cjdrum

Exactly. Which is why I get irritated by the bleeding heart story people portray with regard to anyone who claims asylum

so, we're agreed that the move to Western countries is predominantly economic. Good.

interesting, but doesn't answer my point about those who do 'escape' to the west

Can someone, please explain why it is that people who are avoiding famine/war/persecution etc choose to pay thousands of $ to people smugglers and travel thousands of miles to reach Australia/UK? Take Afghanistan for instance, a landlocked country, surrounded by other 'Stans which are culturally much closer than westernised nations and could be driven to. But no, people jump on a plane/boat and travel to Australia. This is because of healthcare, benefits and better economic potential - there can be no other reason. If I feared for my life in England and was destitute, I would go to Wales. I would not book a transcontinental flight. It beggars belief that anyone can think that people who can afford international air fares or to pay people smugglers are somehow destitute or starving.

The problem we've found is that the agent is just looking after their own interests and in some cases will not even consult the landlord. If you extend for a year, the agent gets their renewal fee and is happy. If you had a short contract extension, there probably would be no renewal fee for the agent (but I can't imagine the landlord would care as long as the rent keeps coming in). So the only person whose interests are being served is the agent. Had exactly the same thing here in London and it drives me crazy. Especially as the majority are useless, unskilled oiks to say the least

Careful of a few uses of colloquial language - better to say "quickly gained proficiency in the use of..." rather than "got to grips with". I'd probably not have the references on a separate page either (especially as you haven't provided any).

Using the traditional valuation technique, the shares are grossly overvalued at a price earnings ratio of 100. This implies exponential growth is earnings (either following similar growth in user base or through monetising users more effectively). For me the listing realises the peak of the social networking bubble, the huge valuations applied to Linkedin and Groupon have all been in the shadow of Facebook's IPO. Once this goes public, the hype regarding social media may subside and valuations become more in line with other industries. Some will buy on the first day looking to profit from the probable pop in the price when it opens, but the spread on the shares will most likely be huge and it's unlikely whether a retail investor would be able to make a purchase before the price leaps on the opening bell. Money to be made though most probably (though how long the probable gains will last is another question). People should do their own research but I don't buy the whole story personally and will pass. Good luck if you do take the leap though.

Unlikely to be honest. It's not a real teaching qualification (not trying to be condescending, I did a celta qualification myself after uni). It's a ticket to work in many places in the world where companies will sponsor you to have a native English speaking teacher. Clearly less likely in Australia which is full of native English speakers. Best of luck.

"The destruction of unions spelled the end of the UK" - are you being serious?? The strength of the unions killed British manufacturing making our workers lazy, our products hopelessly uncompetitive thanks to spiralling labour costs and a lack of incentive to work hard. If you want a case study, look at British Leyland - and there are MANY other examples (the US motor industry is another case). It's a shame more people don't understand that unionisation is a curse in the workplace that will constrict the employer and lead to future unemployment when the products are overtaken by more innovative, cheaper alternatives from lower cost manufacturers.

We used them. Nice people, very responsive and know what they're doing. Their website functionality is also very good. Chris

Not seen it once mate, don't even really see many chippies round this way, just the fried chicken/kebab joints :eek: Grew up in Birkenhead, can't get used to these southern ways! :biggrin:

chips and gravy rocks my world. Can't get it down south - madness....

I was in the same position and I let my prospective boss know my plans. He was fine with it and there were no adverse consequences. As long as you'll stick the job out for 12-18 months plus, I personally would go with being honest

Just been through the same thought process. The killer is the import duty and GST (work on about 21% of the deemed Australian value). Given that cars in Australia seem to be about 25% more expensive at the current exchange rate, the general consensus is that, unless your car is a supercar or unless you're very attached to it, it's really not worth the hassle to take it over there (once you add in the shipping costs, and all other associated expenses).

We're moving out next year and I'm wondering whether we'll end up sounding like the locals. Made me think, have you guys who're there already picked up the Aussie twang? Cheers