My findings so far; pre-emigration
#33
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,815
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
Clearly a few sore spots have been pressed upon, not my intention but there you go.
I'm just surprised at the simplicity of some of the things that people complain about on moving to another country. One can't just be expected to move somewhere and it be the same as it was before, but better.
This was never meant to be an arguement, now it's turned in to one I'm not going to win, life goes on [instert any other cliche here].
Still, I'll keep posting. Even the response to this thread has taught me a lot, even though only a couple of people have actually bothered to respond with anything sensible - thanks CAZ8NZ.
This place is gold;
There are plenty of people that use this website that could join me and it would have to be just an immigration service, we could branch out into all sorts.
I'm just surprised at the simplicity of some of the things that people complain about on moving to another country. One can't just be expected to move somewhere and it be the same as it was before, but better.
This was never meant to be an arguement, now it's turned in to one I'm not going to win, life goes on [instert any other cliche here].
Still, I'll keep posting. Even the response to this thread has taught me a lot, even though only a couple of people have actually bothered to respond with anything sensible - thanks CAZ8NZ.
This place is gold;
There are plenty of people that use this website that could join me and it would have to be just an immigration service, we could branch out into all sorts.
Commenting on them shows that people have realised things aren't the same - only time will tell whether people accept their new surroundings or not, but in the meantime healthy discussion helps to explore WHY things are different, and how to adapt and deal with them.
And remember - until you have walked in someone's shoes, you can't know what motivates them, and why they are reacting the way they are. Migrating yourself is a good start, then you might actually start to understand the need to reach out to familiarity, and the reasons for complaining about the new and the strange.
#34
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 138
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
Excellent post! well said Pollyana.
#35
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
The thing is, I haven't sought to compare anything as I have no point of comparison, I'm well aware fo this.
I just miffed as to why so many cons about migrating to anywhere, not just NZ, relate to points that could, perhaps should have been prepared for with decent research.
Emigrating is clearly a tough task, no matter how much you want to do it.
My point being, that (on a small, simplistic scale) if you turn up somewhere knowing the price of a pepper/capsicum is going to be much more than you would pay at 'home', it'll prepare you better for getting on with life in your new 'home', rather than spending 6 months getting used to the idea WHILST trying to get on with life in your new home.
Even if I copped a load of abuse for it, at least I sparked a debate that has answered a couple of my questions, rather than asking meekly;
If you had your time again, how would you have prepared for your move?
I just miffed as to why so many cons about migrating to anywhere, not just NZ, relate to points that could, perhaps should have been prepared for with decent research.
Emigrating is clearly a tough task, no matter how much you want to do it.
My point being, that (on a small, simplistic scale) if you turn up somewhere knowing the price of a pepper/capsicum is going to be much more than you would pay at 'home', it'll prepare you better for getting on with life in your new 'home', rather than spending 6 months getting used to the idea WHILST trying to get on with life in your new home.
Even if I copped a load of abuse for it, at least I sparked a debate that has answered a couple of my questions, rather than asking meekly;
If you had your time again, how would you have prepared for your move?
#36
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,815
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
The thing is, I haven't sought to compare anything as I have no point of comparison, I'm well aware fo this.
I just miffed as to why so many cons about migrating to anywhere, not just NZ, relate to points that could, perhaps should have been prepared for with decent research.
Emigrating is clearly a tough task, no matter how much you want to do it.
My point being, that (on a small, simplistic scale) if you turn up somewhere knowing the price of a pepper/capsicum is going to be much more than you would pay at 'home', it'll prepare you better for getting on with life in your new 'home', rather than spending 6 months getting used to the idea WHILST trying to get on with life in your new home.
Even if I copped a load of abuse for it, at least I sparked a debate that has answered a couple of my questions, rather than asking meekly;
If you had your time again, how would you have prepared for your move?
I just miffed as to why so many cons about migrating to anywhere, not just NZ, relate to points that could, perhaps should have been prepared for with decent research.
Emigrating is clearly a tough task, no matter how much you want to do it.
My point being, that (on a small, simplistic scale) if you turn up somewhere knowing the price of a pepper/capsicum is going to be much more than you would pay at 'home', it'll prepare you better for getting on with life in your new 'home', rather than spending 6 months getting used to the idea WHILST trying to get on with life in your new home.
Even if I copped a load of abuse for it, at least I sparked a debate that has answered a couple of my questions, rather than asking meekly;
If you had your time again, how would you have prepared for your move?
Been there, seen that. done that. Three years or so of research and preparation, I thought I knew most stuff about day to day life in Australia. But when I got here I found that reading and browsing and talking to people and even visiting the place is totally different from actuyally having to live somewhere and survive, day after day after day.
#37
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
Oh. My. Word.
There's nothing so galling than a know-it-all who's yet to arrive. Should life not work out in perfect accord with your well researched plan, I shall be right here to remind you that you "have no sympathy with people who whinge about these things" and that I'll be sure to treat you with the same empathy as you're showing others.
I think you should change your username from TommyLuck to TommyKnowsItAll.
There's nothing so galling than a know-it-all who's yet to arrive. Should life not work out in perfect accord with your well researched plan, I shall be right here to remind you that you "have no sympathy with people who whinge about these things" and that I'll be sure to treat you with the same empathy as you're showing others.
I think you should change your username from TommyLuck to TommyKnowsItAll.
My 2 cents: it's one thing to know these things through research. It's still hypothetical for TommyL at this point as he lives in his own culture surrounded by things he's used to. It's quite another to LIVE with the implications of these things in day to day life and be brought face to face with them over and over again while surrounded by a foreign culture. There is an emotional element to living in a different country that no amount of research can prepare you for.
In fact, judging by some posts I've read over the years, being 'well researched' can give you (general you) a false sense of security that you're prepared for all the change, when in fact you aren't. I've read a few posts over the years from expats who researched up the wazoo and thought they were ready but when they actually lived in their new country, found they still couldn't adapt. IMO it's ultimately about adaptability not research and you don't always know how adaptable you are, or how much you are willing to adapt, until you actually try it. I don't think there's anything wrong with people admitting they don't want to give up aspects of their old culture/adapt and wanting to move home. There's also nothing wrong with admitting there's aspects of NZ that well, suck, and for some people, that's just not worth staying there for.
Last edited by ExKiwilass; Nov 14th 2012 at 3:20 pm.
#38
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
Agreed, except about the name thing.
My 2 cents: it's one thing to know these things through research. It's still hypothetical for TommyL at this point as he lives in his own culture surrounded by things he's used to. It's quite another to LIVE with the implications of these things in day to day life and be brought face to face with them over and over again while surrounded by a foreign culture. There is an emotional element to living in a different country that no amount of research can prepare you for.
In fact, judging by some posts I've read over the years, being 'well researched' can give you (general you) a false sense of security that you're prepared for all the change, when in fact you aren't. I've read a few posts over the years from expats who researched up the wazoo and thought they were ready but when they actually lived in their new country, found they still couldn't adapt. IMO it's ultimately about adaptability not research and you don't always know how adaptable you are, or how much you are willing to adapt, until you actually try it.
I don't think there's anything wrong with people admitting they don't want to give up aspects of their old culture/adapt and wanting to move home. There's also nothing wrong with admitting there's aspects of NZ that well, suck, and for some people, that's just not worth staying there for.
My 2 cents: it's one thing to know these things through research. It's still hypothetical for TommyL at this point as he lives in his own culture surrounded by things he's used to. It's quite another to LIVE with the implications of these things in day to day life and be brought face to face with them over and over again while surrounded by a foreign culture. There is an emotional element to living in a different country that no amount of research can prepare you for.
In fact, judging by some posts I've read over the years, being 'well researched' can give you (general you) a false sense of security that you're prepared for all the change, when in fact you aren't. I've read a few posts over the years from expats who researched up the wazoo and thought they were ready but when they actually lived in their new country, found they still couldn't adapt. IMO it's ultimately about adaptability not research and you don't always know how adaptable you are, or how much you are willing to adapt, until you actually try it.
I don't think there's anything wrong with people admitting they don't want to give up aspects of their old culture/adapt and wanting to move home. There's also nothing wrong with admitting there's aspects of NZ that well, suck, and for some people, that's just not worth staying there for.
A reasoned response.
I 100% agree with the bold bit and I've said as much to people on here who have express their reasons for trying, not liking, moving away -whether back home or somewhere else.
Adaptablility; You're right, we can all adapt to a degree, but this will be the mother of all adaptions I've had to conquer in my life. But then I like a challange. Presumably we're all similar in that respect, no-one moves continent without the fight for a challenge.
However, surely being well researched is better than being short of research? No? I see your point about research perhaps leading to false sense of security, but there is a obvious risk factor with emigrating which has to be considered and balanced out when planning for your new life.
I realise this is getting OT now ...
#39
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 51
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
Well just a little help with your research then,
There's a kiwi phrase my husband uses "wind your neck in mate" which roughly translates as "no one likes a smart ar**e".
There's a kiwi phrase my husband uses "wind your neck in mate" which roughly translates as "no one likes a smart ar**e".
#40
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: St Albans, Christchurch
Posts: 586
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
If you had your time again, how would you have prepared for your move?
#44
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
Unlike Germany, Assanah's country of continual comparison, were obviously, everyone loves a smart arse.
#45
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 0
Re: My findings so far; pre-emigration
For me you've missed the human element from your plans. You can research all you like but you can't predict how you are going to feel when you arrive in a new land for good.
You might think you are prepared but the reality may be very different. We all come to NZ (& to this site) with our individual hopes, plans & baggage, which will affect our experiences of life here. Everyone's point of view is valid & frankly if I want to whinge on about the fact that I can't get double cream in NZ, I will. It doesn't affect my life on a daily basis but it's had a huge negative impact on my baking! Is that important to me? Yes it is
Some things I researched about NZ & they sounded absolutely wonderful, the reality was somewhat different & has had a huge impact on my life.
I hope it works out for you in NZ Tommyluck, even though you seem to think those of us who are here don't know what we are on about.
You might think you are prepared but the reality may be very different. We all come to NZ (& to this site) with our individual hopes, plans & baggage, which will affect our experiences of life here. Everyone's point of view is valid & frankly if I want to whinge on about the fact that I can't get double cream in NZ, I will. It doesn't affect my life on a daily basis but it's had a huge negative impact on my baking! Is that important to me? Yes it is
Some things I researched about NZ & they sounded absolutely wonderful, the reality was somewhat different & has had a huge impact on my life.
I hope it works out for you in NZ Tommyluck, even though you seem to think those of us who are here don't know what we are on about.