canadianaussie

Interesting. I thought the advice would be to go home to what I know for a bit - but it seems that people are thinking the opposite, even some hardcore UK fans Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've also just seen a job opportunity in Melbourne. I've done some searching on realestate.com and it is much more affordable than Sydney, I could actually afford a half decent apartment close to the city. I've enjoyed Melbourne when I've visited, but there is just something special about Hobart. Hobart seems like a good place to relax and heal. Will let you know what I end up deciding to do when I know. Thanks for all the advice, its much appreciated. Oh and to the poster who mentioned NZ - I love the place. I would happily live there. Just not sure I'm up to a brand new country move at this point in time.

Thats the problem with Sydney, if you're not on a massive wage. Very frustrating. I hope Hobart would have enough 'action' to still be interesting - my UK options are Liverpool, Manchester or Leeds. I have thought about trying Hobart for a year or two, its just the thought of starting off again completely new is a bit daunting. Especially as I do have some war wounds after this relationship breakdown. But maybe a fresh start in a new city is just what I need?

Hi all - long time browser here. I have a dilemma and am looking for impartial advice Currently in Sydney, have been here for 4 years. My relationship is breaking down and it looks like I'll need to move out. I'm 32 and currently live in the inner west. I have a reasonable job, but not a high income for Sydney. If I move out I'll have to rent and given the cost of living - it will need to be out west. I like Sydney but have come to the conclusion that I cannot afford to live here on my income and have much quality of life and/or live in a half decent area for a single person. I also would like to get my own place (buy) in the next few years and know this will never be possible in Sydney. So what to do. I have Aussie citizenship. I am trying to toss up moving either down to Hobart - which I love and feel is a perfect size for me - or back home to northern England. I don't have much family (but some) in England, a few friends, but I know nobody in Tasmania. Work shouldn't be an issue as I am a health professional so should be able to work anywhere. The thought of starting over in Hobart is a bit exhausting at my age, especially not knowing anybody. However, I do feel in the long run it will be a good move for me. Moving back to England would be an 'easier' move, but I just have this nagging feeling that it will get to January and I'll hate the place and my life! I've been tossing around what to do for a week. Any suggestions from others who have been in a similar situation?

Then...don't! Just book the flight and get over here. Adopt the Aussie 'she'll be right mate' attitude....its not always apt but in your case I think it is

If you're flexible you'll get work stacey. Just be willing to jump on a flight, go fruit picking, work at a cafe. Theres always work around if you're not picky! Don't overthink everything

Honest question Maryrose02 - would you be able to buy your flat today IF you were starting out today and doing the jobs that you did throughout your life? I'm curious. I could never afford your flat on my very average Sydney wage today. Did you have high paying jobs or were inner city apartment just a lot cheaper relative to income 30 yrs ago?

Agreed with above. Do your research! I'm on an average wage in sydney. Single. Live in a share house. Full time work plus overtime. Cannot save at all as living expenses are very high. I'm returning home this year thank goodness with cost of living being one of the major reasons..

I'd try and scrape enough money together to buy a used car. You can get a cheap little run around for less than $3000 if you're not picky.

Agreed that the salary expectations seem very high. I don't know any finance types that have managed to land such a high paying job initially. I have a friend in Sydney who was on 95,000 pounds in London and can't find anything in accounting paying over $100,000 here. He's thinking of going back..

The aquarium at darling harbour is excellent. Also canoeing from Audley boatshed in the RNP.

Does the 'full deposit' of 2000 actually include the first weeks rent?

I can't really see how its different to getting a tenancy the first time round. How did you do it then?

Its a bit silly isn't it - having to leave the country and re-enter just to validate a visa? You'd think they'd just cancel your WHV when your partner visa became active. Would certainly save some hassle, money and wasted natural resources flying to another country! I know when I moved from a 457 to a 189 I didn't have to leave the country to activate it.

It does rain a lot in some areas of Tasmania....

Just get your flights booked Stacey and get out here. You'll be fine, theres a million ways to make money if you need to. Definitely don't let your visa expire - I don't think you can get another one can you??

IMHO you can't really know how you will feel until you make the move and experience it for a year or two. Gbye grey sky may love Australia or he may hate it. No-one really knows until they have first hand experience. Thats why some of my favourite threads are the 'update - 3 months in' etc threads. They are the most honest posts from people who have been there done that.

Surely this is a wind up post??

I sincerely hope Australia works out for you James because it sounds like you're giving up a lot of really great things for this dream! Best of luck.

I love watching this!

I'm assuming most of your job opportunities would be in the CBD. So plan accommodation as close to the centre as you can afford - but be prepared to pay through the nose no matter if you end up north south east or (the habitable parts of the) west! Do you have a financial buffer until you can land a job? What is your budget for accommodation?

Wich visa are you on? What kind of work do you do?

But can't you be out of the country for up to 12 months total holiday time within that 4 year period? That's what the citizenship wizard says..

Not to hijack this thread but it has got me thinking. I spent 4.5 months last year back in the UK for family reasons; I also did a small amount of work for a UK company while there. I have an Australian partner who remained in Australia. I am now back in NSW. Do I need need this 'ministerial discretion' when applying for citizenship if I wish to include this 4.5 months in my total 4 year qualifying period??

You can spend up to a year in total out of the country in the 4 yr citizenship eligibility period without resetting the 'clock.' So go backpacking for 12 months then come back to Australia For another 12 months and then apply for citizenship.

Can you be more specific?