Lucharmily

This is why I don't have a facebook account. Call me old-fashioned but I prefer to pick up a phone or write to friends.

I was really surprised when I read this post. From the title, I assumed you needed to break the news to family members that you would be leaving behind. When I discovered it was your partner, I couldn't believe you'd got this far without being on the same page regarding migration. Definately time for a frank and honest discussion before you proceed any further. Good luck to you both.

We were in a fortunate position a few years ago to take time out form our Oz life and travel round the country in a campervan. Homeschooled 2 children while third was under school age. Children learn far more outside of a classroom. Had a fantastic experience which we will cherish for many years to come.

If it's an option, then I definately would. Brisbane can get quite humid in the summer. We have a pool but we're in Darwin so it's a no-brainer for us!!

Just to clarify that's the NT, not necesarily the case elsewhere.

Are you renting? Unless things have changed in the last year, landlord pays water rates.

Congratulations...exciting times ahead!

It's always a compromise once you start living in different countries. And because of that, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing the "bad of the here with the good of the there". As you say, that's a lot of moves in 2 years even without 3 children! I think you have to ask yourself what is it you actually want and then embrace that decision be it here or Oz. I'd say maybe you haven't given it long enough in one place to really settle properly. Good luck with it and hope you find peace with whatever you decide.

What a lovely son you are...your parents have done a great job in raising you. Which is why I'm sure they wouldn't want you to forego such a great opportunity. Sadly, it's a fact of life that our parents will age and pass away some day. But we can't sit around waiting for it to happen. You have to live your life and take the opportunities that come your way. I also moved to Australia shortly after getting married. At the time, my parents were in good health and able to visit. We spent a lot of time together when they came out to visit (more in one go then than back in the UK). I have great memories of those visits and often our time together was quality rather than quantity. Now sadly, my Mum is gone but I look to my own children. They're still little now but I know I'd hate them to turn down any future opportunities because they were worried about leaving me. Talk to your parents about how you feel. Show them this post. See what they have to say about it. And as others have mentioned, it's a temporary visa at this stage. Nothing is set in stone. Take it one step at a time and see how it goes. Good luck...it sounds like a fantastic opportunity.

The V8 supercars come to Darwin every year - a very popular event with a lot of the locals.

Agree with all the posts about the WH visa. You're both young, it's a great way to see the country - you'll have a ball. That's how I started too many years ago to mention now but still have fond memories of that carefree time. Best thing I ever did in my 20's. Just do it!

Are they sponsoring from the UK?...if so, that's great. It's just your original post spoke of the frustration that companies wouldn't consider you unless you were in Australia?

Hubby is a paramedic and from our experience, this job market is a lot tighter than say 10 years ago. Yes, there are lots of vacancies advertised but the reality seems to be lots of applicants here for positions available.

Just remembered, there are cycle tracks all the way into the city...just of question of getting used to the humidity first!