There were some funny stories when I first came to Wellington.
Before I came to Wellington, I was a farm girl working in Blenheim and my life was very simple. One day I received a phone message from someone in Wellington – a message that changed my life. She asked if I am interested for an office job in Wellington. I replied yes and we had a phone interview. That time I was camping in Picton. I still remember part of the interview content:
“When can you start working if we hired you?”
“Tomorrow.”
“What??”
Hahaha. She didn’t realise that I was so highly ‘flexible’. Later I realised that she was expecting me to say something like “one month” or at least “2-3 weeks”.
She asked: “Don’t you need to give resignation notice to your current employer? Don’t you need to move all your stuff from Blenheim to Wellington? Don’t you need to inform anyone that you are moving to another city?”
Well, I am a backpacker in New Zealand. Everything I had is a backpack and a few clothes. I have no family and commitment here. I was working in the vineyard as a casual worker so I have 100% freedom. I don’t know where I will be on the next day, because I was kept moving around. Sounds cool isn’t it? 🙂
Now, this incident becomes a joke of my colleagues because of my super high flexibility. And I was very decisive.
I need to go for the physical interview in Wellington on the next day. Once I agreed to come, I realised that I had a serious problem – I did not have any office clothing! I was a backpacker and I can’t wear T-shirt and jeans for such an important interview right!?
Luckily my friend had a set of office clothing and she gave it to me. (Thank you! I really appreciate it.) I immediately bought a pair of working shoes from the Warehouse (a big hypermarket in New Zealand with many branches), so this was resolved! I look like an office lady now! 😛
When I was in the bus and ferry from Blenheim to Wellington, a lot of thoughts flashed into my mind. If I really get the job in Wellington, will I be able to survive in Wellington? If I do not get the job, what am I going to do next? I felt that there are a lot of uncertainties. Anyway I will cross that bridge when I come to it!
I was very lucky that I got the job.
On the night before the first day of work, I was extremely nervous. What will happen tomorrow? I haven’t worked at office for quite a while. I better get prepared. I get the office clothing ready and my working shoes… hmm? Wait. Where are my shoes? Oh no!!! My shoes have disappeared!!!
That time I was staying in a shared dorm at a backpacker’s hostel, my shoes might be stolen or someone might took it accidentally. It was too late to buy a new pair of shoes now because all the shops are already closed (most of the shops in New Zealand closed at 5pm). I need to reach office before 9am on the next day. It takes an hour to commute from my hostel to the office so I don’t think I have time to buy a new one. I only have one pair of sport shoes and slippers. What can I do now!?
I decided to wear my slippers to the office and explain to them. I can’t imagine how embarrassed I will be… But I had no choice. That will be terrible.
When I reached the office, I was very surprised because I saw the Warehouse is very closed to my office! This saves my life! I managed to get myself a pair of working shoes before I walked in to office. Finally I don’t have to be an alien. Phew… I was really, really lucky.
Till now, I am thinking what would be their facial expression if I really wear slippers to the office on the first day of work? 😛 hahaha.
There are many more stories and unexpected things during my time in Wellington. These experiences are part of my memory now. Because of all these unexpected things, my journey in this country becomes more fun. 🙂
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