Immigrants share the stories of their journey from their home country to their adopted country.

Each country is different with its own laws, rules and ways of doing things. Its people have different lifestyles, different cultures and even different accent for speaking the same language.

Hearing stories from other migrants helps to make sense of your own experiences, and as you get more involved and settled in New Zealand life and the community, you will be able to tell your own stories.

Here I take you on another inspiring journey with another migrant.

What better way to find out what it’s like to live in New Zealand but from the experiences of others, the more you read the more you’ll see themes, patterns and commonalities emerging, from these you’ll have a good feel about how you’re going to fit-in to the country.

Ajit Singh Gill

I think coming to New Zealand was one of the best decisions of my life. Not because I think this is the best country in the world to live in but because this is the place where I met the love of my life.
My story of being a migrant starts from April 2009 when I came here on student visa. As many others, I also had tough times during my initial years. While studying business, at the age of 19 years, I worked on farms as olive and kiwi fruit picker for about three months. After that I started working part-time at an Indian restaurant. During my studies, I met my wife, Saryu. After meeting her, being friends with her, I decided that she’s the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Though I was too young at that time to get married, but I had decided, so I told my parents back in India that I love her and want to marry her as soon as possible. Our parents agreed and we got married here in Auckland.

Now having a partner with me, I had more responsibilities and hence I started working even harder. There were times when I worked for even 100 hours a week. In Jan 2010, I joined Waldorf Tetra Apartments as a part of the housekeeping team. It wasn’t an easy job. But I worked hard and didn’t lose hope. By the end of 2010, I was promoted to housekeeping supervisor. It sounds like film story but, after six months, I was again promoted to Assistant Property Manager. Then after almost 2 years I was promoted to Property Manager/Hotel Manager, which is my current position.

My journey wasn’t a bed of roses and all about promotions only. It’s a story of hard work and tenacity. Of overcoming difficult times, the struggle to find a stable job. I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes that might jeopardise my life in this new adopted country, I had begun to call home.

When I was a student I did not value money that much. But once you have responsibilities, you do not want to take risks that might cost my family to suffer. I now realise the value of money and its importance for a secure future.

I got my residency in late 2013. My wife is also working at the Waldorf Tetra Apartment as manager. Life is a lot easier now. But hard work is still part of my life. Earlier there was physical hard-work and now it is mental hard-work.

One thing that I have learnt in these years is that nothing in life comes easy. There are no free lunches and good times come at a price. Success however comes to those who try and never give up. To all those, who are going through tough times, I would like to say that do not lose heart. Just focus on your work or job, give it your best, be patient and wait for the right time. Not every day and every time is the same. So do your best and never let go. Good luck to all.”

Do you also have a story to share that can inspire those in similar situation? Write to us @ reporter@indianweekender.co.nz.

Quick tips:

Immigration tip of the week: Are you filing for a visa and are worried about the time it will take? Make sure you submit the all documents mentioned in the immigration checklist. Your application is likely to take longer in processing if the documentation is not correct.

For newly arrived students, looking for jobs: Go to student job search at www.sjs.co.nz

If you are filing for a job related visa and want to get details on positions available with their different salary brackets, visit www.careers.govt.co.nz