Looking back at your entire immigration journey, if you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? (This is a question for those who have experienced it.)

Here's the English translation:

Upon seeing this question, a wave of emotions washed over me, as if I was instantly transported back to my early days of immigration many years ago. This is definitely a question that every "veteran" on their immigration journey will ponder repeatedly in the quiet of the night. If I had one chance to do it all over again, this is what I would tell my past self:

I. Adjusting Your Mindset: Embrace "Starting from Scratch" Sooner and More Thoroughly

This is the most crucial, yet most difficult, point. We always tend to think about transferring our successes, qualifications, and connections from back home directly over. But the reality is, you've switched to an entirely new server, and most of your old gear and levels need to be re-earned.

• How would I do it differently?
  • Shed your "halo" sooner: Back home, you might have been a manager or an expert, but here, you are first and foremost a "newcomer." I would tell myself that there's no shame in humbling myself to take an entry-level job, or even manual labor. This is just a transition, a way to better understand this society, not a failure. Back then, due to "saving face," I missed several opportunities to integrate quickly, which I now regret.
  • Embrace "slow living": The pace in New Zealand is different from back home; it's all about work-life balance. Before, I always thought "slow" meant "inefficient," and I felt anxious after arriving. If I had to do it again, from day one, I would consciously start enjoying this "slowness"—go fishing, hiking, or just daydream, instead of constantly pushing myself to "find a good job quickly" or "succeed fast."

II. Language Proficiency: Don't Believe "Good Enough," Aim for "Integration"

Many people (including my past self) think that if their IELTS score is 6.5 or 7, communication won't be an issue. Wrong! Exam English and real-life English are two different things. Being able to buy groceries or ask for directions doesn't mean you can understand your colleagues' jokes, have deep conversations with your neighbors, or truly integrate into local circles.

• How would I do it differently?
  • Create a language environment at home: Don't just drill for exams. Watch TV shows locals love, listen to local radio stations, and even find a language partner to practice daily conversational English (including slang and jokes). The goal isn't for an exam, but to be able to "chat."
  • Be thick-skinned once you arrive: I would force myself to participate in more local activities, even if I was completely lost at first, I would push through. Spend less time in the Chinese comfort zone, and bravely strike up conversations with Kiwi neighbors and colleagues. Don't be afraid of making mistakes or having an accent. Language improves through "using" it, not just "studying" it.

III. Career Planning: Be More Down-to-Earth and Flexible

For most immigrants, career is a major hurdle. Experience from back home isn't always fully recognized, and the need for "local experience" is common.

• How would I do it differently?
  • Research local demand in advance: I would spend more time researching what industries New Zealand truly needs people in, instead of just focusing on the "prestigious" fields I used to work in. For example, sometimes a good tradesperson (like a plumber or electrician) is more in demand and earns more than a typical office worker.
  • Prepare a "Plan B": Walking a single path with blinders on is too risky. If I can't find a professional job quickly, what skills do I have that I can use to "survive" immediately? Can I cook, fix cars, or do gardening? Having a "survival plan" makes the process of finding professional work less stressful, preventing panic due to financial pressure that might lead you to accept a job you don't like or has no future. I would proactively study for a short certificate course; sometimes these are more useful than a master's degree from back home.

IV. Financial Preparation: Don't Just Prepare "Startup Capital," Prepare for the Confidence of "No-Income Living"

We usually calculate costs for airfare, visas, and initial rent, but that's far from enough. The real expenses are during the period after you land when you have no income, but living costs (rent, utilities, food, transport) are all still there.

• How would I do it differently?
  • Prepare at least six months to a year's living expenses: This "living expense" figure is calculated assuming zero income. This money isn't for you to spend, but to give you confidence. With this confidence, you won't be desperate when job hunting, you won't accept a job you genuinely dislike or has no future just because of next month's rent, and you won't be as anxious.

V. Social and Family: Be Proactive, Build Your "New Family"

One of the biggest challenges of immigration is loneliness. Leaving all your family and friends behind means you need to rebuild your social network.

• How would I do it differently?
  • Treat "making friends" as a task: I would be more proactive in participating in community activities, interest groups (like hiking clubs, book clubs), church, or volunteering. Waiting for others to approach you is unrealistic; you must actively put yourself out there.
  • Communicate more deeply with family: If I had a family, I would have deeper conversations with my partner and children before departing. We would pre-empt potential difficulties, such as what to do if a child is bullied at school or if one spouse can't find a job. This would turn the family into a true "team," rather than me carrying all the pressure alone.

In summary, if I could do it all over again, I would put more energy into preparing my "soft skills"—mindset adjustment, language integration, and social networking—rather than just focusing on hard metrics like visas and jobs.

Immigration isn't just moving house; it's a "reboot" of life. The reboot process is bound to have bugs and pain points, but with proactive psychological and skill preparation, this new version of life is absolutely worth experiencing. Good luck!