Again it was time to get my ass over to the other side of the world and get a job offer. This time I was armed with the information that if I could get a job offer in Auckland then things would be more positive for a visa. This is because they have a staff retention problem in Auckland. It’s long and complicated and I don’t fully understand it but it was enough to get me over again.
I had applied on-line and I’d been short listed and asked to attend for assessments and interviews …. So I did. Lisa looked after or now larger family (3 boys) whilst I was away for 2 weeks this time. I had driving assessments (very quiet roads compared to the UK), a physical and many written, psychological and team tests. In with this was an interview, practical and map reading tests.
I must have bluffed my way through as they offered me position! Initially the offer is for Ambulance Officer. This is somewhere around STS ECA in the UK. I hope the progression is quick.
The other problem and the one we are facing now is …. The VISA!
Good job Colin – looking forward to following the saga! Cheers! Tim
Comment by Mr C — September 24, 2006 @ 4:55 pm |
Staff retention in Aukland
High cost of living
Average house price 10x the average salary
Poor salaries
Crime
Traffic
Polution
Comment by Beerskinz — September 30, 2006 @ 5:39 pm |
Thanks for the comment Beerskinz …. I think that the problems that you highlighted are good and fair points. The problem is that they are relative to NZ and not the rest of the world. So, the cost of living is cheaper, houses are cheaper (but much more basic), salaries are far worse, crime is far less and less serious, traffic is laughably good and polution is negligable, compared to the UK. Things will be different when I’m there, when I’m on a poorer salary etc but it is all relative to NZ. For example, if you lived in LA then polution would not be a major problem as they are used to far worse conditions.
Comment by Manic — October 2, 2006 @ 12:33 pm |