Reasons to leave OZ

[MARYROSE02]

You see "Tom" is the sort of person a pom in oz will meet all the time and I just cant comprehend it. "Tom" has been in Australia 9 weeks and is already an Aussie! So this means, like many new Brits here, within 9 weeks he has started raising his sentences at the end, saying "arvo" and "how you going?" instead of "Afternoon" and "How you doing?" and suddenly loves Aussie Rules, he probably says "rocked up" instead of "showed up" he probably calls his shift pattern a "roster" and drives down the "highway" I expect he shortens all his words as well.

 

Really I do truly believe in order to fit in over here you have to "do a Tom", you have to lose yourself, forget who you are and turn into an Australian immediately. I have seen it so many times! It just seems so untrue to the last 30 years of your life........

 

 

'Doing a Tom!' I wish I'd thought of that one myself. What a perfect pithy little term to describe being a succesful, happy, fulfilled migrant! 'True and proud of your origins, yet embracing everything that is offered in your new home.'

 

So, whilst following the Sydney Swans, he will also be watching every West Ham game at the 'Irons' pub - the Royal Exhibition in Surry Hills, just as I'll be watching all the Spurs ones at the Triple Aces pub, also in Surry Hills.

 

Tom's first friend in Australia was an Aussie and his second, a Pommie. But then again, who cares what nationality your friends are? You either like a person or you don't.

 

So what if he starts using a few Aussie expressions, or even picks up an Aussie accent. My brother did but I didn't. Pommie kids going to school invariably pick up Aussie accents. It's not different from starting a new job and getting used to the specific jargon. In England as kids we used to say 'this aftie' and now I say 'this arvo.' What's wrong with saying 'Gidday?' We used to say 'Good Day' in England. I did read somewhere that many of the Aussie expressions are actually English ones that died out but carried on out here.

 

'How you doing?' Is that an English expression? Sounds more like American to me.

 

'Tom' is a proud Cockney and I don't think he'll lose his affection for his roots. I tried to trick him with some rhyming slang questions. Maybe I'll post them on here, to see if everyone/anyone gets them.

 

The wonder of Australia for me is that I can still enjoy so much of what I enjoyed in England - more in some cases - I couldn't see every Spurs game but Foxtel shows every EPL game during the season - read all the Pommie newspapers on line, watch Sky News and BBC World News, catch many of the Pommie TV shows on either UK TV or ABC/SBS, listen on line.

 

ps I think I prefer the 'Tom' who thinks it's his birthday and Xmas Day every day after only nine weeks here to the one who is still whinging after nine years!

[exiled in Wales]

Thanks for the honest posts Blobby, let's all remember I started this thread actively looking for negative comments. I WANT to go to OZ but I know it's not all going to be well paid easy jobs & sunny BBQs, but never having been there I am looking for the negative side of life down under so I am more prepared for the move (If it ever bloody happens).

 

I don't think you need to worry about me becoming "a Tom", after 13 years in Wales I still speak English in a neutral (sometimes vaguely south London) accent and still only see Rugby union as a load of big men rolling around in the mud together - not my scene I'm afraid. The locals still talk to me about it every time the 6 nations comes around and I must be quite good at looking interested and nodding at the right times because they still talk to me about Rugby. I'm sure I can transfer the smile & nod technique to discussions on Aussie Rules.

 

I must say if some peoples main problem with OZ is the sausages they get at BBQs then I don't have much to worry about - Sausages in buns & Iceberg lettuce sounds like every UK BBQ I have ever been to. But I won't miss it when I am the host and it starts to rain so the guests go indoors to eat all the sausages I am lovingly BBQing outside, on my own, under my umbrella wearing a jumper and coat in the height of summer !!

[Sol2Oz]

You see "Tom" is the sort of person a pom in oz will meet all the time and I just cant comprehend it. "Tom" has been in Australia 9 weeks and is already an Aussie! So this means, like many new Brits here, within 9 weeks he has started raising his sentences at the end, saying "arvo" and "how you going?" instead of "Afternoon" and "How you doing?" and suddenly loves Aussie Rules, he probably says "rocked up" instead of "showed up" he probably calls his shift pattern a "roster" and drives down the "highway" I expect he shortens all his words as well.

 

Really I do truly believe in order to fit in over here you have to "do a Tom", you have to lose yourself, forget who you are and turn into an Australian immediately. I have seen it so many times! It just seems so untrue to the last 30 years of your life........

 

I am not sure about doing a tom to fit in, but I do agree that there's a fine line between "assimilating" and pretending to be who you're not. I am not up to being someone else after having spent so many years being myself - my culture makes me who I am and therefore, I choose not to change it.

 

When people try to change to fit in, they become more dislikeable - at least that's my opinion. It makes me cringe seeing people change who they are just so that they can fit in. I've seen enough of that behavior in high school. Anyway, it's better to be who you are - if people like you, wonderful, if they don't, oh well, there will be better days. May I add that if people don't like you, most likely you have other things to worry about within your personality - especially if you come from the "first world"

[Guest loumor]

Hi there

We lived in Oz for a short while and returned home. My husband settled in quite well. There is a lot of positives about Oz - society is much better, people friendly and very helpful and courteous, lots of open space that doesn't get vandalised like in the UK! It's fabulous for children. The things I found difficult and hence our return home, were more the emotional things - missing friends and family, a sense of not belonging (things like you would be out in town and think that you're not going to bump in to someone you know, and for some strange reason you develop a strong patriotism that you never knew that was there!), we were in a part that weren't accepting of the English coming over and taking their jobs so we did feel in a minority, the fact that you have to pay for healthcare which isn't a patch on the NHS, and you are treated differently (e.g. the area we were in suffered with floods and the government gave residents a payout, but not those on a visa). You realise what a vast country it is - huge travel times between cities, something again that we are not used to.

 

To sum it up it is a great lifestyle if you can be accepting of some of the things I've listed above and accept that one of you at least is going to suffer with intense homesickness (that can border on depression) and give yourself plenty of time to get used to what is a massive life change. The kids will settle without a problem.

 

Best of luck and I hope you all settle in

[Dan Collins]

Hi Exile

 

In answer to your question, you'll probably notice the cost of living, though nonetheless, incomes are often higher (generally). This might make up for it, but for a good while you might be saying, "this was only £1.99 back home in Aldi". Cars will also be a lot more expensive, though the flipside is that they are cheaper fill up and potentially cheaper to insure.

 

You'll have to pay for a lot of things you now pay a limited amount on or get for free. For example, the one year pre-paid prescription in the UK does not happen in Aus. Should the kids need some cream prescribed by the doc, and there will be a $20 cost to it, often more. Nonetheless I miss being able to go to the private doctor and get that problem sorted asap.

 

Healthcare - this might cause some debate as it could depend on where you live and some say that waiting lists are considerably longer than the UK. This could be true but private health insurance might cover might help you. You will need to pay for much of your treatment upfront, say a specialist and then get (some) of the money back later from the government. Many now allow you to get the rebate upfront and you pay the difference and avoid having to reclaim it. Having said that, getting a blood test is as simple as walking in and waiting for a nurse to call your name. Yep, at the wrong time you may wait longer, but this is much faster than the 3 weeks I waited for a blood test in the UK last year.

 

House Prices - Not sure what they are like near you, but you may be in for a shock when £300,000 gets you a do-a-ruppa (in need of lots of renovations). I hope you like visiting a hardware store for 15 years, though I'm sure you'll come to like the sausage sizzle they have for people on a Saturday morning. I did. No doubt you've already been to http://www.realestate.com.au and checked this out for yourself. The upside to buying a house is a dream and you won't be left wondering, will the vendor pull out tomorrow.

 

Schools are great, so think you'll be happy there, but some would argue the earlier start date in the UK is helpful to development AND your pocket - I note you have a 2 year old, so you will have to pay for 3 year old kindergarten when and if ready. I always liked the easy going approach in schools; generally no-one is called 'Mrs White' anymore like the UK, but some may not like this approach.

 

Creepy crawlies - Invest in some Aeroguard (note this) and keep flies and mossies at bay. Your blood will be 'mossie gold' when you arrive, something which can really bother you as it can be relentless. Then again, those march flies here (UK) are very painful when they bite. I think I'd take the Aussie mossie - I never thought I'd say that.

 

You said you are aware of this, but must put it in again. Family - if you surveyed people who returned to the UK, this would be the one thing. Oh, just realised HOFF has already revealed this table. Nice one. If you're close, it can be very hard, particularly when parents get older. It's great when people come to visit at first, but over the years the gaps widen. You need your 'own Aussie' family of close friends and in time this will help. Don't worry, they'll be plenty of people in your shoes you can meet. Happy to refer you to some ex-pats in Aus for a bbq.

 

The heat. I remember when we had only one fan in the house in 1970s. Summer was tough, and this might be hard for you to adjust. I'm still haunted and I'm Aussie born! Others absolutely love it and they're off to the beach. Anyway, summer can be sorted with air-cond, but as it isn't all the time, you cope.

 

TV, well, this might vary considerably on this forum, but as mundane as it sounds, you might miss some of the UK shows & the culture. ABC has picked up this over the years and there is less time inbetween showing in the UK and then showing in Aus. Recently Silent Witness showed the final episode in Aus, yet it remains un-aired here in the UK.

 

I know everyone reading this will have a different take. We love both Aus and the UK, so very hard to be negative about one or the other. They are just different and whether you're there for a reason or a season, it will be an experience for you and the kids that will never leave you.

 

I hope this helps. Give us a shout if there's anything I've missed.

 

Cheers

 

Dan

[Skani]

Must disagree. I have met so many people who have not done what you have suggested and fit in very well. In fact I don't even fit into a lot of your stereotype and I'm Australian.

 

Have to agree, fish01. Apart from using the words "roster" and "highway" I don't do any of the others...and I'm Australian too. The most successful settlers seem to be those who are very confident and comfortable in their origins, don't try to assume an artificial persona to fit in, but can be open to other ways of doing things without being patronising.

[Harpodom]

Have to agree, fish01. Apart from using the words "roster" and "highway" I don't do any of the others...and I'm Australian too. The most successful settlers seem to be those who are very confident and comfortable in their origins, don't try to assume an artificial persona to fit in, but can be open to other ways of doing things without being patronising.

 

I agree, there is a balance between not trying too hard and trying hard enough to fit in. Main thing is to just be yourself and be proud of who you are and where you come from.

[whatsitallabout]

Really agree with that 1st 2 years I tried too hard, & really didn't let Oz into my life. I can so understand what blooby ia saying.But I stopped fighting the negatives & looked at my kids who love the life they have here, & started to let Oz into my life & the amazing thing happened I started to enjoy it too. Trust me has been the most stressful thing ever! I hated Oz for such a long time my friends here thought we would go back home.But I just let it in my life & have fallen in love with OZ I will never lose who I am AM SO Bloody PROUD to be british I love MY cockney accent I wont change but I love the life style here!! Seen so many friends go back 3 are returning!!! so OZ must offer something nice!!!!!

[starlight7]

I think the thing is to just relax and be yourself and not try to prove anything. People are people wherever in the world- some give you the irrits, some are lovely and you want to get to know them more. C'est la vie as they say.

[exiled in Wales]

 

Creepy crawlies - Invest in some Aeroguard (note this) and keep flies and mossies at bay. Your blood will be 'mossie gold' when you arrive, something which can really bother you as it can be relentless.

 

 

 

All was excellent stuff, thanks Dan. Aeroguard is noted. Little tips like this is just what I'm after, my list so far:

 

1. Ween kids off Ribena or transport out a couple of crates worth, or check out alternative fruit based squash.

2. Obey the speed limit until fully able to identify all Oz speed cameras.

3. Invest in Aeroguard to defend against mossies.

4. Don't sell UK house as Oz market seems V.High at present and exchange rates means we would not get equivalent home out there just yet. Rent and keep an eye on markets and how we feel as a family.

5. Luckily we are all a relatively healthy lot but get everything sorted - new glasses for kids and dental treatment up-to date before we leave.

 

Are you a financial adviser ? I am a fully diploma qualified IFA in the UK, do you know how my qualifications would stack up in Oz? I'd be going out on back of Wifes job so plan to look after kids initially but would be interested to see how my current qualifications could be used - if at all.

[exiled in Wales]

Just to emphasise one of our reasons to leave UK - it's high summer in Merthyr - it has rained from dawn till midday and is still raining. The garden is a saturated bog and we have an outdoor pool forming on the patio !

[MARYROSE02]

What was Dick Turpin famous for being? Wasn't he a bushranger? Which country is that which publishes its road rules in some archaic term nobody ever uses now?

[MARYROSE02]

All was excellent stuff, thanks Dan. Aeroguard is noted. Little tips like this is just what I'm after, my list so far:

 

1. Ween kids off Ribena or transport out a couple of crates worth, or check out alternative fruit based squash.

2. Obey the speed limit until fully able to identify all Oz speed cameras.

3. Invest in Aeroguard to defend against mossies.

4. Don't sell UK house as Oz market seems V.High at present and exchange rates means we would not get equivalent home out there just yet. Rent and keep an eye on markets and how we feel as a family.

5. Luckily we are all a relatively healthy lot but get everything sorted - new glasses for kids and dental treatment up-to date before we leave.

 

Are you a financial adviser ? I am a fully diploma qualified IFA in the UK, do you know how my qualifications would stack up in Oz? I'd be going out on back of Wifes job so plan to look after kids initially but would be interested to see how my current qualifications could be used - if at all.

 

I have not got a satnav (haven't even got a Gregory's or a UBD in my car), but I believe they indicate where all the speed cameras are (apart from the mobile ones?)

[exiled in Wales]

What was Dick Turpin famous for being? Wasn't he a bushranger? Which country is that which publishes its road rules in some archaic term nobody ever uses now?

 

What ????

 

Also I don't have a scooby what a gregory's or UBD is?

[StevieF8]

What ????

 

Also I don't have a scooby what a gregory's or UBD is?

 

 

You're going to Melbourne?

 

http://www.ubd.com.au/directories/index_html3282.html

 

You can pick them up at petrol stations, newsagents and so on...not hard to find

[Guest SCF]

street directories

[VERYSTORMY]

In Perth they hide speed cameras in bushes and now paint them green so very hard to spot. But they do publish the locations on line.

[exiled in Wales]

Thanks for the translation services - street maps are Gregorys or UBD & look for speed camera location online. I'm learning.

[Dan Collins]

All was excellent stuff, thanks Dan. Aeroguard is noted. Little tips like this is just what I'm after, my list so far:

 

1. Ween kids off Ribena or transport out a couple of crates worth, or check out alternative fruit based squash.

2. Obey the speed limit until fully able to identify all Oz speed cameras.

3. Invest in Aeroguard to defend against mossies.

4. Don't sell UK house as Oz market seems V.High at present and exchange rates means we would not get equivalent home out there just yet. Rent and keep an eye on markets and how we feel as a family.

5. Luckily we are all a relatively healthy lot but get everything sorted - new glasses for kids and dental treatment up-to date before we leave.

 

Are you a financial adviser ? I am a fully diploma qualified IFA in the UK, do you know how my qualifications would stack up in Oz? I'd be going out on back of Wifes job so plan to look after kids initially but would be interested to see how my current qualifications could be used - if at all.

 

Exile

 

If I'm not mistaken, Ribena is available or were you just keen to ween them off. I hated the stuff as a kid and thought others did too. Our dentist told us off years ago for adding stuff to water and after an initial run in period, we've just enjoyed the taste thereafter.

 

If you're heading to Melbourne, you'll need a Melways. Sydney uses UBD. I'd offer you my 1990 edition, but they've built a few new roads since. lol

 

Yep, re IFA, I've done the reverse in study, so would be happy to point you in the right direction. If you're working at home, then you could do study whilst you settle in. One thing is that it will take time. I'm still very much a part of Aus financial planning, so PM me re qualifications.

 

Good luck to you

[exiled in Wales]

...groceries is shocking really really shocking..$13 for a 2 ltr of ribena...these are facts which may sound trivial to most people but are important to know before you come.....

 

Dan - I was making reference to the above advice on page 2 of this thread, although other posters have advised that cheaper fruit based squash is available

 

My kids have never really had Ribena - Asda do a much cheaper equivalent.

 

Thanks for the offer I will PM you re: qualifications - I don't think the details of financial planning would fascinate the other readers of this thread.

Edited August 16, 2012 by exiled in Wales

[MARYROSE02]

'Highwaymen' / 'The Highway Code' - both good old English terms, but perhaps died out (and replaced by American terms!)We should feel grateful for Australia for keeping them in use.

 

I'm still not quite sure which I prefer - 'Gregory's' or 'UBD.' Street directories, yes, thanks to the other answer - but also just a little bit of Aussie jargon, which you pick up, just as would in any new environment.

[exiled in Wales]

'Highwaymen' / 'The Highway Code' - both good old English terms, but perhaps died out (and replaced by American terms!)We should feel grateful for Australia for keeping them in use.

 

I'm still not quite sure which I prefer - 'Gregory's' or 'UBD.' Street directories, yes, thanks to the other answer - but also just a little bit of Aussie jargon, which you pick up, just as would in any new environment.

 

It was late last night, I couldn't make head nor tail of the whole post. It makes sense now, thanks.

 

Actually, I do know that a lot of American terms are old English words which have been replaced in the UK by Frenchy sounding terms, I beleive these were the fashionable "in thing" in the 18th & 19th Century - I think the US term "Fall" for "Autumn" is an example of this. It is quite possible that Aussies, like the Yanks, use more old English words as you are so significantly further away from any European influence.

[Guest fallguy]

Back on thread# Reasons to leave OZ (Perth)... over taxed, everything over priced, service non exsistent, not much development to take advantage of the great coastline (the one jewel Perth has), narrow mindedness, catch up if you can'...but never will' infrastructure,speed cameras everywhere,dangerous drivers , cant get Taxis, soul destroying traffic light sytems, outdated airport, under acheiving rail system.....the nuanses are plenty, but leaving behind loved ones & lifelong friends for what basically amounts to great weather & beaches??!!. I agree the UK has some of the above problems, but in our situation, we had spare cash over after living costs & Tax were paid to enjoy 3-4 overseas holidays & still save, here we can just about muster enough cash to visit our loved ones every 3 years & I am a tradie (dont believe the hype- $60-$80 grand is the norm, not alot left after tax etc) & my wife is a Investigator & we have no kids.

[Harpodom]

If we were to leave Oz it would be instigated by me I think. We have a very nice life here and we are very lucky in that respect. My wife is Aussie, she did her 'time' in the UK (7 years). I'm 4 years in now.

 

I think if we did leave the timing would be important, around the time our oldest starts high school.

 

As for reasons I might want us to return to the UK..well, just missing that essence of 'home' and all that comes with it: cold Christmases, the dour unaffected spirit of the locals best summed up with the words "Oh well, life's a bitch innit?", the pubs and the craic, the convivial company of friends and family, muddy walks along ancient footpaths through pristine countryside, the euphoria of spring, the long summer evenings, the feeling of being connected to British life.

 

In other words, stuff you can never really recreate anywhere else.

Edited August 16, 2012 by Harpodom

[MARYROSE02]

Back on thread# Reasons to leave OZ (Perth)... over taxed, everything over priced, service non exsistent, not much development to take advantage of the great coastline (the one jewel Perth has), narrow mindedness, catch up if you can'...but never will' infrastructure,speed cameras everywhere,dangerous drivers , cant get Taxis, soul destroying traffic light sytems, outdated airport, under acheiving rail system.....the nuanses are plenty, but leaving behind loved ones & lifelong friends for what basically amounts to great weather & beaches??!!. I agree the UK has some of the above problems, but in our situation, we had spare cash over after living costs & Tax were paid to enjoy 3-4 overseas holidays & still save, here we can just about muster enough cash to visit our loved ones every 3 years & I am a tradie (dont believe the hype- $60-$80 grand is the norm, not alot left after tax etc) & my wife is a Investigator & we have no kids.

 

That's enough about the good bits - now what do you really dislike about the place?

 

I've not been in Perth since 1997 but I loved it in 1978 when I arrived - sold me about Australia although I live in NSW now and would not live anywhere else.