DARRENANDDONNA

Thanks Petals

We are looking to break the lease on the rental of our two bedroom, two storey apartment in Elwood. It's a lovely place but we are going to move further away to find somewhere bigger with a garden. This rental includes an open plan lounge and kitchen area that lets in lots of natural light. It's very close to the shops and beach in Elwood and easy access into St Kilda or the City. It has an outside area and a private car park. Rent is only $470 a week which is excellent for the area. The lease runs out in August 2014. Please get in touch if you are interested. I'm happy to send pics. Darren

I was like you, wondering if i had also made the wrong decision when i was offered a job in Melbourne. I arrived nearly two weeks ago and think its fantastic (but i am in the honeymoon period so to speak). You will loose nothing by coming over and giving it a go, you are only 24 hours away from going home again if it wasn't for you. My advice is to stop reading the negative comments and try it out. At least you can say you tried when a lot of people in the UK say ...oh we nearly went but never did and live to regret it. The people of Melbourne are really friendly and helpful and there are plenty of Brits over here if you want to meet up with to socialise and gain advice. Get on the flight and have the adventure!

Hi I've just arrived in Melbourne last week and i'm looking for a place in Elwood. How much is the rent? I'm in temporary accommodation in St Kilda (Barkly Street) at the moment and can come round for a look when its convenient with you. Thanks Darren

Hi I arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday 5th September and I'm living in St Kilda for the time being. My girlfriend Donna will be joining me in one month from now once she has finished work. It would be great to meet some of my fellow Poms, so if you fancy a beer/bite to eat in town then please let me know. Darren

Our Visa took just a few days to come through and i have just booked the flight from Heathrow for next Monday the 3rd Sep. I will be staying in St Kilda for a week or two whilst looking for somewhere more permanent. I'm excited and nervous about the move!

Hi Hyena After some thought I decided not to bother with the rekkie and to just go for it. I was planning to be in Melbourne for May and on the advice of my future employers i have just quit my job and will be completing the sale of our property this week. We have sold nearly all our furniture and electrical goods as i Felt taking them would be Just another thing to worry about. Unfortunately the company have not started the 457 visa process until last week and I'm told it will take 8-12 weeks... I have some short term contract work for now and if it finally stops raining I may enjoy a little of the British summer before I get out there. We are moving back with our folks for now ( I did not expect that again at my age.) We also have a couple of cats and were hopping Donna's parents are going to fall in love with them and keep care of the little monkeys. We have decided that I will go out first before Donna to get settled and set things up ie location, long term rental, household goods. Donna will follow me out 2-3 months later once I'm happy we will be ok. It's pretty daunting but its sometimes good to step outside of the comfort bubble. Anyway we constantly hear really great things about Melbourne and are really excited about getting there. (what an adventure) It's fantastic that you going for it also and everything is falling into place. You must let me know what it's like when you get there in June... I bet you cannot wait! xx

Hi Vixxy666 we have the same problem. We have 2 x the most loving cats that are just under a year old. We considered taking them as they are a big part of our family but the cost of taking them is really expensive. Also we feel it's not fare on them to put them through the stress of it all. We are lucky that we have found a lady that would give them plenty of love as we have but it breaks our heart to do this. I just hope oz is worth the sacrifice that we are making. :-(

Hi everyone We have also decided to go for it. Like you said Hyena we are so lucky to be given the opportunity and if it doesn't work out then so be it. I'm sure it will it's all about adapting and embracing a new life style. Thank you everyone for helping us make this decision and we're both looking forward to meeting up with some of you when we're out there. Im going out in March on a scouting mission and maybe to see the Grand Prix as a neighbour will be there also. We are so so excited and will be logging our 457's today. Yippee x :cool:

We have been lucky enough to be given lots of time to make this dicision. The company have offered to contibute towards me having a reckie and showing me around. This is so kind of them and I would be daft not to take them up on their offer. We have accepted an offer on our appartment we own so things will have to move quite fast. I'm told a 457 visa takes 2 months approx if paperwork runs smoothly. I will have to decide one way or another soon! Hyena, what did you choose in the end?

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've been offered a $60,000 basic but should be on $100,000 - $120,000 with commision. Donna my partner will also need to find a job for now but we will be looking to start a family soon and not sure how that will work with my salary alone. Is this enough in expensive Melbourne, we don't really want to live on a shoestring and struggle.

We have also got a week to make a decision, they want me there for mid April. I'm supposed to hand in four months notice also so not sure how to get round that. We have thought about the move for a long time and got so fed up with the UK that I sent an email to a few companies. It was a nice surprise to get a response. Now I've found another opportunity in England but Melbourne looks so good. We hear nothing but good things about the place. HELP!

Last night i had an interview over a SKYPE connection and have been offered a job in Melbourne. I'm now in a delemma (do i set up my own little business in the SE of England or move to Melbourne. I have no idea which suberb which we should move to as the company is in Clayton? Also what is a reasnable salary to get by in Melbourne, we have no children yet? Can anyone offer some advice please? :arghh: