Kicked out of Kiwi Country

“I’d given it my best shot, but nothing was working out. Every attempt to stay failed and I finally had to accept that I needed a new plan and a new destination, and that’s when I booked my flight to Australia.”

The solo journey began when I flew from Auckland to Perth after a couple of years of building a life in New Zealand, (a life I loved by the way!) only to have to leave it all behind abruptly after being denied a working visa.

I initially departed Canada for New Zealand to visit my sister, expecting to sightsee and experience the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ for a few months. However, I ended up settling in and staying much longer, as it turned out to be much better than I could have hoped. I went through a lot during my time there—friendships, relationships, a break-up, jobs, travel adventures, and the bane of my existence: immigration applications!

I forged some of the best friendships I ever had, had some of the worst and best jobs in my life, and broke up with the first guy I’d ever lived with—which resulted in me losing my partnership visa and searching for other ways to stay. I tried every angle, like begging my ex to sign the paperwork, securing a student visa, and asking my new employer to sponsor me.

I’d given it my best shot, but nothing was working out. Every attempt to stay failed and I finally had to accept that I needed a new plan and a new destination, and that’s when I booked my flight to Australia.

I picked Perth with a goal in mind: to save money and to prove to myself that I could build a new life all on my own. I booked myself into a hostel for the first week, even though I knew one girl over there who offered to let me stay with her. I wanted to meet new people without anyone’s help and to step out on my own two feet. I aimed to secure a job, a flat, do a bit of travelling, and some regional work (which would ensure my second year in Australia).

I look back now and realise that I have done just that, plus a few other things I never imagined myself doing—like working and living on a farm taking care of children, and cleaning apartments in a mining region.

It’s been nearly two years since I landed and I’ve come such a long way personally, mentally and financially. I now have a great job, wonderful friends and an Irish partner I’m so grateful to have met.

I am proud that I didn’t just go home where it was safe and comfortable, but instead took a chance and had faith in myself to build a new life all on my own.

Author - Myra Advent

Myra Advent is from Canada. She has spent the last few years working and travelling in the Southern Hemisphere and now lives in Perth, Australia with her husband-to-be.