Saviola

Yh I can attest to this, was shortlisted for a very good role but as it was working in a government site albeit as a contractor I had to be a citizen. I am told some state jobs you do not need to be but that will differ on a role and state basis.

You have a ready made network in the UK here you are starting from scratch. No network, no local experience and there's the uncertainty around whether you will stay. So it can be hard. You may need to take a role a bit lower (pay/responsibility) than you are used to in order to get things moving but it isn't impossible. Just keep your chin up and plough on.

Dont forget age loading, it may be prudent to get a policy (cheapest usually) so that you can get around that. Extras would be my minimum particularly dental as that can add up quickly. Have a read: http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/incentivessurcharges/lifetimehealthcover.htm

Just to add some optimism, I was looking for 3 months probably and didn't apply for every job suitable but I have now been offered 2 jobs (like buses it seems) and I have accepted one. I will say the process has been a pain and I could not understand the reasoning of some employers, one told me he would rather have a candidate with an MCSE and 1yrs exp than someone with 10yrs (for a 3rd line role at 'leading' MSP). I am currently re-certifying that has caused a major issue I think. I have had some bad luck with recruitment consultants, most of them have been poor (no feedback, sent me someone else's feedback, sent me to the wrong office), in fact the ones that have been good have been expats themselves at some point (maybe that's why they looked after me). As for applying for jobs from overseas, unless you have a skill that is in very short supply then I doubt you will hear anything back let alone get a role. However, don't let that stop you, never say never

Yeah doesn't seem to be there now, but i am too on no contract and unlimited. I abuse the heck out of it and never had any fair use issues, but yeah that clause does exist.

I signed up with TPG for ADSL2+ $70 a month reasonable speeds, no Virgin Fibre though , and unlimited downloads.

Must admit I am for the first time in my career finding work hard to find, 12 years of sys admin and professional services work. I had a contract that I came over to, the OH had a permanent position to start so it was all I needed. That ended up being a nightmare and eventually it ended early, a poorly managed project where the contractors got by the shafted by the PMs basically. I have been looking properly for about 2 months and have had a 6-7 interviews (not applying for everything just yet )and i keep getting the 'need more Australian experience' line. I have previously never not been offered a job after an interview. There did seem to be a lot more jobs back in the UK, currently in Melbourne, but I haven't looked for work in a few years so my memory may be off. Agents seem nice while dealing with that role/job but if you don't get it then its the cold shoulder not even any real feedback, I had to email the HR manager of one company to get any once (they didn't mind and actually felt bad for me). Just need to keep plugging away I guess.

We stayed in Fitzroy when we came over in 2012 for 3 months and had a friend who lived there too. I didn't like it that much, it felt a bit fake to me. Like everyone wanted that hobo chic just seemed overplayed and got old quickly. There are some nice areas and you are close to everything, so that's handy. I think if an area takes your fancy from reading about then give it a try if you start out renting which I am doing, hoping to check out a few areas before buying, then you can move about and try others out.

sorry been a horrid last couple of months and lost track of free time We looked at Prahran/Windsor and like them both some nice properties and close to the city. In the end we went for Port Melbourne mainly because the OH works part in the Port and needs access to the freeway. St Kilda and Balaclava were good for amenities but it felt a bit backpackery which isn't a bad thing but it gets very busy.

Sounds good, don't think can make tonight but Thurs shouldn't be an issue. I think I may have emailed someone from your club before, I believe Marco. does that ring a bell? anyway hope to see you there soon.

I am interested in getting into some Football action now I have settled into new digs. I am based just off Pickle Street so kind between Albert and Port, not too far from where you play though. Do you have any more info and times?

As an idea we have: TPG - Unlimted ADSL 2 - $59 Telstra - Phone - $25 Foxtel - Sports/Movies - $90 All seem pretty reliable and do what we need to do, and is less than we were paying in the UK.

We haven't decided where exactly just yet. We have looked at a few places in South Yarra/Prahran and also Fitzroy/Collingwood areas. I will be based in the city and the Mrs will be based 50/50 in Port Melbourne/Boronia, so basically opposite side of the city We are going to look at a few places in Port Melbourne this weekend. We will rent to start with, and probably move a few times in the next 2-3 years, before we settle on an area. Gives the chance to try new areas and an apartment (always had a house well since Uni).

We are currently less than $75 a week, but we have budgeted for $100-125. We do tend to just buy exactly what we need for the week and not have too much 'in stock', it helps us to stop snacking Booze is separate from that.. Thanks, I do have a habit of droning on though

Howdi, OK well I thought I would write up a quick report in the hope it helped a few others out, as the ones I have read helped me. Leaving the UK Not being a sentimental person I actually did not feel too anxious about this, the OH was more nervous that she wasn't anxious which freaked her out (odd ). Quite a few tearful goodbyes and packing the belongings we wanted to take into a Movecube (highly recommend so far) was all wrapped up in a week, we then spent the weekend with the OHs parents (who were pretty cut up but also jealous). We made sure everyone had our email addresses and could Skype us whenever they wanted, make sure you test it with non tech savvy folks before leaving Flights As we all know they are long. We went with Singapore Air and as usual they were brilliant, modern planes, great service staff and on time. A quick stop in Singapore (like 3hrs) and we were off on our next leg due to land in Melbourne at 7am Tuesday 25th Nov. Great Feeling. We just jumped on the Air Shuttle as we were in no rush and used the free Hotel transfer from Southern Cross. Accommodation - On arrival We had booked 2 places to stay from the UK, a hotel room and an apartment. The plan was to stay in the Hotel in the city for a couple of days just to get settled in and finalize all the paperwork we needed to do. Hotel was near Queen Vic Market, very clean and tidy with all the facilities we needed (including access to a printer plus they let us have the room 4hrs before they needed to). Our apartment that we had booked for 1 month, mainly to get us through Xmas was in East Melbourne (a quieter suburb than we had wanted but it was a very good price through AirBnB). This would allow the OH to settle into her job that would start 2 weeks before Xmas and for us to have a base for house hunting. If we found a place sooner we were happy to lose out on some cash for the security it afforded us, we also have a 2nd month pre-booked that we can cancel with a weeks notice. Driving We hired a little Micra, as parking was tight at the apartment, after a few days acclimatizing. Was quite cheap and would tide us over till we picked the OH's company car which they let her have a week early. The roads around the CBD are pretty busy and your trip is broken up by hundreds of traffic lights but all in all it wasn't too bad. We did experience some dodgy driving and 1 car skidding off the freeway but the majority of drivers seemed OK. I think the large roads and the crazy amount of changing road markings do not help. We have driven around lots looking at suburbs we might be interested in, tried out the freeways which so far have been good bar the odd rush hour traffic jam. Spending my hard earned Money Obviously we have no bills as yet to pay so it would mainly be groceries, clothes and 'odds n ends'. Groceries - We have done a weekly shop and done a few quick pit stops, we haven't been to stressed by the costs. We compared some of the items we would normally buy with Tesco and there was a difference but its closer to 10-15% than 50% that some people seem to suggest. I notice that there are not so many super cheap products like Tesco/Asdas own brands but Coles/Woolies do do some. Products can be very seasonal and you do have to buy some items in bulk when they are on special/groceryrun. Booze - I am usually a 3-4 bottles after work kind of guy, but wont be here Booze can be expensive, but there are bargains out there. Wine from Aldi (if you have one) is not ony cheap but actually not too bad, award winning in fact. Beer you need to keep your eyes open, jsut got 24 bottles of Coors for $29 which is very good as I like a Coors. Drinking out you really have to chase the Happy Hours to not feel hard done by, although from talking to some of the locals $9-10 isn't that bad when you start earning Aus$ so will update you on that later this month. Clothing - This is the OHs realm really but she has found that you can get some good deals. some shops like Uniqlo and H&M actually seem cheaper even with £ to £ conversion for some goods. I have yet to really delve into this area so will have to update you later this week Transport - Myki works out pretty good value for Trams and Trains (Trams in the CBD will be free with a valid Myki from Jan 1st too), Taxi's can be expensive with all the stop start lights. Petrol is also very cheap compared to back home, although it is currently high for some here at $1.25 for unleaded. Suburbs and long term housing ... Wow that is a long read and not sure its of any use to anyone but we will see. Have a few things to add but need to eat Cheers Paul (Saviola)