Beaty

Ah, yes, looking forward to getting a bit of that Bob. B

...on Renting or Leasing? B

Agreed. B

Hi Woody, Sorry, we're not leaving until October. All of the figures are based on fairly good local research. Our kids are: 7 (G), 5 (G) and 4 (B). No offence, but I'm surprised you're giving your 8 year old that choice (to stay or go)! I'm looking forward to Melbourne Woody, let's see what happens over there B

Thank you very much B

Good for you, I'm all for changing course when things are not going your way. B

No, I will be self employed in the medium term. I'm happy to do anything while my core business seeks traction. My wife is a Teacher. We have about a year and a half worth of living costs to play with (worst case scenario) but both will seek work fairly soon once kids are settled. B

We're (2 adults 3 kids in Melbourne) budgeting in AUD: 1st Car: 7 K 3 x months living costs: 15 K (5 K per month) We're shipping all our required house contents: 7.5 K (That's shipping a 20 foot container from Ireland) Bond: 3 K 3 x months rent: 8.5 K Total: 41 K AUD - but remember that's THREE months living, a car, and our house set up. I reckon in reality you can throw 4 - 5 K on that. Call it 45 K. B

Lovely story B

Career break all the way. My wife is taking a 5 year one and we'll see what happens over. I'm self employed. B

Good for you, great news on all fronts particularly the mortgage side approval with an employer letter - amazing. We're about 290 sleeps to our departure... Enjoy the Skydiving! B

You're going to love Brisbane. Best of luck with all the paperwork etc. B

Lovely day here in Southern Ireland too. Nippy and sunny. B

Have to agree, didn't see too many when I was over (but of course they are there). B

Some good informative and objective replies here folks. B

It's a bit more in your face than most cities, for sure. Where the hell do you pay 300 dolls for a good view? One of the bars? B

Hold on, there's a bird with that name? B

Apologies, obviously I was talking generally and not about you Verystormy. Wow, it seems the Aussies you met, and you, didn't click so. B

Most PIO'rs willing to put in the genuine time and effort (in Australia) by getting outside, connecting with real people offline, joining clubs, parent's clubs or school's parent's boards (if applicable) volunteering, inviting, accepting over time should be able to make new friends. Of course they're not going to at the level of early childhood, teen, or Uni friends, and who would want them to be, they're a new set - Migration Mates Problem is, a lot of people, and more worryingly it now includes their children, sit in front of computers 24/7 and moan on-line about not being able to make friends in 'real life'! B

I agree. You need to work at 'making friends' for God's sake. If you are low on confidence or not willing to give your time and put in 'relationship building groundworks' - then you won't make progress. There is this notion on here that Australia is a country where it's 'hard to make new friends'. I don't know how such a sweeping generalisation can be true. Unless the migration process favours the shy, timid, snowflake types. You can make friends anywhere folks once you know how and are willing to put the time in. If you don't know 'how' or not willing to invest time in building same, well, you've got a problem. B

Great that you are making decisions and progress in the direction you have chosen. Lots to research and focus on. Best of luck with it all! B

Great name for a pub! B

Good for you The Skills Assesment is the most important part of the puzzle in my opinion. Pour yourselves a nice glass of something to celebrate! B

Personally, I would go. Give it your all and at least 5 years. Expect to put yourself out of your comfort zone and, remember, LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE! You have 4 ready made friends (ie: partner and 3 kid!?) Work hard, play hard, and put the social efforts in, and see what happens. Life isn't all about earning oddles of money. What matters is that you have enough money. B

Is that 85 K AUD or 85 K STG? B