Why I Gave Up on My Dream of Immigrating to New Zealand and What I Learned

I’ve been back for four months now, and I’ve finally found my rhythm. Let me share the journey that led me to give up on pursuing a New Zealand green card.

My third internship was at a center that was almost entirely white, with just one Filipino teacher. The principal took a liking to me and decided to keep me on ➡️

She went out of her way to count my seven years of work experience in China as two levels, allowed me to work only four days a week, and offered me a level 6 salary of 34.55 NZD per hour. Despite this generous offer, I hesitated for a whole day before signing, still feeling uncertain about my decision ➡️

After signing, I discovered that the center had no vacancy. The principal, determined to keep me, forcibly redistributed hours from her staff to fill my schedule, which didn’t sit well with them ➡️

Due to the redistributed hours and cultural differences, my colleagues in the children’s class began to discriminate against me. They criticized everything from my voice being too loud and annoying to my breathing being too heavy. They even said my face looked angry when I worked, and all the dirty and tiring jobs were given to me. They would yell at me in front of the children, and the deputy principal was especially harsh, constantly undermining my professionalism ➡️

I chose not to argue with them, as I felt it was pointless. The final straw came when two colleagues, using their status as parents, complained to the principal about me. They accused me of rushing the children in the morning, not giving them enough time for bonding, which was completely false. I never did that ➡️

During my two years in New Zealand, I wasn’t happy. It was probably the unhappiest period of my life. Although I made many good friends, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and often went for drives, I was exhausted every day, felt no sense of achievement, and couldn’t meet my usual spiritual needs. I couldn’t even afford to buy books, let alone attend various performances.

My diet and sleep were poor, and I encountered people with no boundaries. My job had no future, and I longed to return home every day. Most importantly, this kind of life made me realize that I wouldn’t want to retire in New Zealand, and enduring another 20 years there seemed unbearable. So, I decided to cut my losses.

I was just eight months away from applying for a resident visa, but I gave up because it wasn’t worth it ➡️

Since returning, I’ve started my own business, doing what I love most. Every day, I’m filled with joy, meeting all kinds of interesting people. I live in a house with a stunning sea view, have plenty of free time, and can do what I like. I feel like I’ve reached the peak of my life ➡️

If you’re struggling abroad, don’t force yourself to stay unless you have no other choice. When your days are spent enduring, it’s a clear sign that it’s not the right place for you.

Lastly, I want to share some stunning photos from my trip to New Zealand, a breathtaking place that I may not have the chance to revisit. These images capture the essence of its natural beauty and serve as a cherished reminder of the unforgettable experiences I had there.