Jazzhead

The criteria for a successful outcome is explicitly stated on the application form. If your issue isn't alluded to anywhere then don't sweat it. It doesn't state that a degree has to have been gained in full time study so you do not have to worry. As long as you have four years of HE including PGCE then you have satisfied the academic criteria.

So it's definitely advantageous in the jobs market then.

I've been told by several Aussies that being male is advantageous when applying for a 189 listing Teacher as skilled occupation. Some light googling seems to support this by highlighting the relative lack of male teachers in Australia. Could anyone offer either their thoughts and/or experience pertaining to this?

Decided against buying an iMac. I've come to the realisation that it doesn't matter how many Apple products I own, they will never compensate for how bereft of love my childhood was so I may as well save the money.

You have no idea how much I am trying to justify buying an Apple product that I simply do not need right now.

Yes, this is a second hand model, as AJ suspected above.

At current exchange rate, entry model would set you back £785 if you bought it and claimed GST back upon leaving Australia. £864 without claiming GST.

Link?

Absolutely. Just trying to convince myself that I actually need an iMac now! Got a MacBook and iPad so probably not. Seems too good to pass up though!

....are SOOOO much cheaper here thank in the UK. Example: iMac UK price - £1099 AUS price - £785* (21.5 inch 2.7GHz quad core 1TB model). *This price is including claiming GST back at airport upon leaving Aus. Very tempted to take one home with me when my holiday ends on Monday!!

Nowhere near as expensive as never trying it at all though.

Depending on your current mental and emotional state resulting from the split, I think it could be a risky move to come on your own at this point imo. If you're fragile and this is a painful split from a serious long term relationship, then there is the danger that you won't get to experience Australia properly whilst here due to being preoccupied by trying to come to terms with the split. You will inevitably feel lonely and your mental state could really cloud your judgement. Personally, if I was in this scenario I would delay my entry to Aus and get my head straight whilst in UK amongst friends and family. However, if it's less of a big deal than that and you're simply feeling a bit gloomy, then coming out here will be the best thing. You'll be over the split within seconds! Just reading between the lines of what you've posted. I definitely would not fly out without ensuring everything is as sorted as it can be with your ex. The last thing you want is it to be affecting you when you come out. Good luck

I guess that feeling torn after making the move or it not working out is better than staying in the UK, waking up one cold grey Wednesday morning in your late fifties and thinking 'what if?'. I think that once the seed is firmly planted you would never forgive yourself for not giving it a go. Especially when it's too late later on in life during the cold, grey, miserable days when life is getting you down.

They have. She's now called David Cameron.

You don't know how pertinent this is right now! (Or maybe you do if you've seen the news coverage of Osborne's budget yesterday).

Thanks for the suggestion Where would you recommend for pizza at the high end wood fire type?

It's my last night in Melbourne before heading home (for now!). Pizza is calling. Help a brother out on where to go! :wink:

Yes, there will always be a great deal of subjectivity involved when evaluating these things. Diff'rent strokes and all of that! Again, I think expectations are the key as to whether one settles or not (in addition to missing family of course). This is my third time visiting Melbourne, one of which was a year long stay, so I'm at an advantage in the respect of knowing exactly what to expect of the lifestyle and culture. However, I know this isn't a luxury some can afford. I am a childless single guy!

I wonder if there may even be a mindset amongst us of 'hey, I gave up my job, friends and family to come here; how dare you not be constantly perfect in return!'

Really interesting read this thread. As someone who is on the verge of applying for a 189, I am taking from this that the most important thing is to manage my expectations. Emigrating carries with it a lot of hyperbole eg 'living the dream' or 'fairytale move'. I guess that none of these things actually exist. It's simply life in a different place. I think the majority of people place too much pressure on themselves trying to pursue the 'dream' instead of anticipating what is effectively a simple change of scenery albeit a fair distance away.

....to describe why you wanted to move to Aus. Go......

Music is my specialism but I can also teach English and History.

Recent career change, Bungo. Secondary school teacher. The two year trial thing is a superb suggestion. It definitely assuages the power of 'permanent' in permanent residency. I will definitely adopt this mindset. Thank you. My motivations - primarily based on my experience living and working here on a 12 month visa fifteen years ago. I'm currently here (Aus) on a three week holiday to scratch the itch so to speak. I enjoy the culture and diversity of Melbourne. I'm from Blackpool so this may contextualise things more! Lol. It's always been loitering in my thoughts and I'm now in the position to try and make it a reality. Definitely happy with your two year trial suggestion. Really does make it seem a lot less daunting.

Im not particularly close to my family per se. I think it's just knowing that during tough times it's nice to be able to seek comfort there and this would obviously be impractical in the event of a move. I guess I just have slight anxiety of making the move and feeling isolated. The prospect of starting over regarding friends, job, social life etc. It is daunting. The funny thing is I have already done it when I came out here for a year on my own in 2000 so I know that establishing oneself here is not a huge endeavour. I agree that I need to give it more consideration though in light of my current feelings.

Maybe it might be prudent to apply now at the age of 38 in an attempt to secure a 189 but not move immediately. Build up career experience in the UK (and perhaps maybe my personal circumstances may change). Is this common? I believe I would have five years in which to 'activate' my PR visa should I be successful in gaining one. Is this correct?