sinob

Aw I am so sorry Chicken. Come here and let it all out as much as you want. I know we're mostly strangers but maybe that's better as you can tell us the whole truth of how you are without filtering it? Is there anyway they can give you time to get your head round this before any op needs to happen? Does it have to be so fast? Thinking of you tonight. (Your hubby is probably terrified and not meaning to sound harsh)

No your partner is being unreasonable and immature. In my opinion. Do what you feel is right.

Actually I thought you were very restrained, considering! Sending you lots of well wishes, hope it's easily treated. Don't give up all hope of moving just yet. Life can be surprising in good ways too!

Sorry I should have said I had to ring the call centre and they did unlock the card so obviously things have changed since. Sorry for not reading your first post properly! Hope you get it sorted. Looks like Keith has pointed you in the right direction anyway.

Hi Rob, I hate those card readers! You'd think there are enough Irish abroad now that AIB would be set up to help us out, but no. When the same thing happened to me, I got the new PIN posted to my inlaws and they texted the new pin when it arrived. There was no ATM that I could find here in SA with pin services. Hope this helps! Sinead

Rachel, probably like everyone else reading this thread I have changed my mind from reading your first post through to the end! At first I thought it wouldn't be of any harm to let your son go, but once you gave more detail I realised that staying with you is the only and best option for him. You are a great Mum, your first thought was to give him what he wanted even though it would break you. Don't look back on your decision ever and second guess yourself. You are doing what's best for your boy until he is of an age to make the decision. I really admire you. Printing this whole thread off so you have it to look at in future as a previous poster suggested is a great idea! Best of luck x

Welcome to PIO! We certainly got plenty of useful advice on here, using the search function you can find loads of info. All the best with the entire process : )

Hi Rachel, I have no advice just admiration for a Mum who loves her son so much she would do this. It's only my uninformed opinion that your son could end up resenting you if you stop him. Otherwise big hugs to you xx

Yes, food/groceries is a big expense for us (Adelaide, 2 adults, 2 kids). We shop around and frugally. I cook all our meals, nothing ready made and we can't spend less than $300 a week. I sometimes think if we didn't eat fresh healthy food we'd be better off as it is so expensive. It's the one area where we feel we should be able to cut down as it's all about choice but just cannot. Rego, insurance, petrol will all depend on the car you get. Water not generally included in rent here. We don't have foxtel and survive. We watch far less tv than we used to anyway. We have health insurance $108 a fortnight for all 4 of us including dental, hospital and extras. Ambulance cover $100 a year for a family. We have solar so can't comment on electricity. Internet we pay $60 a month but about to change to NBN so don't know how much it'll be yet. Hope all this helps.

Yes I agree 100% with Blossom, ring or call into the ATO. They are very helpful.

Yay! Good to read some good news this morning. Fingers crossed for you for the rest of the process

Good on you for doing something so brave! You should pat yourself on the back for emigrating as a single parent! I think you're brilliant! Don't give yourself a hard time. We all find it tough (even those of us who have settled). Sydney may not be the place for you. Australia is big enough that you have lots of choice. I love Adelaide but it's not for everyone - wonderful for kids though. If you do end up going back after your 12 months, just tell them all what they want to hear: you missed them dreadfully. They will be flattered and think you so wise!!!

Hi there, I am sorry things are so tough for you right now. When you're in that tunnel it's very hard to see your way out. As I see it you have three separate issues here: 1. Your wife needs care and support and help with the baby 2.You need money to get by, so a job, or charity or a loan 3. The visa issue My advice would be to prioritise in some way which of these you need to fix first. I know it's hard, everything seems urgent. But if you can make progress with one, the others will seem easier. See if you can talk with your wife and set aside 20 hours you are available for work every week (easier to get a job if you can say I can work Sat, Sun and Mon 3 to 10 for example. ) Have a chat to your gp about support options for your wife. Maybe a couple hours daycare is available for the baby through Centrelink? I don't know, just throwing out ideas. You can do this and there is help out there but you need to find it!

Thanks for responding anyway Blossom! Hope all is going well with bump!

Tom you're waffling. There's no harm in admitting you were mistaken.