For many, leaving Kuala Lumpur’s fast-paced hustle culture for a more relaxed lifestyle in another country is a dream. One Malaysian, Nurul Izzah Ibrahim, turned this dream into reality by relocating to Auckland in October 2022 to embrace a slower way of life. Her story recently gained attention on Twitter, where she shared her experience.

“I left because I just wanted to relax and enjoy life,” she said. “I didn’t want to be caught up in the intense hustle, especially in Kuala Lumpur.”

Izzah detailed each step of her move, beginning with her visa application. At 27, she applied for a Work Holiday Visa, available only to Malaysians aged 18 to 30. She explained, “This visa is limited to 1,150 slots each year, typically opening in the first quarter, and costs RM1,200.”

Once her visa was approved, Izzah opened a bank account in New Zealand, which involved a month of coordinating documents and an in-person appointment to verify her identity. She also emphasized the importance of obtaining an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) tax number for legal employment. "I arrived in Auckland on 14 November, had a bank appointment on 18 November, and received my IRD number on 20 November. Without an IRD number and a bank account, you can’t work here," she noted.

The next crucial step was securing a full-time job. Izzah recommended Malaysians find an employer with Accredited status, which allows for a three-year Accredited Employer Work (AEW) Visa sponsorship.

She estimated the total cost of her move to be around RM10,900, covering bond money, a one-way flight, and visa fees. After quitting her corporate job in Malaysia, Izzah began working at a small bakery in Auckland, fully embracing her new, peaceful lifestyle. "I love my job; I get to meet new people, chat, and interact with kids who come to buy fun buns," she shared. “All I ask customers is, ‘Do you want your bread sliced? Toast or sandwich?’ and that’s it.”

Now, Izzah works weekday hours from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., earning NZD27 (RM73) per hour—a fitting arrangement for the simpler life she sought.