HELLO From New Zealand

Dansmam

Hi Chev
Glad to have come across your diary, but sorry things aren't feeling so good for you at the moment. Interesting how many people say friendships are so different over there. I have relatives who moved to NZ from South Africa and then to OZ. Finding it hard with finding work and looking after small children the same way you are. Is there any way you could meet other mums in the same situation as you - any local clubs or networking on chat sites or small ads? Do the supermarkets have anywhere to put up a postcard like they do here? Sorry if that's a daft suggestion - I know nothing about the area, and you may not be a joiner of organised things (like me, and was it Oscar Wilde or Groucho Marx - never join a club that would have you?!) but just a thought.
Thanks for posting on mine and pointing out where I'm being daft - challenge always appreciated, and am trying hard to do only sensible things - moneywise, anyway...:shocked:
DM

HappyNow

I think you're twelve hours ahead of UK time? In which case you will have already had your interview today. Any feedback yet? Hopefully now that definite 'staying put' decision is made, you might find it easier to settle and think of NZ as home. I hope so x

chevalier

Dansmam wrote: »

Hi Chev
Glad to have come across your diary, but sorry things aren't feeling so good for you at the moment. Interesting how many people say friendships are so different over there. I have relatives who moved to NZ from South Africa and then to OZ. Finding it hard with finding work and looking after small children the same way you are. Is there any way you could meet other mums in the same situation as you - any local clubs or networking on chat sites or small ads? Do the supermarkets have anywhere to put up a postcard like they do here? Sorry if that's a daft suggestion - I know nothing about the area, and you may not be a joiner of organised things (like me, and was it Oscar Wilde or Groucho Marx - never join a club that would have you?!) but just a thought.
Thanks for posting on mine and pointing out where I'm being daft - challenge always appreciated, and am trying hard to do only sensible things - moneywise, anyway...:shocked:
DM

There isn't anything organised really. There was an ex pats club at one point, but it fell by the wayside before it really got going. I am glad my comments were taken in the spirit that they were meant.:D
chev

chevalier

HappyNow wrote: »

I think you're twelve hours ahead of UK time? In which case you will have already had your interview today. Any feedback yet? Hopefully now that definite 'staying put' decision is made, you might find it easier to settle and think of NZ as home. I hope so x

Yes I had the interview. I felt a bit awkward as I was more formally dressed than the people interviewing me! But the interview seemed to go ok. The people themselves seemed like they would be good to work for so that was good too. The only thing was (and this is common here) that the actual job is not so much like the job description. Before the actual interview I had to fill in an application form, that included that tricky area what pay you want.
I put down 33k to 40k as I worked out that the lowest figure is what I am on now (but I wouldn't be doing nights to get it, big bonus), and the top figure would be $20 an hour before tax approx But they way they described the job I think they might be looking for someone more junior than I thought and hence wanting less money! I will hear next week.

Oh well we shall just have to see!
chev

chevalier

So I had my job interview. As mentioned above, the office dress style was far more casual than I was dressed for the interview. Don't know whether that was a good or bad thing. I guess I looked at it as I had made an effort, they didn't need to. A plus also is that if I do get the job, then I won't have to get a lot of formal office type wear, just maybe update my wardrobe a bit!

The interview went ok I think. The questions weren't too taxing, and they explained the company well. The work would be interesting I think so that is always a plus.

Not sure about the hours though, oh well. Cross that bridge when they offer me the job. I can't remember what it is like in the UK, but you can't leave someone under 14 alone on their own, so I wouldn't be able to shoot off in the morning, without some form of cover for the boys. Ditto the other end of the working day too. Maybe OH can check with work about varying his hours a bit. We shall see. If he could be there to pick them up then that would sort it, pretty much because they could walk slowly to school in the morning, or I could drop them off on the way. Or something.....
chev

sassychick2014

Morning!

I started following your story after you commented on mine and I've finally caught up with all your trials and tribulations!!

I'm sure you've done great at your interview and if not at least it's given you a bit more experience for your next one. Fingers crossed.

Have a great day

HappyNow

Got my lucky fingers crossed for you x

chevalier

Didn't get the job, oh well. Such is life. Busy weekend with me working all three night the boys and OH at surf carnival all weekend, so my mum is having to keep an eye on the boys at the beach....should be fun
chev

*Robin*

Oh Chev, (((hugs))) Sorry you didn't get that job, and have to miss out on the fun while working nights - bummer!

But, please try not to be too down-hearted. You were probably right in thinking they were looking for a less qualified person.
Reckon you're on the right track though; there is a lot of scientific research going on in NZ - how specialised is your experience?

Catching up; well done, it must have been very hard to accept the decision to stay put. (((more hugs)))
For what it's worth, I think I would have done the same for the sake of my children; am certain the NZ lifestyle is healthier both for body and mind, especially young impressionable ones. Teen society in the UK can be pretty grim these days.

Hope your DH appreciates how torn you were, and that he suggests starting a 'travel fund' to allow you to visit family reasonably often.. Maybe once you've moved, and hopefully found employment which stretches your intellect - suppose you have already searched for any and all research stations within commuting distance of the school you want to get your boys into?

Long time ago, I spent several happy summers working for an institute which was twinned with one in NZ. We were breeding better wheat, lol, the old fashioned way by hand selection. It was always a rush to get the harvest in, best seed chosen and sent off in time for planting in NZ. They were doing the same of course, so the overall time for development of a successful strain was halved. Fascinating, intricate work. Don't think my eyes would be good enough these days, alas.
A kind of journal was sent to the lab - guess Bosses subscribed - containing articles from research institutes all over the world, who were working on some kind of project connected with the environment; marine, hydro, agriculture, forestry, husbandry. There was lots going on in NZ (more than any other single country).
Can't for the life of me remember the title, anyway am going back a good few years so maybe it's no longer published? But I bet there's an electronic equivalent now..

Ok, enough waffle. Thinking of you, toiling through the night. Hope it's not too frustrating - somehow don't reckon you'll have to do it for much longer. (((another hug for good luck )))

Rx

HappyNow

Sorry to hear you didn't get the job Chev. Something better will be round the corner.


Your mum's over? Hope you're enjoying each other's company x