How it started: Honestly, I didn't look very hard for the job. I just sorta looked into the whole "working holiday visa" thing and there was a job board that had a few listings that I happened upon. Most of the jobs where for au pairs or bar staff or hotel workers, but there happened to be one software developer job that matched my skillset and interests pretty much exactly, so I sent em a letter/resume. Couple weeks later a got a response, and it went from there. It mostly just happened, I honestly didn't apply to any other positions or really look beyond that one day. I know for a fact that there is lots of seasonal fruit picking/ski resort work all around, but I'm not entirely clear on how the normal job market is faring.

The "working holiday visa" is good for one year for Americans, and you are allowed to do any non-permanent job aside from sex work (in case you were wondering :) ). It is free, and is granted very quickly. The basic requirements are that you must be between 18-30, must have like $2500 US dollars, and must not be a criminal. Because I had been in quite a few "3rd world countries" for over 3 months total in the past 5 years, I was forced to get a chest x-ray to prove I didn't have tuberculosis. Aside from that, I just filled out a form online, and it was granted within a few days after they received my x-ray.

The apartment situation isn't clear yet, but the area I am moving to has a lot of younger workers and seasonal work, so it looks like finding a place quickly won't be a problem. I expect to pay about 150 NZD a week for a shared flat with 1-2 other people. I'll stay in a hostel for the first few days.

I'm not planning on taking all that much, just a large backpacking pack, a big suitcase, and a normal sized suitcase. The rest I'm leaving in my current roommates garage, and my roommate is going to continue using the furniture I have now so that worked out well. I don't really have all that much stuff, so I'm lucky in that respect. I'm in the process of selling my car as we speak, so that should be done in the next few days.

My flight leaves on the 3rd, and was $800 rt with an additional 150 change fee for the return flight, since I'm not sure about that yet. One way tickets are ridiculously expensive, so this way is cheaper. Air New Zealand is by far the cheapest, and is direct from SF or LA. 13 hours.

I certainly know the feeling of restlessness, I just can't seem to be at my highest level of happiness unless I'm doing something new, and that usually involves travel for me. I think most people who studied/worked abroad get that same feeling - it's just so much fun!