a short story

[jo1]

So after 2 years down the line in a new country with many many new challenges for us both, we decided today we will part ways. We went to NZ in 2007 the job market seemed viable for me but not for my partner and we went back to SA. We never saw Sydney or Australia for that matter, well apart from the airport that is. September 2008 I received a mail from a colleague there is a position at the company he works. Very exited about the prospect, did an telephonic interview and a second one and was offered the position in Sydney dependent on the visa grant. Hectic few months arranging everything from unabridged certificates to selling furniture and the house(not in my name). I arrive 9 December 2007 the evening, yet lagged and tired awaiting this new adventure with open arms. I am escorted by my colleague to his room he rents in Double Bay and gave up until such time I find alternative accomodation. A quick call to K back home arrived safe very exited and we will chat on mail. The next few days are a bit of a haze, arranging papers, cards, bank accounts, access to all the relevant systems and slowly getting to know my way, lunchtimes out and exploring the suburb where I stay.

We keep contact on a regular basis and I spend 100's of dollars on phone calls back home, everything gets too much, the longing and heartache but I persevere and stick it out. I get lost, explore the city on weekends and acts like a typical tourist. There are interested buyers for the house and K. At long last I receive a call that the deposit has been paid in and just waiting for the rest then the transfer will go through. Some drama with the conveyers who bought the place but eventually sorted.

K arrives April/May 2008 and it being winter I am a happy chappy. We explore everything from beaches to shopping centers and everything in between. Then the seeking works starts and it does go slow as everybody know Australian experience counts for a lot. But K does not give up, headstrong and determined to make this work. A couple of months down the line still nothing and the savings account decrease at a rapid speed and the stress factors start to show. Through a colleague an opportunity arise and K jumps at the chance. A few days of training and already the atmosphere at home lifts, it is not ideal but it brings money in. A couple of months later another opportunity arise x SA, and the deal is signed. Resign at the current company and sign a contract. At first all good and well, evening work and challenging on us. Two months down the line and madam informs K 'it is your responsibility to get clients' not agreed to. No client no work. Stress return, financially I coped with the expenses but it is the emotional stress. If one is used to be careful with money and without a job for an extended period and your partner is paying but not expecting knowing the fact it is financially tight you make compromises and attend free events. By no means did we not go out but we went to the beach, walks all around. Pride is a big deal if you come from a background where you were financially stable and how will I pay my part of the rent. It eats at you when you think, how will I react in that situation.

After a six week holiday in SA, we returned home. Sure it was nice to see friends and family, be able to see places but we did not go on holiday to CT and stayed in hotels all over, prices has increased and in the back of your mind you do think what awaits me back in Sydney. Looking for work, stress in the relationship, stress about money and so everything build up to a point where we were not good to each other emotionally. The trust has been broken and communication virtually stopped.

So it is time to go on, with emotions high and sadness in my heart I wonder what the path forward will hold. Life goes on, luckily.

[Mara]

Hi Jo1

So sorry to hear your bad news, hope the road forward becomes easier for you!

[Kyto (Key-toe)]

Hi Jo1

Ouch! Sorry to hear you are having a tough time, Hope your future is brighter from now and thank you for sharing your story with us.

God bless

Kyto

[Jill]

Shame that is really sad, this immigration story is a tough one, I think it tests everyone's relationship no matter how strong it is. Good luck for both of you in your future. Hope you find happiness.

Big hugs, Jill