Living in Auckland – Guest Post

Name: Josh
Hometown: London
Current City: Auckland
Age: 27

Why did you decide to move abroad?: It started as a job offer for the same company I worked for in the UK, then developed into a chance to escape from my busy but often unproductive lifestyle in London.

How did you decide where to move?: It was chosen for me I guess, wouldn’t have even crossed my mind at the time.

What was the process you had to go thru to move?: Everything happened very quickly, from getting the offer in February to coming to visit a week later and then moving permanently in April. With the connection between New Zealand and the UK the visa process was simple, I got a 12 month working visa in a matter of days. It was then a matter of saying goodbye to everyone, deciding what parts of my life I wanted to bring over in my three bags (decided minimalism was key) and getting on the plane.

What’s your favorite thing about living abroad?:  Number one would be the experience of seeing a different culture and having complete change of scenery. Living in London for my whole life I was used to the same things day in day out. To have a new environment and beautiful one at that to settle into makes a remarkable difference. Another important thing would be the space, I was living with family back in the London, mostly due to the extortionate London rent prices. Here I have the chance to have my own little space where I’m able to focus more on the things I want to do.

And what’s the hardest thing?:  With Auckland being almost on the complete opposite side of the world, communication with friends and family back home is probably the hardest thing. It either means late night calls or early morning. It is always funny though when people get surprised you’re living a day in the future!

How did you find a job(s): I had worked for the company for more than two years so was a simple transfer between offices.

What do you wish you brought?:  My bath robe, gets a bit chilly in the mornings and I want to feel like Hugh Hefner.

What do you wish you left at home?:  Minimalism was key for me so I really tried to take as few things as possible. Was a process of saying have I used this thing in the last week, the last month?, if not it didn’t come. As such I would say everything here has a purpose so nothing to leave.

What have you learned:  That sometimes opportunities are in places you don’t see, I would never have thought to come to New Zealand if the job offer wasn’t presented, but its turned out to be the best thing for me to do in my life right now.

Any advice for others looking to move abroad?: Following on from what I learned always be open to new opportunities as they may lead you down a path you never saw before, a path that could take you to places you want to be.

Any other comments:  I rate this place!