[makeitsuckless]

This is just the bullshit self-loathing of Americanophiles.

"failing is looked down upon". In which f-ing corner of the country? How the hell do you think our tiny country has become so completely disproportionately successful? Because we don't take risks? Because we were to afraid to just set sail and see what happens? Bullshit.

We're the champions of fucking failing. We're the only big soccer nation never to win the World Cup, yet we celebrate our heroes for trying and failing.

Failing is not a bad or shameful thing in Dutch culture. This is just a meme that's being repeated inside a small bubble of people that worship American startup culture and use it as an excuse.

(Edit: the only slightly valid excuse is that bankruptcy in NL can be a bit of a pain in the ass.)

[mc32]

It may be something as simple as partners who don't tolerate someone without a "stable career". It's not that people look down on you but that subtle signals yell people to steer clear of "risky" career choices.

Maybe working for known companies hold cachet for young professionals and people looking for jobs look for that approval.