I haven’t seen for years or people I’ve only met a couple of times. It was fun because no one could say “sorry I’m busy” – because no one was right? (haha).

Have you adopted anything new as a part of your lifestyle? Do you see it continuing even after the pandemic?
I picked up a bunch of things. Learned how to use new design software, really got into plants (haha). So I’m 100% going to keep growing my own herbs. I just planted jalapeños.

I used to do yoga at a yoga studio – now I learned to do it alone at home or outside. Most importantly, I really connected with my cousins who live abroad. That will definitely stay as well!

We all have something we could be proud of. Could you share with us your moment of pride during the lockdown?
To create a birthday present for my uncle – with a globally scattered family. Everyone contributed and it was a huge success. Also, it was an achievement to keep it as a surprise.

Working decentralized, from multiple countries, multiple locations, from nature — and it all worked out. Winning pitches without meeting a single time. Those were definitely something I am proud of!

Also, not going crazy is an achievement 🙂

Have you found a new spot in Amsterdam that you are going to more often? Please tell us where and what do you like about it.

I have a coffee place now where they know me and know what I drink. It’s close to where I live – ‘Good Beans‘ in Jordaan. That’s where I picked up coffee every morning for 5 months. Lovely people with the perfect amount of small talk, yet very genuine! It was a little ‘fresh air’ every morning to have this. And of course, the coffee is a killer!! their tagline is: ‘Fuc*ing strong coffee’. I’m here to second that 🙂

Restaurants and local stores were closed for a while. Which one are you glad to have reopened?
I’m a social person so I’m really glad that bars/restaurant/social gathering places are reopened.

How are you going to spend your vacation days, now that you can hardly travel anywhere?

I went back home to Hungary and stayed there for a while. Traveled within the country – from little cabins to small summer houses with friends and family. It was lovely to be in nature for a while. I had to cancel a bunch of plans – but well, at least I got to go home and saw some family and friends!

Are you longing for things to complete return to what it was? Or do you have something you wish to have continued into the future?

I want everything back to normal, however, Amsterdam’s city center being empty was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Would love it if there were fewer tourists. I will definitely miss the quiet streets, though I love the vibrant urban vibes.

Do you have a tip or advice for the reader to help them get through the pandemic?

Create a routine and stick to it – even if you don’t feel like it. Do something that benefits you! Yoga – meditation – a new hobby or even just taking a long walk every day.