Charlie78

Hi Rix, Thanks so much for your reply. I am back on thinking I should definitely make the move today! I honestly swing between staying in the UK and going to Oz on a daily basis! Your question about my ex made me think! He was the one who ended it and whilst last week he was all for us getting back together, this week he's cooled off again so I don't think it would be wise to make a decision based on our relationship. Plus, its just got a bit warmer in the UK and its amazing how much better I feel when I'm not freezing cold. The thought of living in a climate where a parka is not obligatory is very appealing. I am stressing about money, getting into debt to be able to come out and being able to find a nice house share and make friends but I guess these are all pretty standard worries. I have been following a few threads of people around my age who have come over on their own and although a few have deceived its not for them, it seems to be the main reasons for returning to the UK are to do with missing family and friends back home. As long as I can make friends in Sydney that wouldn't worry me. I think you might be right about my settled friends too. X

Thanks again everyone for your positive replies! I've just heard from my potential employer that he can start my visa application next week, but now he says the job will be a temp 2 year contract instead of permanent which has really made me question the whole thing again! I have also been back in touch with my ex and had long chats about trying the relationship again but taking things very slowly, I definitely still have feelings for him and I also have an interview for a place on a shortened Midwifery course for nurses which is something I've always thought I'd like to do and is a whole new career direction. I'm probably being too negative here but as I have been unemployed for months now, I would have to borrow loads of money to get over to and get set up in Oz and have to pay it back quickly and I'm wondering whether its a stupid idea to come over with no money and it would just be too stressful. A few weeks ago it was a no brainier as I really felt I was leaving nothing but now I'm starting to panic again! Because I'd be coming on a 457, if I couldn't find another job with sponsorship I'd be right back to the UK in. The same position I am now. I just don't want to make yet another mistake in life (Believe me I have made many many many!) and I'm not sure I'm strong enough to start again from scratch halfway across the world. Has anyone else made the move alone and if so was it ok? Does anyone have any similar experiences, am so confused!!!! X

Hi Cheryl, Thanks for your reply, that would be great! Visa and nursing reg permitting I will be over the same time as you. Cant figure out how to to PM you but have added you as a friend-hope you don't mind, would you be able to PM me then I can respond. So great to have someone else at the same stage of moving over x

Thanks Kellbell, Did you move over on your own? Did you find it easy to settle in? I know it's a bit of a broad question but can you put your finger on what it is you love about Oz? x

Hi everyone, Thank you so much for your positive responses. I feel much more encouraged about making the move. Ive got really hung up on my age and the fact that Im not in the same place in life as my friends are, maybe if I get out and see something of the world It will put things into perspective. The money thing is still scaring me a bit but I have lived in London on £30k and have read somewhere this will be comparable to Sydney on $70. Also, was just wondering if anyone has experience of moving over as a single lady and meeting a nice Aussie partner?!?! (I'm still holding out hope I won't be single forever!!!) x

Hi there, I am at the very beginning stages of coming over to Oz, having just been offered a job in my specialised area of nursing in Sydney. Sorry to go into my personal life on here but I really need some advice from those of you already over there and really hoped some of you may have been in a similar situation. I applied for the nursing job after the break-up of a very short but serious relationship which hit me really hard. I had given up my job, my rented house and moved across the country to be with this person after a really short time of knowing him - it was a pretty daft thing to do but I trusted this guy (Im a dreadful judge if character!!!) and hoped that it would work out. Unfortunately the relationship ended disastrously and I found myself heartbroken, jobless and homeless. I have moved back in with my parents and am having to claim benefits as have been unable to get a job as I only have experience in a very specialised area of nursing and I am not qualified to work in a hospital / nursing home etc and despite having a degree in another subject Ive not been able to get any work at all. I don't know about the rest of the UK but the job situation in the North is really really dire. So, I find myself in my mid-thirties, broke, living with my mum! and a bit friendless, as all the friends I do have are a long time settled with their own families and children. To be honest Im feeling pretty rubbish and very alone. :sad:!!! Anyway, I saw the job advertised in Sydney and applied, I didn't really think I would get it but I have and was initially over the moon. Im not leaving anything behind apart from my parents, and its a great opportunity to have a job to come out to and I despite being on a bit of a downer at the moment, I do feel very grateful.....the thing is I will be coming over on my own, will have to borrow cash to get the flight over and rent somewhere, the salary Ill be on will be about $70k. I guess I'm wondering if I will be ok on this salary, when I converted it to £'s it sounds like a fortune but I know Sydney is EXPENSIVE!!!! Although it will just be me to support. Also, is it easy to make friends over there? I'm usually a bit more cheerful than this and by the time I get over there Im sure my broken heart will be a bit less painful! I love sunshine, beaches being outdoors, hate being stuck inside in front of the telly and am really into yoga and hippy dippy stuff and have been told there is lots of this kind of thing in Oz. I suppose I'm worried because I'm so much older than your usual backpacker! I'm trying to make a rational, informed decision before jumping in after having my fingers burnt and I think if I come over, it will be with a view to staying for good. I still would dearly love to meet someone and have kids etc but at 34 I know that time is running out a bit. So many things to thing about, would really REALLY appreciate any advice! Thanks people x

Hi there, I am just about to start the long process of moving over. I've had a provisional job offer with 457 visa sponsorship and am very excited but apprehensive at the long laborious paperwork process and am panicking because I have recently used a one off payment IVA to clear my debts in the UK and was wondering if this could affect me in Australia in terms of opening a bank account, renting a flat etc etc? Do you bring your credit history with you or can you start again from scratch? Thanks in advance