Being here in NZ, on an expat package or not, is really not as easy or glamourous as some might think. It's really difficult starting all over from scratch.
It takes time to get to know and get used to the way of life here, the culture, the people. Also there is the uphill task of looking for a job, securing a job, learning the workings of a new market, building up credibility within the new company, building up business contacts and relationships all over again.
It is extra tough doing all this without the support network of family and friends. Making friends here too is not as easy as it is as compared to say when I was in Hong Kong. Hong Kong was a blast and a year went by without me even noticing. Here in NZ, making friends and keeping them is extra hard work. To top it off, Stephen is constantly travelling. He's away at least once a month. This month for example, Stephen flew out to Tahiti last Friday and will be arriving back to Auckland on Sunday. He'll be flying out again on the following Monday to Hong Kong for a week and back only next Friday. So when he's away, I'm on my own in this too-large 4-bedroom house. (And please don't even mention starting a family. I can't handle a bawling kid alone with my husband gone half the time.)
Not to mention the fact that New Zealand is so isolated from the rest of the world that flight tickets out are usually really expensive, making even going home for a visit difficult. (Flight back to Singapore will set you back about NZD2000 and it's a 10 hour flight.)
I don't think I'm whining too much about living here in NZ since I've lived and worked in a number of cities around the world. I can honestly say that New Zealand is by far the most challenging of the lot. And it's realy taking a lot out of me to stay on and not throw in the towel, pack up and head on home.
Only Cooper has come up on top of this. The entire house is his playground, and the front yard his toilet! He gets plenty of rubs, hugs and cuddles, and basically gets to follow me almost everywhere I go.
I'm not usually in this mood but it has been a trying few months.
3 comments:
Hey tarts,
haaa.. I guess I can understand to some extend what you are saying cause it is difficult for me to settle here in sh too. It is especially difficult trying to get an internship and having to go for interviews and all. Argh.. Hopefully, i can get an internship and get busy soon. My ex collegues are working so i hardly meet them, while i'm not that close to my sch friends either.. oh well.. things can only get better... cheer up yea?
love ya
qing
my dear girl... throw in the towel and pack up... i guess there is only so much LOTR scenery to keep u going. Hang in there yeah? I m sure there r miracles/surprises just round ur bend waiting to be discovered...
Hugs Hugs. *JacQ passes da a warm cup of Milo* Aww.... Missing you loads. =)
Anyway, I've decided to prescribe you a dose of gossip girls. You'll feel better after watching. Go on tudou or viotv to watch. Kee kee.
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