How I Started NewInZurich: From Newcomer to Blogger

In 2007, I arrived in Zurich with my husband and two children, expecting to stay just two years. My husband’s assignment in the telecom and pharma industries had brought us here, and I assumed it  would be a short chapter before we returned to London. At the time, I was running my own e-learning consultancy, a business I had launched just 13 months earlier, after several years of working in sales and marketing for a blue-chip company in London. Optimistically, I thought I could continue the consultancy remotely, but with most of my clients in London, the challenges quickly became apparent. Reluctantly, I put the business on hold and decided to focus on exploring Switzerland and getting to know Zurich while we were here.

Having worked continuously since university, I initially found it difficult to adjust to life without a daily professional routine. To stay engaged, I volunteered at the international school my children attended and took German conversation classes locally. I also became an active member of the school’s Parents Association and was eventually elected vice president for the secondary school. One of my key responsibilities was helping new families from around the world adjust to life in Zurich – something which was a bit more challenging in 2008 than it is today.

At the time, most local websites were only in German, and English-language resources for expats were scarce. As part of the Parents Association, I began giving talks to parents on a variety of topics, from navigating the basics of life in Zurich to understanding the cultural nuances of Swiss festivals, preparing for long summer holidays, and gearing up for the winter ski season. These experiences deepened my understanding of Zurich and the challenges expats faced. The head of the Parents Association repeatedly encouraged me to create a website to centralise all the resources I was sharing. After strenuously resisting for a long time, I finally gave in and NewInZurich was born.

When the initial two years were up, instead of returning to London, my husband’s assignment was extended. Year by year, Zurich began to feel less like a temporary stop and more like home. I took a B2 German course to improve my language skills and immersed myself further into Swiss culture. By 2014, we decided to stay in Switzerland long-term, and I can honestly say that Zurich has become my true home.

Switzerland’s central location in Europe has been a blessing, allowing me to easily explore nearby countries easily by train or plane. The cultural diversity within the country itself is fascinating – you can hop on a train and find yourself in an entirely different linguistic and cultural region. It’s almost like traveling abroad without ever leaving the country! As my knowledge of Zurich grew, so did my passion for sharing it. NewInZurich.com expanded into a platform that incorporated social media channels,  all with the aim of helping others discover the best of the city – what to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of life here. Over time, the website grew to cover not just Zurich but all of Switzerland, as well as international destinations. My audience is diverse, including expats, locals and international travellers who share my love for exploring and discovering new places.

A key part of NewInZurich.com is the weekly “What’s On” newsletter and article, which highlights upcoming events, new restaurants, and seasonal activities. I’ve always been a naturally curious person, and this platform allows me to channel that curiosity into something both creative and useful. Whether it’s uncovering a hidden gem of a restaurant, exploring a lesser-known Swiss town, visiting a luxury hotel, helping harvest vines in a vineyard, or sharing tips for an unforgettable weekend getaway, my goal is to inspire others to make the most of their time in Zurich and beyond while also building a sustainable livelihood through this work.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the unexpected opportunities Zurich has given me. What began as a challenge to adapt to a new life has grown into a fulfilling career and passion project. Through NewInZurich.com, I’ve had the chance  to connect with so many interesting people from all walks of life, share my discoveries, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of this wonderful, charming city.

For anyone new to Zurich or considering starting something of their own, I’d offer this advice: stay curious, embrace the opportunities that come your way, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes, the path you didn’t plan for leads to the most rewarding destinations.