Polkey Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 So, we arrived on the Gold Coast on the 16th June... happy as Larry, ready to get the ball rolling again (we were briefly here 4 years ago but went back to UK to have our Son). Gradually, the weeks have rolled by and neither my husband or myself have had a sniff of any permanent work. We've been here 10 weeks and the money is rapidly disappearing. We are so happy and settled in every way... in a rental, son in Kindy and having swimming lessons etc, enjoying the warmer winters and just getting on with things. I suppose we just never envisaged it taking SOOOOOOOO long to get work! We didn't come over with a lot of money but have been very careful with what we have... it's just taking too long to get work and now we are having to consider the fact that we may have to go back to the UK if we cant find work ASAP. This is slightly rambled but, I suppose what I'm asking you all is, what the hell should we do? I'm applying for jobs (both in my field and very much not in my field!) left right and centre, I've changed my CV as per suggestions on PIO, I'm literally applying for 3-4 per day... for 10 weeks... that's lots of jobs! I honestly don't believe I'm that unemployable!!! My husband can only really get casual work for the odd day here and there but the crux of it is, we've only really got enough money left to last another 4 weeks at the most. The days that husband is getting work for is paying for food etc but is it only slowing the inevitable? Do we hang on til the bitter end in the hope that the sun will shine on us and a job will appear or do we cut our losses and 'organise' to go back to the UK before the wallet is empty (but still with our fingers crossed that something will happen before it's too late)!? I know there is no real answers to my problems but just thought I'd put it out there in case anyone else has been in the same situation recently. THANKS xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 My husband has just been in Brisbane job hunting, he was there for 2 weeks and arrived with lots of leads and contacts but he didn't get one interview, there just doesn't seem to be much work there, doesn't matter what SEEK and the likes say, they lie. He's been in Perth 2 days, had 2 interviews and another 2 tomorrow so much more positive. I know you feel settled but maybe you could consider another part of Aus, don't know what work you are both in but one of you maybe able to line up some interviews somewhere else and do a short trip. Could stop your dream coming to an end so soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest17301 Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Do you know anyone? Sometimes, not what you know..who you know!! Any PIOers in area who can put a good word in?? Otherwise, continue applying for anything..anything at all...register with ALL agencies! Once you have agency experience..ie Aussie experience..should help with gaining perm employment...best of luck..don't give up..keep trying! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Fiona is right, and not all jobs are advertised, register with every agent and don't be afraid to go to companies direct, seems to be quite acceptable practise there and some companies won't use agents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Hi Polkey, sorry to hear this, like Fi said a lot of it over here is not what you know but who you know. Could one of you try some voluntary work, I know it's unpaid but it can either provide you with a social network or a job. Good luck, I have my fingers tightly crossed for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polkey Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 Thanks for your replies, it's much appreciated. I have spent the last 8 years in administration but am trying to break into the environmental sector (have short experience from last time we were in Aus) and for the last 3 half years my husband and I have run a business. I have great skills, am VERY eager and i'm intelligent... I could do anything! I just cant seem to get a look in and I just can't understand it I've been applying for the Gold Coast area for immediate jobs that will get the money coming in, jobs ranging from Administrators to shelf stackers, but alongside that I've been applying for entry level Env jobs (which surprisingly, I seem to be getting more feedback from!) ALL over Australia. I know that if we've only got a matter of weeks left I should be organising a return to the UK but I can't help thinking "we'll just wait for another week and see if anything comes up"...where do you draw the line... when you can't afford a loaf of bread lol!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surflen22 Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Can I add to what's already been suggested and say call people?? Don't rely on emailing resumes and applications via SEEK. Aussies prefer the personal touch. Call up potential employers, drop by recruitment agencies and follow up on applications by phone. Good luck - I know how frustrating it can be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wellers and Whitehead Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 We have been here for 9 mths and I cant get a perm job (cant drive so proving difficult to get a social work job), however I worked in abefore and after school job on minimum wage!!! I got this after 3 mths of arriving, stayed for a month or so then get a job via an agency I registered with, the job was far from what I wanted but better money, now I have another temporary contract and the money is good. Both of us have, and still are finding it hard to get a perm job, so my advice is apply with agencies and take temp work, sometimes they say its for a few weeks but in my little experience if they like u this can go on for much longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 The Gold Coast would have been the last place I would have gone to get work. Every man and his dog wants to live there, hence the lack of jobs. Quote from a friend of ours who lives up there, but who has to work away as a contrator. "I can get a plumber for $10 an hour here, but up the road in Brissie, I would pay $20 an hour, because everyone is undercutting each other to make a living" This comment was made many years ago, but I would think that little has changed. You need to look elsewhere, or take a gamble and buy a lawn mowing franchise or the like to try and keep your heads above water if you want to hang on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polkey Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 I have been sending e-mails and letters out to companies, i've joined agencies, I've met up with companies I work for when we were last here, I've had 'chats' with potential employers but NOTHING!!! I've been very positive about the whole experience of moving here, starting again (again, for like the 4th time - not just in Aus!) but my moral is flagging and negative thoughts are creeping in!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surflen22 Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I have been sending e-mails and letters out to companies, i've joined agencies, I've met up with companies I work for when we were last here, I've had 'chats' with potential employers but NOTHING!!! I've been very positive about the whole experience of moving here, starting again (again, for like the 4th time - not just in Aus!) but my moral is flagging and negative thoughts are creeping in!! Follow up emails and letter with phone calls. Ask to talk to HR managers or managers in your specialty. Do you have any friends who have good contacts? SEEK is great but, if things are getting bad, also take a look at Gumtree. There are some often some temp roles on there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polkey Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 We came to the Gold Coast as this is where we lived previously... we are open to moving else where in Aus, but starting again in a familiar place makes the transition slightly easier so we started here. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, but you don't know until you get here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackinabox Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 So, we arrived on the Gold Coast on the 16th June... happy as Larry, ready to get the ball rolling again (we were briefly here 4 years ago but went back to UK to have our Son). Gradually, the weeks have rolled by and neither my husband or myself have had a sniff of any permanent work. We've been here 10 weeks and the money is rapidly disappearing. We are so happy and settled in every way... in a rental, son in Kindy and having swimming lessons etc, enjoying the warmer winters and just getting on with things. I suppose we just never envisaged it taking SOOOOOOOO long to get work! We didn't come over with a lot of money but have been very careful with what we have... it's just taking too long to get work and now we are having to consider the fact that we may have to go back to the UK if we cant find work ASAP. This is slightly rambled but, I suppose what I'm asking you all is, what the hell should we do? I'm applying for jobs (both in my field and very much not in my field!) left right and centre, I've changed my CV as per suggestions on PIO, I'm literally applying for 3-4 per day... for 10 weeks... that's lots of jobs! I honestly don't believe I'm that unemployable!!! My husband can only really get casual work for the odd day here and there but the crux of it is, we've only really got enough money left to last another 4 weeks at the most. The days that husband is getting work for is paying for food etc but is it only slowing the inevitable? Do we hang on til the bitter end in the hope that the sun will shine on us and a job will appear or do we cut our losses and 'organise' to go back to the UK before the wallet is empty (but still with our fingers crossed that something will happen before it's too late)!? I know there is no real answers to my problems but just thought I'd put it out there in case anyone else has been in the same situation recently. THANKS xx Are you restricted to the GC? If not then perhaps concider moving to another area. WHV's get plenty of short term work that could also see you through until something permanent comes along. Farm work, bar work, cafes, restaurants etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 You mention enviro. Are you degree qualified in that? If so would you consider mining? It would probably mean a move to WA but if you have the qualification and are willing to move have a look at infomine.com and jobs4mining Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polkey Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 You mention enviro. Are you degree qualified in that? If so would you consider mining? It would probably mean a move to WA but if you have the qualification and are willing to move have a look at infomine.com and jobs4mining Thans verystormy, I'm degree qualified in env mgt and managed to get a great job LAST time we were here with Parsons Brinckerhoff but left for UK to have my son there. I've been to see my old employer and had good chat with him but for various (valid and not fobbing me off) reasons he can't take me back on just yet. Basically I've been applying for entry level positions and a fair few of them have been in mining... All over Aus. I've had a better response from these jobs considering I have such little experience than I have for a clerical job I could do with my eyes shut and my hands tied behind my back! Thanks for your suggestions, will have a good look! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northshorepom Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Lots of big construction companies need environmental engineers/consultants and they're usually in short supply.....particularly any experience/expertise in erosion and sediment control, the regs for this are extremely strict here (especially in NSW I think) and a lot of effort is needed to comply You might try some of those. Abi group have picked up a lot of work over the past 12 months and therefore I expect they will be in need. Mostly it's roads projects in NSW, the Pacific Highway is undergoing a rolling multi $bn upgrade all the way from Sydney to the GC and the ERSED issues on those jobs are pretty severe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sapphire Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 So, we arrived on the Gold Coast on the 16th June... happy as Larry, ready to get the ball rolling again (we were briefly here 4 years ago but went back to UK to have our Son). Gradually, the weeks have rolled by and neither my husband or myself have had a sniff of any permanent work. We've been here 10 weeks and the money is rapidly disappearing. We are so happy and settled in every way... in a rental, son in Kindy and having swimming lessons etc, enjoying the warmer winters and just getting on with things. I suppose we just never envisaged it taking SOOOOOOOO long to get work! We didn't come over with a lot of money but have been very careful with what we have... it's just taking too long to get work and now we are having to consider the fact that we may have to go back to the UK if we cant find work ASAP. This is slightly rambled but, I suppose what I'm asking you all is, what the hell should we do? I'm applying for jobs (both in my field and very much not in my field!) left right and centre, I've changed my CV as per suggestions on PIO, I'm literally applying for 3-4 per day... for 10 weeks... that's lots of jobs! I honestly don't believe I'm that unemployable!!! My husband can only really get casual work for the odd day here and there but the crux of it is, we've only really got enough money left to last another 4 weeks at the most. The days that husband is getting work for is paying for food etc but is it only slowing the inevitable? Do we hang on til the bitter end in the hope that the sun will shine on us and a job will appear or do we cut our losses and 'organise' to go back to the UK before the wallet is empty (but still with our fingers crossed that something will happen before it's too late)!? I know there is no real answers to my problems but just thought I'd put it out there in case anyone else has been in the same situation recently. THANKS xx I really feel for you, and hope you get sorted soon Its scary how quick those $s vanish,and when there is no end in sight,its an awful situation We were astounded at how much we spent in the first few weeks,just trying to survive We dident have jobs, and watched our savings get eaten very fast,that was just on accomodation and food, and essentials.We were so shocked, The jobs here are a lot harder to get now, as there are so many Aussie people unemployed,especially in construction We have managed to be ok, financially, but it has been through sheer luck,but we are still heading home We have found the whole experience of coming to Aus, a very expensive one, and looking back, it makes me break into a cold sweat,when I think of how close we were to loosing everything I do wish you well,its a horrid time for you PM me if you ever want to chat x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polkey Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 Thanks Sapphire, I appreciate your reply. I was just saying to my husband that I'm not sure what I was trying to achieve by posting on here, it's not a decision that anyone can 'tell' us which way to approach... I just needed a cry for help! It's always good to hear that you're not alone. I'm not homesick and I like it here... my 3 year old son is certainly enjoying it. BUT you can't live off walks to the beach and BBQs in the park. We are not extravagant people and have been very careful with the $$$ but everything is just sooooooo expensive it's so hard. Even argued with my son at Coles the other day because he wanted some BabyBells and as far as I'm concerned, at that price, they're a luxury.... and then you can't help thinking that they'd only be a quid in Asda/Tesco!! Luckily we got return tickets as my son is on a Tourist Visa until his PR is issued, so we had to all travel on return tickets. Can't help thinking we'll actually be using them... never thought we would. Julie x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicF Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 If you are on a PR are you entitled to any family benefits, and if so are you claiming them? I'm not sure if one of you has to be working to be able to claim, but if you are not already claiming it would be worth finding out if you can. We are getting $300 a fornight from centrelink and my OH is working full time on a fairly good salary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebo Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 If you haven't done so already apply for jobs in Brisbane. Unemployment is much higher on the GC, I've lived there for a while and would love to have a job on the coast but the only one I've had a hint of was $50k less than I make in Brisbane, downside is the commute. I'm a specialised IT guy and no work for me on the coast, except maybe at council one day but my wife also landed a good job in Brisbane within a couple of weeks of us arriving. The downside is the commute, but that's another story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bazinga Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Have a chat with centrelink just in case they can help. Have a look at Canberra and also have a look at care work with old people in their homes. Generally no experience needed and a casual can earn $28 an hr on a weekend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kissofthegypsy Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 If you haven't done so already apply for jobs in Brisbane. Unemployment is much higher on the GC, I've lived there for a while and would love to have a job on the coast but the only one I've had a hint of was $50k less than I make in Brisbane, downside is the commute. I'm a specialised IT guy and no work for me on the coast, except maybe at council one day but my wife also landed a good job in Brisbane within a couple of weeks of us arriving. The downside is the commute, but that's another story. I agree with Freebo, we live in Coomera Waters (GC) and I communte to Brissy everyday on the train. I can get 3 figures an hour here and half that on the Coast (unless as Freebo said you work for GCCC). Problem with Brisbane at the moment as well is that there are hundreds of people applying for the same jobs due to the government shake up so the previously best employer (government) for admin roles, etc are not employing so the market is saturated. I know you are not proud but just to get some money in, look in shop windows for work until you can find something better. Brisbane is a very small place and most jobs go on referrals before anyone actually sees them. Once you are in and can perform or at least do a decent job its normally plain sailing after that. This may sound off but look on Gumtree, they advertise for all sorts of work, albeit casual, its still money. Sorry I cant help any more, but good luck and dont give up easily. Sean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sol2Oz Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 If you haven't done so already apply for jobs in Brisbane. Unemployment is much higher on the GC, I've lived there for a while and would love to have a job on the coast but the only one I've had a hint of was $50k less than I make in Brisbane, downside is the commute. I'm a specialised IT guy and no work for me on the coast, except maybe at council one day but my wife also landed a good job in Brisbane within a couple of weeks of us arriving. The downside is the commute, but that's another story. I think that this is ideal on arriving to the Gold Coast - to live there, but to work in Brissy. Can I ask you, is the commute expensive? While I was there, I took the bus/train combination from the Gold coast to Brisbane and found the commute to be kind of horrid - I don't mind the fact that it takes about 1hr 1/2, just the fact that one has to pay about $25 a day to do so. Or did I do something wrong while there? Do you actually spend about that much daily to commute? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kissofthegypsy Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I think that this is ideal on arriving to the Gold Coast - to live there, but to work in Brissy. Can I ask you, is the commute expensive? While I was there, I took the bus/train combination from the Gold coast to Brisbane and found the commute to be kind of horrid - I don't mind the fact that it takes about 1hr 1/2, just the fact that one has to pay about $25 a day to do so. Or did I do something wrong while there? Do you actually spend about that much daily to commute? Hi Sol 2 sides to it, driving in and parking is extortionate, daily early bird specials can be found for about 25 a day, if not you can pay 65 eeek. Petrol on top. The train is the cheapest option, peak hours from Coomera to Brissy is 8.87 each way with a Go card, more expensive if you havent got one. I takes me 6 minutes to drive to the station and 6 minute walk to work so if I leave the house at 625, I am sat at my desk my 730 which isnt too bad. The train is packed all of the time though and some people bring their own chairs on to sit on as there are not spaces from Coomera. All in all though, I prefer to live on the coast and commute than the other way around. Cheers Sean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sol2Oz Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 But if you live somewhere like Broadbeach, then you'd have to take a bus to Coomera or better yet Nerang. That can be quite expensive, unless there is a deal I do not know of. What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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