vickyplum

I'm sure you've looked at other parts of this forum, but seems to me that opportunity/upwards economy are not reasons to move to Australia (any more!). But you have work, so there is opportunity of sorts, and you can always make your own opportunity too. Good luck with whatever you decide to do in the end - onwards and upwards!

Hi Chris I can't start to even have the experience or knowledge to help you, but can tell you, No you are not being a wimp! You are taking a very big step and anyone would worried about doing the same thing, particularly alone/not knowing many people at the other end. I am going to state the bleeding obvious: you need to look closely at why you are moving to Australia, what are you leaving behind and what you hope to gain. Look at all possible ways of meeting new people and not being isolated (as you say you will be working from home). Think about if you are ready to put yourself "out there" socially. If you go ahead with the move, give yourself a time frame of 6-12 months to assess if you think you are enjoying your new life. Would you be willing to look for other work if your current situation doesn't work out? Don't think you will love it immediately - it's no longer a holiday, it will be your life. Or maybe you will love it immediately and that will be your answer! You say you've been to Australia a few times before - so you know what to expect to a certain degree, but need to be realistic as to what will comprise your daily life. But well done for making it happen and for being honest enough to post about your experience at the airport (and well done Qantas!).

OK - have started August 309/100 applicants thread - lets all join in http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/migration-issues/195370-309-100-partner-visa-offshore-august-applicants.html#post1936321366

My timeline below - very short at the moment! Please join in with where you've got to so far

I really feel for you Sahara - it must be exciting being somewhere new but at the same time, sad to have left the UK/London. I have been to Australia, and found the suburbs to be pleasant but very surburban - if that makes sense. I definitely agree with whoever suggested moving closer in to Melbourne city centre. I have no idea about costs (I am looking at Sydney only) but could you downsize and pay the same price but for somewhere more centrally located/smaller? There are loads of cultural things going on in Melbourne and lots of areas in the city to explore, and there's St Kilda for the beach/seaside vibe. I think three months is going to be a difficult point in time. Personally I would wait until 6-12 months and then re-assess. If you're really not liking it still, then come back to the UK! And don't forget that all UK retailers provide internet shopping and can ship to Aus if you get tired of their shopping choices :-)

sorry to hear that Nikki -can you come back again as a tourist? I think I now understand Australian immigration better than UK!

Definitely! I keep meaning to start a "August 309/100 visa" thread but then keep forgetting...

If we are always going to give the example of bad tenants, then yes, the landlord is always going to look hard done by. It's certainly a hot potato subject - worldwide it seems! Always many good and many bad aspects from both sides.

the poster (above) said they wanted for 28 days for CO acknowledgement. So looks like end of September for us I think.

Me and my OH did this with our last rental (offering up 6-months in advance is not quite a deposit to buy a place) and it works a treat with landlords.

I agree wholeheartedly with LizzyTinKnicks. I have rented for close to 10 years, for various reasons, first in the home counties and now in London. The "them and us" way in which tenants are spoken about, is thoroughly disrespectful. I am sure there are many scum bag tenants, and there are also many scum bag landlords. But there are good versions as well.We do not exist merely to pad out the private landlord's pocket! However, I accept that I choose to be a tenant, but living in an area where 2-bed flats can reach £500k +, taking that step into a huge 25+ year loan, can be daunting, particularly when not being a super-high earner. How about a relationship with tenants paying their rent on time, not trashing the place, and in return they are treated with respect and their landlords then choose to keep their home (yes it's your house but it's my home) in a liveable condition. And tenants in the UK have very little in the way of "power" FYI. end of rant :swoon:

Thanks - useful to know! Won't hold out for any contact just yet... :cool:

Evening everyone I am browsing the forum, idling away my Sunday evening. I wondered if Brits have experienced difficulties in getting jobs in Australia (regardless of trade / profession) due to employers having a preference for locals or people not on a visa? I live in London and regularly come across Aussies (and Kiwis, + other Europeans etc) in my line of work (I'm a PA) but the job market here is much larger, so there's more opportunity, even though it can still sometimes be a struggle to get a job. So does anyone have any insight on this / or an opinion? Thanks VP

Mine was lodged on Tuesday, money was taken on Wednesday. Now that's quick! They obviously went to the payment section of my application form as priority

Both - but only because I'm not sure if vitamins are classified as "food". Probably not but might be worth doing a bit of Googling !

I think it's fine if they are commercially packed - ie, you got them from the shop and they are unopened. And you should declare them. Happy to be corrected by more knowledgeable types!

Do you know why they were turned down...?

thanks for your concern CollegeGirl I have submitted two form 888 and my birth certificate, but it's the "short" version and doesn't have my parents' names on it, so am waiting for the "full" version to arrive from the General Register Office, which is very slow in being sent out. But as you say, I'll get onto the missing things ASAP!

Hi all Finally submitted my (our) 309/100 defacto visa application to Australia House in London. A couple bits still missing (one of my friend's statutory declarations and my full birth certificate) but will be sending them on as soon as I receive them. Feels good to have all the paperwork off the dining table, and now keenly awaiting any sort of communication...

Ha, I can well imagine - but at least the BBQ bloke saw the funny side. Getting broody for dogs now - must stop looking at the cute photos! :cute:

great pic -he looks a proper chunky surfer dude

adorable @Tcrejbf - I love Beagles, such soulful little faces I hear they're a bit stubborn but quite good family pets?

I can recommend indeed.co.uk as a job seeking website. There is also Total Jobs and Monster.co.uk - the Guardian newspaper also has a pretty good job site and there are many others as well, mainly run by agencies or sector/profession specific.

Personally I'd take a rucksack. I have one that zips all the way round, so easy to use when not travelling. I find suitcases unwieldy in places that aren't cities or airports. Or you could get a soft bag with wheels - a good compromise perhaps. Edit: my rucksack sounds like quoll's - highly recommended!

This is a bit of a strange question but here goes anyway... So, Australia. Opposite hemisphere to the UK, relatively new "modern" culture but otherwise very ancient. Creatures with paddles, pouches, who hop. Lots of sunshine but can be lots of rain too. A love of cricket, soccer, Aussie rules. Rainforests, crocodiles, immigration, Lamingtons. What to you, are the things that set Australia apart from the UK or even north America?