Owner / Director at VDG Geologische Diensten
Evert van de Graaff: A Journey of Values, Expertise, and Serendipity
Introduction
Evert van de Graaff’s remarkable 50+ year career as a geologist is a testament to the extraordinary experiences that life can offer when one combines personal values with professional competence and embraces serendipitous challenges. In this biographical article, we will delve into Evert’s life journey, from his formative years to his career in geology, and finally, his fulfilling retirement.
The Early Years
Evert’s upbringing was far from ordinary. In a Dutch family of the 1950s, where the mother was the breadwinner while the father stayed at home, Evert’s perspective on gender roles and work was significantly influenced. This upbringing primed him to consider females as equals both in marriage and the workplace.
As a teenager, Evert developed a hobby of collecting fossils. This passion ultimately led him to pursue a degree in geology at Leiden University in 1962, despite explicit advice from a Professor of Geology warning against it due to the low oil prices at the time. This decision, however, would prove to be a wise one.
The Start in the Job Market
After earning his Ph.D., Evert was approached by Royal Dutch/Shell for a potential job opportunity. However, a turning point in his life occurred when his fiancée, Thea, was also invited to a ‘get-to-know each other’ session with Shell recruiters. Thea’s question about how working for Shell would impact her as a spouse changed the conversation entirely. When Shell was hesitant about accommodating dual-career couples, Evert and Thea decided to give Shell a miss.
Around the same time, Evert received a job advert for a technical editor position at the Geological Survey of Western Australia in Perth. This unexpected opportunity, coupled with a booming job market in Perth, led Evert and Thea to migrate to Australia, a life-altering decision that they made within weeks of graduating.
This phase in Evert’s life teaches us two valuable lessons: the importance of female career independence and the significance of seizing serendipitous opportunities.
Early Career Adventures
Evert’s first job took him to the Great Victoria and Gibson Desert regions of Western Australia for a 2-year mapping project. While professionally fulfilling, it came at the cost of extended periods away from home and his family. Evert’s story also illustrates the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life.
Despite these challenges, Thea found a way to continue her career, showcasing the importance of making the most of available opportunities and providing unwavering support to one’s partner.
Career Change: Joining Shell After All
After several years with the Geological Survey, the strain of long separations due to fieldwork prompted Evert and Thea to rethink their life goals. They decided to pursue jobs with Shell and return to Holland.
Evert joined Shell’s research laboratory in Rijswijk, where the typical practice of moving to another country every few years did not apply. This change allowed for a more stable family life. The adjustment, however, revealed the differences in job markets and flexibility between Australia and Holland, particularly for female professionals.
Evert’s experience emphasizes the importance of assessing career changes when the pros of a job no longer outweigh the cons and making the most of opportunities that align with one’s personality.
The Role of a Communicator
In his role as a Course Director in Geoscience, Evert honed a vital skill that would serve him well throughout his career: effectively communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. This skill set was invaluable for his future career path.
As an Advisor Production Geology in his last five years at Shell, Evert participated in ‘gate control’ reviews of major projects, an essential role that demonstrates the value of a seasoned geologist in project decision-making.
A New Career After Retirement
Evert’s retirement was marked by serendipitous opportunities. Offers for assignments in Brunei and other roles came his way. These opportunities, based on his technical competence and interpersonal skills, led to a fulfilling post-retirement career.
Evert’s consulting activities, part-time roles, and consultancy work continued for nearly twenty years post-retirement. This phase underscores the importance of investing in one’s professional network and reputation.
What About the Future?
The saying ‘Old soldiers never die; they just fade away’ captures Evert’s intentions [NOT a plan] quite nicely. Remain active for as long as you can. This includes volunteer work such as guiding visitors on tours around the Roman city Forum Hadriani (the Dutch Pompei) on top of which he happens to live. He is active in the Home Owners Association of the complex he lives in. And in general, enjoying life together with family, relatives and friends.
Key Takeaways
- Invest time and effort in building a strong professional network.
- Prioritize and invest in your professional reputation.
- Embrace serendipitous opportunities, both professionally and personally.
- In retirement, accept work that aligns with your competence.
- Do not waste time on activities that do not bring personal fulfillment.
Editorial Notes
Evert’s story is a remarkable one, and the lessons drawn from it are valuable for individuals at any stage of their career. His journey, marked by personal values, professional competence, and a willingness to accept challenges, serves as an inspiration for us all.
