I moved to Brisbane from London 30 years ago, married a girl from Melbourne and settled in Sydney. Over the years I've known many Poms who've come here and slotted in straight away. I've also known some who've had great difficulty. Here are a few hints for making a success of your move to Oz.
Call yourself a Pom - everyone else will.
Most Aussies have no idea of what you've been through to get here so don't expect them to be impressed by your arrival.
Don't think you can live here for years and years and still be British. It doesn't work like that, you're not being fair to yourself or your adopted country. You'll just end up feeling as though you don't belong anywhere.
Support Australia in sport - it's a much better bet and you won't get ribbed everytime England loses.
Australians complain as much as anyone, but if you join in you'll be called a whinging Pom. Unfair I know, but that's the way it is.
Be prepared to meet Austalians who are better educated and more cultured etc than you. Yes, they do exist, so don't embarrass yourself by being shocked.
Don't come here thinking you are better than Aussies. They have meet plenty of people like that (I was one of them), and know exactly how to deal with them.
Don't forget your reasons for leaving England.
If Australia doesn't live up to your expectations, don't blame Australians. Sort out your expectations before you get here.
Finally, come here wanting to become an Australian. If you don't think you can do that then save yourself the time and money and stay where you are.
Living in Australia can be as tough or as easy as you want to make it. In the end, it's all up to you.
Good Luck,
Old Pom
Yup!...you're right on the button Old Pom. Everyone should seriously consider those points, at the same time as they are dreaming about life in Australia.
Bless you old pom! Cracking advice, all of which I think any sensible person should take on.
Perhaps I need to have a word with hubby about the sport issue. During the ashes he was permanantly getting texts off his work mates taking the p! He obviously found this highly amusing, I got to the point where I just found it plain embarrasing.
We'll have a talk tonight!?!?!?!?!?! :lol: :lol: :lol:
