Beachcombers

I was a corporate IT sales exec from Sheffield, used those qualifications and experience to get a work permit and subsequently PR. As soon as we got PR, we moved to the South Island and found work in the wine industry.

Mel, my wife was a social worker, now is a vineyard manager, driving around in tractors and harvesting machines. I am still in the sales game, but now sell wine making equipment.

We can not really imagine going back to our old careers.

Just wondering, if you were working in one industry in the UK (or anywhere else) and flipped over to something completely different, now that you are in NZ?

pixi-dust

I was a special needs teacher in the Uk, now I'm a farmer! It's a bit of a change! Now my 'kids' are cows

brussels_sprout

That sounds fun, how did you get the start in your new career ?

Beachcombers

Right place, right time. We were looking for a opportunity in a more rural part of NZ and a Internet ad popped up for a sales position in Blenheim. And the rest, as they say.........is history!

When we arrived, it did not take Melissa long to get work in the vineyards, first as a casual, then a full time position came along. It's a physically demanding job, after three months she looked like she was carved out of wood, but she loved zooming around on quad bike, forklifts, tractors. She has had heaps of training and has a couple of NZQA certifications now.

As for me, I had a huge learning curve to climb, but spending my days swanning around wineries and vineyards, tasting wine, up and down the South Island, it's a pretty good gig!

dlmckay

My OH went from doorman/marquee erector to plumber

Gill and Rob

Rob workied in the production side of manufacturing and is now a student nurse.
Gill

MrCFD

I went from offshore investments to investment trading! I KNOW...CRAZY!

karonious

Steve was in the RAF for many years, then security (yeah, set a thief to catch a thief!! ). He has very recently finished his training as a Probation Officer.

weebossyboots

LOL

pixi-dust

webossyboots! I love your name!!
We came over from Glasgow

SarahB

Sorry, bit boring but I went from working for good old Thomas Cook to being a full time mum here..... see, told you it was boring!

Paladin

I bet being a full-time mum is way more challenging than Thomas Cook Sarah! Well done you! Treasure it, it goes by in a flash !!!



Dave

kato33

Well said.

I miss those days at home with my babies.......NOT

Lenmil

Was a jeweller/goldsmith in NZ and was going to try driving an ambulance part time. Was looking forward to it too at the time. But not to be. Dragged back to POM land. Still stuck here....for now. Not too long i hope.

danny.f

I was happy,now i'm happy and relaxed. Same sodding job,though.