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hi all! I am 160cm tall, and my weight in the past 5 years has escalated from healthy 54kg to 60kg to 65kg to now almost 70kg I used to be a healthy/fit person back home, when my ex-army dad would take me running every morning and I used to exercise almost daily.. but eversince I have been by myself here in AUS, i've been pounding more kilos... SERIOUSLY need to do something now... something effective... all my frens and family can't believe I have added kilos like this to a point where I have health problems even though i hate the idea of running, i hope it will give me a head start... anyone else have the same probs?? i'm sure i'm not the only one... I aim to start running !!! and keep up my updates logged here...:err:

Expat pensioners using bank-to-bank transfer facilities could be losing out on their retirement income due to the higher fees charged for such services, suggests new data from the UK's Post Office. Of the 1,038,600 pensioners living abroad the majority are transferring their sterling pensions into local currency deposited into an overseas bank account. But the Post Office warns that making regular bank-to-bank transfers to move a pension exposes expat pensioners to repeated bank charges which are significantly eating into retirement income. Some banks are charging as much as £42.50 per transaction, warns the Post Office, which calculates that such quarterly transfers will incur charges of £170 over a year - that's the equivalent of almost a fortnight’s worth of the current State Pension allowance. The Post Office advises pensioners to shop around to make sure they’re not wasting money on bank transfer fees by always checking the small print for any transfer service they use. It points out that it's own International Payments service doesn’t charge a fee at all, and also offers a regular payment facility so customers don’t have to make repeat transactions. The service also allows customers to fix their exchange rate for up to a year to avoid being caught out by fluctuating rates. Sarah Munro, Head of Money Transfers at the Post Office, says, “It’s a real shame that at a time when they should be enjoying life, so many pensioners may be having their income eaten up by high bank charges, when sending cash overseas.

ive been focused on this for a year now , im a 44 year old carpenter in jersey with two young daughters and wanting a better way of life for my family but am now wondering if all this effort is more than im going to get in return, anyone feel the same

Hi, I am a British Citizen who came here on a holiday 5 years ago and ended up staying. Currently a PR in Aus. with maybe becoming a Citizen. Just wondering if there is any chance of me losing my UK citizenship (or any rights Ias a UK citizen) as havn't voted in the UK for at least 8 or so years now and I do return occasionally to visit relatives. Should I have at least informed the UK Censorship/Govn't that I am a PR of Australia or isnt it that really important as long as I have a UK Passport ? Thanks.

Hi everyone, Just found out from facebook, of all places, that a friend of ours got engaged last week.:huh: Don't get me wrong - if he is happy, then good for him.:biggrin: However, the last time we heard from him was when we found out he had left his long term GF. We didn't have any issues with her - didn't really know her, so it wasn't like he would have felt awkward because of us being close friends with her. If anything, we didn't think they would good for each other (Not that we EVER would have said anything to him about that), so the break up was no surprise. We phoned him after we found out about the break up to see how he was doing - he actually seemed annoyed that we knew he had broken up with her. He also asked not to broadcast the news of the breakup, as apparently she was taking it all really hard. We haven't said anything to anyone. I have emailed him a few times, to say hi and ask how he is doing etc. No replies to any messages. Anyway - I always suspected that he moved in with another girl pretty quickly after the break up. But he hasn't replied to any emails, and has changed his mobile. The only other contact no I have is his ex's home number, so we can't call him. Turns out, according to the lovely FB, that he obviously DID move in with this new lady immediately after the break up, and he is now engaged to her. (Have only met her once before, many many years ago through mutual friends) I guess I just feel pretty flat that someone, who I thought was a close friend, has obviously been through a lot, but clearly does not want to keep in touch. Am not sure what we have done, or if it is even worth asking. I am the type that would have sent cards and pressies for this - and now I feel that I can't even be bothered to send a congratulations email. Hubbie and I are also the type that, if a friend has non-starter as a partner, we would never say anything - even after they break up. Always a danger that they will get back together and then your friendship will suffer. Sorry if this is a bit of a whingy thread, but I feel pretty whingy and am scratching my head to understand what we have done wrong?:no:

Hi all, I need guidance and advice about my current situation. I did my masters in IT (2009) from OZ and then kept trying to get a job in the IT sector with no success. I have previous experience teaching programming and database to high school students in my home country hence I landed up a job as a IT trainer in a college and after 6 months of working there I got a part time teaching position as a lecturer in my university (from where I did my masters). However I worry a lot about my future; mostly because, my family's financial situation has gone down the drain and I'm becoming very irritated and stressed. I grabbed whatever opportunity came my way because I needed the money to pay the bills and the rent. I really want to get into the IT sector but my visa condition (currently on TR) and lack of experience is posing a big hurdle:cry: . If I apply for graduate jobs, I never get a reply and few of those who have replied, tell me they want someone junior to fill the position. It’s a catch 22 situation :arghh:. I find myself depressed and frustrated each day. Looks like I will be forced to stay in a profession (Teaching) which I do not wish to pursue. I do like the job that I'm doing; it’s just that my heart is somewhere else. Will I ever get an IT job? Is there any employer who would wish to employ someone in my situation (No experience but determined to achieve my dream)? Do people who have no experience or wish to change their career have to forget about their dreams? I feel trapped. I guess my question is: I know there are a lot of people on this board that have a job in the IT industry; please guide me. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO????? I am lost :confused:. Thank you all for your time and patience. All advice will be much appreciated. Thanks again. P.S: Sorry if this is a wrong place to post the thread.

I've recently moved back to Perth to be with my boyfriend. We are currently living with his parents with our dog, and are desperately looking to move out. I've looked everywhere for dog-friendly rentals and it seems to be impossible. The ones we do find are either run down (and too far away) or way above our budget. I'm grateful we have somewhere to stay with the dog until we find somewhere to rent, but we can't stay here forever :mask:

Hi all, i'm mostly enjoying to process of migrating to oz (2nd time, as we're boomerang poms), however along with the excitement im also geting the same negative feelings as last time! i'm usually a happy go lucky guy, happy to go along with others for the sake of "keeping the peace" etc. but currently im losing patience with workmates, i understand everyone has their "little ways" but what normally runs clear over my head is really starting to bug the hell out of me. tenagers often get bad press, and i have 2 of them. but now when i see a few of them innocently walk past me i cant help but think "what are they up to?". im also becoming paranoid that at any moment i could become a victim of crime! its all driving me nuts at the moment. im sure in reality all will be fine but i just felt the need to share these feelings incase anyone is going through the same experiences. good luck all mark.

Well after weeks of waiting for the police cert it seems that 4 offences in 14 years is classed as substantial, ok so a minor in 2009 down to an arguement but come on. Really looks like there are no options even on a sponsored 457. Ive read about people with 10+ and they hve visas Looks like thats that

Hi all, Looking at all options here... About to apply for a PR (family sponsored 176) from the UK (ACS being processed now). However, may have an option to work for an OZ company on a 457. What concerns me is that if the company goes bust or i leave the position, I have 30 days to find another sponsor. My burning question is...Can i apply for a tourist visa, if i lose my job, to allow further time to obtain another sponsor or do I have to go back home(after 30 days) and wait for the PR Visa to be granted before i can come back into the country? Any advise or options would be appreciated. Thanks Nick

Hi there I'm seriously starting to lose my bottle about migrating. It's such a hard thing to do.... and so stressful already, it seems. I'm never going to know if it's the right thing to do until I give it a go..... but with 2 children (one who does not want to go aged nearly 12, the other just a baby), I don't know if I can pull them out of the stable life here without feeling like I might be ruining things for them. Just got positive skills assessment, ielts passed by husband, all ready to lodge visa....should be happy but I'm terrified. If we had a job set up it would be absolutely fine. But with no job - finding a house, job and good school all in one seems like a huge task. I know there's loads of you who've done it (and well done as I know it takes a lot of courage) any tips/advice/help? I may not just be losing my bottle but hitting the bottle soon aswell! Thanks

Just wondering.................? When we leave the UK, is there a period of time in which our uk rights either reduce or disapear. Are we still entitled to housing benefit if we return, pension,free nhs etc etc. Have been told in a pub (my normal habitat for those that dont know me) that if you leave the uk, after three years away you lose all entightlements. I just wonder, if we fail, and come back with nothing, can i get a council house and be looked after by the state untill we get on our feet again. It's just the latest of the reasons for the insomnia at the minute. Cheers Chris:radar:

OK, I am getting frustrated again. Just read that its not easy to get employer sponsorship in Melbourne. I have been told by an agent its the quickest way to get there. Also ideal if not got the formal qualifications like us. I thought Melbourne employers were crying out for people in I.T. I am obviously wrong then? Has anyone else gone out on 457 Visa? Did you have any probs? How did you get employers to give you a chance.? Any advice greatly appreciated. Starting to see why so many people feel they take 1 step forward then 2 steps back!!!:arghh:

Hi all, I'm just after someone to boost my morale!!! I'm trying to find sponsorship as this is the only way we can get over to Oz. However its not going too well. Keep sending off the CV to loads of places and I even get replies!! However they all say "sorry we don't sponsor, but give us a ring when you get over":arghh: BUT I CAN'T GET OVER!!!!! Has ANYONE managed to get a company to sponsor them as a homecarer or working with people wuth disabilities?? Or am I just fighting a losing battle:( Needed to get that off my chest! Thanks guys Cath:wacko:

HI EVERYONE,I HAVEN'T BEEN ON HERE FOR A FEW DAYS (COMPUTER BEEN DOWN).WHEN I CAME ON EARLIER I HAD 1,987 POSTS! I HAD A LOOK AT SOME THEN WENT OFF FOR HALF HOUR,LEAVING COMPUTER ON,ON PIO PAGE.WHEN I CAME BACK ON AND TRIED TO CARRY ON THE POSTS WERE GONE!! AHH:arghh:! DON'T KNOW WHY? ANYONE KNOW?THANKS,A MISSED THE GOSSIP TRACY.XX.

Hi everyone. I've been a bit of a silent lurker on PIO since getting my CPV back in May, it's different when you're an oldie like me. Anyway, I'm leaving for Melbourne on Nov 28th and I have to admit now I don't know how I'm going to do it. When I applied for the visa my older son plus Aussie GF were there and keen for me to move, now they're working in Europe and don't look like rushing back to their house in Oz any time soon. My daughter is in Sydney, but that's some way away. And the youngest is staying here in the UK for the moment, though he has passed his Vetassess and is thinking about a move. So here's the thing...when I arrive I'll be all alone in Melbourne and tough as I am the reality is hitting me hard. I feel as if I can either cope with all the emotional type stuff OR the hideous practical stuff, which is stressing the life out of me at the mo, but not both. The cat went off on Wednesday and I cried most of the way back from Heathrow. Glad to report she arrived OK but yowling and was described as very vocal...go girl! I'm the age of most PIO members' parents and desperately need a few words of encouragement to get me over the next few days. My kids just automatically think I can do it all, but right now I'm not convinced. This is without doubt the hardest thing I've ever done. It's not that I think I've made a mistake, just sad and worried. I really wanted to have all my family together in one place (which turns out to be Oz) but it feels as if I'm the one making the sacrifice and having to be strong. I know that's what mums do, but right now I need cheering up, and I know PIO is the place to come. Crap jokes particularly welcome!

Hiya, I have been looking at the costs of visas/medicals etc and was just wondering how much do you have to payout without even knowing you will pass your visa application? It seems such a waste if you payout loads only not to be accepted. Also what order do you do things. Do you look for a job before you fill in your forms? How long is a visa valid for before you have to move to Oz? Thanks Debbie & Chris