My Early Life in New Zealand

This article has been long overdue. I have been to New Zealand for over 3 years but I haven't written anything about my kiwi experience. So time to get out of my writer's block, put my mind to work and start writing again. Here it goes...

Being in New Zealand for over 3 years has been quite a journey of self-discovery for me. It has been an exciting ride when I first came in November 2017. I was so nervous being thrown in a foreign land. I have done my fair share of travelling but it's nothing compared to living in a totally different country. 

I came alone while my husband continue to process his papers back home so I can start on time for school. I came to New Zealand on a student visa and I enrolled in a one-year Level 8 Postgraduate IT course in UUNZ Institute for Business. I studied hard just thinking how costly education is in NZ. Imagine paying for my tuition which almost cost me half a million back home! That was like equivalent to 5 years of med school!

While studying I tried my best to look for part-time jobs. It was a struggle as I tried my best effort to save money while managing the cost of living in a first-world country. Flatting would already cost me about 160 dollars per per week! I was almost at my wits end trying to scrimp my savings in every way I can. I  devoted my free time to attending seminars so I would know the techniques to finding jobs and doing volunteer work so I can expand my network. I even went as far to answering online surveys so I can earn a bit of cash on the side. 

Looking back, I can only shake my head in wonder at how nervous I had been. There was this one job in Takanini that I was referred to where the owner tried to intimidate me and told me how hard life is in NZ and how tough it is to obtain a working visa. He can only promise to give me a minimum wage. I almost took the bait but the travel distance to their office would take about an hour and a half. It's not worth the trouble. Believing in my capabilities, I never faltered and told them I will still continue looking. Not long after, I managed to get an online job as a SharePoint consultant through my previous contact in Upwork. I also did a casual job as a cashier at Eden Park, a stadium in Auckland where cricket and rugby matches were held. And then I got hired as a Microsoft Brand Ambassador by Retail Safari. It didn't last and after 3 months, most of us got laid off. By some stroke of luck, Brand Developers found me on Upwork as they need a SharePoint Consultant based in Auckland. I didn't think twice and took on the role. 

Before I finished school in November 2018 (exactly a year after I came to NZ), I have started applying for jobs and managed to land a big one in Vector as a SharePoint Specialist. My job offer came even before I managed to obtain a work visa! By 21st of January 2019, I have embarked on a new world as a full-time employee.

I would say life has been kind to me in NZ. In terms of employment opportunities, I would say I had been quite lucky and it didn't come to a point where I have become desperate. Good thing I didn't give in to the pessimism of my fellow Filipinos whenever they discourage newcomers about the IT working environment here. Each person has its own journey to embark. 

So much to say with my experience here in NZ. I would describe more in detail in my upcoming blogs.