Maggie2012

Your home is where your heart is. It is not easy with a big move like this. Either you endure the first 1-2-3 years if you can and look for the good things this country offers or just give up. I think the problem is you are not certain what you really want for yourself in life and that makes it harder, no matter where you go.

Many years ago I decided I wanted more from life and should move to Australia, having visited and really enjoyed it. About 3 years ago I got a visa and decided to make the move. However, at the airport gate I had a panic attack and couldn't get on the plane. I returned home and spent 2 years depressed and lost all my confidence.

Eventually I decided I was unhappy in my job so I quit and went travelling. I soon ended up in Australia. Which is where I am now and have been for 9 months. It's been a constant struggle to find work and get settled. In desperation for work I started applying for jobs back in England. I have been offered a great job in England, but couldn't feel happy about returning to my old life. I have also now been offered an equally good job in Australia (although I have my reservations). But all I can think about is how lonely and homesick I am and that I want to go home!

 

Whatever life throws at me, I want the opposite. What is wrong with me?

Btw: I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder. So that is possibly a large part of the problem.

 

I can't decide what to do but need to make a decision fast!

Haw as anyone else felt like this and what did you do?

 

Can anyone help?...please.

May I suggest that you come back on your own first and look around? That would give you the opportunity to see what chances you have without burning bridges. With 2 kids and no jobs on the table I'd recommend to have at least $60-70000 in the bank if you have no family support here. We know a family who went through that much money before the husband could find a job! Just saying...

Hi.

 

I thought I would stick my neck out with something that has seriously not given me any sleep. We have been through the return home with my wife for the past year atleast. Our situation is pretty simple, as I posses an australian passport. Our two small children also do (citizenship by descent), and I have files all the papers for my wifes partner visa which should come through this year (we have been married for over 8 years so its just a formality). But the closer the relocation from Wroclaw, Poland, the more I have been going into the costs that will slap us in the face.

Here in Wroclaw, I work as a tennis coach teaching lessons in english to expats. I have also opened an EMS fitness studio at the tennis centre, so I am working on court and as a private trainer in my own EMS studio at the one place. I work from Monday to Firday, so in short - we have a pretty cosey life here.

I have lived in Australia from age 6 - 18 so was brought up there. I woudl love to come back and raise my kids there. Allthough I have been going into the costs of things and for me it just hit me like a brick in the face.

Our children are 6 and 2,5 yrs. So the older one goes to school which is practically free, but the younger 2,5 year old goes to preschool/kindergarten....which costs around 70-80 dollars per day???!!!!! Is this for real? I have been going thru the whole net. In Sydney prices can reach over 100 dollars per day, and that without food! In Queensland it would be around 70-80 dollars per day. So looking at it from a sober pont fo view - preschool around 350-400$, house rent around 350$, studio for EMS around 350$. Food, bills, petrol etc etc - around 300$. So weekly costs would be around 1350-1400 per week!!!!! Changinmg that into polish currency that is like a sum straight out of star wars. What are wages like there My wife would probably work after a few months, but oly half time as she would have to pick up our son. But Im just frightened that this tri will give us a life where we will be struggling, especially that I will be setting up my own studio there, I dont have any set work there. We dont have family or friends on the Sunshine coast either. Here - we have everyone and we have our jobs.

Second option is to wait 3 yrs until our youngest will be 6. Then, with two kids aged 6 and 9 they go to the same school and we can breath a little bit more easily. This is something that isnt giving me much sleep as we have been planning this move for a long time and the more I goo into the numbers, the more Im afrais that we will struggle. Mind you - my wife is not keen on the move. She loves her life here..

Is pre school and kindie so expensive? And is life in Oz in general is that expensive? I remember it from 12 yrs ago where it was quite cheap. Now from what I read cheap is a far way away...

If you want the beach lifestyle, Canberra is not for you. Coming from Linconshire you may not like it. However, you could give it a go since your hubby has a job offer, that is a big plus. We've gave Canberra a go but wasn't our cup of tea. it is not just the weather, but most people do not realise that Canberra is 600 metres above sea level so you will feel the pressure drops, making you lethargic, etc.

Again, you can give it a go. We lasted 2 years. Lincoln probably offers more culture than Canberra. Has everything you need though for your daily life. But its called the bush capital for a reason. FYI.

Port Mac is really nice, but you will struggle to get jobs, unless you get an offer. And yes, it is 7 hours drive on a good day.

Hi

Can anyone please advise on whether it is realistic to live in NSW and work in Canberra.

Which ideal suburbs will I be looking at?

My research over the months has been to live in Port Macquarie. However a possible job transfer opportunity for my husband has meant that we consider exploring suburbs closer to the ACT.

 

Any ideas?

Well another proof that freedom is interpreted in Australia: differently.

Just a heads up, since I just learn about it. Compulsory event for Everyone (regardless you are a resident or not):

Everyone who is in Australia on Census night needs to participate in the Census, no matter where you are. Whether you are an international visitor, travelling to remote areas, simply travelling interstate or staying away from home due to a natural disaster or other reason, arrangements have been made for you to complete the Census.

more info here:

https://stream10.census.abs.gov.au/eCensusWeb/welcome.jsp#top3

Hey! The GC is not any better or worse than Brizzy

Brisbane is booming and certainly not stuck in the 70's....I'm guessing that came from somebody living in Gold Coast!

What is it with people and commute? If you had to travel to work in the UK it is walk in the park. We both used to travel 2-3 hours for work daily back in the UK (just like everyone else we knew). I travel 20 miles to work now, taking me 30 minutes and people think it is too far!

Your option could be, just like us to set up house in-between the two towns (Brisbane and Gold Coast) and have options to go both ways. Again, worst day it takes me 1 hour drive to the city and 40 minutes to the South Gold coast. Also, there is a train service to central Brisbane, which could be another option to travel.

What really stressful is, and no offense to anyone, people do not know how to drive. The "keep to left unless overtaking" rule doesn't apply here. You will find people sitting in lane 3-4 doing 80 (50 mph) in the 110 kph (70 mph) zone. Indicators not used, people speed up when you try to pass them, they won't let you in, people heavily tailgate and pull across 3-4 lanes with no reason. Running red lights and blocking the intersections is a daily thing. Cops do squat about this (to be honest I do not know what cops do here because you never see them). So you need to be extra careful to drive which can be the tiring factor especially between GC and Brizzy.

Hey, if you can find me a hobby that can be done in a different state/territory of Australia every week, I'm all over it :-D

Depends on your intellectual requirements. But each town has meet up groups you could be a visitor to ;-) why not?

Ok, nobody has the right to stop you from your dreams. it seams that you have worked hard for it. don't wait till 2019, especially being after the Brexit vote. We were lucky that we both wanted the journey, but i will tell you if my hubby would have said no he would have a serious choice to make. Life is short not to follow your dreams....

Hi all, thanks for your comments.

 

I was always going to be honest and truthful that was never in doubt, it was just how best to broach the subject which was the tricky part I was looking for pointers on. Obviously having both recently completed meds/ police checks etc. we knew the decision was coming.

 

T-bone had the right idea for what I was after, although I checked the replies after having already broken the news to my OH and tbh it wasn’t too far off the mark from what you suggested but as expected it hasn’t gone down well.

 

It used to be a dream for both of us 10 years ago to emigrate, however the dream has only stayed with me. I have worked hard changing jobs roles and gaining new qualifications to be eligible to apply, and now our visas have been granted I’m really keen to move as soon as possible (2017), however OH wants to wait till 2019 before moving.

 

Main arguments to delay are so we can save more money before going (I think we already have enough, 6 figures saved), think it’s going to be hard securing a job (fair enough who knows what’s going to happen to the economy there in the next 12-18 months, same could be said for UK after Brexit though. Having said that I have a job to go to lined up for 2017/18), having kids then going (this worries me the most but is a whole can of worms I don’t want to get into on here..)

 

Regarding the comment of Australia not being ‘better’ just different, I think it’s what you make of it. Who’s to say it can’t be better for me and the family I hope to raise there? Granted life is pretty good for us where we are at the moment, but having had this dream for so long after a number of trips I feel I have to follow this through or I’ll never know and regret having never tried. If it doesn’t work out as planned we can always head back to the UK, but having known that we’ve given it a go.

 

I’ve been told that I’m just being really selfish and unrealistic . I desperately want us both to want this dream, and to undertake this together as the next chapter and adventure in our lives together. I don’t want to get to the end of my days looking back with any regrets.

 

If anyone else has been in a similar predicament I would appreciate your thoughts and experiences as to how things panned out..

In your 30's or 40's it is not easy to build friendships, but you need a friend or two in life. hard to belief you do not meet people that could be considered friend, even if its a boyfriend or partner. Sometimes you need to let go of expectations and just go with the flow. So pick a hobby and go meet people! :-)

Wholeheartedly agree! It's tough though - I never know where I'm going to be more than a couple of weeks in advance.

 

Last winter I found myself in Canberra for a few months, and we were about to sign another Canberra-based contract so I auditioned for a local theatre company and got the part in a musical. After two rehearsals, I heard that the contract had changed and I'd have to divert to Brisbane.

 

Gyms usually require some kind of commitment, as do dance classes (I inquired after several). I love spending time with animals but can't commit to keeping and looking after them so I occasionally visit a disappointing Cat Cafe. I have gone along to random Meetup groups like "Under 40's Barefoot Bowls" - in fact my 30th birthday when I first got here was a karaoke night with strangers! - but lack of regular contact means we just fall out of touch again.

 

Don't get me wrong - I am truly dedicated to my work and love what I do. But you're right: one needs another way to be happy when things aren't going so well...

Cost of housing is not much different in Canberra either, depends which suburb you choose. Take the new northern suburbs and you will be able to find 3-4 bedroom house rentals from $425-450 pw. I would call Canberra depressing. Nothing is close by and what the city offers can be exhausted in 2 weeks time (max). There is no place in Australia that is not family orientated. But Cairns offers beauty what Canberra lacks. No offense, unless you like brown dry landscapes year around. Oh and everything is leasehold as is the state itself is leased from NSW territory. Withdraw the federal, commonwealth money that build Canberra and the city will die out....

Schooling in ACT is free for 457 visa holders (or waived), I checked this out as I was considering Canberra myself at one point. The problem is the cost of housing in ACT when it's much cheaper just a few km down the road in NSW. Cairns pay will also likely be higher as it is classed as rural and remote, depending if she is employed at a public or private hospital this might make a significant difference to the household budget. Flights to and from a state or territory capital a number of times a year for recreational leave is also paid for a state employee in Qld which again is a rather nice perk. Personally with your choices I would go for Cairns but I am not you, my own choice has been Alice Spring so I do tend to be a bit different and went knocking their door asking for a job there. Good luck with your decisions.

Look up my posts in ACT about Canberra. If we had the choice it would be Cairns. Canberra is artificial, jobs are limited to services. We are finally in Queensland, but it cost us some $7000 to move since even getting out of Canberra is a pain. Also be warned that probably one of Australia's worst spots for allergies. It is cold (yes cold), winter can see -10 Celsius and because it is windy and dry everything feels even colder.

Hi,

 

I have a dilemma, were thinking of moving to oz but going on a holiday there first but only for 1 week (mad I know) but we can only go to cairns of Canberra, my wife is a midwife and in Canberra she can get $6-8k sin relocation money and well paid job they'll sponsor her and help- with the application, how-ever the climate is n't as good as cairns.

 

in cairns she can get a well paid job possibly relocation money but the weather is better more of what we want, the issue is we have 3 children coming with us and need to get the location right the first time as we don;t want to disrupt them too much.

 

please give me the positives and negatives of both plus your personal opinions.

I cannot see people not liking Brizzy, but each of us is different. The only town we thought was stuck in the 70's was Adelaide and mt.Gambier. Brizzy? One of the best hidden gems. :-)

you need 100 points in most AU states. points: combination of proof of identity and residence. Not all international licenses will transfer directly, you need to check each states website for more info.

This was on qld government webpage:

If you are applying for a Queensland provisional or open car or motorcycle licence, you won't have to pass a written road rules test or a practical driving test if you hold, or have held within the last 5 years, a driver licence (other than a learner licence), that corresponds to a class C, RE or R licence granted from these countries.

Hi,

I may be lucky enough to be offered work and a visa on the gold coast. I have visited the area only once in my early 20's, so am looking for advice on the best areas to live. It will be myself (30) and my fiancé (25). We have no children and are into the gym and beach life, nice meals out and cinema. We are moving over from west london and would be renting for the meantime.

Have done some research and looks like broadbeach may be an option? Southport seems to have lots of propertys for rent though. Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.

 

Thank you

Hi, just wondering if you made it to the GC and if so, where did you end up moving to. Also do you like it there?

Just wanting to know about people's experience with beak ins on the Gold Coast. A lot of places mention the "security windows" on properties.

Is this something to consider moving to the GC?

Any experience with break ins in the northern GC, in newer suburbs, such as Coomera?

Any feedback would be great since such data is not exactly off the shelves....

and it will get hotter in the coming years...dont miss that heat one bit thank you.

that is just crying wolf isn't it?

Our 2 years in Adelaide is nearly over so we'll be making the move in September. Originally we were looking. Originally we were looking around Robina and varsity lakes, now the northern suburbs have caught our eyes. Southport, Coomera and pacific pines. I'm late 20's hubby early 30 we have 2 kids 7 & 5. Obviously wanting good schools  Would like to be where there's more younger family's..... Would love your thoughts?

same dilemma here. But we have visited several times and we are thinking of Coomera area. Any decisions yet?

the only way to avoid getting bitten is to acquire a friend who is tastier than you!! I got bitten a lot when we lived near water but hardly at all when we lived near dry forest and had a breezy house. I too found aircon too much in shopping centres and offices and had to take a cardi with me to the cinema! Our old queenslander got as hot as hell upstairs in the Brisbane summer so aircon required, but when we lived in more modern houses used the aircon far less...lots of variables but the choice of where you live in Brisbane makes a big difference to your everyday comfort.

Now in the UK and having pretty good weather but the sight of people in t shirts in 15 degrees still shock me. On Sunday we even saw people going for a paddle at the beach!

Lol. Shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops come out early as 13 degrees! Makes me smile remembering when we first visited in April, us being in shorts and T-shirts, while people in Melbourne in long coats and scarves!

Talking of Brizzy: anything against Coomera/ Helensvale area?

You are describing spring/autumn temps in Qld. Has been daily max of 30-35C for the past 4 months. Even so we have rarely used the aircon at home but is great to have as a back up on those sticky days with no breeze. Many of the worst offenders with the aircon are the locals. We freeze going into their houses; can't imagine what they are thinking about ours.

 

We actually find shopping centres and movie theatres too cold too and were amazed that locals were apparently comfortable in thongs, shorts and t-shirts until we learned how cold they keep their homes.

I only said 24 degree weather because that is usually scorching hot in the UK! Have been through a few 30-35 days even in Canberra and have some experience with hot humid weather living in New York City for a few years. Point is, your body gets used to that, but the only way to do it is to let it get used to the heat, not the A/C. After some 2 years now I find the weather "cold" below 20 degrees. My husband was joking that even 24-26 degrees is cold for me on certain days. That just shows, that how amazing is a human body adopting to different weather patterns. Take that from a born Brit relocated from Cambridgeshire! But truth to be told, I always liked the warmth of the sun and that is the main reason we are here.

Mozzies and flies though and insects in general, they love me. Have tried the B-complex but to no avail. I get bitten so many times even by using a repellent spray. Why is that, I really do not know. So is the Mozzy situation bad around gold/sunshine coast too or just further up north?

Its ts terifying but worth it in the end, leaving family and friends is the hardest but you get there in the end. We were excited then me and my youngest 16 at the the time were terrified felt physically sick on the way over but it's worked out great. Oz is just an amazing country I really wish we had the opportunity to have brought our boys up here. I just don't have the same concerns as I did in the UK. I just find cairns peaceful yes there is crime of course ...not come across it but it's truly paradise

We are debating the same issue. We have been to the Gold Coast a few times for a few weeks but never to Cairns. After planning the move from dusty Canberra for the last year or so, it looks like we'll have finally a chance to wrap things up here but we are debating the same issues, where to move in Queensland. The biggest worry is jobs. While I can move with the company and will get part time hours guaranteed, my hubby is not so lucky. We think there will be more opportunities settling between Brizzy or Gold coast or Brizzy and Sunshine coast, but after dozens of job applications, no signs from anywhere.

Hubby loves the tropics and natural beauty and is thinking of Cairns. We do not know anyone at any of these places and in Australia it seems that most people get jobs through mates, friends (at least that is the standard in Canberra). I am not to keen on Cairns but will move if there is hope for hubby finding a work within a month or two. And that is any job.

If the climate is a concern, I would avoid Cairns like the plague! I've been living in Brisbane for the last three years and we have really struggled with the humidity here, having spent a bit of time working in Cairns, I can tell you it is a gazillion times worse! Toowoomba is absolutely beautiful, really green and a much more reasonable climate, however it is a bit "out in the sticks" which you may find the kids aren't as keen on. That being said, you'll get used to driving a lot more out here wherever you end up and it's still within a reasonable distance to the coast!

I think the key is to acclimatization is to get off the air-con. Yes, you will have a few tough days but body gets used to it. As Brit, you need to forget what you were used to. You will be amazed how your body learns to cope with consrant 24-25 degree weather after a few weeks. If you go to aircon to aircon- that is no good for your body and you will suffer and hate everywhere.

Your choice should be Melbourne over Adelaide. The latter is not great for any job prospects. We know people who had fallen for bad advise and and they've regretted it greatly.

Hi Deb, good luck with the move! We are in a similar position in that we will have had our PR visas for 4 years in March 2016 so need to get cracking with our move (Adelaide or Melbourne for us). Similarly, it is family issues which have kept us in the UK - both having lost a parent since we got our visas, and on a happier note, in among it all, having our little boy who is nearly 2.

 

I'm interested to know how long a period of time the RRV 157 will give without having as yet lived in Oz - a year?

We arrive in Brisbane Friday evening and need a car rental straightaway. Does anyone know of any good deals or rental companies? Also, we will want to buy a car - any good car deals for December 2015? Thanks.

we used these guys before and we got amazing cheap rental and a great hassle free service. I'd recommend it. Or just use the international big ones like Hertz.

http://www.got2go.com.au/

as for buying a car, you will find that used cars in Australia are insanely expensive. (don't depreciate much) so if you have money for a new one you might just look at one!

great! I am coming to the next one! Wait, but I am not allowed, I am a woman! Oh I'll send my hubby..wait, he might not meet the entry requirements despite the fact that he does....

:-) not to make fun of anything - my intention was (jedi Maggie)

correct again, and thanks for pointing out the fundamental problem here.

The people of Australia the UK and the USA clearly don't live in a democracy, we live in a plutocracy.

the only party i've heard mention reform so far are the greens, and most aussies are so brainwashed into hating the greens the system will never be reformed.

plutocracy, i hate it, you hate it, im pretty sure most aussies hate it, but it's never gonna change.

we can but try to adapt. /QUOTE]

 

would be logical to assume to seek the solution if the problem is know. But question is what would be the perfect system? Because as long as greed and power hunger exist in this world nothing will change.

 

Just to ad to the fire, what do I read today? "Cabinet document reveals Turnbull Government under pressure to change industrial relations laws"

http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/cabinet-document-reveals-turnbull-government-under-pressure-to-change-industrial-relations-laws/ar-AAg1e41?li=AA4RE4

 

isn't this a prime example to "plutocracy"?