Approximately six months ago I made the decision to return to New Zealand. Being a ‘born and bred’ kiwi the whole time I was in Australia there was almost this gravitational pull to return to New Zealand sooner or later.
This week I arrived back in New Zealand, right at a time when the hot issue in the media is that 28,000 people left New Zealand for Australia last year.
An expert on breakfast TV today told his belief that money is one driver for kiwi’s to go overseas, but career opportunities are really the number one reason.
On looking at returning to New Zealand being able to advance my career and take a ‘vertical’ move for me was of the greatest importance.
I wasn’t about to throw away all I had learnt from working abroad to come back and essentially start again.
I have been lucky enough to make this move successfully through the company that employed me in Australia, LINK Recruitment. Being in the recruitment industry I see first hand areas where skills shortages exist.
While the statistics show that a number of kiwis are leaving New Zealand I truly believe that the New Zealand economy can support careers for professionals domestically and all around the world to shape and grow their careers within New Zealand.
Not many expats returning home will be given the same opportunity that I have to bring their employer back with them but I am excited by the opportunity for our office to be a thought leader in introducing skilled professionals into New Zealand. I am looking forward to using our global sourcing strategies to help New Zealanders return home.
Hey Brien
Good luck with the move and the challenges that will lie ahead of you.
How do you start a new office in a new city?
Jude
Comment by Jude — February 5, 2008 @ 6:59 am
Thanks Jude,
I have no doubt there will be plenty of challenges ahead, but am looking forward to it!
In terms of starting a new office I think the same rules apply for starting any new venture. You need to have a strong strategy, business plan and have researched the market. Whilst I decided approximately six months ago that I wanted to make this move, LINK Recruitment had been looking at it for much longer and were waiting for the right time to enter.
Once you have completed your due diligence around opening a new office, then it comes down to putting your plan into action and utilising the corporate support around you from marketing, IT, legal, HR, accounts etc… It is impossible to be an expert in all these areas as well as your area of expertise, so I rely on these other areas to ensure our success. Without this support the challenges and various hurdles would be much more difficult.
Brien
Comment by Brien — February 9, 2008 @ 9:39 pm