Successes in your career in New Zealand

Hi there. I think you have to set realistic expectations when you begin your expat journey. Define, what does it mean to “advance your career”?  Money? Time with the kids? “Work-life” balance.

For me, I quit my healthy job making darn good buck with no options lined up. That was the reality though. If we (my partner and I) wanted to make this start and adventure, we would have to be open to the fact that we could go bankrupt. All savings gone, no jobs, etc.   In our case, we couldn't secure jobs before going because we were in a catch 22...no one would take us seriously if we still lived in the US, and how do you move without having a job. Luckily I was able to get us in through the skilled migrant program for points.

We decided that for us, advancing our careers meant taking that chance. Once we got here, recruiters were quick to set expectations, you won't make as much money as you did in the US, don't even expect it. Talking to this lovely woman at a winery (no idea her name), her advance was network. Get to know people. Where we had landed, it was a small town, and people get jobs by who they know.

So, we networked...went to social and professional gatherings..and I emailed a local partner from my former accounting firm. No way he would talk to me, right?  Well, he did! And his connections got me to my job interview. I report to the CEO (per recruiter, don't stand a chance at that one), and the audit committee. So, my story is...set expectations but don't get stuck on them and take a chance. You never know who you'll meet to get you where you need to be. I now have “advanced” my career...I make good money, I'm happy in my job, and I have some balance in my life. Win-win!!