Luke William

I've lived in Australia now for 4 years, and I thought I might share my experiences and what I feel makes a happier and more productive lifestyle and general happiness living in Australia. Firstly, the biggest problem, that arises all other problems is the comparison mindset; nearly all of us do it either at some stage or permanently. The typical thoughts may start with "In the UK we have... where as here..." etc etc, usually at periods of frustration at either a lack of convenience or something we relied upon heavily in our old lifestyle, which becomes more prevalent and noticeable the older we are and more set in our ways we are. It's this sort of mentality and harkening back to nostalgia of memories of the homeland that nearly had me wanting to think seriously about moving back on several occasions in the first couple of years. This is something that you just have to learn to stop doing, instead try to think "in Australia this is better" or "i prefer this here" there are so many things if you think about them and believe me the positives outweigh the negatives. Train yourself to accept change and accept people, you came to Australia for the change and more than likely a big change so you have to be prepared to change yourself in a big way too. Travel - Australia is a massive place, just being in one city can feel like living in a county or even a country, it takes time to drive anywhere, down the road is nearly always 20 minutes but don't be put off travel to other places, go and visit other states, country towns on the freeway, if you live by the river go to the beach, if you live on the beach go to the river etc. It will give you a greater sense of freedom and space and will break you away from being complacent with situations - atleast that's what I've found. This is also a good way of discovering more of the country as a whole, you may move here and decide you don't like it, but without travelling elsewhere you don't know whether you just don't like a particular state. They are all different and they all have a different lifestyle for different people. Vibrant city people would do well to avoid places like Adelaide - where you will feel cut off and like theres nothing to do or nowhere to go, you're better in somewhere like Melbourne, Brisbane or Sydney. Adelaide is a great place for those who want a big country town, essentially, with lots of hills and wines and really the relaxed vibe I've lived here for the best part of 3.5 years and I've found it's not for me but I still love Australia and prefer the Victorian State (VIC). Add more as I go - typed up on a lunch break.