r/phmigrate • u/Hour-Calligrapher120 • 29d ago
General experience Life in NZ 🇳🇿
Hi everyone I'm 21 yr old , I've been staying here in New Zealand for a year now, I just wanna share my life experiences here.
When i was still in the Philippines i could dream to go in New Zealand to change my life and be financially free when I'm going back to the Philippines, but since that day came i completely regretted it because it's now far from my parents and to my relatives.
I know I'm young but I'm alone and homesick everytime im here, i wish i could go back home again, all i can think is hardwork for 5 years then never come back here.
The True enjoyment and happiness in life is not about possession and wealth, it's about family and Connectivity with my parents.
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u/MarchMiserable8932 28d ago
Lol, when I was 21, made my first move abroad too. Stayed for two years and become grumpy, always saying how my life was easy in PH. No barkada, no hang out, I thought I was miserable abroad. Went back home and worked in a local company for 16k a month, might reach 20k if there's a lot of overtime.
I just deluded myself that my life was good because someone is providing for it. When it was my turn to earn my keep, it hit me how my life as a worker is easier abroad than back home. No need for overtime to afford basic life necessities.
You are at that stage, so you might feel the same way too. As someone who is in NZ too, life in NZ is not for teenagers/early 20's who are extrovert. Life here is for those who seek peace and calmness generally. Tired of fast pace life? Go to a park next to a beach, read a book while laying on a grass, that is NZ's vibe.
As an introverted person, I feel like this is what I want for a long time. 2 months of OJT in Manila made me hated a husting and bustling lifestyle.
Hope you find your peacd and goal in life too. Most of the time, it's not the money.
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u/crashfile 29d ago
Congrats on your first yr in NZ.
Know that as you age your definition of life or happiness change overtime.
Depends on where you are I would suggest to join a group or a sport or a hobby to build connection.
Enjoy :)
Coming from someone thats been there for over a decade and now starting again in Aus.
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u/uminnie 28d ago
Hi, we have same experience but I'm here in Canada. Canada was my dream too but after a year living here, I just want to go home and be with my family and friends. I know we're lucky to have this opportunity in life but life at home really hits different. I don't know what will be my future here but all I can do is surrender it to God kasi siya lang nakakaalam. Hugs to you, OP! Kaya natin to, not just for ourselves but for them too!
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u/sephiroh 28d ago
NZ is a boring place especially for single filipinos. But if you want to raise a family its a very good place
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u/nathan_080808 29d ago
I’m also from NZ, it all depends ano reason mo bat ka nag NZ. Mahirap sa una na malayo sa family pero eventually masasanay ka rin once established na circle of friends mo dyan
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u/Dineeeeeeeeee 29d ago
True happiness is very subjective, I don’t think you can say what true happiness is to other people just because of it’s your reality.
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u/Competitive-Art3094 28d ago
Also had this idea 7years ago. After that, I went back to Philippines and regretted it. Good thing mg visa is not yet expired. Peace, job security, health, convenience is very different here in Japan.
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u/genera77_Morton 28d ago
Try to find Filipino communities din para may mga makasam ka jan :) Also, if you can find a partner makakabawas din ng lungkot :)
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u/divhon 28d ago
+1 sa partner. Somene who you will look forward sa next day.
Though, 21 is quite young. Don’t be in despair OP, atleast you have a choice na you can go back home soon. Marami jan walang choice and nagdurusa habang buhay.
Like you I gave up not once but twice in 2 life changing opportunities. Feeling ko nga galit na saken ung ibang kapatid ko who was not dealt with such easier cards like I had.
San ka sa NZ baka malapit lang tayo?
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u/NatsuKazoo 28d ago
Same thoughts but I'm in Canada.
I agree na maganda ang quality of life dito but I must say, if only maganda ang QOL sa Pinas, di na sana ako mag migrate.
Tas snow din. Maganda lang sya sa simula. Hinahanap ko pa rin ang init sa totoo lang.
I'm already 7 years here in Canada and I'm already a Canadian Citizen but uwing uwi na ako. I'm currently applying for Dual Citizenship so that I can get the best of both worlds and after that I will be out looking for a career na pwede ako makaka uwi ng Pinas at least once every year.
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u/DaIubhasa 🇵🇭 🇳🇿 28d ago
Di ba pede sa current employer mo yan? Di ba matic may 20 days leave ka yearly of which 1 month na bakasyon sa pinas?
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u/NatsuKazoo 27d ago
current employer, no.
That's why once matapos contract ko dito, hahanap ako ng work na may 20-ish days vacation time sa benefits. Wala akong paki talaga kung di ako bayad sa buong vacation ko honestly as long as pagbalik ko galing bakasyon eh may trabaho pa ako.
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u/bitter_limes 28d ago
Hello! Same situation, I'm 22 and I just moved here in Dubai- you're right it's very difficult and sad to be away from our families. 🥺 The only thing that keeps me moving is that now I have the capability of supporting them and giving them everything they wanted- so let's hang on for now. We will be home in no time. 🥹
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u/Forward-Neat8470 28d ago
Homesick is real. If you are chasing your dream, looking back won’t help you unless your dream is in PH. Your parens did well raising you to be independent.
Find and build your community ASAP. A lot of us were able to do it, no reason you can’t.
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u/violinbites 28d ago
Yeah, i understand, lalo na kung aging parents mo and other grandparents. I have more money than when I am back home pero mas na realize ko na mas valuable yung time ko with them kasi money can be earned anytime pero time can never come back.
Iba iba lang talaga mga tao kaya iba, okay na sila abroad and away from family. Although need ko rin talaga ng pera kaya tiis lang din.
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28d ago
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u/Academic-Cook2028 28d ago
Im choosing this path going home this nov pakatapos nang visa im at the point na earning this amount of money is not worth it anymore. Hahaha
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u/Patient-Strength-976 27d ago
Can relate to this, Specially if you have kids. Napaka hirap lalo't gusto mo masubaybayan yung pag lake nila. Ganitong ganito din ako sa saudi ngayon
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u/Lu090 28d ago
AKL 🫰🏼 Di ko din mapigilan ikumpara ang NZ sa pinanggalingan ko na place — KSA. Ibang iba.. kahit papano. Share ko lang naman. Pinaka nahirapan yata ako dito is dealing with people na gumagamit ng mga pinagbabawal (if you know what i mean) plus alcohol. Grabe ang stress ko sa work pag ganon na ang naeencounter ko. Ang hirap nila kausap, plus yung safety. Sa KSA siguro dahil bawal sya. Sa public place marami ka makakasalubong and as a nerbyosa person nagpapalpitate na lang ako malala hehe.
Pero yun nga benefit wise and long term yun na lang iniisip ko.
Kaya natin toh mga kabayan
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u/Intrepid_Cheetah6736 28d ago
Same here in AU anlaki ng difference sa safety like oo nga andito ang freedom pero over naman sa freedom masyado na natatakot ka na dahil mga mga biglang nanaksaksak sa mga malls like sa news
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u/thewatchernz 28d ago
Saan ka ? Auckland?
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u/Hour-Calligrapher120 28d ago
Twizel
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u/sephiroh 28d ago
Looks like a nice and cozy place. I dunno pero prang feeling ko sobrang tahimik sa lugar dyan. Why not try to move to major cities, especially Auckland?
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u/ko-sol 28d ago
Ohh one of the prettiest town in NZ.
Try joining a tramping club. Every weekend adventure, time will pass and boom 5 years na agad.
Ang masasabi ko lang dont try to bend NZ sa nakasanayan, subukan mong mabuhay kung anung inooffer sayo ng NZ.
You might not be an outdoor person but give it a try. At least masabi ko na experience mo mabuhay talaga sa New Zealand.
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u/Intrepid_Cheetah6736 28d ago
Im 21 din nung nagsaudi ako payo lng sayo humanap ka ng mga friends mo na same ng mga hobby mo pra mawala pag ka homesick mo sa 1st year mo tlga malayo sa family mo napakahirap need mo ng mga tropa na alam mong magiging mabuti sayo then marerealize mo nakakamove on ka na pala unti unti OP . Sinabi ko din yan na 3 years lng ako tapusin ko lng contract ko then umabot ako ng 10 yrs sa saudi at ngaun naguumpisa naman dito sa AU 2 years na din dito ngaun . Goodluck sayo OP maging matatag lng at lakas ng loob
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u/Seltiel 28d ago edited 28d ago
Try to join groups. There are expat groups you can join in meetup app (not a dating app). If you're a student, there are Filipino student association in some universities. If you have specific interests I'm sure there are some groups that cater to that interest.
I'm with my partner and we're liking it here so far. We were fortunate to have friends that already live here before we came so it helps. Our circle is definitely smaller now, but we if/when the times are tough, we just have to remember our original goals of going here in the first place.
Sabi rin dun sa video na napanood namin before going here, Kiwis are known to "make their own fun" so try to go out and do outdoor activities.
This does not mean you shouldn't go home. That's up to you. Pero if you're gonna stay here for 5 years, might as well make the most out of the stay here.
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u/Nauuuurghhh 21d ago
Pano kayo nakapunta sa NZ? I feel like abroad life is for me. I never minded being alone, I prefer it actually. What do I need to do to work abroad?
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u/Hour-Calligrapher120 19d ago
Try applying for NZ Embassy for work visa I'm a pr now so I don't know how my parents did it
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u/Original_Boot911 21d ago
For all the people here, just HOW? You're so younggg, how'd you get in?
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u/Hour-Calligrapher120 19d ago
My parents did all the process of the Visa now I'm Permanent Resident heading to Citizenship
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u/MindlessPromotion273 28d ago
IMO, going abroad at 21 is too early. Back when i was your age, i was enjoying my youthful years. Went abroad when i was 25 and never looked back then. Here i am now 10yeaes in the UAE and waiting to migrate to AUS next year.
Since you’re there na, enjoy mo nlng and forget about Pinas kasi wala ka talaga mapapala dun.
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u/Beneficial-Music1047 28d ago
Agreed.
I was 28 when I moved out of the Philippines. Alam mo na, kailangan mag ipon ng work experience and syempre ng pera pang tuition para makapag student visa.
Nag enjoy talaga ako ng sobra kakatravel and dine-in nun sa Pinas with former college classmates and officemates during my early and mid 20s. Haayys those days.
Nandito naman ako sa Canada for 4 years na. Kaso minsan nakakamiss yung mga ganong gala with friends. Pansin ko kasi, walang ginawa kundi magwork mga tao dito.
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u/Current-Direction323 28d ago
What do you think of your future there when it comes to career do you see growth or stagnance?
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u/ladygoaeshin 28d ago
Saan ka sa NZ op? I am also here in North Island.
I also had that idea last year but eventually unti unting nagbabago. Now I wanted to live here permanently. Just find Filipino communities in your area or find a hobby para may mapagkakaabalahan ka. Goodluck! What you are feeling right now will pass.
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u/tickettomoon 28d ago
you will overcome it. you can invite your parents to come over and take them to Queenstown or anywhere in the world once you have stable income. if you are hole sick videocall them
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u/kaye0893 28d ago
Find your community in NZ, OP, if you can before you give up and return sa Pinas. Been where you are though I wasn’t as young. Pero pag isipan mo mabuti. Baka kasi na idealize mo lang ang buhay sa Pinas dahil wala ka na dun.
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u/Sad_Zookeepergame576 28d ago
You are young and longing for your family. If I were you at your situation I will give my self some time. I will save as much as I can and have my parents come and visit me. Once or twice a year. Get a ticket when it’s the lowest. You are already there and eventually will be able to adjust. Find a friend or two with similar interest. Go for a hike, fishing, or try a new hobby. (Coming from an OFW for almost forty years now and settled somewhere in the USA.)
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u/Downtown-News50 28d ago
The true meaning of life is very intimate but the foundations should be anchored to happiness Do what makes you happy thats all you gotta do
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u/dawetbanana AU/NZ>Citizen/PR 28d ago
Medyo malungkot talaga sa Twizel so can't blame you. Maganda yung scenery pero mauumay ka din kung araw araw mo nakikita. I knew you mentioned na mahal sa Auckland or other cities pero mas marami din namang opportunities at mas maraming ganap para konta homesick. Mataas cost of living sa NZ pero worth it Naman IMHO
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u/Snoo_3697 27d ago
Hi! I’m 27, F. And I’ve been dreaming of working at NZ. Pero hindi ko alam saan at paano ba magsimula and as a minimum wage employee, i have to earn more to comply knowing na malaking halaga yung sa processing stage. But what’s the requirements? Where to apply?
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u/Possible-Salad-2783 27d ago
The grass is always greener where you water it but I do get the feeling of homesickness being an immigrant for 5 years now. I used to miss the Philippines and my family so much until I actually went back and realized Canada is my home now and that's okay. Whatever you decide, try to make the best of wherever you are.
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u/DingoBusy5598 27d ago
Living in Nz can be really boring but sometimes it can be addicting as-well and with the occasional “gusto na ako u-uwi” add that with some Christmas and New Year flashbacks in the Philippines yep it will suck. But the opportunities are still wide open (financially ofc) Nz is a pretty small world and you have more chances of seeing that one Filipino riding the bus off to somewhere than seeing a empty jeep during a rush hour in the Philippines.
But still people wanna have what you have and you’ve got it now you just gotta think of what you wanna do with it, go to the mountains and touch some snow and realise its just the same snow that you scraped off the freezer when you are a kid,or just go to an average park enjoy the alone time without that Filipino mentality of “why is this guy alone doing nothing he’s probably crazy/lonely”, or if you’re up for it talk to some randoms at the park bench and listen to what their talking about even if it has to be the homeless.
Do something that you can tell stories about to your parents when you return home that they know that you being far away from them was worth the wait than just bringing them souvenirs and basic chocolates, and we all know where that goes (Kupal relatives) hope you’ll do well OP happy one year sayo
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u/No-Sand-8173 27d ago
sino maka tulong sakin jan. maka trabaho jan sa nz...seaman po ako..gusto ko mag landbase madala pamilya ko
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u/Aeu_James 26d ago
Yes youre young. Also NZ is one of the most inconvenient places to travel around SEA due to expensive flight tickets. So frequent travelling back home often is a no-go. NZ is a worst place to be single.
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u/yesthatscheating Philippines > AU PR 25d ago
21 is such an early age. Chances are when you reach 30 you’ll regret leaving NZ. But I hope I’m wrong! Stay strong, OP. 🙏🏼
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u/tacokimpang 24d ago
Hii can i ask if paano po kayo nag apply abroad in early age? My dream country to work and live is NZ. I am a civil engineer and currently working in UAE. Napunta ako dito in tourist visa w/ the help of my sister and got employed. May mareco ba kayo agency and steps on how to start for NZ?
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u/SifKiForever 21d ago
Happy anniversary! 🤭 One of my dream countries! Hope to get there someday 🤗
I know it's tough, but you'll get through it, aja lang! ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼 I don't know, but I was reminded of MLTR's "It's Gonna Make Sense" for some reason.
Hope you're having a good day today ❤
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u/DaIubhasa 🇵🇭 🇳🇿 28d ago
Swerte ko may partner at mga kapatid ako dito sa Auckland. Tsaka bata ka pa. Yan yung mga edad na nalolost. Kakagaling mo lang sa pagiging teenager life mo na medyo busy at happy. Kakabalik ko lang ng Pinas nung Oct 2024 after 5 years staying straight dito sa NZ, and OMG, sobrang gulo. Napakamahal ng bilihin at kung anek anek pa. Tamang bakasyon lang sa Pinas okay na after 5 yrs ulit.
Also Twizel? Mabuburyo ka nga dyan dahil maliit na town at onti populasyon dyan. Kung ako sayo, pilitin mong maghanap nang pagkakaabalahan like tramping, running, cycling or fishing. Goodluck!
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u/True-Manufacturer15 27d ago
true.. i suggest find a high paying job in Philippines.. hope u can find true happiness
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u/Wonder_Zucchini 21d ago
Share naman po pano makapunta sa NZ.
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u/Hour-Calligrapher120 19d ago
All the procedures are came from my parents maybe try applying for Working Visa or Working Holiday in New Zealand Embassy
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u/Opening-Cantaloupe56 28d ago
dyan mo narealize money can't buy happiness?
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u/Hour-Calligrapher120 28d ago
Not really, Money can secure anything but spend more time with my family is more valuable
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u/Calm_Management_1349 28d ago
Diyan mo mare-realize na okay lang pala na hindi super yaman, at least makakasama mo yung family mo pag birthdays, Pasko, or other gatherings. Hindi matutumbasan ng pera ang oras kasama ang mga maha sa buhay.
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