MrsPOB

What service are you using for the doggies? We've used PetAir each time, and like you, we had one easy flyer and one anxious. Fraggle our boy, no problem ever. Our girl, Doozy, is an anxious flyer. We always get the service that sprays the crate with calming pheromones, which is really helpful. We also requested that the crates be placed together (next to each other) so that they can see and smell each other. This also goes for quarantine. We are a little worried about our next trip, as it will be the first time Doozy has ever flown without her brother. She was a bit lost the first two months he was gone and was always looking for him. She's only now using all of the dog bed. She still doesn't sit on his side of the sofa, eat from his side of the bowl or wait on his side of the door. The other day I was grooming her, and when I pulled out the brush, I realised I had left hair in the brush from the last grooming. It was Fraggle's; after a bit of a cry, I realised that Doozy was smelling and licking the hair. Her tail was wagging, and she looked up at me as if to say, I smell him! I smell him! Where is he? Even now, the tears are flowing.

Part of the responsibility of taking the visa is making sure that you pass along your knowledge, experience and skill to an Australian Citizen. The point is that you make yourself "unnecessary" in order for an Australian to step into your role. So you come in with the knowledge that you will be replaced and that you will "no longer" be necessary... if you do your job right. And my goal is to do my job right...just today, I was told that I "fought too hard" to make sure my skill was passed along. My response... Sorry, I want to make sure there are more women in my field. I don't apologise for that.

I completely agree @Raplin45. Our beautiful boy was with us for 14 precious years, and we lost him just a few months ago (Feb), and we still catch ourselves having those weak moments. He went through two passports and never had a problem with travelling. Even the last time we came to Australia (six years back), he was stuck in "jail," and the husband made it a point of visiting him nearly every day (2-3hrs on public transport to visit him), whenever visiting hours permitted. He was with us through thick and thin, and we were with him.. the same. People did question us why, and we would say because we love him, and he loves us... he got the experience of running in the mountains of California, the tundra of Canada, the farmlands of England and the outback of Australia. Not to mention all the places in between. He hasn't been "replaced" and more than likely never will... he was one of a kind.

Completely agree. The husband and I agree that if we had children, it would be a whole other story. But so would the job/profession I have chosen; not everyone is comfortable with knowing that your role will be gone (or you will no longer be needed) after 12-14 months. You come, you do your big project, make friends, live the local experience and then get the offer to move along to the next "must-do" project on the list. I think, thanks to our early career opportunities, both the husband and I got used to moving and experiencing something different every 2-3 years. As we get closer and closer to retirement age, that will no doubt change... but for now, we enjoy the opportunity to explore new places or re-experience a place we've been many years before. Definitely different strokes for different folks.

I think that's like saying everyone who has a job gets paid fairly or everyone who deserves help gets it ... the best I can recommend is ask the Australian government why policemen/women are no longer on the list or why they aren't on the Global Talent hunt list. I can only speak for my personal experience and what may be possible. I know everyone has a difference visa experience and a lot of that has to do with timing... which is unfortunate. Especially when there are time limits placed on who's offered or allowed a visa.

Keep in mind that this... "permanent visa for people who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field" is a relative measurement based on the track/field in which you are looking to obtain a visa. I've been in the tech field for 25 years and have spent the last seven years focused on HPC/Data/AI/ML workloads. It may not be special to some, but to others, it is. Yes, I have a boatload of certifications, went through the ACS professional certification process, have several publications (whitepapers and studies) under my name and have done the international speaking circuit for High Capacity Workloads - all of which were submitted as my record of achievement within my field. When we were looking to return to Australia, I was given the impression that I was too old. Then it was suggested I wasn't talented enough. But that wasn't the case; the Global Talent visa was created to address issues around not having enough people in Australia within specialised areas that could help and contribute to a healthy economy. During the whole process, I was actually called a "unicorn" (which made me laugh); the reference was made because there are only a handful of women in the field in which I focus. Now to those I work for and with, I am considered special because of what I can bring to my role, but to others who have no idea about my area of speciality, I might not meet their definition of "special" or "exceptional". It really is relative to the track/field in which you are looking - you can't paint everyone with the same brush. It takes many different professions to contribute to a healthy economy, not just one kind. Referring back to the OP who asked if there was a way, I mentioned there is... actually there are several ways. But, like everything, you need to figure out what matches up with who you are and what you can bring to the table. At the end of the day, if you can show how you can contribute to Australia's economy and society positively (and better yet, exponentially), then the powers that be will see that there is an advantage to extending a visa.

LOL ... it's not really news, I know everyone feels that way. My 98-year-old grandfather keeps telling everyone he hasn't aged since 50. So very much a state of mind. The feeling I was trying to convey is that being over 45 doesn't stop or mean you can't contribute to the society or economy. If you have something to offer (and I think we all do through our backgrounds and experience) then don't let that stop you or hold you back from trying for a visa.

It's really nothing overly complicated. You find your track; you get your recommendation and submit your proof of experience. It's no different than all the hard work anyone puts in to get their visas. The big 'rock' is that your profession or skillset needs to be on the list of professions that will help Australia thrive. And, like most countries, there are a lot of professions that are needed to build a healthy and thriving economy. One of my biggest accomplishments since being here has been hiring 25 Australians into role and helping them gain skills and qualifications in the tech space. But there's loads of other areas to build upon... if you have the experience, knowledge and skill, there's opportunity. It's not about being anyone 'special' we've all gained experience and skill, it's just about being willing to share and help others grow and be successful.

James, I'm not sure of your background/skillset, but you might want to check out the Global Talent Program (Global Talent Independent program (GTI) (homeaffairs.gov.au)). I was extended an invite at the ripe old age of 53 (in body, mentally I'm in my 30ies - at least that's what I believe ;)) and just celebrated my 54th birthday in Australia. I started the process in Mar/Apr 2022; we had visas issued in Aug (2022) and were on a flight by September.

Many thanks all for the additional responses and thoughts. Our decision has been in the making for just over a year (without sounding too cold or morbid, that's when the obligations that originally brought us back to the UK are no longer a factor) - so indeed there have many, many conversations. Checking out the forum, looking at current and previous posts, speaking about what drove our frustrations - some ended in laughter, some ended in "why were we so worked up" and loads ending in "well that's what we'd be going back to". We've had countless conversations with friends - both still in Australia and those elsewhere. So it's a topic that's been well covered and I'm sure will continue to be one, because we both know that even then, there are going to be new experiences that haven't been considered. Just like when we returned to the UK, times/situations change. The experiences we had back in 2014/2015 have more than likely have morphed, especially given the current climate of the world - but, as said before, we are looking at the totality of the experience. And pragmatically going in with our eyes wide open - well, attempting to anyway As mentioned above, the possibility of returning is somewhat of a long-shot... but I'll remain to be positive until I get that door slam

I think that's a fair statement. There were loads of bumps in the road, many we weren't prepared for... that combined with the pressures we were facing from the UK just made everything seem worst than what it really was. Looking for every crack, every little bump, it eventually just piled up. Like most people, looking back, who've gained a sense of perspective once we were out of that moment. Coming to the conclusion that what was clearly a mountain, followed by an erupting volcano at the time, was nothing more than an anthill - was most certainly a face slap realisation. But as they say, 20/20 is hindsight. We can't go back, we can just own up to the bad decision made and take some comfort, at least, in the knowledge that we know better now and we don't blame each other for the decisions that were made in the moment. Regret is a big enough thing to carry around, we don't need blame - which thankfully both my husband and I agree isn't a healthy thing to keep around in a marriage. Oh and why go back... I should have answered that first We realised that we were our healthiest and most active as a couple while in Australia. The difficulties we faced actually pulled us together as a couple... We were more interested in each other - our well-being, mental health, etc. So really, that was it... we were healthier, happier and stronger as a couple. And although the sunshine was not missed as a huge bonus - it was really our enjoyment as a couple that stood out. PS And just for those curious, we are still riding high as a couple since our time in Australia. We would just like to continue the lifestyle.

Many thanks to you both for your quick responses. I've reached out to someone who comes highly recommended on the forum, so I'm not really worried about that bit - meaning getting the assessment, it's just a matter of filling it out. Although you both have confirmed our worst fears. It was recommended that we look at a sub 124 (Distinguished Talent Visa) because of my experience and status I hold within my area of work expertise - and I haven't hit the age limit of 55 (for a few more years). It seems pretty straight forward and with the ability to show that I've published whitepapers, have done the conference circuit in my field, held roles of importance, yadda, yadda, yadda - can prove my impact within my business area. We are also exploring the sponsor-yourself route for a 457, as well as a business investment - but both of those come with their own challenges. *sigh* We've always prided ourselves in saying we've done things in our life that we wanted, normally against the grain and not with much family support or approval, and we haven't regretted any of those decisions - be the outcomes good or bad. But the one we made through pressure, we've always regretted... and I fear it will always stay with us.

Thanks for sharing the update... *sigh*

As per recommendations on the forum, I'm in the process of filling out an assessment form to speak in a bit more detail about my query - but as most know, there's loads of information to fill out. And, I thought, in the interest of time (and my sanity) I would just throw out this query in the hope someone might have been (or is) in a similar situation. I'm currently in a Global role as an independent contractor based in the UK, but the plan has always been to relocate back to Australia (we lived in Australia 6 years ago, but had to return to the UK due to family obligations, which no longer exist). My employer has offered me a permanent role with the option of living "anywhere". They are a very large global company and there is some flexibility in the job I do - as I work with people all over the world. But here's the twist - they do not sponsor visa, full stop. Happy to do transfers for people who move on their own steam, but I guess don't want the headache or responsibility of dealing with mobility issues. I have the option of remaining a contractor or flipping to a perm, but we (my husband and I) would really love to get back to Australia before our age becomes an issue (although I've already gone over the golden age of 45, the husband still hasn't). Has anyone been in a somewhat similar situation? Looking to move, but don't need a job - as you have one and are gainfully employed. Employer is happy to keep you on, but not willing to formally sponsor a visa. As a side note, I should mention my husband is self-employed (eCommerce business) and he, as well, can be located anywhere. Any thoughts or inputs much appreciated!

I'm guessing the weather there is pretty much similar to that of Sydney... Pissin' down and cold! ? Although I'm sure you have the good future of having central heating and a well insulated house that doesn't have 2 inch gaps at the bottom of every door ?