'Never worked harder': The realities of swapping city life for the beach

'Never worked harder': The realities of swapping city life for the beach
February 2nd, 2025

The naivetes of thinking that one can just get up and leave the city for the beach

The idea of leaving the hamster wheel and moving to the beach or the country is a dream that many people have, but only a few actually do it, or even make it work financially.

But one former media industry power couple, Dallas and Donna Gurney have – they’ve moved from running corporations in Auckland to owning and operating the Whananaki General Store in a tiny Northland town.

A major health scare made Dallas to resign from his job at Today FM but before he was even able to leave the building, the parent company Mediaworks had shut the station down.

The couple decided that even if they could still hold senior positions in an industry that is known for its job insecurity, the prospect was not attractive at all.

"Well, our whole lives would be cutting cutting cutting and pulling money out of budgets, and, you know, frankly, making people redundant, and neither of us wanted to do that...we wanted to be in control of our own destiny," Dallas told Nadine Higgins on the NZ Herald's personal finance podcast, The Prosperity Project.

So they took the leap. With no experience in the grocery industry but with a strong link to the area, they have been on a steep learning slope, but they love their new life in what they describe as the ‘real’ New Zealand.

For those thinking of emigrating to a place like Whananaki, Donna has some tips: “I think the most important thing is to make sure you are financially stable to do it.”

“Without that base, it would be too harsh, and I think it would shatter you.” She also warns that even though the stresses are different “We have never worked harder in our lives than the last 18 months!”

Dallas is proud that they didn’t just talk about doing it, they actually did it. “That lifestyle-work balance, it’s out there and you can do it, too. But the key is taking that first step and just saying, why not?” To find out more about the challenges, stresses, and financial facts of leaving the city for the beach, listen to the full episode of The Prosperity Project for more In conclusion, while it is possible to move to the beach and escape the stresses of city life, it is not always as idyllic as it seems. For those considering a change of scenery, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the realities of living in a smaller community. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, downsizing for a more balanced life, or simply desiring a change of pace, understanding the complexities of transitioning to a quieter lifestyle is key. As Dallas and Donna’s story illustrates, taking the leap and embracing a new chapter in a lesser-known part of New Zealand can offer a fulfilling alternative to the pressures of corporate life.

Shandor Brenner

Shandor Brenner is an American journalist recognized for his sharp and insightful reporting on social and political issues. His work is known for its depth, integrity, and the ability to highlight critical societal concerns.

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