Well, here I go. Finally making a move. Deciding to chase after an opportunity instead of just letting it pass by, and then always wondering what would have happened if I had just made the effort and given it a go. I said I was ready for a change here, and well, here I go. Making a big, plan-changing, itinerary-altering, travel-stopping change.
I was on a backpacker job website before I left for Australia, and I stumbled upon a job notice for an "overnight crew member" aboard a small cruise vessel (a backpackers on the water, essentially). The job asked for water savvy individuals who were enthusiastic about traveling, comfortable being on the water and around boats, good with people, and a commitment until mid April. I thought to myself, "Hm. sounds like a pretty sweet job for someone like me." And I applied, thinking nothing of it, definitely not expecting to hear back considering the job posting was from a few days ago and I felt like this vacancy would get about 67854 applications. And then I left for Australia.
Well, currently, I am near the very bottom of the SOuth Island, about an hour North of Dunedin. And a day after I have my "epiphany", about making a change, finding work, getting my dive certifications, really taking advantage of opportunities, I get a phone call from the captain/boss of this boat saying, "Hey Kristi, we'd be really keen to have you come up to Paihia for a trial cruise for the overnight crew position! We're doing them this weekend so if you're still interested, let us know!". BLAMMO! AWESOME! Only problem is- I'm currently 1503 kilometers away from Paihia, and it is currently Thursday. Meanimg I would have had to leave yesterday if I were to make it there by this weekend, which clearly is impossible. And it would be a 3 day journey by bus, including a ferry ride to the North Island again. And I would be leaving the South Island before I got to see the Milford Sound, which was one of the top places to see while I was down here. And I didn't actually have the job- only an offering for a trial cruise, meaning I am competing with others for the position.
So I spent yesterday morning in turmoil because I wanted to have a go at it SO bad. I sat on the computer for 3 hours trying to figure out how I could possible get there- train, plane, bus...but it was impossible and I was devestated. So I sent a desperate email explaining to them my dilemma, and that the earlies time I could get there would be Tuesday. In which case I would leave today for Christchurch, spend the night in Christchurch, Head to Picton, take the ferry to wellington, stay in wellington, take the bus to Auckland, stay in auckland, and then take the bus to Paihia, arriving there on Monday arvo, exhausted and very very much over taking the Naked Bus. But- it was do-able. And, by some incredible stroke of luck, I acquired 9 free bus passes by my seatmate last time I was on the bus because he was headed to Asia the next day and had bought too many passes. So I essentially can transport myself there for free, it just will cost me loads of time and my sanity. And when I recieved the call yesterday, with the big bossman laughing and impressed that I would make the 1500 km journey, he told me to come on up for a Tuesday Trial cruise. And with that, I all of a sudden am leaving the South Island for a chance of a lifetime job up in the Bay of Islands.
Logic tells me it is ridiculous to do this; there are loads of job opportunities elsewhere, and 3 days travel just for a trial is a bit absurd, I know. But something is pulling me to go. It seemed like it just lined up perfectly- I decided I wanted to find work, make a change, I got those free bus passes, the commitment til april is exactly the time I wanted to head out...it was lining up in some odd, random way that is just screaming to me "GO DO IT!". So, I'm going. And I'm bloody excited about it- so I hope my insane mission will impress the boss-man and he'll hire me.
And it's a big risk, but the biggest risks reap the biggest rewards. And, if I don't get the job, well...that will suck. But I have to keep the ultimate goal in mind: Fiji and diving. I can find work elsewhere, sure, but I know if I don't go up and at least try this, I will wonder what I really missed out on. The opportunity to live on a boat for the next 2 months is just overwhelmingly tempting.
So- wish me luck as I head out today. Don't hate me because I'm leaving the south island before seeing the Milford sound...eek. But heopfully next time you hear from me will be from the middle of the sea.
No comments:
Post a Comment