Phoebe Merrick, 22, and Reuben Sandoy, 29, live a flourishing youth on the bohemian haven of Waiheke Island, New Zealand. This island paradise is known for its breathtaking beaches and picturesque vineyards. The pair take home about $132,000 NZD annually. This guaranteed income allows them to raise their family with less stress while still affording the time to work hard and maintain their home.
Now Merrick works remotely as a freelance marketing and social media manager. He spends about 40 hours a week on this work and serves four local clients. Her husband, Sandoy, runs his own plumbing business on the island. Often he spends 40 to 50 hours a week doing routine home maintenance, repairs and renovations. Merrick pulls in an income of about $70,000 NZD (about $41,000 USD) and Sandoy is able to pull in about $153,000 NZD ($91,000 USD).
The pair purchased the property on Waiheke Island for $1.055 million NZD, just under $621,000 USD. On the deal they underwrote, they brought a 10% down payment to the table. As they get used to their new life together, they’re looking to help pay for current mortgage expenses and future renovations. During the next year, Sandoy intends to handle most of the home improvement projects himself. He will bring his artistic vision and business acumen to transform their creative work environment.
Merrick appreciates her flexible work schedule to take breaks and do her creative work, helping her have a fulfilling professional and personal life. She contrasts this to her experience in the United States. Most of her peers down south are putting in 50, sometimes even 60 hours a week, with few vacation days to show for it.
“Back in the U.S., everyone was too busy to spend time with each other due to work,” – Phoebe Merrick.
Back in New Zealand, the contrast in lifestyle has hit Merrick hard. She explained how people are happier with increased leisure time and more focus on community connections.
“People have a lot more free time, and we’re able to all spend time together, and it feels a lot more social,” – Phoebe Merrick.
Her upbeat perspective on life comes across in her love for the place that she now calls home. She shared that her experience relocating to New Zealand definitely made an impact on her outlook on work-life balance.
“Moving to New Zealand definitely changed my perspective on work-life balance,” – Phoebe Merrick.
To this day, for the couple, living on Waiheke Island truly became the dream. Merrick illustrated her first impressions of New Zealand after landing on the other side of the world.
“All my bosses are very understanding and definitely believe in taking time off as well, including for mental health,” – Phoebe Merrick.
She expanded on the island’s culinary opportunities, focusing on the fact that there’s plenty of great food beyond just flip-flops and tiki huts.
“I felt like a millionaire when I first came over,” – Phoebe Merrick.
Would-be plaintiffs Merrick and Sandoy live quite well on their joint income. They are looking forward to their new future location on beautiful Waiheke Island. What they love is the balanced harmony that their new surrounding brings.
“You’ll go to restaurants, and it won’t be like just a casual pizza or burger — it’ll be a truffle ravioli or caviar on crayfish and all of that,” – Phoebe Merrick.
With their combined income allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, Merrick and Sandoy are optimistic about their future on Waiheke Island. They appreciate the unique balance that their new environment offers.
Merrick summed up their sentiments succinctly:
“It’s worth it for the lifestyle for me. I love living on an island,” – Phoebe Merrick.