James Boyer (back) is lucky to get help from parents Bryan and Sue, here with daughter Catherine. Photo / Supplied
Kiwi James Boyer moved to the United States with his family at the age of 6, but couldn't wait to shift back to New Zealand.
His mum Sue says James "never felt like an American".
But the IT worker struggled to find work, and was grateful for financial help from
his New York-based parents to make ends meet.
"He was just looking for anything really, even though he's a computer guy, but he doesn't have a degree."
He's now working three to four days a week and his parents help with bills.
"We're fortunate that we can ... and we would just do that as long as we need to," Sue said.
She believes the economy has played a part. Her brother, a well-established Wellington photographer, told her he'd never seen times so tough.
James' dad Brian is chief technology officer for a financial advisory firm in Manhatten.
The Boyers now send money for family members' birthdays, something they have not done before.
"Over here we just feel as though we're in a slightly easier position."
