thinker78

Isn't it weird that the only place i have truly felt alive in (even though I do love the beach and bush walking etc) is Beechworth NSW- one of the oldest towns in Victoria. i think when you have grown up surrounded by history (i lived a few kms away from a castle growing up and that's where we had picnics, teenage drinking and then took my child to play) it's almost as if you need it. We are talking here something built in 1130- not 1930. It gives you a sense of time, place, amazement, belonging, inspiration- it puts your little life in perspective too. I guess some people dont' care about this and that's fine too- not everyone needs it. But knowing that you are a part of a long line of people in that place is amazing. It's not Australia's fault that it's still young. I love it's old buildings and early settler history, it's very interesting. But, i'm not part of it. However, eating my sandwiches sitting on a wall where Anne Boleyn was kept prisoner and where she looked out across the estuary as I am, eating my sandwiches- that's history.

i knew Quoll would say that haha. i think a 30 year Oz stint would do that to a person

Does anyone know how this works in reverse? I will be working for an aussie employer, but i wish to relocate back to the UK. Will they need to set up a business there? i'm guessing yes....

I think there truly was a time when it was the lucky country. Even 9 years ago when I first landed upon it's shores, life was good, things were cheap, people could build and buy houses like they were going out of fashion, you got baby bonuses, and the list went on. Very very quickly, insanely quickly actually, Australia has become a victim of it's own success- it's very expensive, despite the supposedly higher wages, and basic goods, food and whatnot are overpriced- the house market, once accessible, is now just the same as anywhere- impossible for those on a median wage and inaccessible to the young- during the 80s and 90s and early 00s, many poms made good during the boom years- but sadly that has all changed. It's still a beautiful country with a lot to offer, but it's suffering from the same issues as anywhere else. I think people also used to be able to overlook some of it's more annoying traits (these are subjective, but it's safe to say things exist here which the UK probably moved on from a few decades before, such as, acceptable levels of racism and sexism) because life was peachy creamy in this country in it's very early infancy. But i think people struggle more now and a lot of people would rather struggle surrounded at least by the familiar and family. A lot of the people who love it, and this is again a generalisation, are the ones who came 15, 20, 30 years ago and really profited by their timing. They worked hard but reaped the rewards. I don't think those rewards are so obvious now. Many, depending on their profession and circumstances, can still reap the rewards. The lifestyle in some parts can be very different, but when you're on struggle street, the sun isn't enough to make up for everything. I think we are seeing a very changing world and Australia is a small part of that. I for one are returning to be with parents, but even if this wasn't the case, I'm not sure i'd stay forever anyway. My life here is not that much different to anywhere else.

With the world cup recently, it made me remember the excitement over this, and you know when all the pubs are packed, and the streets are empty and a goal happens and then the whole street goes from silence to loud cheers....man, that's pretty good (although not so good during this world cup haha)

it has been colder than usual here in SA and it's been nice to be 'cosy' for while as opposed to baking hot but i think i'm ready for spring now!

Fashionable clothes at reasonable prices Tesco Finest M and S- that goes without saying Pubs within walking distance- the luxury of growing up in a village with 4 locals Friday night, curry night Less of the nanny state- being trusted to drink in public or cross somewhere you aren't supposed to cross on a road Generally, a good variety on the box and the money which gets invested into decent TV (I don't mean soaps) The song of a blackbird on a late summer's evening The quiet of snow Easyjet- took that one for granted- have zero interest in Asia- regret not seeing more of Europe London- dirty, filthy, crowded, crazy London- screaming with thousands of years of culture, people and stories The beauty of the moors Stone walls Cobbled streets Green The build up to Christmas Intelligent, self deprecating and sharp humour I don't miss these all the time. I can get by without them most of the time. I love Australia in the way you'd truly love a favourite Aunt- she's fun, she spoils you, you get along great. But, she's not your mum. going home 2015- may be back here again- badly need to feel like I belong again.

that's what i keep thinking aunt agatha- also, would love to stay in touch as you are in quite similar situation to us except you are heading over first so would love to see how you all get on with your move......

Any poms in Cairns? Looking for brits who may be able to help a young pom in need- much appreciated, please PM me for details. thank you very much-

i have sent you a PM thank you so much.

Pom queen i didn't realise you were Cairns based apologies i will pm you

thank you pomqueen- i am asking on behalf of a contact of mine- so this is third hand although I'm aware of this situation and this circumstances of this young person. we are in need of fellow Brits in Cairns who may be able to provide practical support (such as a few lifts here and there as they have no car) as well as friendship at this time. it seems really hard to find anyone up there at present- but there must be people up there?! Surely!? x

Writing on behalf of someone else, who is currently in need of some support up in Cairns. Without going into much details, a fellow pom (youngish lady in 20s) finds herself in very difficult times up there with no family or friends. We are on the look out for any genuine brits who may be able to offer some friendship during this hard time. She is a working holiday maker and is for many reasons unable to travel back to the UK right now. Genuine people only please= this would be a good deed above anything for someone who is having a very hard time. Please PM me. thank you.

that's true. it's just jan-march which can be a killer. the run up to xmas with bonfire night, halloween and xmas is magical

So, we've had a few 'rough' weeks down in SA- I say rough, not freezing, although i found myself 'freezing' in 13 degrees last week. We've had a lot of indoor days, our fair share of infections and overall boredom that comes with winter. Some days have been fairly pleasant however, and we know it doesn't last long. Mostly after 3 months in SA, we know what heated delights await.... My little Miss has been moaning about it fairly frequently- she hates the winter. I'm trying to cast my mind back- and I know it sounds nuts but does anyone wonder how they will adapt to life in the northern hemisphere again? My last winter was in 2006 and it was absolutely miserable as I was living up north and it was literally brass monkey's beyond belief for weeks and weeks and weeks and...... I actually feel a bit panicky about parenting with such long stretches indoors. And not only parenting, just the old 'getting dark at 3.30pm'....just seems insane to me now. I know we can't change it. I just wondered if anyone has any advice or if they have transitioned ok......I do worry having had my issues with uk weather before i left. I'm sure we will manage and there's not much I can do, but i worry that I wont cope with the long winters. although I have no choice haha.......

Parents worry about their kids at any age, and when you are a parent you will see this. Your dad must see the job situation in the UK (and it's certainly not glorious here at the moment either) and worry about your return. However, travelling is certainly something to be done whilst you are young and child free. It is so much easier. We only get one life and you are still young enough to take a risk and I'm sure all will be well on your return to the UK- you've got money behind you and plenty of experience. Do not come out here with any expectations of staying ( you never know, but best realise that it may be hard to acquire sponsorship etc) and just enjoy seeing the place. Australia is wonderful place to travel around- living here is a different story which many may attest to. But, for now, just have a great trip! I did my own WHV at 28 and I do often think about the choices I made; I don't regret them certainly but choices have impacts longer term- hey, my parents have had 4 wonderful holidays in Australia because of my choice at 28 so there you go!

and with teaching, you don't just need a PGCE, you also need post qualifying experience. and you'd have to look at what teaching areas are in need too as that changes regularly- most States and also on the SOL have a need for certain secondary specialisms but not a need for primary or other arts based subjects.

someone is trying to message me about the above towns- using my 'old' username which i can no longer access. if you would like to message me on my current name i am happy to provide info regarding the above towns. thanks.

please do check the department of work and pensions website as to habitual residency- it's an area of great contention in the UK and i do believe it' 2 years but you really need to make sure- it's definitely not 3 months.

you can check out the requirements on the home office page- you need to have a job offer of a certain amount plus previous 12 months have earned a certain amount. it's very hard and a lot of mixed marriages are now stuck in Oz. if she has a british born grandparent she may be entitled to an ancestry visa. i believe this lasts 5 years. or if she wangle a european passport by descent that could work= unless the UK leaves Europe of course....but that's another story!

I've seen your other post in the main forum. i think when you are feeling low a lot of things seem negative. it's not a bed of roses here by a long shot, but seeing as you are currently experiencing fairly hard times- it does cloud things. life is hard in many places these days. i agree that australia has some annoying things, but the uk system is not exactly glowing right now either. i have fallen into the trap of saying these things to myself as well, when times have been hard and i've been low/lonely/poor- but really, it could be happening in any country. i try and focus on the positives now about australia whilst i continue to live here- i try not to gasp when half our weekly expenditure goes on groceries etc, i try not to focus on not being able to do much on a moderate income- i try and focus on what australia does well- otherwise you will lose your mind. i think across the globe we are all feeling a massive increase in overall struggles and whatnot since the GFC but also just in general. you are not alone- but i don't think you can blame Australia. i think poms did get sucked into believing life may be better here but the bare facts are that it can be tough anywhere depending on where you are at. sorry you are having a hard time- if australia is not forever, then try and enjoy it a bit whilst you are here. that's what i'm trying to do for my remaining time here.

or move back to be with your parents, as many are also doing. myself included.

you're in quite a difficult situation and many well done's on sticking with it here this far. just a couple of things spring to mind. 1. mental health care plans can be utilised for yourself too- i'm sure any decent GP would see how your own mental health is under the pump right now and you should be eligible for an initial 6 subsidised psychologists visits with a further 6 if found necessary. Psychologists can be very helpful in getting you to reassess the way you think about things. they are often a mind of knowledge about local services too. 2. respite- are you getting any sort of respite at all? parenting (especially of the solo kind) and parenting a child with special needs is absolutely relentless and it's no wonder you are finding things difficult. i have no idea how social services works here, but having worked for a lot of not for profits i'm sure that you must be able to link in with local services who can provide respite or playschemes or similar. i'm assuming you don't have this of course, maybe you do. 3. UK- unfortunately, it may not be easy for you to go back due to 'habitual residency' requirements. if you get benefits or family benefits here, you are better off. you'd need to be back 2 years in the UK before anything kicked in. (double check this, the amount of time you've been out the country has impact). 4. it's a limbo when you feel like you have nothing back in the uk but nothing here. the deciding factor is your daughter. it's well worth joining forums regarding special needs- i have seen various postings about parents returning to the UK for primarily the reason that services and schooling is set up so much better in the uk- you can even go back and check threads on this forum. my understanding is that australia as a whole is quite behind on this. there seems to be a lot more support and better special needs schools in the UK. you would need to research this further of course. 5. it is hard to make friends here, especially when you are feeling isolated already as your confidence wains and it perpetuates itself. i don't think a new place is the answer in many regards. taking care of yourself, getting a break if you can and thinking about where your daughter would benefit longer term may be key. good luck.

Thanks! just hit a wall yesterday but must pull my head in. do want to enjoy the rest of my time here. just missing family and unfortunately cannot go 'home' before the big move- onwards and upwards- time goes fast as we all know and mustn't wish it away

I have to agree with tickled- Cats are creatures of habit and some of them take a long time to adjust. I found this out the hard way when we adopted a puppy lol. My cat sulked for 6 months. You may find in general that australians are a lot less tolerant of cats. living in the country i saw some wicked things done to cats- often stolen, poisoned, hurt- i'm not saying this will happen, just was an eye opener into how people viewed cats supposedly hurting native wildlife. Definitely more of a dog nation. A lot of people will build an outdoor structure as someone said- so they can get some fresh air and climb but not get into trouble. you can actually buy these online but they are cheap to build. i have a very tom boy outdoor cat who gets anxiety if in indoors- as someone said, lots of issues with toileting and being sick if he's made to stay in. i've given up trying to keep him in but get a lot of negative comments from the vet and people insinuating it's irresponsible to let him out. is there no way at all you can rehome them via the RSPCA or similar? perhaps they will settle but it will be quite stressful if they are used to certain ways. or perhaps they will adapt. dogs seem to cope better- they live more in the moment and can be bought with treats, but cats seem to hold grudges for longer lol.