Help Please!

Craigus · 26-09-2007, 07:59 AM

Hi All,

First post on here although I've been reading it for months. I was offered a job in Sydney/NSW earlier in the year and eventually accepted it in July. It's a 457 (meds went in August 10th but heard nothing since) and being sponsored by company who are helping with school costs etc. Problem is we haven't been to Oz before and can't afford to do a rekkie and our daughter who is 9 is adamant she deosn't want to go and won't even discuss it with us. Our son, 6, doesn't really know any different and isn't really bothered. I know it can be argued that we can't let a girl of 9 sway our decision but we are after all taking her away from her friends and family.

Just wondered therefore if anyone could recommend a DVD or something on Oz life, schools etc that may help us to sway her opinion and help with the transition. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Craig

afiyafifi · 26-09-2007, 09:48 AM

Hi craig , have a look in boarders the book shop i have seen lots of books on moving to oz and they do dvds of all diffirent countries you will proberly find one on oz . dont panic to much about your daughter were going through same problem with ares , Try and get her to go on the young ones on here she may feel better talkin to other kids who have moved over there or who are moving . .............. good luck karen

Craigus · 26-09-2007, 11:17 AM

Karen,

That's very helpful - thank you.

Craig

samozsoon · 26-09-2007, 12:08 PM

Hi Craig

Try not to worry to much about your daughter, or should I say try not to feel to guilty about her.

When we first mentioned moving my 2 older kids (then 13 & 15) were, and still are, ok about it but our youngest son who was 9 at the time was dead against it.

But once we had visited that year (2 yrs ago now) he was ok about it. I think once he saw that Australia was actually quite like it is here, shopping centres, McDonalds, Toysrus, along with some really good things too, Aus Zoo, Koala Park, Roos in nanny's garden he was fine about it.
At least he stopped telling all his friends moms that he really didnt want to go and we were forcing him (more guilt!).
I know its difficult right now as you cant take her to have a look but I think once she is there and realises its not some scary strange place full of spiders and snakes she'll be ok.

Our son came back saying he'd still rather not go but he wasnt that bothered if we did.
Just keep talking positively about it and with a few bribes along the way (pool/new bedroom/surf lessons/etc) and I'm sure she'll be fine.

I also think you need to be very positive too. Dont get saying things like 'we have to pass meds first' etc because I just think it'll make her think (hope) that you still might not go, which will only upset her more in the end.

When our visas came through in April this year I met him at the school gates and told him and he jumped up in the air shouted YES and went to tell all his friends. Not what I was expecting so really pleased me.

Good Luck with it all, where abouts in Sydney will you be working?
We arrive in Sydney on the 4th January so if your daughter would like to speak/email my son (Kieran) then let me know.

Sam xx

Craigus · 26-09-2007, 01:43 PM

Sam,

That's a very nice post - thank you. I am still waiting to find out exactly where my company wants me to work - I work in Construction and it depends on what is ongoing when I arrive etc and also I could potentially work in another part of NSW and get a 10% increase in pay! However, I think I will be in and around Sydney so am ideally looking at somewhere on the coast within an hours drive, basically either Northern beaches or Southern beaches - South I think being cheaper?

Again, thanks.

Craig

samozsoon · 26-09-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigus

Sam,

That's a very nice post - thank you. I am still waiting to find out exactly where my company wants me to work - I work in Construction and it depends on what is ongoing when I arrive etc and also I could potentially work in another part of NSW and get a 10% increase in pay! However, I think I will be in and around Sydney so am ideally looking at somewhere on the coast within an hours drive, basically either Northern beaches or Southern beaches - South I think being cheaper?

Again, thanks.

Craig

Sounds lovely Craig,
We arrive on Jan 4th and I havent got a clue where to live!
All part of the fun though.

Sam x