jac2011

If the govt actively encouraged people into work, no matter what the job then perhaps there wouldn't be all the menial jobs left empty in the UK for the Europeans to do. Even education is laughed at these days, a lot of people leave school unable to read and write and think of school as a punishment. The Europeans have a healthier attitude to education and view it as a valuable resource (well the Europeans I have come across). My sister and partner have lived on benefits and when I discuss them getting work (14 years on the dole) there is always a reason why they cant. The pay isn't enough, the jobs are not paid well enough, I wouldn't be seen dead doing that or I would prefer to go to uni and get a well paid job (well in the 6 years this has been said this said sibling hasn't even resat her gcse's to gain entry to a foundation class). I understand the UK and its resources will be stretched but also remember a large proportion of these Europeans will come into the UK and pay tax on their earnings and will contribute more financially to England than what they claim in benefits.

I will cope with it just like I have in the UK - nothing I can do about it.

I wonder what lives these people have had to leave behind in order to move over to the UK. If they have the strength and the willpower to work then good on them and I wish them well. I do wonder though if the government ever realise the UK is a small island though! The issue I have with the UK is the focus on benefits and how easily it is for people to survive without working if they see fit. Coming from Blackpool I lived in a town full of people claiming benefits and most the people I know who grew up with parents on benefits went on to claim benefits themselves. It is just too easy a cycle.

Just what I needed to read and see when I am sat shivering in my house with the gales blowing around me... thankyou :-)

Would it be possible to aim for a holiday to the UK again first, perhaps use a years worth of annual leave for one trip? Rather than emigrating first, aim for a holiday back where you can see how you feel in the UK? You may have the same feelings you had last time as soon as you land or you may see other things that draw you here more. Having a holiday takes away any expectations from family and less pressure on yourselves, then you can return to Oz with a fresher perspective. I would also give yourself time to make the decision this time. Instead of deciding on it and doing it, perhaps set a time frame of 2 years, in which you can make the most of your adventure in Oz, let your child enjoy the good things Australia has to offer and travel that side of the world and then around the age your child will start school plan to return to the UK then. There is also the option of waiting for Citizenship that way should you or your children ever return in the future the doors are still open for you? Just remember, there is no utopia... Each has its benefits and problems. Things I dislike in the UK will probably exist in Australia and likewise for yourself. Picture yourself in 10 years time and do you see yourself as british or Australian? Have you had the opportunity to enjoy Australia the way you first dreamed or has work and pressures taken the shine off things? Lots to consider but don't rush into a decision, agree with your HB to have a chat every 6 months and to set a date for a final decision.

I do agree with both views on the school issue, I do think schools should be a major factor with children especially young ones however, as Rupert says Northern Suburbs seem to be quite affluent and the schools have good reports so I am sure the children will settle well. One thing I have learnt in the UK is my children were in a school a few years ago that was rated by Ofsted as excellent and I thought I would never beat it when we relocated to Nottingham, however this school was initially only rated as good and yet it puts their old school to shame. They are so much happier here, the teachers treat the children like family, there are after school activities and competitions every night. Sometimes I think ratings etc don't show a schools full potential. Sometimes when you walk into a school and meet the teaching staff you just know what feels right. Unfortunately, that's not something you can preplan in advance. Perhaps a list of the schools in the whole area and make a judgement based on the website and then view a couple upon arrival whilst in temporary accommodation?

1.85 currently GBP to AUD... Exciting times, making the move far more affordable!

I would love to join you but it will be 2015 before my husband and I arrive in Oz... Used to do it as a teenager all the time and introduced the hubby and kids to it this year... They are all hooked. They are asking for cash for next xmas so they can buy a Kayak as soon as we arrive! If you go on any trips start a thread following your adventures, would be great to see!

Hi Pom Queen, wow what a wonderful surprise. Life does seem to offer you a hand just as things seem to be hitting rock bottom... I am sure there are many members of this forum who would be willing to offer you a room after all the input into this forum, if I was in Oz there would certainly be a door open for you but unfortunately I don't think your vouchers will last till 2015! I wish you well with your travels and hope you get to spend them on a wonderful adventure. One other thought, though it may be different with Virgin Australia to the Virgin we book here in the UK, but is there not the option to book an All Inclusive somewhere?

I had the thought around 2004 but my (now ex) husband was set against it. The we split up and I got together with my new husband in 2008 and his Australian photos on Facebook were the talking point that got us back in contact and from the first date we decided it was something we both wanted more than anything... It will be 2015 before we arrive so 7 years waiting and planning and taking the retraining needed to be eligible!

I have been looking at these suburbs myself and wondered if anyone knew the commuting time via train from say Joondalup or Butler to the CBD? How busy are the trains and do they run quite early or late? I tried looking for timetables but they don't seem to user friendly.

The reason Australian nurses do the 1 year post grad training is because they go on to specialise in an area, UK nurses do not need this and can go over an work in Australia as soon as they qualify if they so wish. I will have 6 months experience. I will qualify in summer this year and by the time I have a 189 visa in hand it will probably be spring 2015. As we know the more experience the better however with a bit of willpower and a good attitude you do not need one year... PS go for whichever job your heart wants... As long as you have transferable skills no job is good or bad. Personally I would love a prison job, nursing is nursing at the end of the day!

How do you have 8 years experience as a secondary teacher but you only finished your qualifications in 2010 and 2013?

I think you should definitely aim for a WHV but give yourself plenty of time and a realistic timescale to save up so you can afford to do all the things that you want to do, also a chance to have an emergency funds in the case of an emergency so you don't have to jump on the first plane home. In the meantime it will give you the motivation to save every penny and plan your ideal route. No one else's route would suit you. In fact, prob best if you don't even plan a route, just have an idea of places to stay and things you want to see. Invest in a few guides and maps and think of it as research.

Brilliant, thanks that's good news! I started having doubts as to whether or not they charged applications from the UK more. It certainly has decreased the overall cost especially since the HUGE increase in cost for dependants...

I am sat in the bedroom with the window open and there is no wind at all blowing through the house, it doesn't feel cold at all (and I am always cold). Lovely pink skies again tonight!

I wondered if anyone could point out what I was missing in relation to the visa pricing... If for the 189 visa I select 1 additional over 18 and 3 under 18s I am told the price in AUD is $7920 however if I change this to GBP I get told it is £5655. This is according to the immi.gov website. However, using the current rates it would appear $7920 is approximately £4392. Which would I get charged during the application? £4392 or £5655?

I loved it, shows how diverse Australia is!

Wendy, Your post was not boring at all, its the reality of turning lives upside down and how common depression can be. Most people believe they will never suffer, or they can overcome it personally and as my lovely grandma in law says 'no such thing, its attention seeking (I kid you not, don't worry we aren't speaking anymore)'. Depression sneaks up on people so slowly and manages to take hold, emigrating is a shock to us no matter how exciting life is. My DH and I only moved to the other side of the country for 3 years (In the UK) and he is suffering from anxiety and possibly depression and despite me training in Mental Health there is no way I can get him to see a GP. Its a lovely and honest post by you that will hopefully make people realise that life wont always be perfect but there is help out there and as long as each and every one of us realised that depression can hit us all at any point in our lives then it becomes far easier to deal with. I know it probably wasn't nice giving your hubby an ultimatum but I am sure he thanks you for that now. Thankyou for your post x

Good plan, Iv spent years trying to get my head around the process, especially when it is different for PR and Temp... 1 thing I am sure you've covered is make sure you take the right IELTS test ie academic/general)

Loving the view, your making me want to move to Tassie lol Enjoy every day! x

I will be a MH Nurse however, I will be fairly newly qualified and with the nursing situation I think I just have to grab what I can get and be thankful for the opportunity. Who knows, that may fall in Cairns, Brisbane or even in between. At this rate it may even be anywhere in Australia. Its taken my husband and I since 2008 to get this far so any opportunity is good! We are still young enough to move around later in life if we don't land where we first want.

I am addicted to this thread, I get upset when I have read everything! Amazing stories! Pom Queen I loooooovvvvveeee your house, can I please buy it lol? I love Cairns more than anywhere however, I am worried about getting work up there so we are aiming for Brisbane/GC/SC and hope to have lots of holidays in Cairns! :-)

Really enjoyed reading all these posts, this is the reason I am on this forum, positive stories keeping me motivated during difficult times! I am fully aware that there will be downs as well as up's however, I have always overcome challenges in my life. These posts remind me that with determination and hopefulness I can give my children the future I would like them to have. Thankyou everyone and keep them coming! x

I think this says it all: http://www.caravansales.com.au/listings/bailey How expensive? We've always dreamed of buying one of these in a few years time, may have to rethink purchasing one 13 months before we leave!