It's now two months since I started my new job, life and experience in Auckland and like a lot of people before they enter into the unknown I had mixed emotions.
I remember confidently telling friends that this was one of the most important changes in my life so far. Sure, I had already had the experience of leaving home and becoming independent but this time it was different, I was a working woman, a career bitch, focused and driven, determined to succeed.
On a slightly more embarrassing note I also compared myself to Carrie Bradshaw:
- I would be working as a journalism intern at a prominent national broadcaster.
- I would be living in an apartment right on the city's doorstep.
- I had a head full of dreams and more determination in my pinky than the average person has in their body.
There was this great idea in my head that this was the start of my career and it was going to be impressive.
Well, this didn't last long.
The humidity was an all time high the first day I came to Auckland, the air thick enough to slice and my shoe sized apartment had a lingering smell of old curry and mould and disappointment. On my first night the power got switched off, the dishwasher almost caught on fire and water leaked through into my windowless bedroom drenching a significant chunk of my belongings. Long live my fantasy of a cute and cosy living space. I sat on the kitchen floor at 1am and cried wishing I was back home with my mum. So much for fierce independence.
However, even though my spirits had been a little dampened there was still the possibility of success with my new job. But after my first day all I felt was overwhelmed and scared that there was a chance the career path I had chosen wouldn't be for me (a thought I'm sure is common with students who spend years working for a qualification that's left them with enough debt to put a deposit on a house). So much for the success of university.
All I really needed now was a few more inconveniences and anther set back or two to really push me over the edge of uncertainty about every little decision I'd made that had brought me to this point in time. But like I said, I had a lot of determination and so even though my supply had diminished and was a little worse for ware, my glass was technically still half full, rather than half empty.
So here comes the scheduled positivity. Life is what you make it and I soon realised that my situation wasn't going to help itself. So we cleaned up the apartment, I settled into my new job, which I've turned out to love, and I did what a girl in crisis mode does best: I went shopping (more than once), Carrie Bradshaw would be proud.
And along the way I've learnt a thing or two about fitting into the big smoke:
1. Auckland weather's kinda gross so always carry an faithful umbrella, because there's nothing worse than getting caught in one of it's unexpected showers when you're going somewhere important. And don't be stingy. We all know how embarrassing it is to be that person who's brolly is always flying inside out or has wires sticking everywhere just waiting to 'take someone's eye out'. So invest in one that will last, believe me you'll need it.
2. Ladies, this one's for you. Always carry an extra large black bag. Not only is is perfect for storing that umbrella we just talked about but it's also great for smacking people who don't move out of your way on busy streets and yes, I'm speaking from personal experience here. Other people don't care about anyone so it's up to you to show them who's boss and push your way through the slow walkers (take 'em out one by one is my motto).
3. Don't ever assume you know the public transport system especially when you have a deadline to meet, you'll end up sweaty and trying to control your heart palpitations from sprinting up Symonds Street trying to locate a bus stop. Take time to learn the city, it's quirks, it's side streets, it's hidden gems and it's bus lines. Very important.
4. Last but most definitely not least, stop paying for overpriced coffee, it's really not worth it. If you need that caffeine buzz get on the free filter coffee at work bandwagon or suck it up and chuck back an instant, not as good obviously but not terrible. I tried to take some of my own advice after spending almost $30 a week on my morning cappuccinos and decided my money would be put to better use on something more worthwhile, like towards that holiday or that winter coat I had my eye on. Or, you'll spend it on something equally as frivolous. I recently signed onto a 12 month Les Mills gym contract, nice one Liz *queue eye roll*.
Not much can really prepare you for a new life in the city but by taking everything in your stride things will more often than not work out for the best and sometimes even in your favour. Mistakes will be made, learn from them. You will embarrass yourself in public, own it. You will have days where the world seems to hate you, remember these when you succeed to remind yourself of how far you've come. Everything happens for a reason and you being in a new city is a classic example of this. You can do it and if you think you can't take 5 deep breaths, call your mum and as Bradshaw would say, buy the god damn shoes, you'll thank yourself for it.
Love, Elizabeth.
