Embracing the Unknown: My Journey Moving to a New Country
Embarking on a new chapter of life is both thrilling and daunting, especially when it involves moving to an entirely different country. I feel compelled to share my personal journey of relocating on a working visa, navigating the uncharted territories of a foreign land, uprooting my life within 2 months, and the lessons learned along the way.
For many people, the decision to move is never made lightly. Whether it be to another town, or another state- let alone another country- lots of planning and thinking goes into finalizing the decision, before even taking the action necessary to make the move happen. However, for me, I knew if I thought too much about the ‘what-ifs’ then I would never follow through. I tend to catch myself overthinking and ruminating on the worst case scenarios, especially when it comes to big, life changing decisions. So- I knew this had to be different. I dove in full force without giving myself a chance to think it over… and over and over and over. This leap involved a mix of excitement and anxiety, fueled by the prospect of new opportunities and a desire to step out of my comfort zone. The idea of living and working in a foreign country ignited a sense of adventure that I couldn't resist.
Since I knew I wanted to travel internationally, I started by looking for a job that would sponsor my move, and make sense for my desired lifestyle. I already had my passport, so that was one step checked off of my to-do list. See, this move was never meant to be permanent, so I was looking first for a seasonal job of some kind, and I wasn’t too picky about location either. As I was researching, I came across the opportunity of a lifetime- Massage Therapist in New Zealand! Perfect! As an already certified Massage Therapist wanting to move outside of the country, this was the most ideal job. So I applied with my resume, and sent in a video discussing, well, me.
Navigating through paperwork, interviews, and the anticipation of approval brought a whirlwind of emotions. But again, I wasn’t letting myself get too wrapped up in the anxiety spiral. It was a test of patience and resilience, but every step brought me closer to the realization of my dreams.
Once I knew I secured the job, I immediately applied for my “Working Holiday Visa”.- I’ll write a serparate post in detail regarding the visa process. Essentially, it was a one-time application fee, and then I sent off my paperwork to my future employer. And I started taking care of business at home- the sublease, selling of my car, letting my clients at work know I was leaving. Things were getting serious!
Stepping off the plane in a new country was a surreal experience. The air was different, the language (somewhat) unfamiliar, and the surroundings pulsating with the energy of the unknown. I stayed in the airport food court for 4 hours, nervous to finally venture outside, and needing to get proper cell phone service. The initial days were a blend of excitement and stress, a delicate balance of adapting to a new culture while still taking care of business (renting a vehicle, and tracking down my luggage the airline lost) before finally settling in.
Adjusting to a new culture is an ongoing process. From understanding local customs to appreciating diverse cuisines, each day offered a chance to broaden my horizons. Engaging with locals and fellow expats became a lifeline, creating a sense of community in the midst of the unfamiliar. The time zone change was a challenge and I felt like I was in a fever dream some of the time. Was I tired, or were things really this… amazing? My social battery was being drained each and every day, but I was loving it.
Living abroad on a working visa brought its share of challenges. From overcoming time change to navigating the intricacies of a foreign workplace, each hurdle was an opportunity for growth. Patience and adaptability became my closest companions. I started working on my fourth day in this new country. I was ready. For me, Massage Therapy is meditative and comforting. I know it is what I was created to do, and I was itching to get back to it.
The first weeks went really well, I felt confident in my skills and I was making friends. As I was getting more comfortable, I realized I was missing my family, like a lot. The holidays were creeping up on us, the work was increasing and I was getting busier, most days hardly getting any time to myself. I felt guilty for not getting to call my family more, and then I felt guilty when I would take time to call home and miss out on adventuring with my new friends. Trying to find a work / life balance can be difficult, but when half of your life is 17 hours behind you, it’s even harder.
Some days I felt an overwhelming sense of joy, and confidence in myself. It’s insane that a 23-year-old me has moved halfway across the world, alone, knowing noone, on a whim. It was thrilling! Other days I felt a great sense of sadness. I almost felt like I was living a double life. I felt that the more I progressed in my new life, the farther I was moving away from everything I had known, and everyone that had helped to get my where I am. And in a way, I was. I was moving away from the person I had been for 23 years, for the better. I was moving into a new me. I am now an international massage therapist, a world traveller, a go-getter, someone with stories to tell and adventures to share, someone to be seen, and someone who can inspire others to do the same!
Amidst the challenges, there were moments of pure joy and discovery. Exploring hidden gems, making new friends, and indulging in the beauty of the country became the highlights of my journey. These experiences added layers to my story, creating a tapestry of memories that will forever be etched in my heart.
Moving to a new country has been a transformative experience. It's not just about navigating a new job or a different city; it's a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing the beauty of the unknown. As I continue to write the chapters of my expat life, I look forward to the adventures, growth, and the countless stories yet to unfold.
