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Published: February 23rd 2016
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My quest now was to find work. My social life had unexpectedly gone through the roof, after only being in Wellington a fortnight. I had even met another girl called 'Ceri' from Wales who was over here on the same Visa as I was and who had been living in Cardiff. This I was also using as a networking tool, but really I needed to concentrate on applying for all sorts of roles, tailoring my cover letters to suit. I found an opportunity as a Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception post. Well here's hoping with both Lab and Office experience, I thought. Many roles had close out dates that weren't imminent so I knew this could be a waiting game. I kept in touch with Jade who was also looking for work in Auckland and Frankie, from my first house in Wellington but we were all feeling the pressure. Hopefully the market would boom again in Feb. Another week had passed and by now I'd had interviews with another three recruitment agencies and applied for a pile of varying positions hoping one would come through. I was getting used to city life which was proving to be very convenient with
everything in walking distance including a man made beach and Wellington's famous Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter shop just round the corner. I was getting used to the variety of architecture in this dubbed, 'Cool little City' where they loved to show the skeleton of the building, allowing the raw materials to be exposed at almost every turn. Even the ceiling in my room had just plain floorboards and concrete beams showing. Their equivalent food store to M&S, was set up more like Lidl's with boxes of items stacked and minimalistic shelving. It's hard to tell whether NZ is pushing futuristic design or is lagging behind, as style similar to this, is all the rage presently in Britain. The weather had been a real mix but if there's one thing that Wellington is famous for, it's 'Welly wind'. Every time I left the flat, I'd get a free blow dry. ? Making the most of one of the better days when the sun shone brightly I strolled along the coast to 'Oriental Bay', to enjoy views of the Wellington basin. It felt good, the sun on my skin and roar of the lapping waves. For a split second, I forgot
all about the need to work. I felt free, as I had done the previous 8 months. I'd found it easy to settle here and make friends and I was loving my new home and flatmates. Shinayd was wonderful and I think we both appreciated having another female in the house, although Rodney and Dave were great. The only house guest we definitely were not keen on, was the white tipped flesh eating spider, Shinayd and Rodney found in their room. Besides that, I'd decided, if I did secure a position, then I'd choose to stay in Wellington for as long as I could, travelling around the South for a month before I would have to move on. Living just off Cuba Street, I was in the heart of the City and it was nice to take in a walk, a wine or a movie, whenever I wanted. It was also nice to be able to hang up my clothes, cook and watch TV. I had almost fully implemented the things I required for this chapter to trial living and working in a different country. Only this time, it was life in the City and not in the Valleys. As
time passed I began to realise that New Zealand is not just like Britain located the opposite side of the World. It has its own uniqueness which sometimes feels a step too far from what I've grown accustomed to. It's strange finally stopping in one place, as you get to notice these small differences, which when totalled up, can become quite significant. It makes you question, what you really want in life and what makes you happy and why? For example, Kiwi's are really lovely, helpful people but soooooooooo laid back. So much so, that when it's a Public holiday they just shut up shop even in the height of summer when tourism is booming. They have a very strong work life balance over here, which does make me question, which side has got it right??? Although it is bloody inconvenient at times.? For those that do open, they charge a further 15% surcharge to cover the increased staff wages they have to pay. Maybe, I should have researched a little better before I came, because although I know their seasons are the opposite to ours, the work ethic is completely different. Arriving in New Zealand on the run up
to Christmas in the hope of scoring work was a very misguided idea on my part because its then, everyone is gearing up for the holidays, I mean, both Christmas and Summer. I assumed, that come the 2nd January, everything would return to normal with the New Year kick starting the wheels of Industry once more. Well, we all know that 'assume' makes an 'ass' of 'u' and 'me'! It's another public holiday, followed by another two between then and the first week of February. Which, for me ended up, not being all bad as I got to hang out with my new found friends and take a walk with some of them, up Mount Kaukau. It was a lovely day and quite warm until we reached the lookout point when the mist and rain descended leaving me with the same view I had, had when visiting Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. Grey thick cloud, with not a cat in hell's chance of seeing anything else! Still on our way back down, beneath the clouds, I got to take in the rolling mountains which reminded me of home and the beautiful coastline that framed the water in the harbour. On
completion of our walk we rewarded ourselves with a drink and some squid rings in a pub in Kandallah whilst enjoying the last sunshine of the day. Industries cruise into the New Year as I suppose we take it slightly easier in June, July, August. Although we don't shutdown whole businesses, for three to four weeks! It's this attitude that's clashed with me finding work. Then there's the other excuse of, it will get better once the children return to school which doesn't happen until early Feb. It's been frustrating as each day that passes, my Visa ticks away like the bloody 'Countdown Clock'. This plays on my mind and loiters in the background with me left feeling like I'm treading water. There's also the matter of finances. I'm not destitute, far from it, but the question remains how much opportunity do I give New Zealand, if I'm not really travelling and I'm not working? I don't want to feel, I've failed, with this last opportunity to be here, for this length of time. I've been asked a few times now, if I want to stay longer than my Visa will allow? My answer, always the same, 'No'. This has
nothing to do with the work situation and much more about how I cannot envisage a life for me here. I am constantly frustrated with the cost of living to the point now, it erks me each time I go into a Supermarket. Even if I earned $NZ200 (£100) an hour, the best quality food products are exported and being a massive foodie and eager to try all sorts of quality treats, eat out, glug copious amounts of wine, I know I can have better life at home, although we'll come back to the wine, as I suppose that's one thing I've not let go of. It helps me cope with the differences. ? The biggest thing that I just can't get passed, as nuts as it sounds, is the cost of a 6 pack of GF mince pies. Now let me explain. Taken from the words of Mary Poppins herself "These are a few of my favourite things". For me (besides Wine!!) its 'Yorkshire Tea' and 'Mince Pies'. Sometimes you get the greatest comfort from the smallest of things. When you are in a strange country miles from home, these items, are what keep you sane! Yorkshire Tea, I
have got. Thank God, it was on special and in the local supermarket.? Now back to the Mince Pies. These in particular I spied very early on in January when I first got to Wellington. I was about to treat myself, when I saw the price, $NZ 12.99 (£6.50) for a pack of 6!!! I immediately thought, do I eat them or frame them? I was so aggrieved, that I went without. Thinking back to home once more, I thought they are bound to reduce them. A few weeks had passed and it was now nearing the end of January, 27th I think and I spied the mince pies, once more. Excited I rushed over, only to see the same bloody price! ? To come between me and a mince pie once, is bad enough, but to keep taunting me, that's just cruel! So there we have it. These small incidences are collectively adding up, as to why I could never stay long term. I feel a little like Rhod Gilbert after ranting about mince pies but sometimes, something's are just too important, not to make a stand point. I even took a photo, I was in such disbelief! Not
to be out done though, I laid my hands on some mince pie filling so if you cant beat them, you can out do them. I'm going to make my bloody own. Just need to perfect my GF pastry first or it could get messy the way it crumbles!!! ? Just wanting to understand, more of the differences between the pros and cons of being here, I came across an interesting site that provides some stats on both countries. Take a look for yourself! I can confirm now, I will be back! ☺ The one big difference, is that we don't get earthquakes at home. I experienced my first here, one afternoon when I was looking for work on my tablet, sat in my living room. All of a sudden the TV and speakers started to shake from side to side and I could feel the movement sat on the settee. Its hard to describe. It was only weak, so wasn't particularly scary, more intriging as to what was exactly was happening. I'm obsessed with it now. I have an app that alerts me and shows me the data associated with each one. The biggest surprise for me is that
the earthquake I felt, measured 5.7 on the Richter scale with the epicenter being in the South Island. It's also surprising how frequent they are, across New Zealand with another one on Valentine's Day causing some damage again in Christchurch. In fairness thats the one thing that stands out from my Recruitment Agency sessions, is part of their Health and Safety information covers "What to do in the event of an Earthquake". It's just part of life here, I guess? The week's were flying by and although I had spent the majority of my time looking for employment, even I needed a break at the weekends. This is when I became a tourist again and the wine mostly flowed with Bangalore and Dakota becoming favorite haunts. I also enjoyed a great night out in 'Public Bar' when we celebrated Alan's Birthday and the following evening a 'Pot Luck' dinnner at Alan's home. This is another example of how relaxed Kiwi's are, 'Pot Luck' dinners literally mean that, guests turn up with all sorts with no discussion or planning, so it literally is, pot luck what you get to eat. It makes for a great talking point, but doesn't really work
if you have food issues. Besides I'm a three course lady myself and love my meal, to resemble a good......book obviously. With a tasty start, a juicy main and a great finish to remember! ? Generally eating out in Wellington can be abit on the pricey side and again I'm limited in places with my options. Although many seem to be able to do GF Pizza which is always nice, especially when they come with some great and unusual toppings. One in particular, I would definitely create at home equates to a dauphinois topping changing the cream for cream cheese. It was delicious and worth every calorie!!! ? Another included mango chutney, cream cheese, chicken and green peppers. Also delicious! However on this occasion it wasn't the pizza that made my night, it had more to do with what happened. It was another lovely evening and I decided to make the most of it, by grabbing some dinner with Kirsty, in a little place called 'Mish Mosh'. We sat on a table outside where a tree provided a natural canopy. Just before our food turned up, Kirsty looked at me, pulling a face. She looked slightly awkward and it was
then she asked 'Could I see anything in her hair?' There it was, a small mass of runny 'Bird Shit' on the side! ???. The best thing was, this happened again whilst she was tucking into her food. I was weak and no help at all! Beside's I thought, jammy cow, I could have done with the extra luck to score some work! ?? I had been getting in some walks to counteract some of the indulgences. One was the 'Secret Art Walk' trail through the city which highlighted some interesting sculptures, paintings and even a gallery. Kirsty joined me and even though she has been here a number of years, she didn't realise that some of these items were here. When we live somewhere, we almost become blind to our surroundings and can miss some really cool things. The weather was slightly overcast so made for perfect conditions to weave between the streets of the city. Inside the Art Gallery there was an exhibition by one local artist which included portraits of people who he viewed as important in his life and a few self portraits painted throughout his career. Again it was one of those displays, that didn't
quite hit the spot artistically for me, with my face looking slightly horrified, as I viewed them! ? Early February, summer had definitely arrived and so one of the weekends, I had a wonderful time on a friends yacht. JR, another person, that I had met through the 'Meet Up' group kindly took me, Kirsty, Alan, his nephew Rimu, neice Ruth and boyfriend Adrian out. We sailed around the Wellington Harbour and dropped anchor at Pencarrow Head. JR, Rimu, Ruth and Adrian were our dive team for the day and successfully collected Paua (Maori name given to edible sea snails) and Kina (sea urchin, endemic to New Zealand) for us to enjoy later. I kicked back and enjoyed the company, surroundings and beautiful weather. Our next spot, took us close to Somes Island which is located in the middle of the Harbour. It was really hot now and time for a dip. After my initial entry into the water, I did acclimatise and it wasn't as cold as it had been in 'Bay of Islands', luckily.? Our dive team back on it, only this time they were after Green lipped Mussels also known as the New Zealand mussel to complete
the seafood forage of the day. It had been a superb day and given me another perspective of Wellington coastline. I could clearly see Mount Victoria and Mount Kaukau where I had walked previously and Oriental Bay that had become a favourite place to spend sometime. It was a nice feeling that I was finally getting to grips with the geography of the area. Later that evening we ended the day with an incredible seafood feast of Paua in a creamed based sauce, and Mussles in a spiced tomato one with Kina on the side. I got to help prepare both dishes, so had a cooking lesson thrown in. I had really enjoyed it. The Paua not being a million miles away from the texture of squid, was truely gorgeous in the cream sauce and I couldn't get enough of it. ? It had been such a treat, having seen this food collected, prepared and now devoured, especially when these items are considered gourmet treats with the Paua retailing for £50 per 1kg!!! Given I wasn't working, I still seemed to have quite a lavish lifestyle! ? Lucky me! With the weather improved and me looking for work during the
day, it was nice to take sometime out in the evenings and walk around the surrounding coast. It is still light until about 9pm, after that you get the wonderful hues of the sun setting and I suppose a twilight of sorts which is really beautiful across the harbour. There's even a fountain in the bay that lights up in different colours and the trees that align the walkway are also illuminated, which in some strange way looks kind of chrismassy. One evening, myself and Kirsty took a walk up to the Botanical Gardens, this was the first time I had returned to the area since my original trip nine years ago. I could recall some areas that were familiar and ended up joining the path from there, to the University that I had visited the week before to take part in a Psychology Study. It was Frankie that had told me about this opportunity. It would entail two 15 minute sessions and you'd be given a free cinema ticket for each, so I thought why not? It was also nice to form part of someone's study for their course and do something useful. The whole hypothesis is based around,
that we tend to think more favourable of those who have similar looks to ourselves, than those that don't. I am looking forward to the results when the study is completed. It definitely broke up the mundane job hunting!!! On one of my escapades, this time with Shinayd, after a trip to Pac 'n' Save, (it's where I scored the mincemeat ?)she kindly took me on a drive along the coast where I discovered, 'Wellington' is the 'Hollywood' down under with it's very own sign, only this one comes with an intricate design feature on the end. We continued our journey along the coastal road passing through Miramar and beauty spots such as Breaker Bay and Scorching Bay. We even passed where Peter Jackson lives and the row of houses he owns, on the same little straight. Weta Workshop is nearby and that's where he did alot of the Lord of the Rings special effects which I will visit before leaving. I could start to see why those that live here, stay and enjoy it as Wellington is surrounded by some beautiful coastline. Maybe its more to do with, what I want, rather than what New Zealand has on offer.
Still to try and keep myself active, I was happy to be pulled in one evening to help with a little mathamatical conundrum Rodney, my housemate was having around T-Shirts. It was nice to get my brain working again, as it had been a while since I'd really needed to use it. My life had taken on a different pace since being here and I craved something to do. Knowing that the Welsh Bar would be showing the Six Nations Rugby games, I thought, it would be nice to plan a different kind of night out and also fun if me and Kirsty watched the Scottish/Wales game being on neutral turf, as it were. Neither of us really into rugby but agreed it would be a laugh none the less. I mentioned this to Alan, JR and Sue at which point, the next thing I know, I'm an Event Organiser for the Social Singles and Friendship Group and I'm making it an official meet up for all to come along. Given the timings of the match at home and our 13 hour difference, it ended up being shown here at 6am on Sunday morning. It was no wonder then, that
it resulted in just the famous five, Me, Kirsty, Alan, JR and Sue going for it. I had put my event to start at 12 midnight on the Saturday and we would continue on all the way through until about 8am the following morning. My planning skills had let me down the night before, given on the run up to the event, from about 8pm on the Saturday night, I first attended 'The Power of Love' party put on by Frankie, who I used to live with. Although I was only there a short time, it was really lovely catching up with Frankie, Dae-Hee, Yan, Lorissa, Mitchell, Daniel, Mizuki and Linda. I even got to meet the new housemate from London, Kim. They had done a great job decorating the house and it was just unfortunate timing that I couldn't stay longer. There just seemed to be loads on this weekend, including the Chinese New Year Celebrations in Wellington and I really wanted to catch the Fireworks being set off over the Harbour. I'm so glad I did, the crowd ooohed and arggghed at the colourful huge display against the clear black sky and it was gorgeous seing the reflection
in the water below. The wind had dropped and the temperature most pleasant, even after the sun had gone down. I met up with the gang slightly earlier than anticipated about 10:30pm in Hummingbird where I'd been before. We took in the sounds of Shaun Preston and his piano before making our way to the Welsh Bar. Given the times of the games, there were strict rules about having tickets before the events, so we ended up watching the Ireland/France game before the one of interest came on. It was a great atmosphere with JR getting a customised shirt made, even if it did have the Scottish emblem on it. Still there was me and Alan routing for Wales against Kirsty, JR and Sue with Scotland. The game was electric and I was really getting into it. It made for a great night or should I say morning's entertainment with the sun well in the sky as we departed the bar and made it home to bed! Later that day they had a Chinese New Year Parade, which me and Kirsty caught, before heading to Oriental Bay to spend the rest of the day crisping up. It had been another
great weekend before the dreaded job hunting returned. The weeks were starting to blur into one and scoring work, I felt, would not only give me money but a purpose. I hated being bored and those that know me well, know, I only really relax, if I feel I'm being efficient or at least doing something. With time on my hands and needing a boost, it was time to relinquish my traveller locks. If I wanted a new job, I needed a new look to match. Whilst meandearing through the city one day, I came across a sign that read "GF Hair". I couldn't believe it, given it's the symbol I crave to see, so decided I would check it out. This 'GF' stood for 'Get Funked' which is pricisely what I thought, ? when I discovered it was going to cost £55 for a simple cut and blow dry. After a little more research, I came across 'Snips' located on The Terrace with no appointment necessary and about half the price. I waited about 30 minutes before being called by the greek male hairdresser. I asked for a short sexy cut and in fairness I was and am pleased
with the end result. ☺ Its also proved to be alot cooler in the nice weather. My new look gave me a new found confidence which I soley needed after the types of jobs, I felt I had now been forced to apply for. There was nothing coming from the recruitment agencies and I had heard very little from the roles I had applied directly for, so I decided any job would do. I lowered my standards and applied for Housekeeping, Kitchen hands and non qualified Carer roles. I'm afraid the two industries that were definitely out, was Bar work and anything to do with looking after Children. Even I have to admit, they are a step too far, even for me. I still wasn't ruling out the 'Sex Industry' though, after reading this inspiring quote off the back of a van, some weeks previous, on a night out, "A Blow Job is better than No Job!". In fairness, my 'Meet Up' friends had been most supportive, offering themselves up for me to train on!!! ? Still, I wasn't quite there just yet, although my Visa does say it covers me for all types of work with no restrictions. Just
recanting my interview experiences out here, maybe my new business venture wouldn't be so grim. It was the 4th February before I scored my first proper interview. It was for a Housekeeping/Receptionist Role that I had seen on the Backpackers Board. It was for an almost immediate start and included Monday - Friday 9-5 shifts. I was in the El Horno Bar enjoying a Sangria, when I got the call. It had been another trying week and a few rejections had started to appear so like all good friends, Kirsty joined me for a little drink. I was so chuffed at being contacted and started to imagine how great it would be, to be working. My interview was booked for 1pm the following day. It was in easy walking distance, abit too easy really with me turning up at 12:45pm. The job was in a small 11 bedroom guest house and I had read their website and researched their reviews as I wanted to be interview ready. I knocked on the door and the owner answered. He was a quirky man and led me into the office area. He was on the phone as I arrived and continued his conversation
with me sat there like a lemon. Anyway to cut a long story short, I was back outside the guesthouse at 12:59pm. This is one minute before my interview should have started. Over the past 14 minutes, I had just sat through the crazy ramblings of a man who showed me rooms, that would have easily appeared on the 'Hotel Inspector' requiring help. An office area that wouldn't have looked out of place on 'Britains Biggest Hoarders' and a sketch of him telling me, mid way through one of my answer's he was tired on 'Beadle's About'! All in all, it was a very surreal experience. In my defense and desperation for work, I remained, calm and pleasant throughout and followed up that afternoon with an email wishing the owner felt well rested soon and to please let me know when he had made a decision. So moving onwards and upwards, I thought to myself it couldn't get any worse than that. My next interview was for a non qualified Carer role, well actually the job advert was labelled as 'Minion Wanted' which in a sick and twisted way, I thought was quite funny. ? So I obviously applied. After
some slight communication breakdowns, an interview time was set for 11th February at 2pm at the individuals home that morning. It was slightly out of town, so I took a bus there. This time, not to jinx it, I arrived closer to the scheduled time, at 1:55pm. I rang the bell and waited a little while, given I knew the individual was in a wheelchair, who would answer. Not detecting any movement or anyone coming I rang the bell again. I also checked I was at the correct address as it was now just gone 2pm. I could see his van parked in the driveway but still nothing. The third time I knocked the door, just in case the bell wasn't working. I could see something move inside, and there it was, a "CAT", but still no human. I waited a little while but no-one came. It was already game over for me, as I daren't be anywhere near another home with a Cat, but still, where was this guy who had arranged to meet me and had now wasted my time and money dragging me out to his home!!! Infuriated when I arrived back, I sent one of my
famous harsh but fair emails to him, outlining my dissapointment that he had been a no show and that I was formally removing myself from applying for the position because of my pet allergies. Unbeliveably he responded, apologising stating he was in the Garden all the while, but understood my decision and wished me well!!! Can you believe it? So this interview, had, incredibly been shorter that the first, with a 'No Show'! What's that line, what doesnt kill you, makes you stronger!! That needed to be my new motto, as out here my boundaries were going to be well and truely pushed by the looks of it. Still, there was no time to dwell on it. I needed to score more interviews, to obviously improve my technique. ? The next one was on Friday 12th at 10am for a Sales position. It lasted five minutes, was an informal chat with me being contacted later that day if I was successful to recieve training the following Monday and Tuesday. I think in fairness my face said it all in this one! Especially when she told me it was door to door sales, Monday-Friday 11:30am-8pm for £100 basic a week plus
comission if you scored a "good sale" whatever that equated too, as this was about signing individuals up to support the Red Cross. It was already a 'No' from me. Minimum wage would be hard enough to swallow, but that would have been slave labour! Anyway, as I returned home, I recieved the phone call I had been waiting for. They wanted me to come for an interview at Wellington Hospital, the following Monday for the Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception post which I had applied for a month earlier. I was so excited and well prepared. This was a proper interview. It lasted a full 50 minutes and I answered all questions with ease. It was conducted with a representative from HR and the Manager of the Area. I even got asked to provide an email address to check my references. This sounded promising I thought. I would know definitely by the 19th. I contacted my wonderful referee at home and alerted them that they might be sent something. The week dragged by and it felt like an eternity. My referee at home had been sent a request but unfortunately it was from an automated system from one
of the temping agencies. I still hadn't lost hope as some companies check after, you are in post. Friday came and by lunchtime, I couldn't wait any longer, so contacted the HR women who had been on the interview panel. It was bad news, unbelieveably, this time I was too overqualified!!! I'm not sure this country knows what it wants, I have completed a myraid of courses, have upteem years experience and still, I can't get work in a simple cafe as I'm not a Barista, in a shop, as I've got no retail background, not even as a Housekeeper or Kitchen Hand as I've not worked for at least 12 months in those industries. It begs the question how anyone can get any experience out here, if all jobs require specific experience to start with. Office jobs are proving difficult as my typing speed isn't super fast after using a Tablet keyboard for the last 9 months, although my accuracy is very high. The big question remains, will my next blog be 1, my last from NZ, 2, show I've resorted to the Sex Industry to stay ? or 3, detail someone giving me a chance??? Stay tuned folks.
I cannot believe this is actually my life. ??
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Krissy
non-member comment
Oh hun.....
as much as I am deeply sorry for the job situation you found yourself in - I did enjoy reading your post! :) Your positive and friendly attitude shines through all the clouds - it does sound you are having fun. I hope a good job does land on your lap sometime soon - but if that does not happen just do not blame yourself. Even if you have to return to the UK you can say you tried your luck in NZ and survived an earthquake (or more than one - time will tell). Seen and understood this land because you lived there. Good on you! Keep traveling and writing :)