Taking The Leap…
It takes guts to move to another country…no doubt about it, and sometimes, even just the decision making process can turn the most stoic of people in to puddles of nervous anxiety.
It can also be very easy to over-think this decision and to talk yourself out of it, even though this is a process that needs plenty of planning and preparation. Somewhere in there is a fine-line between analysing the options to death, and then just diving in, boots and all.
I was reminded of this on two occasions this week and in two very different circumstances, both of which I thought would be useful for the aspiring migrant to consider. If you are sitting there wondering whether this is the right move for you, stuck in a “do I or don’t I” limbo, then perhaps these short examples will give you something to work with.
I have recently been discussing the potential move with a South African family and it has taken a while for them to work through the decision making process - to their credit they have been asking all the right questions, carefully weighing up the pro’s and cons. They officially came aboard this week and we have, as is our practice, sent through our very detailed instructions and road-map setting out the process.
I usually like to speak to a new client a week or so after having given them the written details, to clear up any questions, work through those details and ensure that everyone is on the same page. During our call, my client commented that having made the final decision (taking the leap) and now seeing those instructions in black and white (or ocean green and teal), the process suddenly seemed very real. Prior to all of this it was an idea, a great idea, a fanciful idea and a long-thought of dream - but now, being tasked with tackling the Department of Home Affairs for documents, pulling papers and files out of storage and having to compile your life in to a format that INZ will be happy with, the process of migration was almost a touchable, solid concept.
It’s a really good point and one that I think is worth making.
The idea of migrating is often a lovely “hypothetical” and it isn’t until you are knee deep in paperwork, selling off assets, applying for jobs and wrapping your furniture in industrial cling-film that you realise…this is actually happening.
I often say to prospective clients, that until you start the process and begin to work through the initial steps, you will never really grasp the reality of it (or the enormity) but equally when you do start, you will shake off the frustration and angst that comes with indecision and find a new bundle of nerves for what you are about to do - they are good nerves though.
My advice, to those stuck in that in-limbo situation, is to appreciate that when you do decide to go ahead things to become more ‘solid’ and often make a lot more sense. You obviously have to do your homework and ensure that this move is right for you (and your family) but don’t overthink it. You can easily drill down on every finer point and keep drilling, trying to find every answer to every possible scenario but the reality is, until you start the process there will always be something you haven’t yet thought of.
Trust your gut and take the leap.
Of course we would caveat this with ensuring you have confirmed that you qualify and for many people, having a clear pathway, laid out by someone who has walked down that pathway a thousand times before can be incredibly helpful, sort of like the safety net after the leap has been taken.
The second example of all of this leap taking (and landing) comes from a very different circumstance and from someone (a client) who I had worked with eight years ago. I was driving home last night and as is often the case my wife messaged me for a quick stop at the local supermarket. Having purchased the items needed, I was headed back to my car when I saw a familiar face - who also saw my familiar face.
It happened to be a client of mine, who I had assisted eight years ago with the move from Johannesburg to Auckland (himself and his wife). We got to chatting and worked out that he was living only a few streets away from me.
I quizzed him on how he had settled in and whether he thought he had made the right move - he didn’t hesitate. This was the best thing they had ever done and their only regret was not having done it sooner. However what he added to that was that the challenge of making that decision, to take the leap, is not an easy one to grapple with.
Even for them, without children to consider, leaving their lives behind and starting new ones in a new country was no small task. He reminded me again though, that when you make that decision, your perception of the process, changes quickly and for them it was the best change they could have experienced.
With that in mind, my advice to anyone is the same (perhaps refreshed by these two examples):
Do your research, but except that you will never know absolutely all the answers to all your questions - until you start the process.
Ensure you are eligible - get good, solid and honest advice as to your Visa options and how practical they are.
Think carefully but don’t overthink the process. You can tie yourself up in knots trying to answer the “should I or shouldn’t I” question, however sometimes it just pays to trust your instincts.
If you decide to go ahead, commit to the process 110%.
If you decide not to go ahead, that is okay - you haven’t given up, you have made the choice that is right for you.
Migrating is a deeply personal process and it can take years off your life mentally, and add plenty of good years back on, when you finally manage to get here and settle in. Like any major life-changing decision, it needs thought and planning, but in my experience, most clients regret just one thing - not having done it all a lot sooner.
If you are thinking about taking the leap and want a safety net (or maybe a bunjee cord) then get in touch. We have helped plenty of people in the same situation, many of which are now bumping in to years later, having made New Zealand home.
Until next week.
