What the hell am I doing? Surely this is not real life?

[Antallica]

Feeling extra shitty tonight and need have a release.

Started working at Mitre10 full time the other week. Was definitley not the job I was ever going to go after (not many decent jobs going here), but as I was getting close to being told to work at Macca's by WINZ (was on benefit) here I am, working at Mitre10 in Hardware/Power Tools.

I work a 2 week roster, 50hrs & 34hrs. Have every 2nd weekend off & one day off each week. Have no time for my other half, this job is really taking a toll on my relationship too.

Plus I'm stuck in this town, and I can't even do what I'm trained to do (I.T.). My darling has said if I really want to move to Aucks or whatever then "lets go" as she's a bit unhappy in her job as well. Bit skeptical on her handling a bigger town.

So yeah, I've got some real issues here, but who hasn't right? I'm sure more than a few of you feel the same in their work, and that I should just suck it in and work my ass off?

Shit, not really feeling any better after this rant after all. And don't even mention the bike, fuckin thing's turning into a liability each week.

I know for a fact almost everyone else works harder than me in whatever profession. No offence intended to you or your current lifestyle. Peace out.

[Antallica]

Shit that guy has issues alright ;)

But seriously, if anyone knows of any kind of work/career that could be interesting please let me know.

I'm seriously ready to blow this town for a better life.

[StoneChucker]

At the moment, I wake up tired and annoyed and spend all day at work watching the clock to go home lol... I think it may be other things going on at the moment, not necessarily work. So, what I'm trying to get at is, stick it out for a while, until you're sure that it is infact work that is the main problem. If you decide to move, make sure it's a completely joint idea, as if it's not, things will get a whole lot tougher.

While you are working, keep on looking for another job, sending out CV's, phoning companies, the whole nine yards... Another thing to look at is, often you can start in a company doing something really cruddy, and over time, move up and/or across the company ladder, possibly ending up somewhere more to what you had in mind. Thats what happend in my case, although I'm still a few rungs of the ladder away from where I want to be :doh:

[Ms Piggy]

Hey Matey,
Hang in there. It is a HUGE adjustment you've made. Maybe you and your fiancee need to sit down and work out a strategy for spending time together and also being able to get stuff done. I dunno if you used to see each other heaps but it's possibly a luxury most people don't have. I could be wrong so please choose to ignore what I just said if it's :bs:

I dunno but I reckon if you've just started the job try to stick at it for at least 6 months and then maybe start trying to apply for jobs in Akld. After 6 months you'll have a reference and a work record. If you leave now you'd have squat. If you're unemployed in Akld you'll be unhappier b/c chances are you'll also be worse off financially.

[Antallica]

SC: Yeah I know mate, I just don't feel this is my calling and it sure isn't what I am trained for and not really even interested in. As for joint decision, I have the go ahead as of before I started this thread. We both feel the same way in reality. I'm 80% sure it's the job, we'll see anyway. Can't just up and leave work anyway.

Also me working such shit hours I haven't even got time to look for work let alone travel to look better. Looking at the newspaper and online is so limited.

CSL: I'll be married in 6 months & even worse off financially, need to slot myself somewhere good like, now.


As mother has said, "Welcome to my world". I guess I just gotta put my head between my legs and kiss my bum goodbye.

So far, so good, so what!?

Teenagers are too ill-prepared for life. What has this world come to when all we live for is to work, just so we can hand over our hard earned cash to the ever increasing cost of life?

BULLSHIT!

[StoneChucker]

I know what you mean about having no time to do anything. I start at the annoying time of 9am, and finish whenever, up to 9pm. It's tough sometimes.
Count yourself BLOODY LUCKY though. As far as I'm concerned, since you've got someone to share this life with, however cruddy it may seem at the moment (life that is), you're alot richer than some. :yes:

[Ms Piggy]

CSL: I'll be married in 6 months & even worse off financially, need to slot myself somewhere good like, now.

Did you ever think that maybe that's not a realistic idea at the moment. Sorry Ant - I don't mean to sound harsh or dismissive I can sympathise with your plight but slooooooow down, take a step back and make a plan.

Why will you be worse off once you're married? Aren't you both working?

Just don't make any rash decisions, plan things through. You and your future wife have got your whole lives to stuff it up but if you make some hard but right choices now you'll be set later.

[Antallica]

Yeah I might have just panicked there, it's just that I have debts and so does she. We're both working, but she's part time. Budgeting in this century is a bitch.

[Ms Piggy]

Yeah I might have just panicked there, it's just that I have debts and so does she. We're both working, but she's part time. Budgeting in this century is a bitch.
I hear ya buddy. So maybe that needs to be your 1st plan, pay off the bills and enjoy what you got. Hang in there dearie.

[StoneChucker]

Budgieing, fudgeting, bludgeting, hell I can't make out what you're on about :whistle: I live from month to month, so long as the bank balance stays around the same (I'm not TRYING to save at the moment) :argh:

I tried once, I even have the excel sheet to prove it, I just can't be bothered. The extra bowl latte at the flying fish, after a ride to martinborough is impossible to plan for. Oh, and the extra tank of gas to get there. Sometimes if I have money spare, I buy food and shit...

[Antallica]

Yeah mate, I have the Excel budget too, easier on paper/pixels.

[Al]

Antillica, this might or might not give some insight or courage to face another "retail" day:
We arrived in NZ in 2002 and landed in Akl, wherer all the jobs are (yeah, right!). My wife got a job very quickly (accountant with 2 degrees) and since I am a Metallurgist, specialising in Aluminium, no job for me, Invercargill is too far and too cold.
So, started working at Dick Smith Electronics.... never hated anything as much as that job, every night I would scan job sites and send out CVs, went on for 6 months and I got the job I have now, not in my line of work but a lot better prospects.
Don't give up or become despondent, things have a way of sorting themselves out (eventually).
Hang in there buddy, talk to and with your girlfriend and sort out things before you get married and before you have kids.

Al :yes:

[カワサキキド]

Get the hell out of the country for a bit, help put things into perspective, don't worry about money just scape up enough for a ticket and some accomadation and go!

[bluninja]

You need a good life coach you do :whistle:

This may or may not make you feel better....I've returned to the UK cos my wife and kids missed the family in the yUK. Though I had 18 years experience in IT service and people management and had run a successful coaching company in NZ I was unable to get a position in the weeks leading to the return home....or since. I took a mortgage advisor position to improve my face to face and phones sales....and left when the money never materialised. An IT contract rolling out windows 2000 to 1000 workstations was pulled after 4 weeks and I am now scraping a living driving a taxi. Still I am debt free and my 3 kids are still clothed and fed, and my wife of 19 years still loves me ahhhhhh :calm: Oh yeah and I have an RSVR that's all mine...shame I can't afford to insure it.

I will return to coaching as it's what sets me on fire, I'm good at it, and the financial return will not be as bad as driving drunks every night.

BTW my wife and kids have come to the realisation that NZ is far better for us than UK. Sadly it will take time and money to plan the return......unless I found a job that I could just fly over to and start on.

[Antallica]

Yeah, just gotta suck it in and do this for a while eh.

Hard being a completely IT guy trying to do something completely different. Ahh well, just gotta enjoy it as much as possible. The people are mostly sweet anyway.

[ching_ching]

I notice there are few IT people on this site. Can't any of you hook the brother up?

[KATWYN]

Yeah, just gotta suck it in and do this for a while eh.

.


You got it. Patience & sacrifices are the key. Start saving, even just a few dollers a week (put it in an account that is a hassel for you to get money out of - after a while you will forget you are even doing it), in the meantime, get rid of the debts. It could be you both need to make some sacrifices in some lifestyle choices for a while. Anytime you have a few extra dollers after
debts are reducing, add it to whats going into your savings account.

Living expenses are all relative to where you live (ie) you might earn a little
bit more in Auckland, but your rent and expenses reflect that increase in earnings as well. It would be no different to living in Whangarei (in fact it may be harder to save!)

Once again, Patience & sacrifice (by the two of you) - it will be worth it in the end :)

[Paul in NZ]

Mate... You just gotta suck your gut in and go for it... It's called work for a good reason, if it was that much fun it would be called a hobby!

I like my job! But I've had shitty years and shitty jobs too. However, even a crap job can be a lot better with a good attitude. You are not going to be working at Mitre 10 your whole life but you will have to carry your attitude with you for that time. Spend some time and get your head straight now and the rest of your life will be a breeze!

Every day, even in the best job in the world you will need to deal with unpleasant tasks and or people. If you do it with a smile, even though you hate it and do it as well as you can, you will feel better about it.

Make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way! Working in the power tool dept might not be your dream but success breed success! Sell more tools, stack those shelves better whatever it takes!

Paul N

[Mongoose]

Financial woes are crap and will strain most relationships. If your own budgeting is not working, hard as it is, try budgeting advice, they are tough, because we as humans tend not to be tough enough on ourselves financialy, but fair and do not expect no treats at all.
My tuppence worth, been there so do appreciate what you are saying.
Only other thing I would suggest, if and when you decide to move, get the job first.

[vifferman]

Coupla things:

You're still young. I know it's not normally a characteristic of youf, but try to be patient.
While you say you have debts, you're not yet saddled with a mortgage or anything serious. At least you've got a regular income, so if you're sensible (and don't just bugger off overseas like someone suggested), you should be OK. Sounds like you're managing your finances OK, so try to get some money put aside because you'll need it if you do move to D'Auckland for work (it's expensive here). You'll need a deposit for accommodation, some furniture, etc etc.
Try to formulate a plan for where you're going - it will help. My life has been just drifting along, and while I'm paid OK, and have a job in IT (woohooo....), I've been here over 5 years, I HATE my job :angry2: and it's ferked my health. All because I didn't plan a career, and didn't follow my passion.
Realise that while there are lots more jobs in D'Auckland, there's also LOTS more competition. We get over 400 (!) applications every time we advertise, partly due to everyone pushing the "jobs in IT" barrow, so there's bazillions of IT graduates vying for a handful of jobs. If you can make some contacts, rather than applying on-line or through an agency, you've got a better shot at it. Apart from a few people I've met through KB, I've got no contacts, so it's hard to 'get a foot in the door'. Also, I'm old and crusty, and everyone knows once you're over 30 you have no brains anymore. So you've got what... 12 years (?) still to get your 'dream job'.
FWIW, my son is just a bit younger than you, and is an absolute computer / technology / telecomms whizz. He's working in a shop too, and he hates it too. But despite spending much of his 'discretionary income' on techno toys, he's paid off most of his car, and he's established a good work history, which counts for a lot. Remember: it's easier to get a job if you're already in one. Not only does it make you look like a better prospect (referees, work history, etc.) but it also makes you less desperate and this helps in interviews.
Get some qualifications behind you - it's a very competitive job market.
Hope this helps a bit, Ant. Keep your chin up, and try to keep a positive attitude. Keep an eye open for opportunities, rather than dwelling on the problems.

[scumdog]

What Paul & Mongoose said. You won't be at Mitre 10 doing the same job FOREVER!
Tough it out to get a bit of employment credibility and DO NOT leave until you have another job to step into.

Your comment about "working you guts out etc" is a fact of life, if you just want to 'exist' then laze around, if you want to 'live' then you'll have to work matey, especially if you want a few 'toys'.

BTW, regarding your hours, I've done 11.5hr nightshifts in a factory, 5 days a week (overtime meant coming back on a Friday night) AND I had a 72 km drive each way to/from work, I toughed it out for a year and moved on.

Now? Unsure of exact finishing time each day/night or if I'll get called out and I get one weekend in three off work (although I have at times worked 5 wekends in a row before getting one off) but I like my 'toys' and like the variety of work (not sure about some of the clients though!).

It's called 'life' and we all have to pay our 'dues', Good Luck!!! :)

[MikeL]

Swap ya.

You can have my job, salary, assets (house, 2 cars, 2 bikes, bank account...) - the whole lot.

One catch: you have to have my age as well. I'll take yours.

[manuboy]

Coupla things:

Try to formulate a plan for where you're going - it will help. My life has been just drifting along, and while I'm paid OK, and have a job in IT (woohooo....), I've been here over 5 years, I HATE my job :angry2: and it's ferked my health. All because I didn't plan a career, and didn't follow my passion.


Hahaha.. not laughing.. just wondering how many people that comment could apply to. Me and 75% of the popultion maybe? I WAS the same, then one day i just figured that hating my job was taking up 90% of my energy and the farkin job didn't deserve that.

Ant, just a few comments:

One of the VERY few things i can say in life for SURE, is that there are always worse things you could be doing. Try not to forget it. In fact, every time you think about how much the job thing sucks (which might be only a part of your "issues"), instead think about how much other stuff doesn't suck. Like your partner and stuff...

Mate i'm sure we could easily start a competition here. I've done everything from orchard work to freezing works to farm labouring, but the worst job i seen is the ladies in Nelson, in NZ King Salmon who get paid heaps (boredom pay - really) to pick bones you and me couldn't even see out of salmon for 7 hour shifts. They stand there with tweezers mate in a cold aluminium room. Faaaaarrk that.

Also, don't underestimate your health.... nothing like a few mates in wheelchairs and rellies up and dying and stuff to knock some sense into you about the value of the SMALL things in life.

Oh yeah... the odd ride in the sun with a bit of a grin on ya dial is always good.....

[Ms Piggy]

Hey Ant,
There is some VERY good advice being given out here and it's being given out by people who have the experience (see like the way i put experience and not old codgers!) and hindsight, myself included.

At the moment you may have to work to live. All the best.

[Dr Bob]

Ant

Well where do I start. I guess the first thing is don't worry too much, there is plenty of time to sort it. I have worked in multiple industries and have had at least three distinct careers- don't think that you are stuck in I.T. even if you can't get a job in I.T.

Don't move to Auckland without a job, I was made redundant twice in six months in the early ninties and probably felt much worse than you do. I went to uni at Waikato and got a degree then a Phd. It took a massive chunk of my life and I had very little money; however, I didn't stop living during this time, I just did different things. I worked as a chef, I started martial arts, I met a girl... and while we were both full time students we bought a house (albeit a very cheap one).

Think about these options.

Join the airforce and become a pilot. They will pay for your further education and you get a licence. You will be away from your girlfriend / wife at times but they often have cheap accomodation on the base - you both might like it and you won't be able to spend money.

Become a teacher, primary or secondary. The Govt. is looking for both I.T. people and Males, you can probably get a good scholarship. The pay is good and you don't have to live in an expensive area of the country - we have schools in most parts of N.Z.(although that is changing a bit).

Sign up to a talent agency to work as an extra / model.

Write a book.

Look through the situations vacant and look for what might be a shit job at the moment that has definate career options.



May the force be with you.

[Motu]

Um...wots IT? I guess it's something to do with computers.

There are a shit load of people who work in the computer field - in the 70s we had shit loads of people working in factories,same thing.You may be qualified,but your chosen field of work is flooded with nerds just like you.Get away from a job where you are one of thousands - get a real job...go work for Mitre 10,take home a wheel barrow every night.

[toads]

Yeah I might have just panicked there, it's just that I have debts and so does she. We're both working, but she's part time. Budgeting in this century is a bitch.

I have to echo stonechucker on this one, having someone to share your life with, and all it's joys and frustrations is not as bad as having to shoulder on alone, and also many people work much longer hours just to pay the bills. Often people are unable to climb out of a finanacial rut and move to another city because they are too committed to do so, you are young enough to have lots of choices, and you have not yet got the responsibility of children to consider, it appears to me, from reading several of your posts, that you tend to worry about all the what if's, I used to do it a lot when I was young ( creaking sounds)
I was given some advice when I had the triplets and panicked about how I was going to cope with the then terrifying future.
here is is, one step at a time, don't try to work out stuff that hasn't happened yet, just take everything that happens each day as an isolated incident, and gradually things will become more managable and clearer, you can't live any more than one minute at a time. cheers

[toads]

You need a good life coach you do :whistle:

This may or may not make you feel better....I've returned to the UK cos my wife and kids missed the family in the yUK. Though I had 18 years experience in IT service and people management and had run a successful coaching company in NZ I was unable to get a position in the weeks leading to the return home....or since. I took a mortgage advisor position to improve my face to face and phones sales....and left when the money never materialised. An IT contract rolling out windows 2000 to 1000 workstations was pulled after 4 weeks and I am now scraping a living driving a taxi. Still I am debt free and my 3 kids are still clothed and fed, and my wife of 19 years still loves me ahhhhhh :calm: Oh yeah and I have an RSVR that's all mine...shame I can't afford to insure it.

I will return to coaching as it's what sets me on fire, I'm good at it, and the financial return will not be as bad as driving drunks every night.

BTW my wife and kids have come to the realisation that NZ is far better for us than UK. Sadly it will take time and money to plan the return......unless I found a job that I could just fly over to and start on.

Well, we will look forward to having yas all back again sometime in the future then!! :msn-wink:

[Antallica]

Thanks guys, neded a reality check.

I know all about the 'it could be worse' philosophy, and I usually live by that. Hell I used to work over the road at the New World, bloomin' oats it CAN be worse! ;)

[El Dopa]

BTW my wife and kids have come to the realisation that NZ is far better for us than UK. Sadly it will take time and money to plan the return......unless I found a job that I could just fly over to and start on.

That makes me feel better about coming over here. Not that I have any second thoughts, what with the people here being so nice and all.

Good luck with planning your return.

Ant, lots of luck with sorting it all out. The only advice I can really give is: don't give up, keep pluggnig away at it and you'll get somewhere, whether it's where you are now or somewhere else.

[Hitcher]

I have some advice:

Get over yourself. Life isn't fair, or a fairy tale. Sometimes it hands out some shitty breaks. But it's your life and it seems to me you've got some good stuff going on:

You're smarter than average (a good starter)
You've got a girlfriend/fiance who loves you (full marks there, sunshine)
I get the impression too that your family is pretty supportive
You've got a job (so what if you're not Bill Gates?)
You live in Whangarei (believe me, there are worse places)
You've got some good mates
You ride a motorbike.

It could be worse. Believe me.

[Antallica]

Quite right Hitcher my man. Well anyway, dunno what I was on last night. Did a review of myself and things 'aint so bad at all. Now all I need is to pop some pills for this massive headache I have.

See you all at the BBQ! Hope to bring the other half.

[jrandom]

Well, I rather missed all the action on this thread, didn't I? Not to worry, of course; good advice has been handed out all round. Nothing I can add to...

[Slim]

Quite right Hitcher my man. Well anyway, dunno what I was on last night. Did a review of myself and things 'aint so bad at all. Now all I need is to pop some pills for this massive headache I have.

See you all at the BBQ! Hope to bring the other half.
Beware of depression induced by being tired & run-down. I'm quite prone to the worries you expressed in your original post if I'm over tired and not in the best mood to start.


All of us failed to give you the first piece of advice we should have: get some good sleep and see if it looks quite so bad when you wake up.

Glad to see you're getting on top of it. :)

[Antallica]

Yeah after sleep and the day after it wasn't so bad at all.

[scumdog]

Yeah after sleep and the day after it wasn't so bad at all.
Yup, sobriety and 24 hours "breathing space" will do wonders to give a more positive aspect to life :)

[Motu]

Some lowlife has nicked my Stihl weedeater - I got a Stihl cause I wanted a wacker that I would be able to have for a long time.I may as well of bought some cheap shit thated wear out in 3 yrs,cause that's all I got out of my Stihl....lucky I got a cheap on a model run out.

So,powertool expert - give me some guidance on your product range - it better be good because I'm coming all the way to Whangarai to pick it up.....

[Antallica]

You would have to talk to my collegue Peter about that ;)

Browse online or ask for some advice online @ www.mitre10.co.nz

[duckman]

Ant, If you have a CV together, PM me and I will give you my email addy to send it to.
The company I work for is hiring "IT" folk all the time and perhaps theres something here for you.

p.s. bear in mind this time of year is the worst for looking for jobs.

[Hitcher]

Ant, If you have a CV together, PM me and I will give you my email addy to send it to.
The company I work for is hiring "IT" folk all the time and perhaps theres something here for you.
The first objective in applying for a job is to get an interview. The quality of your covering letter and your CV are mission-critical in meeting this objective.

If you need a hand "sexing up" your CV, send me a PM. I have more than a little experience in this area.

[KATWYN]

If you need a hand "sexing up" your CV, send me a PM. I have more than a little experience in this area.

Can you "sex up" a degree for me- oh and you might as well throw in
a doctorate as well (just PM me for how much you charge) :laugh:

Cheers

[Hitcher]

Can you "sex up" a degree for me- oh and you might as well throw in a doctorate as well (just PM me for how much you charge)
Yes, existing qualifications can be "sexed up". It's all about time, place and relevance.

Sorry I can't help with the doctorate...

(Any fees that may apply are fully negotiable)

[White trash]

Get yourself a job in a bike shop.

I wake up every morning and think, "Fuck, I can't wait to get to work!" Probably contributed to the dismal failure of my relationship with my wife but maybe not.

I'm the luckiest son of a bitch I know to love my job so much.

[Hitcher]

Get yourself a job in a bike shop.
Preferably a bike shop with broadband Internet access??

[HanaBelle]

Some lowlife has nicked my Stihl weedeater - I got a Stihl cause I wanted a wacker that I would be able to have for a long time.I may as well of bought some cheap shit thated wear out in 3 yrs,cause that's all I got out of my Stihl....lucky I got a cheap on a model run out.

So,powertool expert - give me some guidance on your product range - it better be good because I'm coming all the way to Whangarai to pick it up.....

That is so sweet and kind. You deserve a smooch.



You would have to talk to my collegue Peter about that ;)

Browse online or ask for some advice online @ www.mitre10.co.nz

Read it again, sunshine. I think youre getting offered the only thing that makes shitty life worth it...the time and warmth of other people.

HanaB

[White trash]

Preferably a bike shop with broadband Internet access??

The only kind to work/lounge at.

[HanaBelle]

Get yourself a job in a bike shop.

I wake up every morning and think, "Fuck, I can't wait to get to work!" Probably contributed to the dismal failure of my relationship with my wife but maybe not.

I'm the luckiest son of a bitch I know to love my job so much.

A question: did you find the job looking at ads, or use the much more likely to succeed when youre running down your dream "turn up lots and get to know the people and make it clear its your dream job til you get it" method? If it was the first, you are indeed very lucky...

Antallica - coaching is good for identifying what you really would love to do...if youre not sure, try writing down your Job From Hell specs and then work out what the opposite is, thats the specs of a job you might like...

There are also folks on here with skills they are offering to share....Im feeling all warm and soft and cuddly just cos the world has still got it in it to reach out like that to a young guy who asked for it...hot damn, makes a difference in my day to witness it...

The other day I was whinging to myself intensely concerning the procession of cars on the motorway and why did we arrange like in such a sucky boring purposeless fashion...until I saw the birds...just kinda flying around huntin and gathering...just like we do, really..

How resourceful are you, just by the way? My mate grew up incredibly poor and knows every trick there is for avoiding paying for things...like rummaging through skips...using trademe as a clearance house...picking up anything that might be useful to someone and trading trading trading...if you dont look like a serial killer apparently you can even go knock on houses and ask them to let you rummage in their sheds and under their houses..cut deals with them to set a rock bottom price for stuff and if it makes a profit on trademe you keep it...or self active things like that...

I can link you up with my mate, maybe? Hes in chch and email capable. Doesnt own a bike but. Tightest bastard I ever met! :-)

HBelle

[Antallica]

Haha I knew this would happen.

People say that it's easier to find work when you're in a job, well fuck that for a bunch of bananas. Now that I'm in the job I don't want I'm more tied down than before. I can't even go looking for work in my own town than Auckland where I want to be.

Would absolutely love to work in a Motorcycle shop. I'm in the wrong bloody town. Anyone have some advice as to how to get outta here, move to Auck and try to live at the same time? Could use sale of FXR to keep me going as I live with the grandparents and look for work.

Hmm....

[Hitcher]

Haha I knew this would happen.

People say that it's easier to find work when you're in a job, well fuck that for a bunch of bananas. Now that I'm in the job I don't want I'm more tied down than before. I can't even go looking for work in my own town than Auckland where I want to be.
Well, if you're honest with your current employer about your intentions, they may be receptive to you taking time off (as long as you don't abuse this) to go to interviews for other roles. Who knows, there may even be a Mitre 10 store somewhere in Auckland where you could transfer as a starter?

[Antallica]

Anywhere as equally pointless as M10 is fine with me as long as I can pay the bills and have my lady with me. I'll work at someplace basic and boring. The point is not so I can work in IT in a position I feel is a good one/high paying. I'll work as an apprentice or even a car groomer at Frosty's yard!

The point would really be that I actually have people I can meet up with etc. Everyone I know or have been friends with since school etc. have either gone to Uni, or are now dope addicts 'skating around' and going on about how pissed they got the night before. There is nothing for me to do or anyone to see. Since coming onto KB I have met some choice people, I would love to be able to meet up with them casually. Living in Auck would be ideal as I know more people there than here now. There is no social life. I honestly get up at 7am - goto work - finish work - go see my lady for the evening - go home - sleep and start over again. There's no change, no friends, same shit, different day.

The job has never been the problem, it's always been the place. Time to move on, simple as that.

[John]

Best advice I can give you;

Plan - I know its just so tempting to dump everything a feek off to 'auckland with its uber social life', sadly if thats your only real intention that you have dont make the move just yet, stick to where you are and try get some contacts - I will keep an eye out for you (I have a few mates in IT).

All my mates from ruawai (where I spent Form 1 to 2) are all drug crazed losers, buzzing out on P, I know what its like to think how your old mates a just such losers - its semi amusing IMO, but all my mates have turned into drug crazed loonies, from Tinopai (LOL!!!!!), Mungatroto (SP), Kawaka, and otahu, and the list goes on I moved to auckland to try escape from my fate, seems to have worked - I'm trying to get into IT myself.

I'm going to do a Bachelor Of Applied Information Systems at Whanga Polytec (simply becuase I can get a scolarship there), but I know as soon as I finish I will be in auckland QUICK snap, why? whangarei is not a IT based area, and probably never will be.

The best way to 'MOVE' into the industry is to get into Helpdesk work, or get into some sort of service centre, your job will seem more like a 'put up with ignorant dolts' sort of thing, sadly thats the only way in unless you can find someone more in the industry to help you establish yourself.

It will NOT be a good idea to try move to auckland and getting a IT related job while trying to pay for your rent etc, as you will be swamped, you need to have a nice cashflow when you move into auckland, becuase its a biatch to live around, unless you find a relatively good place to rent.

But if your planning to get married, I would DEFINATLY wait until you get into your choosen industry, if thats all that I say that makes sense PLEASE listen to it, because otherwise you will end up trapped where you DO NOT want to be, and that would NOT be a good future, so before you do anything major, make sure that you have established yourself in your chossen/preferred industry, becuase once the kids start arriving (not saying they will just putting it in a perspective) you wont have time for low paying jobs, leading you to be stuck where you dont.

I also must say I talk alot of shit, and if you choose not to take any notice thats fine with me :)

[Antallica]

Yeah good advice. Basically what I'm saying is that I've been trying to move to Auck for over a year now but things got in the way. Now I am able to move on united with my partner. There's nothing holding either of us here and we need to move on. Like you said mate, this town has no IT presence. As much as I would love to try to create my own IT presence here I just want to work.

As for funding there is that dang machine I'm trying to sell. I did have savings, but that went fast as the price of bike gear is lovely isn't it? :p

Yep, I think we're off to Auckland alright. I shall ponder this for a few days.

[scumdog]

Anywhere as equally pointless as M10 is fine with me as long as I can pay the bills and have my lady with me. I'll work at someplace basic and boring. The point is not so I can work in IT in a position I feel is a good one/high paying. I'll work as an apprentice or even a car groomer at Frosty's yard!

The point would really be that I actually have people I can meet up with etc. Everyone I know or have been friends with since school etc. have either gone to Uni, or are now dope addicts 'skating around' and going on about how pissed they got the night before. There is nothing for me to do or anyone to see. Since coming onto KB I have met some choice people, I would love to be able to meet up with them casually. Living in Auck would be ideal as I know more people there than here now. There is no social life. I honestly get up at 7am - goto work - finish work - go see my lady for the evening - go home - sleep and start over again. There's no change, no friends, same shit, different day.

The job has never been the problem, it's always been the place. Time to move on, simple as that.

Move on, NOT just to jaffa-land. Store what you can't/don't want to take, load the rest into your car (or whatever) and hit the trail to NEW territory completely, hell if you made it to here both of you could even work at the freezing works until you find something more to your liking.
After a bit of time when you have a fresh aspect to life you could move back north and give it another go.
I've been down the 'get up, go to work..... etc' road myself and when I had kids etc, not easy.

[marty]

when i was a teenager i cruised thru my appretiship. didn't follow my career dream, although i got married to my school sweetheart (and still are :) ). we travelled a lot (worked for an airline) and had kids early. when i joined the police we went to huntly for a couple of years - $25/wk rent, then hamvegas - $50/wk rent, then bought our second house.

after 14 years of the police, i left to follow my dream. i am working back for the airline - it pays the bills, but it doesn't really DO it for me - sure it's fun working on big jets, but most of the work is repetitive and can get boring. morale is crap too. i gave myself 6 months, and in a couple of weeks start a job in a smaller airline, closer to home, ride my bike to work every day, much better team dynamics, go flying every day. it's permanent night shift, but that works for me.

the point of my little story ant, is that you need to set some goals. they don't have to be life encompassing 10 year plans, just 6 months. hell you've got a wedding to plan, so that's one thing. have a 3 month work plan. look for the good things at work - the good people, systems, projects. gravitate towards them. smile at people - don't fob them off. while you're doing that, look for something else. don't look too hard though, as i am a firm beleiver that when the right thing happens along, you will know it. if you look too hard, then you can set yourself up for failure, as you expect great things, and reality can be so different.

don't get me started on auckland. auckland is not the panacea. the pay is ok (just), but if you are coming from out of town, the living costs are ridiculous. you can spend so much time away from home, at work/commuting, that the higher pay is offset by the reduced time with your significant others. and the weather is crap. today it was sunny/rainy/windy/calm/hailed/sunny/rain/gale force winds etc etc. and that was before 10am! AND they can't drive on the motorways. some of the driving would earn a shunt in the ass if it happened in europe. i HATE people who are doing 90km/h, pulling into the fast (it's called fast for a reason dickheads) in front of me to pass shitty old diesel doing 80, but not speeding up themselves AAARRGGHH - it was lucky i didn't have a gun tonight.

anyway, back to my point. look on netcheck.co.nz. look in the ODT, the dominion, the waikato times even (if you're really desparate).

have you applied for this job? http://jobstuff.co.nz/17eb6322fa1e4c66/details.html?query_id=1373352&top=1&first=1&advert_id=357480 took me 30 seconds to find it. and they have GREAT staff deals

[spudchucka]

Shit that guy has issues alright ;)

But seriously, if anyone knows of any kind of work/career that could be interesting please let me know.

I'm seriously ready to blow this town for a better life.
http://www.police.govt.nz/recruiting/

[jrandom]

http://www.police.govt.nz/recruiting/

That's not a bad idea at all!

What about it, Ant?

[Antallica]

I've thought about it more than once, but I know my other half isn't keen on me being a trooper. I'm probably not up to standards anyway ('aint got full class 1 anyhoo).

"Give me a litre of cola!"

Also our wedding date has moved mega closer and we've had a good chat about it, I think we'll stay here for a while longer yet.

[spudchucka]

"Give me a litre of cola!"
.....or I'll punch-a-size your face!

I love that movie. :spudbooge

[spudchucka]

I've thought about it more than once, but I know my other half isn't keen on me being a trooper. I'm probably not up to standards anyway ('aint got full class 1 anyhoo).
If you did go down that road the selection process takes around 3 - 6 months, more than enough time to get your full licence.

[Antallica]

Wonder if the police have a more technical role somewhere I would suit, probably not though. I'm certainly not a swimmer, plus I hear the exams are shit hard on the old noggin?

[spudchucka]

Wonder if the police have a more technical role somewhere I would suit, probably not though. I'm certainly not a swimmer, plus I hear the exams are shit hard on the old noggin?
They do employ a great many computer boffin types to keep the IT side functioning. The exams are nothing to be afraid of if you have reasonable english and maths skills, you do however have to be able to swim pretty well.

Good luck for whatever you decide to do.

[RiderInBlack]

Na, don't think the PC Plod suits you, Ant. I've meet you a few times now and reckon that your too nicer guy to be a Policeman. The perps would not take you seriously.

Re: AK, Just remember that the grass is not as green as you thought once you are over the fence.

[DEATH_INC.]

I think you're doing well to be employed in whangarei at all.I spent f****n years of my life in that hole with no job.I had to come to jafaland to do it.
Having said that I also had to work some shitty jobs down here too.Like feeding planks into a machine 8 hrs a day......
My advice is hang in there,take their money and just turn your brain off when you go to work in the morning,you'll get used to it and it won't seem so bad after a while.If you let it get to you it'll get you down.You may find it's not so bad if you just go along with the flow and try to learn some stuff(customer service is a sadly lacking skill nowadays).Your relationship will be ok if it's meant to be :hug: (I'm having probs in that area too,from the same sort of stuff as you :shutup: ...).
Don't come down here without a good job to go to,it's f****n hard,I was only able to pull it off because of a good mate and his very understanding partner.It's still a struggle at times even with a good job and good(ish) pay.
Hang in there,it's not forever.

[MOTOXXX]

This may sound stupid but why dont you see if you can get a transfer to an auckland miter10 in a few months or somehting. then go to one of the it recrutment places. they will search for a job for you while you work and at least you would be there and ready to go if a job came up.

also just a couple things.
have to say man you only young eh? I read in ur profile that your born in 86. dude your only 18. is there a big rush to get married so young?

[MOTOXXX]

.....or I'll punch-a-size your face!

I love that movie. :spudbooge


man that movie is fucken funny. watch it on my computer all the time.

"im sorry. those boys get that syrip in them, they get all antsy in there pantsy, ya just cant keep em under controll".

[marty]

hey ant - have you thought about taking a side step in your training? Air NZ cannot get enough Avionic engineers - especially kiwi ones. with the new 777 and 7E7 coming on line in the next few years, computer literate avionic engineers are going to be in hot demand. when i went back to air nz they asked me if i was interested in re-training from mech to elec. some of the pre-employment training is covered under student loan and allowances, but if you are 1/2 decent you will be offered a job as a trainee - 3 years later, the world is your oyster. here's some opportunities going at the moment. 12, 3 month secondments to either wales or germany to oversee the new air nz seat and IFE (in flight entertainment) manufacture - the german one is at recaro! a number of secondments are being sought to go to air mauritius to work on their 767 fleet, secondments to the IT system roll-out for the airbus and 777 fleet for air nz, the list goes on. trainees get pretty good money, good perks (return to london is currently around $960 - business class, perth is about $125 cattle i think). it would be worth a look i reckon.