Guest Guest97808 Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 We have been here 6 months now and I am here with my wife and two children 14 & 8 years. At first we were all excited about coming here, a new life a new career and better lifestyle. Well that is what we thought. We are very lonely here, other people are here from the UK but we don't seem to be able to mix in with them, it is nothing they have done I think it's just a case of they know each other better than us as we arrived on our own quite some time after them and they arrived in groups. To make matters worse the firm that recruited me has lied about its integrity I left a good job and was fully established in that job and had a lovely home. What I have brought my family to seems to have been a terrible, terrible!, mistake. I am frightened and sad that I have let them down coming to Geraldton. We are not big drinkers and having the kids is a problem when it comes to socializing also. My wife cannot find work which is adding to the stress. I am certain one of the managers were I work dislikes British people but English people more specifically. I cannot believe I have been so silly coming here. Please I do not wish to offend anyone or drag you down with what I/We are feeling here I just want some advice. I have no job or indeed home to return to in the UK as we gave everything up for this company and they are not nice people honestly. Any advice would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Moving to a regional area is pretty tough, I don't know that I would be brave enough to do it as the initial move. I asked the OH the other day would they fancy it (I am curious) but I got a definite no. Unfortunately sometimes it is hard for Brits still in the UK to really comprehend regional Australia, I think they think it is like the Cotswolds. What visa are you on? I am wondering if you could try somewhere else in Australia, or if you are tied to your employer. I am sure there are a few on here that live in Geraldton, so hopefully they see this thread and can meet up and perhaps introduce you to people. I always thought. It was much easier meeting people when you had children, through childrens activities and school, than without. We are without kids and in Sydney and have struggled to make friends! I gues fortunately for us it was not a priority and we don't stress over it, we both have great colleagues and get our social interaction through work and work socialising mainly. Ultimately if this is not for you, there is no point wringing your hands that you brought your family to this. You cannot turn back the clock and you made the best decision that you could at the time. Now, you need to put your energy into making it right and if that means leaving then so be it. That is what you need to work towards. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifi69 Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Im sorry your having such a hard time of it. Saw quite a few negative posts on Geraldton before coming, and having now visited i would say it may only suit those used to country living. Even in Perth ive only managed to pick up temp work here and there, so it must make it even harder out there. As for Oz employers, well from what ive seen they are deffo a breed apart. The micro management and bullying culture is rife for sure. Do you want out of Geraldton or out of Oz on the whole. Could you find a new employer elsewhere in the state if you wanted to stay? We all take a big gamble moving over and it just doesnt work out for some, through no fault of their own. For me being unhappy at work or not being able to find work it just makes it not worth it. There is a hidden forum on here for people like yourself who are wanting to move back but feel due to finances etc are unable to do so. You have to send a request to be able to join it, but it may help to talk with people in the same boat. I hope it all works out for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petals Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 I can only echo what Rupert has said, feel for you. Regional Aus is hard and if not interested in outdoors type lifestyle could be boring. One thing though you have not failed, or failed your family, its just unfortunate that we do not have a crystal ball. Put it down to experience and go forward with whatever you decide to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Sorry to hear the going is tough up in Geraldton. There was a thread either on this Forum or another similar about a year ago with regards to Brits and Irish in Geraldton. Often from memory it was more prior arrival but also some already landed. Anyhow that suggested a number of folk moving there to work so it's a matter of tracking them down. Small town Australia can be hard in the social sense. I lived in a town a similar size in WA so do have an understanding where your coming from,although where I lived a considerable number of Brits lived. How beneficial that was is debatable as many had been there a long time. Anyhow no real words of wisdom apart from joining something. Sporting Club, Bridge, Church Meet, none really my thing but know others whom it seemed to work for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpatz Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 hi ya, god i feel so bad for ya i really do.coming out to australia no matter what part is always going to be a gamble.I think a lot of people think that because the sun shines here that it has to be better than the uk! that simply is not the truth because australia defo has problems of its own. you need to think long term now.if you and your family are not happy here and you dont see that changing then maybe it is time to go back.I understand that you have left everything to come out here but you just need to tell yourself that life is 2 short to be unhappy and you only get one stab at it. I wish you the best of luck:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourcorners Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Just bear in mind that if you were to stay the 2 years to get PR through your company, they may have clause that states you must work for them for another 2 years. Some companies do that. You could either look into getting your PR independently (which is what I'm doing right now having been on a 457 for just over a year) if you are eligible. Or, find another job/company somewhere else to sponsor you and they will transfer over the 457 visa for you. Just watch out for any clauses in your current contract stating that you may have to pay relocation costs if you leave before a certain period of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lebourvellec Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Thanks for the reply, I am on a 457 work visa and it ties me to the company. It is a 2 year visa before I/We can apply for PR. The kids get on well with there friends in school but once home they become depressed. I asked both of them on Friday do they like it here or do they prefer the UK. The answer saddened me, they want to go home. Most of what I am feeling stems from this terrible company that recruited me and I know it is filtering back to the children. It is intolerable at times. What is your occupation?? There are other ways to get PR. The 2 years to PR only applies to the Transitional Stream for Employer sponsored. You can get direct sponsorship but require a skills assessment. Depending on your occupation and points score, General Skilled Migration maybe a better option for you, which means it is your own visa and can live and work anywhere in Australia. Living in Regional Australia is very hard. It maybe worth looking in to being able to get PR, before returning home, least you know that you have reviewed all options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfy Brit Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 I kinda know how you feel! I moved out last Jan for a job in a regional area, as that was where I had got a job from. It really didnt work out! In fact it sounds not dissimilar totally different role than I expected (and am qualified/trained/experienced in) I wont go into it on here...but within 6 weeks of starting I was looking for another job!!! Took me 8 months in the end to get one and I did now in Sydney, you can move employeer on a 457 and it was very easy in fact after my new employer submitted took a week! (You have 28 days to continue in your old job once this goes through by the way if you need/want it) The hardest thing was finding an employer that would sponsor, im just about to hit a year of employment in Aus! Dont dispair too much maybe look into other jobs elsewhere and sponsors see what happens, i know what you mean i went from a city of 2.5 million to a town of 40,000 to come here! It is very different but dont worry too much about the 457, if you are good at what you do (I am sure you are for them to sponsor you in the first place!) something should work out! As to the person who doesnt like the English try and rise above it, the place I left there was some serious issues with lets just call it 'innapropriate work behavoir' and I just was nice as I could be and followed my employeers greivence proceedure in the background, (they actually did naff all) BUT it became a usefull way to put some pressure on them when they wanted the cost of my relocation back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 You do know that your employer has no obligation to sponsor you for PR at the end of two years though don't you? If you are not getting on with them and they dont feel like it then you cannot make them. And if your job is not on the CSOL then they would not be able to sponsor you anyway. Are you sure it is not on the CSOL? If it is on the CSOL it means your employer can sponsor you and it also means that state sponsorship is an option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Oh dear - so sorry to hear that Geraldton isn't floating your boat - it's a tough place and not your typical "British migrant dream" place. Remote Australia is a tough place! Unfortunately I think you may have some very tough decisions to make - your kids are just coming up to that critical stage in their education that you might have to make decisions about where you need to be for the next few years so you don't muck them about too much. As the others have said, your temporary visa puts you in a precarious position and it would be worth checking if there was a way to get permanent residence guaranteed or whether you need to be casting a wider net for alternative employment - even in UK if necessary. Good luck, it sounds like a difficult situation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight7 Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 I really feel for you. The heavy drinking kind of 'outback' living style is not something I could cope with , either. You are not alone in this at all and many, many Australians would also feel the same. Is there any possible way you could leave and live elsewhere in Australia? Even if it means breaking a contract it sounds as though it would be preferable to damaging your mental health- really, really try to get out ASAP, LEAVE- maybe land a job somewhere else and use that as a way of escape, 'legal' or not. They are not going to jail you, after all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fergal007 Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 I feel the same and I am Irish, it seems like a whole anti immigrant sentiment! No matter where your from Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest68546 Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 I feel the same and I am Irish, it seems like a whole anti immigrant sentiment! No matter where your from I cant say I've experienced that and now into my 3rd job over here in almost 7 years, the worst thing I have come across is an occassional clash of personality but that is no different than if I were back in UK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 You will get more of that as the economy bites. You do need to appreciate that you are 'invaders' in a foreign country in the eyes of some people - and you are taking their jobs and making housing unaffordable for their kids. I feel the same and I am Irish, it seems like a whole anti immigrant sentiment! No matter where your from Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whatsitallabout Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 I am sorry to hear what you are going through, had similar experience here ourselves, it took us 3 years to settle & a year to find a job, I really didn't expect such a culture difference. One thing I will say am so glad I didn't pack up & throw in the towel, it was very tough & very challenging but things changed for us, we have settled more & enjoying our life. Hope things improve for you soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitalis Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 You will get more of that as the economy bites. You do need to appreciate that you are 'invaders' in a foreign country in the eyes of some people - and you are taking their jobs and making housing unaffordable for their kids. They'd be more on the ball looking towards the Asian immgrants then, who outnumber POM's by about 50/1 and who all have either degrees, trades or businesses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 They'd be more on the ball looking towards the Asian immgrants then, who outnumber POM's by about 50/1 and who all have either degrees, trades or businesses. Difference being Asian folk are heavily involved in the professions and self employed business. Their influence due to wealth and being overachievers will see Aussies asking for jobs in the not too distant future. There are relatively few Asian tradesfolk...although the dreaded 457 is being used/abused in some areas here as well....in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitalis Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Difference being Asian folk are heavily involved in the professions and self employed business. Their influence due to wealth and being overachievers will see Aussies asking for jobs in the not too distant future. There are relatively few Asian tradesfolk...although the dreaded 457 is being used/abused in some areas here as well....in my opinion. Yes agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Yes - but you can be nasty to a pom without being called a racist. That's an important distinction. They'd be more on the ball looking towards the Asian immgrants then, who outnumber POM's by about 50/1 and who all have either degrees, trades or businesses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitalis Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Very true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northshorepom Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 If you (and especially your kids) don't like it, GO HOME Staying somewhere that is making you miserable, and them miserable, for the sake of "getting PR" even though you may well not do that anyway after all that time, and to get PR to what? Somewhere you don't like very much? That's crazy talk You had a go, it didn't work out, draw a line under it and move on back in the UK I think is the best thing to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunbury61 Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 We all make mistakes .......i repeat ......WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES .....thats everyone .......DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP ......you havent murdered anyone ........you have done what you thought was right for your family .....HUGE RESPECT TO YOU FOR DOING THAT . TRY SOMEWHERE ELSE IN OZ OR COME HOME ......End of The fact that you have had a go makes you a winner in my book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conniebygaslight Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 We gave up everything to go to Oz and moved back to the UK after 8 months, started from scratch and that was with 3 small children- we held our heads high and started again. If we can do it anyone can....we are so happy If you do choose to come home it is possible..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasperyogi Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 I really feel for you, our children are exactly the same ages as yours and it would break my heart if they were unhappy, but please don't feel guilty about bringing your family over for them then to be unhappy, unfortunately we get thrown a curve ball sometimes and just have to work out the correct way of catching it :wink: I would sit down with all your family and think long and hard if it's just the area and job your in that's the issue or if it's being in Australia altogether. If it's just area and job then you made the right decision in coming here, you just need to the small changes now to make you all happy. If it's being away from the UK that's the underlying issue then you can start the ball rolling to make the move back home. I really hope you manage to find the right answers and find happiness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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