The past couple of weeks have been exciting as I have started my new job at the Papamoa Tavern (aka the “Pap Tav”), found a place to live, and done some adventuring in the area.
You might be wondering how my experience working in hospitality (“hospo” as it is commonly referred to here) compares to being a lawyer. I think it’s still a bit early to make any strong conclusions. So far I have enjoyed: being on my feet (as opposed to at a desk in front of a computer), talking to people who are generally having a good time (as opposed to people having legal issues), and meeting/working with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. On the flip side, I do greatly miss the intellectual challenge of being a lawyer and the sophisticated work environment of advisory firms.
Working for minimum wage (for the first time in a decade) has actually been a thought-provoking experience. I am forced to be more disciplined with my budgeting and it is providing a reminder about how financially challenging life can be for low income earners. I’m one of the lucky ones; some of my co-workers have dependants and are the sole income-earners of their households.
I could not have the life I had in Canada (with regular volleyball tournaments, crossfit, and eating out) if I was only earning this much. But my life now feels more simple too: drop-in ultimate games are free, beach & beer hangouts are affordable, and eating local isn’t a big challenge- its a way of life for the relatively isolated country.
Like I said, this experience has been thought-provoking but I still haven’t come to any conclusions about these ideas-for now, I’ll let them float around in my head, while you enjoy some fun pictures of my new “office:”
I found a great place to live. There a three of us “flatting.” I live with an Aussie and a Kiwi. There is a lemon tree in the front yard and peach tree in the backyard. It’s about a 10 minute drive to work and a four minute walk to the beach.
Stay tuned for more adventures…
Impermanent Establishments 