NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Jan 5th 2007, 5:39 am
#46
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 191
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
It wouldn't take much to be down that much if you consider all the costs of a move here and back, shipping two ways, emigration fees, airfares, pet transfers, estate agents fees, and the loss on earnings whilst between jobs and counter in the lower rates of pay here. Then you get into the additional costs of establishing yourself here, which to some may not seem a big deal, but money slips through your hands like water in those first few months, replacing things you have given away and sold etc.
The true costs must be absolutely phenomenal if you added up every single penny and cent spent getting here and then doing it all over again to go back. Add a bit of insult to the injuries and take a hit on the exchange rate a couple of times over and yes you sure can lose a lot of money very quickly.
When everything is going swimmingly, we can all say it is not about the money and how we're doing this to improve our lives etc, but if you don't find your dream here and things turn sour, I can fully understand how the hard facts of costs versus 'life experience' must sting like hell.
The true costs must be absolutely phenomenal if you added up every single penny and cent spent getting here and then doing it all over again to go back. Add a bit of insult to the injuries and take a hit on the exchange rate a couple of times over and yes you sure can lose a lot of money very quickly.
When everything is going swimmingly, we can all say it is not about the money and how we're doing this to improve our lives etc, but if you don't find your dream here and things turn sour, I can fully understand how the hard facts of costs versus 'life experience' must sting like hell.
Absolutely. It's easy to give out some hippy trippy tree hugging bullshit about how "money isn't everything", and "it's the experience" that counts. That's true up to a point. And that point is reached very very quickly when you notice a heamorhage of funds you worked your arse off to get dissapear down the toilet.
Jan 5th 2007, 6:50 am
#47
Jedi Princess
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Melbourne,Australia
Posts: 2,089
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Secondly, the results would be irrelevant unless you make a comparison of other countries UK citizens migrate to. All you would be doing is noting the colour, size, shape etc of a lone bag of apples, therefore you couldn't possibly make any meaningful statement.
Finally, you could know 100 people who moved back, again means nothing, aside from the fact you know/met 100 others who for a variety of reasons decided they wanted to return to their homeland.
Jan 5th 2007, 6:59 am
#48
Jedi Princess
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Melbourne,Australia
Posts: 2,089
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Well then you'd love OZ, cause over here the "everything and everyone aussie is best" propaganda is drilled into the brain everytime you listen, read, or view the media here. It's considered 'unaustralian' (even by govt here) to make any criticism of the palce or it's people.
Jan 5th 2007, 7:14 am
#49
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 388
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Absolutely. It's easy to give out some hippy trippy tree hugging bullshit about how "money isn't everything", and "it's the experience" that counts. That's true up to a point. And that point is reached very very quickly when you notice a heamorhage of funds you worked your arse off to get dissapear down the toilet.
, infact it's so far off the mark it made me LOL
. I see the hard facts of life in my job everyday. We have lost shed loads of money on emigrating & on IVF but no-one made us do either. Yes, I have times when I think what I could have done with that money but I have accepted it & moved on, because I know "it isn't everything". We worked hard for that money too.I'm sorry that things have not worked out for you in NZ & wish you luck in your next venture. Hope it works out great for you Dirk
Jan 5th 2007, 7:32 am
#50
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Adelaide SA
Posts: 183
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Absolutely. It's easy to give out some hippy trippy tree hugging bullshit about how "money isn't everything", and "it's the experience" that counts. That's true up to a point. And that point is reached very very quickly when you notice a heamorhage of funds you worked your arse off to get dissapear down the toilet.
Jan 5th 2007, 7:38 am
#51
By name and by nature
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,852
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Believe me mate I'm no hippy or a tree hugger , infact it's so far off the mark it made me LOL . I see the hard facts of life in my job everyday. We have lost shed loads of money on emigrating & on IVF but no-one made us do either. Yes, I have times when I think what I could have done with that money but I have accepted it & moved on, because I know "it isn't everything". We worked hard for that money too.
I'm sorry that things have not worked out for you in NZ & wish you luck in your next venture. Hope it works out great for you Dirk
, infact it's so far off the mark it made me LOL . I see the hard facts of life in my job everyday. We have lost shed loads of money on emigrating & on IVF but no-one made us do either. Yes, I have times when I think what I could have done with that money but I have accepted it & moved on, because I know "it isn't everything". We worked hard for that money too.I'm sorry that things have not worked out for you in NZ & wish you luck in your next venture. Hope it works out great for you Dirk
Cos if there was, there wouldn't be much in it I think the worst thing for a person's spirit is to regret material things lost. When we're on our death beds it won't be 'things' we'll be thinking of - rather the people we've loved and who've loved us and so I try not to let 'stuff' bother me. When I was a child and 'grown ups' asked what I was going to be when I grew up my Mum used to say "she only wants to be happy" Result!
Jan 5th 2007, 9:38 am
#52
NZ ways is best ways :0)
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Posts: 1,109
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Blimey, turn your back for a minute and look what goes on
Just to add my 2p, I agree that constructive criticism is a good thing, and means that new arrivals in NZ - such as ourselves - won't expect too much and so should avoid the big disappointment that maybe others have suffered.
We are by no means rich in the UK, and money does mean alot to us, so making this decision needed to be balanced and I felt this forum helped with that.
A change of mind-set is our main requirement, and this move should help that along nicely. Billions of $$$$'s will also help I'm sure, but until then we'll just keep on keeping on as there's a hell of a lot more to being happy than loads'a'money, as life here in the UK has shown us.
Wiz
Just to add my 2p, I agree that constructive criticism is a good thing, and means that new arrivals in NZ - such as ourselves - won't expect too much and so should avoid the big disappointment that maybe others have suffered.
We are by no means rich in the UK, and money does mean alot to us, so making this decision needed to be balanced and I felt this forum helped with that.
A change of mind-set is our main requirement, and this move should help that along nicely. Billions of $$$$'s will also help I'm sure, but until then we'll just keep on keeping on as there's a hell of a lot more to being happy than loads'a'money, as life here in the UK has shown us.
Wiz
Jan 5th 2007, 11:41 am
#53
Jedi Princess
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Melbourne,Australia
Posts: 2,089
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Blimey, turn your back for a minute and look what goes on
Just to add my 2p, I agree that constructive criticism is a good thing, and means that new arrivals in NZ - such as ourselves - won't expect too much and so should avoid the big disappointment that maybe others have suffered.
We are by no means rich in the UK, and money does mean alot to us, so making this decision needed to be balanced and I felt this forum helped with that.
A change of mind-set is our main requirement, and this move should help that along nicely. Billions of $$$$'s will also help I'm sure, but until then we'll just keep on keeping on as there's a hell of a lot more to being happy than loads'a'money, as life here in the UK has shown us.
Wiz
Just to add my 2p, I agree that constructive criticism is a good thing, and means that new arrivals in NZ - such as ourselves - won't expect too much and so should avoid the big disappointment that maybe others have suffered.
We are by no means rich in the UK, and money does mean alot to us, so making this decision needed to be balanced and I felt this forum helped with that.
A change of mind-set is our main requirement, and this move should help that along nicely. Billions of $$$$'s will also help I'm sure, but until then we'll just keep on keeping on as there's a hell of a lot more to being happy than loads'a'money, as life here in the UK has shown us.
Wiz
Wiz, a very balanced and thought out reply. Things will be different in NZ but not necessarily worse. Only you can finally decide if it's what you want/hoped it would be. But you at least have an open attitude and that goes a long way.
Come out, give it a go, but keep your options open is best advice I can offer mate. Best of luck
Jan 5th 2007, 2:27 pm
#54
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 206
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Wiz - Sadly the beautiful countryside and beaches wear a bit thin when you have no money.......even in NZ LOL
Be realistic. Look at the quality of life you have at present and ask yourself what it is you are actually looking for, for you and your family?
We found NZ expensive and that was earning very good money (all off shore), no mortgage and no loans of any sort.
Just make sure that you do your research and never be afraid to admit that you may have made a mistake.
Burt
Be realistic. Look at the quality of life you have at present and ask yourself what it is you are actually looking for, for you and your family?
We found NZ expensive and that was earning very good money (all off shore), no mortgage and no loans of any sort.
Just make sure that you do your research and never be afraid to admit that you may have made a mistake.
Burt
Jan 5th 2007, 2:55 pm
#55
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,118
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Wiz - Sadly the beautiful countryside and beaches wear a bit thin when you have no money.......even in NZ LOL
Be realistic. Look at the quality of life you have at present and ask yourself what it is you are actually looking for, for you and your family?
We found NZ expensive and that was earning very good money (all off shore), no mortgage and no loans of any sort.
Just make sure that you do your research and never be afraid to admit that you may have made a mistake.
Burt
Be realistic. Look at the quality of life you have at present and ask yourself what it is you are actually looking for, for you and your family?
We found NZ expensive and that was earning very good money (all off shore), no mortgage and no loans of any sort.
Just make sure that you do your research and never be afraid to admit that you may have made a mistake.
Burt
i struggle to see how someone who has no debts and an excellent income can not afford to live.
what is your idea of standard of living?
i am a simple soul - i admire nature, the scenery and like to walk and fish. to be able to do that as often as i like gives me the highest standard of living going.
Jan 5th 2007, 3:09 pm
#56
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 206
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Dream - Well yes....I do like my luxuries LOL
There are 6 of us in our family so anywhere is expensive for us, but NZ was just terrible for both cost and quality.
Basically if you want anything that is either going to last or is going to be edible you have to pay through the nose for it. In the winter even the price of electricity goes up.
We had several English, American, German, South African and Canadian friends who, with both husband and wife working, found it hard to make ends meet.
Some Kywy's also struggle, but that is because they have lived overseas.
It all comes down to acceptable standards and quality, and this is why thoses Kywy's who know no better just put up with the very low standards and accuse everyone else of constant whinging.
Burt
There are 6 of us in our family so anywhere is expensive for us, but NZ was just terrible for both cost and quality.
Basically if you want anything that is either going to last or is going to be edible you have to pay through the nose for it. In the winter even the price of electricity goes up.
We had several English, American, German, South African and Canadian friends who, with both husband and wife working, found it hard to make ends meet.
Some Kywy's also struggle, but that is because they have lived overseas.
It all comes down to acceptable standards and quality, and this is why thoses Kywy's who know no better just put up with the very low standards and accuse everyone else of constant whinging.
Burt
Jan 5th 2007, 3:12 pm
#57
NZ ways is best ways :0)
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Posts: 1,109
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Wiz - Sadly the beautiful countryside and beaches wear a bit thin when you have no money.......even in NZ LOL
Be realistic. Look at the quality of life you have at present and ask yourself what it is you are actually looking for, for you and your family?
We found NZ expensive and that was earning very good money (all off shore), no mortgage and no loans of any sort.
Be realistic. Look at the quality of life you have at present and ask yourself what it is you are actually looking for, for you and your family?
We found NZ expensive and that was earning very good money (all off shore), no mortgage and no loans of any sort.
[QUOTE=Burt Badger;4251995]
Just make sure that you do your research and never be afraid to admit that you may have made a mistake. [QUOTE]
I feel we are being pretty realistic, and if all goes tits uppermost, I've never been afraid to say so - or be told so by my wife
Wiz
Jan 6th 2007, 1:49 pm
#58
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 206
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Wiz - well I can only suggest that you give it a try, and wish you the best of luck!
Burt
Burt
Jan 11th 2007, 6:16 am
#59
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 191
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
Firstly, the figures would be available from the dept of immigration or nz govt statistics dept.
Secondly, the results would be irrelevant unless you make a comparison of other countries UK citizens migrate to. All you would be doing is noting the colour, size, shape etc of a lone bag of apples, therefore you couldn't possibly make any meaningful statement.
Finally, you could know 100 people who moved back, again means nothing, aside from the fact you know/met 100 others who for a variety of reasons decided they wanted to return to their homeland.
Secondly, the results would be irrelevant unless you make a comparison of other countries UK citizens migrate to. All you would be doing is noting the colour, size, shape etc of a lone bag of apples, therefore you couldn't possibly make any meaningful statement.
Finally, you could know 100 people who moved back, again means nothing, aside from the fact you know/met 100 others who for a variety of reasons decided they wanted to return to their homeland.
Why do you guys have such a problem with a figure which states the number of brits who came to NZ and the number who eventually moved back?
It sounds to me like you are afraid of the figures.
What do they proove? Well they show how many brits came to NZ and how many moved back! Doesn't get much simpler than that does it?
What is this whiney "its not fair" stuff? What is unfair about knowing these figures?
Jan 11th 2007, 8:46 pm
#60
Here in Dunedin
Joined: May 2003
Location: Dunedin
Posts: 1,975
Re: NZ Shut for Christmas Hols? Job Search Woes
I've tried to refind some statistics I saw about a year ago that showed 25% of all immigrants return to their country of origin within 3 years, and the proportion was lower for Brits and other Europeans. Unfortunately I have not been able to put my finger on it but will post if if I find it again. The 8 in 10 number is clearly wrong, in my view.
This study shows that most Brits are pleased with their move to NZ, and the main negatives are distance related.
http://news.emigratenz.org/page/15/
The naysayers are welcome to point out their own experiences and issues they have with NZ, but they are wrong if they imply there is some sort of conspiracy to entrap new migrants.
Choosing to migrate to a new country is subject to the normal caveat emptor of any other 'purchasing' decision. There are plentiful sources of information that allow immigrants to make objective choices about where to live.
If some posters do feel ripped off by NZ immigation, I welcome them to let us all know how they were tricked into making such a bad decision. That way we can learn from their experiences rather than the current more obvious view that they are "just bitter and twisted because their dream turned to dust."
This study shows that most Brits are pleased with their move to NZ, and the main negatives are distance related.
http://news.emigratenz.org/page/15/
The naysayers are welcome to point out their own experiences and issues they have with NZ, but they are wrong if they imply there is some sort of conspiracy to entrap new migrants.
Choosing to migrate to a new country is subject to the normal caveat emptor of any other 'purchasing' decision. There are plentiful sources of information that allow immigrants to make objective choices about where to live.
If some posters do feel ripped off by NZ immigation, I welcome them to let us all know how they were tricked into making such a bad decision. That way we can learn from their experiences rather than the current more obvious view that they are "just bitter and twisted because their dream turned to dust."