-Year New Zealand Immigrant: A 90s Girl’s Biggest Struggles and Helplessness Revealed

They’ve been touting the wonders of immigration, but aside from the truly wealthy, who hasn’t faced the harsh realities of starting anew in a foreign land? The struggle to find a job, the dwindling savings, and the loneliness—each of these can make you feel utterly stuck.

Firstly, the frustration of job hunting. Before I arrived, I was confident that my pharmacy background would be highly sought after in New Zealand. However, upon landing, I discovered that the pharmaceutical systems were vastly different. Without navigating the proper channels, it was nearly impossible for me to secure a professional position. Their reasoning was sound; I hadn’t attended a local university and lacked local work experience, making it challenging to adapt quickly.

Secondly, the inner turmoil of confusion. Before I left, someone told me, “In New Zealand, if you can bend down low enough, you’ll surely ‘pick up money.'” With limited information, I felt prepared for the challenges ahead. I didn’t expect to get rich, but I was brimming with hope for a fresh start.

Yet, after arriving, I realized that bending low meant very, very low. Here, some blue-collar jobs pay more than white-collar ones. My first job was in the catering industry. I had come abroad to pursue a more meaningful life, but leaving a stable job didn’t seem to improve my situation. It’s an understatement to say I was confused.

Lastly, and most profoundly, the heartache of homesickness. The longing for home and family is a silent, shared emotion among those working, studying, or immigrating abroad. During the pandemic, I was deeply worried about my aging parents and couldn’t return home. The four-hour time difference made every delayed message response excruciating. This feeling is something only those who have experienced it can truly understand.

Someone once asked why I didn’t bring my parents along. That would be the ideal scenario for immigrants, but it’s almost impossible. The older generation is rooted in their homeland, and adapting to a new country is not easy for them. We can only meet more often and stay in frequent touch. Interestingly, after immigrating, I felt closer to my parents. Not being able to see them made me miss them even more, and everything I once took for granted became more cherished.

In the journey of moving forward, there are always trade-offs; gains come with losses. Was it worth the effort to immigrate? Time has shown that it was. Now, I can confidently say: it was worth it! The job during the period of confusion allowed me to make friends, discover new hobbies, and learn valuable skills that I applied to my entrepreneurship.

It helped me through the toughest days of immigration. A sense of fulfillment and peace came after everything stabilized. Finally, I dug in like a hedgehog and grew like a seed, thriving in my new environment.

Immigration is a journey that begins with recognizing the challenges before reaping the rewards. While you may be filled with dreams and aspirations, it’s equally important to brace yourself for potential difficulties. Rest assured, each day will bring new opportunities and improvements. If you have any questions or concerns about immigration, I’m here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and I’ll do my best to assist you.