[damianandtracy]

I have been doing IT for as long as I can remember and reallym would like a change. Becomming a sailing instructor really appeals.

The thing is if I gain entry to NZ with my IT experience, then change career would this affect my right to residence.

Cheers

Damian

[flames]

When I had my interview with NZ immigration for my PR visa (no job offer), I asked that if I couldn't get a job as a teacher could I do other work in the meantime, or was my visa restriced to teaching. She said that I could do any type of work, although, of course, they would prefer it to be in a skilled job that they were giving the visa for. So I took that as I could do anything as long as I could show I was paying tax etc in order to get my indefinate returning residents visa after two years. I am a sailing instructor and would love to be one full time, but I guess it all depends on pay and reliability.
What do you sail?
Good luck - hope it works out.

[damianandtracy]

Thanks for the reply - sounds good an opportunity to get through my mid life crisis...

We currently have a Miracle Dinghy (class up from the mirror -http://www.miracledinghy.org/) Lovely little boat and certainly loads of fun. I got my RYA II last year and am now getting the hands on experience. They do instructor training up the road so I think I would get this under my belt before the move. As to pay yes it always helps but now I am focusing more on quality of life, but then still have to pay the bills. I suppose I could continue to do web design when not getting wet.

Are you out in NZ now ? If so where - we are thinking of the South Island around Christchurch.

Cheers

Damian

[flames]

Where? - now thats the question. My location choice focuses mostly on snowboarding and windsurfing/sailing, so heading to the South Island. I taught sailing in Greece and Turkey for four summer seasons - I love it, but alas, may have to keep it as a hobby. Who knows! I'm in the good position of no dependants and no-one else to take into consideration, but I therefore have more choices, which makes it difficult!

[damianandtracy]

LOL - far too many choices make life far too complicated, or is it fun.

So you are quite a seasoned sailor then - I wish I had taken it up years ago. At least I have now and I love it as do the family.

Maybe a luxury yacht charter around Malborough could be a good business, master thrown in for free.


Damian

[flames]

now that would be nice - I live and dream. Oh hang on - I'm nearly living the dream. Can't wait - September 25th I'll be on my way!

[Timbo]

For what it is worth, I know that our local area school has sailing lessons as an option, although probably extra curricular. This would suggest that as both a teacher AND sailing instructor, you could possibly get the best of both worlds.
I should mention that up here on the Coromandel, we dont really get a winter, so it is possible to get out on the water most of the year.

[flames]

Thanks Timbo - good point. Another choice to add to my list!

[julius]

Hi Damian

I thought I was reading my mind when I read your plans ;) Not with sailing instructor but almost all other fits me. Canterbury is close enough to mountains, ski resorts, sea...I think it is fantastic choice.

Yeah, it seems more promising to move in NZ if you choose a job within skilled area firstly, but as you said, sick of IT all over.

Do you plan your recce trip as a holiday or? If only these flights wouldn't be sooooo expensive. Damn.

[damianandtracy]

Planning it as a holiday - found a bach in Christchurch, just finalising the prices. Trying to create a sort of 'life style' scenario for the kids, broadband, laptops and all the usual stuff one would do but making it a holiday as well.

Hope to get the confirmation on dates tomorrow then will book up. Cheapest I have found is £4,700 for the 5 of us.

Damian

[Beachcombers]

I had a 12 year career in IT, back in the UK. Used my quailifactions to get a work pemit (same field), then we got PR, handed in my notice and headed South. Work in the wine industry now.

So, go for it!

[julius]

I cannot believe :laugh I was thinking about wine industry also... I saw some great job offers in that area.

Fantastic, now I feel a bit more encouraged.