Gatvol!

If you are a South African, or live in South Africa, the word ‘gatvol’ will make sense to you and particularly if you are wondering when your lights will turn back on or when the wi-fi will work again. If you are not South African or living elsewhere on the planet, then the word ‘gatvol’ is a superb way of explaining that you have had a “guts full”.

I was feeling somewhat ‘gatvol’ myself this week when trying to consult with several clients who were all experiencing load-shedding. Between the lights flickering and the internet connection resembling a 1980’s dial-up modem, it was a pretty frustrating experience (probably more for them than me).

Of course, that feeling of being ‘gatvol’ (fed-up, frustrated, over it, or a few other phrases not suitable for this post) is something that many of my clients share, regardless of where they might be coming from. Although not all migrants make the move to New Zealand because they are grumpy and plenty move for other reasons - something we refer to as the “push-pull” factor.

If you are ‘gatvol’ enough to move then it is likely you are being pushed and there are factors driving you to make the move. For others, the lure or ‘pull’ towards New Zealand is often based on a relationship or family or possibly a great work opportunity. Both of these motivating factors bring different perspectives and different approaches to the process of migrating.

The Push Factors

Without picking on just one country, South Africa is a good example of a place that has significant ‘push factors’ driving plenty of its citizens to decide that they need a change of scenery. With load-shedding (for those that aren’t familiar, this is rolling power cuts on a daily basis), water shortages, out of control crime levels and insurmountable unemployment numbers, the reasons for South Africans to want to seek out a new life elsewhere are numerous and understandable. They have also been issues for as long as I have been in this business and they dont appear to be getting any better, any time soon.

When you live under those circumstances, you either become oblivious to it all or, at some point, you just decide that enough is enough. When you have a young family, it is a lot harder to bury your head in the sand and the thought of all the issues mentioned above and how they are going to impact on the next generation can be enough to make you reach for your luggage tags.

Other countries around the globe have similar issues, and we speak to numerous clients from all over the world who have their own reasons for making the leap and many would argue they have no choice. When you are faced with challenges that impact on your daily ability to live or forge out a decent future for you and your family, New Zealand looks like a pretty good option. Ultimately it comes down to where your priorities fall and if you are skilled, speak English and are brave enough to take on the challenge of an international move, then those push factors will eventually lead you out the door and heading our way.

Despite this, I am still constantly surprised by how resilient many people can be (particularly South Africans) in terms of putting up with issues that would have us in NZ rioting in the streets on a daily basis. I have dealt with South African clients for years and they are fiercely loyal to their country, despite their country arguably letting them down in may respects. At some point however, many South Africans decide they are ‘gatvol’ and that there has to be something better out there. The same can be said of a fair few citizens of other countries, who have their own expression for being fed-up with their daily grind.

The Pull Factors

of course, not everyone moves because they feel they have to or because they have had enough of the circumstances they find themselves in - often the decision to move is driven by something pulling them in the direction of New Zealand and usually that has something to do with a ‘significant other’, joining family members who have already made the move or chasing that once-in-a-lifetime business or employment opportunity. We refer to these motivations as the ‘pull-factors’ - things that lead people to make the move, not because they feel they have to, but because they want to. When the Lord of the Rings movies were released and it was widely publicized that most of New Zealand looked a bit like middle-earth, there was a spike in the number of people being pulled to make the move over here. It is funny what will drive people to decide on an entirely new life, in a completely different country.

I remember dealing with a client several years back who approached me for help with a visa application, but from the very start made it clear that he was leaving a great job, great house, great city and would be giving up a lot to make the move. When I quizzed him as to why he still wanted to proceed, considering everything he was leaving behind, he replied “I am in love”. Enough said.

For many migrants, the decision to move is based on either a need or a want that means they may end up sacrificing a great deal to achieve it. Completely different motives to those who feel they are being pushed, but just as powerful nonetheless.

Head, Heart - Who Decides?

For those that have worked with me, they will know that I call a spade a spade and when it comes to making this move, I have built a reputation with my clients of telling them what they need to know, rather than what they want to hear. When it comes to why people move, I am equally as transparent, and always tell people that their motivations have to be their own and this has to be the right decision for them. No amount of cajoling or persuading from anyone else can be considered a good enough reason for anyone to decide on a permanent move to another country. It has to be your decision (or your family’s decision) based on your own motivations.

I have consulted with (and counselled) thousands of people over my almost twenty years in this industry and I have actively discouraged some of those people from applying because my gut has told me that their reasons for wanting to move, might lead them to a significant disappointment. Often people are running away from something and believe me, running to New Zealand is not going to solve whatever problem might have you rushing for the door.

Whether it be your head telling you that your future (and the future for your children) lies elsewhere or your heart pulling you to follow a loved one across the globe to this little piece of paradise we call NZ, you have to find that reason for yourself and hold on to it.

I used to tell people during consultations or in various immigration seminars to work out their “why”, right it down and keep it in their wallet - because the migration process can be complicated and emotionally challenging, so reminding yourself every now and then, as to the reason why you embarked on this process, might be the best idea yet. One of my clients took that advice to heart and kept a post-it note in his wallet, with the words “my children” written on it. That was his ‘why’ and his motivation - a pretty strong one if you ask me.

It is easy to fixate on the Visa process and the different categories, options, rules and criteria but from my perspective, their are so many other elements that go in to making a successful move, all starting with the right motivation.

No matter what is pushing or pulling you to take this leap, whether you are ‘gatvol’ and need to get ou, or are following your heart in the pursuit of another, we get it. We want to know what your ‘why’ is before you embark on this process, because once you have that clear, then the rest will follow.

Until next week…