Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) @scottishstacey, did I miss something? Aren't you coming on a WHV? People are advising you to pack as if you're coming on a summer holiday! If you're going to be in Australia for a year, you'll need more than just light summer clothes. If you're going to be working, you're going to need some smart work outfits and shoes. Planning to buy it all when you're here makes no sense if you think about it: sure, you can arrive in (say) Sydney with a nice light pack, but what happens when you're ready to move to your next destination? You'll have to buy another suitcase/backpack to fit all the clothes you've bought in Sydney! My niece did what you did, and ended up making NO money from her temp jobs because she had to spend all her wages on work clothes (or to be more precise, pay me back the money I lent her to buy work clothes!). You may think you're going to work in bars or cafes but she found the pay awful and the work exhausting - you're much better off registering with temp agencies and getting office work. She was lucky that she had my place in Sydney as a base, so she didn't have to buy an extra suitcase - as she travelled around, she just took what she really needed each time and left the rest with me. And I gave her an old suitcase to take the extra stuff back to the UK at the end of her trip. If you don't have a base, you'll need to take everything with you from place to place - left luggage doesn't exist and luggage storage places are expensive. Also it does get cold in Australia - you'll be fine with summer clothes in summer but you will need some light cardis, a fleece and a raincoat. I suggest buying a suitcase. That means you can buy a backpack to use as your carry-on. A light backpack won't hurt your back, it will enable you to carry all your valuables with you, and you can use it for short trips once you're in Oz. You'll find you'll need to carry more than usual in your carry-on - e.g. you'll need your resume and copies of qualifications etc. Edited June 21, 2015 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiffanysamantha85 Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 My feet sweat and itch really easily so can't wear boots and quite a lot of trainers, it's like I'm allergic But I live in Converse due to the canvas breathable material and they seem perfect for every occasion these days lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritChickx Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Oh yeah, above poster is totally right! Bring a smart top and black trousers for interviews! And cardi's and a waterproof jacket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 I've got loads. I'd rather not but I have and I'm healthy. Hey, I've got stretch marks too! I gave up caring well over 10 years ago....I wear what I want and what I feel comfy in. Just because you're married is no reason to let yourself go to pot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 Yeah I was planning on bringing work stuff, a pair of Comfy black shoes for a hospitality job. I'm wearing flat black shoes like dolly shoes or whatever you call them and they drive me mad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 Just because you're married is no reason to let yourself go to pot. Shut up parley!! Would you like us to make personal comments about you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritChickx Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Just because you're married is no reason to let yourself go to pot. HH is hot stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 She definitely is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Yeah I was planning on bringing work stuff, a pair of Comfy black shoes for a hospitality job. I'm wearing flat black shoes like dolly shoes or whatever you call them and they drive me mad What's your work background stacey? My niece found hospitality jobs weren't easy to get, paid very little and were absolutely exhausting. Also they often include weekend/evening work which means you have no social life, not exactly what you want when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself. That's why she registered with a few temp agencies. She got plenty of work and being in an office meant she had the chance to meet a lot of new people, too (as well as getting her evenings back). You'll find a lot of backpackers in Sydney offices! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiffanysamantha85 Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 What's your work background stacey? My niece found hospitality jobs weren't easy to get, paid very little and were absolutely exhausting. Also they often include weekend/evening work which means you have no social life, not exactly what you want when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself. That's why she registered with a few temp agencies. She got plenty of work and being in an office meant she had the chance to meet a lot of new people, too (as well as getting her evenings back). You'll find a lot of backpackers in Sydney offices! This sounds good Marisa. I'll be in a similar situation, my husband and I come out to Melbourne in August on a WHV. I currently work as a personal assistant to directors and my hubby is a qualified electrician and electrical engineer so would be nice to find work with a hope of sponsorship for him one day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 What's your work background stacey? My niece found hospitality jobs weren't easy to get, paid very little and were absolutely exhausting. Also they often include weekend/evening work which means you have no social life, not exactly what you want when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself. That's why she registered with a few temp agencies. She got plenty of work and being in an office meant she had the chance to meet a lot of new people, too (as well as getting her evenings back). You'll find a lot of backpackers in Sydney offices! I don't like office work, I didn't enjoy it at all and never done it again. That was years ago. I'm a autism support worker but I work in the cafe one day a week, sometimes more if I'm doing over time. Before that it's just been hospitality, vets/animal care and retail. I'm starting to get stressed about everything and I haven't even booked the flight yet. I think if I had loads of money in the bank Id just come for a holiday instead but people told me to do the year because then at least Id see more and be able to fund it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 [quote=Marisawright;1936766542 You'll find a lot of backpackers in Sydney offices! Goodness knows why when the unemployment rate is so high here. I'm not sure how relevant it is when people talk about what they did years ago. Hopefully you will get a job easily but it pays to have a plan b up your sleeve. and that is not being negative. Jobs are not that easy to find and there is a lot of competition for the jobs that are advertised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Maybe you should do a barista course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 I was going to but I don't know if it's worthwhile if I don't actually have the work experience for it. Anybody can do a course. It's the same with the bar skills one I was looking at. Although I've noticed a few regional bar jobs that don't require experience. We make coffee at the cafe but it's just a machine where you press the button and then add some of the foam. It's not like the other type that looks a bit harder and that latte art stuff. Although the art stuff looks cool, Id quite like to learn how to do that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Maybe, but I think everyone has to do a course before they get any experience working at it. It is a start. It probably only takes a day or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 I'll most likely do it. I'm already doing the bar skills course because it was included in it and so is my RSA for New South Wales so I just need to get one for each of the other states I want to work in. So it's just the barista course I have to do after that, I think it's $100 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 I don't like office work, I didn't enjoy it at all and never done it again. That was years ago. I'm a autism support worker but I work in the cafe one day a week, sometimes more if I'm doing over time. Before that it's just been hospitality, vets/animal care and retail. I'm starting to get stressed about everything and I haven't even booked the flight yet. I think if I had loads of money in the bank Id just come for a holiday instead but people told me to do the year because then at least Id see more and be able to fund it Don't get stressed, it will be fun! You don't have to do office work - if you've got retail experience then look for retail work. There are a few agencies that specialise in retail temp jobs, or you'll often see ads in shop windows. Bring white shirts/blouses and black skirts/pants. I still think you should buy a medium-sized suitcase on wheels plus a backpack that fits carry-on regulations. You need clothes for all seasons, for a start. Sure it can be difficult to lift a suitcase, but most of the time you're trundling it which is a lot easier on the body than carrying a huge backpack. And remember, you're not going to be moving your suitcase around all the time - only when you're moving from one city to another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 I'm not sure how relevant it is when people talk about what they did years ago. . Who's talking about years ago? Even in tough times, there is always a need for temps - in fact if anything, the demand for temps goes up because managers can't get approval for permanent staff, and then have to fill the gaps with temps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Just wondering Stacey - why are you unsure whether to buy a return ticket? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 Just wondering Stacey - why are you unsure whether to buy a return ticket? If I book a return I got told it would be £900-1000 and if I don't want to return in November then the return part of the money is wasted which I can't afford. I've already wasted £250 on the visa I applied for too early. So I'm thinking maybe I should just buy a single once I'm ready to leave because I might want to go home via Thailand or New Zealand. I know someone who bought a return but ended up staying 2 years when she only planned on staying 3 or 6 months, that would annoy me if I wasted the money. Obviously I would keep the money aside for the return part. I've checked and they're a ones for around £400 on skyscanner. someone also checked for me and they had a few on the australian Expedia with etihad for just over $600 I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) When you're coming back from Australia you will have to buy your ticket in Australia, and they are far more expensive here. I'm surprised you manage to find one for $600 as ours cost us nearly $1,000. You can't get around it by buying a ticket through a UK site as you won't be allowed to travel on it. Have you looked into buying a round the world ticket and checking how flexible they are? It used to be that you didn't have to decide where you were going to stop over when you bought, that may have changed. Some of the more basic round the world tickets aren't much dearer than an ordinary return. http://www.statravel.co.uk/round-the-world-travel.htm?wt.srch=1&wt.mc_id=PPC&gclid=CLKx863SoMYCFSP3wgod_E0A3Q#859 If you think you might stay longer, then you'll need to fulfil regional work requirements and apply for an extension (or stay illegally which is never a good idea), so that takes forward planning anyway - worth looking into it and deciding whether you'd be prepared to do the work that's necessary. Edited June 21, 2015 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 That was the perth to edinburgh. I just went on myself and looked at March and it came up $680 too. Obviously I wouldn't know what the prices were until I was ready to leave which is one of the problems. Definitely considering flying back home via Asia though if I have enough money for a trip. That would be one way of getting home cheaper too. I'll have to think about it over the next week. Someone's getting back to me about a flight price too so I'll ask them to give me a quote for a year return Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 STA is a good agency to try because they deal with so many backpackers. Also be aware that a round the world ticket doesn't have to go all the way around the world either! If you got a round the world ticket you would likely be able to include at least one flight within Australia in the fare at no extra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 What I might do is pop into the office in glasgow next weekend and have a proper chat about it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Sounds like a great idea. You don't have to book with them but you can learn a lot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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