caronandrod

Thanks you to the people who like my comment (I have send friend requests). One thing I have definitely learned is that if you surround yourself with positive people it is very difficult to be negative. Yes there are some things I don't really like - it gets really cold where I am in the winter - so we wrap up warmer. Petrol and grocery shopping is more expensive in rural areas (where I live) than in the city - but I LOVE THE COUNTRY AND CHOOSE TO LIVE HERE Overall you need to see the glass half full instead of half empty - far too many whingers on PIO sometimes.

I have been here for over 5 years now (moving from Liverpool, UK). I think the 'missing family and friends' does ease with time but be prepared for it, it hits you hard around the 9 month mark. I use skype all the time and that helps. I don't miss anything else from the UK at all and that's an honest comment. During the first 2 years I know I used to say in the UK this and in the UK that but don't anymore. I really think the secret is to believe this is your home and to stop referring to the UK as back home. I love it here and wouldn't change a thing (other than to have two of my grown up kids out here too but they have their lives and one is moving to Canada anyway). We did compare prices to begin with but haven't done that for a very long time - what's the point! As for work, I started as a temporary teacher in a small rural school and am now the assistant principal there. My hubby's building business is growing and we definitely have a better life here. Share your knowledge and skills with your work colleagues and don't judge their system by what you have been used to - everything is relative. I have helped to incorporate many of the UK practices I was used to in my current school but I always very aware of the failings of the UK system too. Embrace Australia and all it has to offer. You need to really call it your home if you intend to stay. We became Aussie citizens in November and love our life here (Rylstone, NSW - check it out on google, it's a beautiful place). Best of luck with whatever you do. Remember it's 'your' dream not 'the' dream'. It's up to you to make it real.