I got a job in New Zealand after my life changed. I love it here, but the pay doesn’t last.

I was surprised at how different the work culture was. We are well staffed, I get frequent breaks, and I finally have the energy to take care of my patients. My work life balance has been restored and I feel like myself again.

However, I will not stay.

To start over, I signed a year-long nursing contract in New Zealand

I had been traveling as a nurse throughout the West Coast for three years when I began to feel the pull to nurse abroad. I knew I wouldn’t be 26 forever and I wanted to move while I could, but the complicated process of moving with my husband and his job was and distraction enough to keep me going.

Then my husband filed for divorce without warning, my dog ​​died, and I broke my ankle in a freak climbing accident all within a month. I knew I needed a fresh start.

I spent the next six weeks resting my ankle and searching the internet for international nursing programs. I was limited to English speaking countries and I remembered a wonderful family vacation in New Zealand a few years ago. I thought it would be the perfect place to come back to. I got a year-long nursing contract in Auckland with good reviews and started the weeks-long paperwork process.

I found an apartment on Facebook Marketplace with an open bedroom. It was a big risk, as I would be staying with five roommates, but the price was much better.

As soon as I applied, I booked a ticket to Auckland. I was surprised when I got there, the apartment I rented was working well, the people I lived with were high-class people, and I felt satisfied. I bought a used truck online and started working shortly after.

I have been here for about three months, and my nursing life has changed completely.

My 12-hour shifts are unbearable

In America, we were almost as short of temporary workers as we were short of resources, so every day was a complete mess. I’ll be lucky to escape five minutes of snacking or showering during 12 hours in the ICU. It was an unwritten rule not to take a break.

I was overworked, tired, and working as a pilot. I didn’t have the strength to take care of two to four patients at the same time.

There was also a special authority. I called doctors by their earned titles and knew better than to bother them with my concerns. Everyone worked tirelessly, so we dealt with many problems alone.

Meanwhile, at my hospital in New Zealand, doctors insist on being called by their first names. Everyone treats the other as an equal, which makes me feel safe to ask questions and express my opinions.

I can’t speak for the whole of New Zealand, but in my particular hospital, we are allocated three 30 minute breaks every 12 hours. a complete patient report and we rest easy knowing our patient is being cared for during the break. Our lounge is stocked with tea, bread and cheese, as well as comfortable beds to sleep on. My breaks are refreshing and prepare me to return to my work with focus and precision.

I live outside of work, but the pay is low and I miss my family

At the end of the assignment to the United States, I would return home quietly. It was like I needed three days of nothing to feel like myself again. I didn’t have enough physical or mental strength to get out of bed until it was time to go home.

A good night’s rest is just what I need to recover from my trip to New Zealand. The next morning, I wake up early to go hiking, surfing or take a day trip to explore. I feel like I finally got my life back.

Even though I’m happier and healthier than ever, the payoff isn’t great

I make one-half to two-thirds of what I made in the US. My finances are manageable because I’m single, I live with a few roommates, and I don’t want to buy a lot of things. I can still explore and travel without budgeting too much. But living on this salary would be difficult for a long time. I also miss my family and friends and I know I wouldn’t be happy if I couldn’t get back to my loved ones.

After my contract ends in April 2025, I plan to go nursing abroad for a few years to explore the world and gain experience. Dubai is at the top of my list because it reportedly has a good work-life balance and a solid salary.

Finally, I return to the States where my family lives. I know that it will be difficult to come back after the damage, so I plan to go back to school to keep my focus and to open up opportunities for a high paying job. I am willing to give up workplace conditions if it means I can get US nursing wage protection and be with my loved ones.

If you have moved abroad for work and would like to share your story, please email Tess Martinelli at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com