Temporary move to Oz with 7 year old - worth it?

[Marisawright]

41 minutes ago, vixk1 said:

What are the areas a little further out of Sydney centre like for living and commuting? Places such as : South Coogee, Marourbra, Little Bay etc.

Those are the outer Eastern suburbs.   If you're currently living in London, you probably wouldn't find them expensive.  Otherwise, you might be shocked.   There are cheap houses in Coogee and Maroubra but they are usually cockroach-infested.  Little Bay has a lot of new development - it used to be looked down on, because it was industrial and a bit too close to the jail.  Nice, but a difficult commute because there's not much in the way of public transport.   My employer used to have a warehouse out that way and I used to get stuck in dreadful traffic trying to get there.

[Marisawright]

10 minutes ago, vixk1 said:

I have checked and I think the individual was getting confused with the 457 visa not 482.

Unlikely as the 457 no longer exists.  The 482 is the new version of it.    It is difficult to know what will happen with temp visas though.   The unemployment rate has shot up thanks to the coronavirus, and the government has flagged an 80% reduction in migration for 2020/21.    If unemployment is bad, then I can see the government putting a lot of pressure on companies to make do with less-qualified locals rather than bring in the best foreign workers - which is probably short-sighted but governments think politically not logically.   

Edited June 18, 2020 by Marisawright

[vixk1]

I will look further into Sutherland Shire.

[Marisawright]

1 minute ago, vixk1 said:

I will look further into Sutherland Shire.

It is a nice area.  About an hour's commute to town on the train but that's good by Sydney standards.  We lived a little closer in, in Oatley, and my MIL lived in Gymea which is lovely.  You haven't said what your idea of a reasonable rent is, so it's hard to judge whether you'd find it affordable.  

[LKC]

There's a sticky thread at the top of the NSW section that I wrote a few years ago that might help 

We moved back to the UK in September 2017, so some of the information might be out of date, but it'll give you a bit of an idea about Sutherland Shire.

[Dusty Plains]

I think that Marisawright is obviously keen to assist you, but at the same time, tends to be way, way over critical of Sydney. My advice? stick with your original dream and come to Sydney. Warts and all Sydney its a far better lifestyle than anywhere else in Australia and for that matter far better than most cities worldwide. It CAN BE expensive, but only because everyone wants to live there, and therefore there is a market that feeds upon that particular desire.

 Melbourne is OK but it is also very keen on being as desirable as Sydney. Its the wannabe poor relation. 

[vixk1]

Marisawright has been so help, everyone obviously has their own opinions and it's good to hear them.

It makes sense what you're saying though, many many people obviously want to be there for a reason.

We are sitting down this evening (hopefully) to work out our potential budget. I believe the property we'd be able to afford without me working would be 750 pw, possibly lower or possibly higher. I will let you know once we have a better idea.

 

Edited June 18, 2020 by vixk1

[Marisawright]

35 minutes ago, Dusty Plains said:

I think that Marisawright . . . tends to be way, way over critical of Sydney. My advice? stick with your original dream and come to Sydney. Warts and all Sydney its a far better lifestyle than anywhere else in Australia 

That's a very bold claim. Sydney is a big, brash, bustling city.  That's heaven for people who love a big-city lifestyle but hell if not, so it's entirely a matter of personal opinion.   A lot depends on what people are looking for and what they can afford. 

Sydney is also twice as expensive as everywhere else in Australia (except Melbourne) for housing, and that's just a statistical fact that newcomers need to be aware of when budgeting. Yes, you can live in the far outer suburbs - but you can do the same in any other city and you'll be paying half the price for a comparable house. 

I love Melbourne but it's so unlike the rest of Australia and can't offer the sun-and-sand that most new migrants want, that I don't usually recommend it on these forums.  If you read my posts, you'll see I've been suggesting Brisbane.

Edited June 18, 2020 by Marisawright

[Marisawright]

9 minutes ago, vixk1 said:

It makes sense what you're saying though, many many people obviously want to be there for a reason.

 

 

Actually, a lot of people don't have a choice because that's where their work is.  Most of the big companies have their headquarters in Sydney, and it's the financial centre for the country.  If you're in the corporate world, it's where you need to be if you want to get ahead. 

It really comes down to what kind of lifestyle you want.  Sydney can feel great on holiday, but you may not like it so much when you have to deal with the trains, especially in hot weather. It's a big sprawling city, and with a small child, you might find a smaller-scale city, where distances are shorter and traffic and shops aren't so busy, to be more family-friendly.  On the other hand, you may love the big-city vibe.  Everyone's different.

Edited June 18, 2020 by Marisawright

[Dusty Plains]

31 minutes ago, vixk1 said:

Marisawright has been so help, everyone obviously has their own opinions and it's good to hear them.

It makes sense what you're saying though, many many people obviously want to be there for a reason.

We are sitting down this evening (hopefully) to work out our potential budget. I believe the property we'd be able to afford without me working would be 750 pw, possibly lower or possibly higher. I will let you know once we have a better idea.

 

Well good luck with it. 

 

29 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

That's a very bold claim. Sydney is a big, brash, bustling city.  That's heaven for people who love a big-city lifestyle but hell if not, so it's entirely a matter of personal opinion.   A lot depends on what people are looking for and what they can afford. 

Sydney is also twice as expensive as everywhere else in Australia (except Melbourne) for housing, and that's just a statistical fact that newcomers need to be aware of when budgeting. Yes, you can live in the far outer suburbs - but you can do the same in any other city and you'll be paying half the price for a comparable house. 

I love Melbourne but it's so unlike the rest of Australia and can't offer the sun-and-sand that most new migrants want, that I don't usually recommend it on these forums.  If you read my posts, you'll see I've been suggesting Brisbane.

You get what you pay for. Your repetitive suggestion that Sydney is expensive reflects the factor of relativity. It is  extremely cheap to live in places such as rural South Australia, for instance, when compared to Sydney. In rural South Australia there are very few hospitals, schools or major shopping centres.  Rural South Australia pulled up the majority of its railway system about 50 years ago and replaced the land with vineyards. Not everyone wants vineyards over schools hospitals and transport systems, even if living in rural areas amongst the vines is a cheap lifestyle. 

We hear in Sydney of the free roaming African Gang culture the knife crime in Melbourne. I am certain that it is not as bad as reported but Melbourne is a Union town, with a corrupt left wing government. 

 

[Marisawright]

9 minutes ago, Dusty Plains said:

You get what you pay for. Your repetitive suggestion that Sydney is expensive reflects the factor of relativity. It is  extremely cheap to live in places such as rural South Australia, for instance

Yes, of course it's all relative.  But the fact remains that you don't have to go to rural South Australia to buy a house that's half the price of a comparable property in Sydney.  Juist go to Core Logic or any other property analyst and you'll see the facts there in black and white. 

You seem to be convinced that I've got it in for Sydney because I'm a Melburnian.  Actually, I've only lived here for 4 years.  I lived in Sydney for over 30 years and had many happy years there.   And like I said, I suggest you see if you can find any posts where I recommend Melbourne to prospective migrants over Sydney - you won't find them. 

Edited June 18, 2020 by Marisawright

[vixk1]

Ok, so it's now 12am and we have just finished working out our budget. 

We have decided to register my husband's CV and keep our options open as to where we'd move if a sponsorship came up.

We are grateful that we enjoy our family time in the nice area we currently live in, so if the opportunity never comes up we are not going to feel disappointed or like we've missed out, especially as we have already visited Oz and possibly will again on holiday. 

What are the most popular sites to register CV for a sponsored vacancy?

Thank you once again for all of your help.

 

[vixk1]

Any suggestions on best sites to register CV for sponsorship, or would it come under the normal recruiter like Indeed?

 

Also, what's everyone's thoughts on Brisbane? What are the reasonable living areas cost wise? Also is there much going in there? 

When I look online it seems like there's lots of art and museums? We like to be outdoors amongst nature/wildlife, beeches and being close proximity to heritage/steam trains would be brilliant. 

Edited June 19, 2020 by vixk1

[vixk1]

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Antipodista]

11 hours ago, vixk1 said:

Any suggestions on best sites to register CV for sponsorship, or would it come under the normal recruiter like Indeed?

 

Also, what's everyone's thoughts on Brisbane? What are the reasonable living areas cost wise? Also is there much going in there? 

When I look online it seems like there's lots of art and museums? We like to be outdoors amongst nature/wildlife, beeches and being close proximity to heritage/steam trains would be brilliant. 

Im sorry if I’m wading in here late but I think you need to do a recce of some cities if you can afford it and are now wondering if Brisbane maybe better etc -they are vastly different (not architecturally or even really geographically, but climate and vibe/busyness wise). People on here are massively helpful but you’ve got to do tonnes of research yourself and know to an extent where you want to be headed that will suit your tastes. Will be a big shock when you land otherwise - could be a fantastic shock, could be not so nice. 
 

Poor @Marisawright is always hugely helpful on here but you will see she has been criticized on this thread (unfairly) for “doing Sydney down”. The fact is - and the point I think she is trying to make is - Sydney is wonderful in so many ways but there are downsides, that’s a fact. Some people can cope with them some can’t and get hugely homesick. As this thread has probably shown everyone has different opinions on places and you can take bits of advice but if you are really unsure and nervous about taking the plunge you have to invest some time and cash in checking places out for yourself to make the best decision for you and your family x

[Quoll]

12 hours ago, vixk1 said:

Any suggestions on best sites to register CV for sponsorship, or would it come under the normal recruiter like Indeed?

 

Also, what's everyone's thoughts on Brisbane? What are the reasonable living areas cost wise? Also is there much going in there? 

When I look online it seems like there's lots of art and museums? We like to be outdoors amongst nature/wildlife, beeches and being close proximity to heritage/steam trains would be brilliant. 

Sponsorship doesn’t quite work like that. Sponsors have to prove that they’ve exhausted all possibilities of finding a local to fill their position so they’re generally not going out looking for foreigners to fill random spots just because their cv appeals. Put the cv out on whatever sites you would generally use. Then, check all the job adverts you see that you fancy and make contact and ask if sponsorship is a possibility. Contact all the big employers in your field directly (phone is usually best then they can’t ignore you) and ask if sponsorship is a possibility.  There isn’t a “clearing house” process for people seeking sponsorship to meet those who may be offering it.  
 

TBH, don’t get hung up on where you might be living until you’ve got a feel for whether your DH’s skill set is going to be in demand. You may just have to go where the jobs are - probably avoid Darwin, it’s a bit of a culture shock - but see what else is trending. 

[Tulip1]

As Quoll has said, it’s not as easy as just getting your cv out there. The best thing to do is find the ads that fit your other half’s skill set and him make contact asking if they would consider sponsorship. If it’s a no then move on.  My understanding is that Australia has plenty of IT experts but you mentioned your husband has a specialised IT skill so I’d say that’s your starting point. Contacting the major businesses would make sense too.  I think you do need to do your homework regarding areas as one persons ideal is another persons hell.  Marisa did get a negative comment about her advice on Sydney which was unfair. She was being helpful telling you what she thought. I’ve never been to Sydney so cannot comment but I’ve know people that have. The ones I know say lovely for a break/holiday but wouldn’t to want to live there. Now it’s a fact that many love living there and it’s one of the most favourite cities in the world so the people I know aren’t speaking for the many but their thoughts on it are real, just as Marisas are. Many can’t afford to do a reccie in advance, much as it would be a great idea. Most just get a feel for somewhere and do it. Most also think it’s a lifelong move too and still just leap. Yours is just a few years of fun and adventure so unless your going to some dodgy place in the middle of nowhere the chances are it will have plenty on offer to suit your needs. I’d spend time on the internet getting reviews on areas and searching things to do in the area. Then take the leap if you’re lucky enough to get the chance. Very best of luck to you. 

[vixk1]

Thank you!

[Marisawright]

19 hours ago, vixk1 said:

Also, what's everyone's thoughts on Brisbane? What are the reasonable living areas cost wise? Also is there much going in there? 

When I look online it seems like there's lots of art and museums? We like to be outdoors amongst nature/wildlife, beeches and being close proximity to heritage/steam trains would be brilliant. 

I always think of Brisbane as being a more outdoors-y place than Sydney.   It doesn't have impressive beaches close to the city, but it's within a couple of hours drive of the gorgeous beaches on the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast.  For nature and wildlife there's the Gold Coast hinterland (Tamborine Mountain).  

For steam trains:

https://www.brisbanekids.com.au/brisbane-for-train-loving-brisbane-kids/

[Dusty Plains]

8 hours ago, Tulip1 said:

 Marisa did get a negative comment about her advice on Sydney which was unfair. She was being helpful telling you what she thought. I’ve never been to Sydney so cannot comment but I’ve know people that have.

Not intended as such, however my advice was aimed at the original poster and it is this: 

Yes, Sydney CAN be expensive but only because it is very desirable as a place to live. This was the part missing from previous posters.  

One of the more prominent population shifts, is the shift of rural people coming into larger urban centres, especially Sydney. These people are looking for work, good schools and greater access to health care. I am certain that there are many young families who are not prepared to endure another drought in rural Australia.

Living cheap, out in the sticks or in small and large towns does not always suit everyone all the time.  It all depends on what you are looking for and if you can gain employment to suit.

My advice is to find a happy medium. There are places to live on the periphery of major urban centres, as I have for 40 years. I am not inthe burbs but also not in the bush. The periphery has good access to schools, health care, employment opportunities as well as things to see and do, to eat and to drink, and opportunies to become involved with the locals. 

Edited June 20, 2020 by Dusty Plains

[Bulya]

On 18/06/2020 at 21:00, Dusty Plains said:

I think that Marisawright is obviously keen to assist you, but at the same time, tends to be way, way over critical of Sydney. My advice? stick with your original dream and come to Sydney. Warts and all Sydney its a far better lifestyle than anywhere else in Australia and for that matter far better than most cities worldwide. It CAN BE expensive, but only because everyone wants to live there, and therefore there is a market that feeds upon that particular desire.

 Melbourne is OK but it is also very keen on being as desirable as Sydney. Its the wannabe poor relation. 

2 years in Melbourne was enough for a lifetime. Horrible vibe apart from the football. 

[Marisawright]

8 minutes ago, Dusty Plains said:

Yes, Sydney CAN be expensive but only because it is very desirable as a place to live. This was the part missing from previous posters.  

Living cheap, out in the sticks or in small and large towns does not always suit everyone all the time

No one was suggesting anyone should go and live in the sticks or in a small town!  Are you suggesting that Perth or Brisbane are backward little country towns?

People are moving to Melbourne in just as large numbers as Sydney, but it's because those two cities have the most job opportunities.  It is not because they are somehow superior to Perth, Adelaide or Brisbane.    Health care, schools etc are just as good there as in Sydney.  People have different tastes.  Some people want the buzz of big city life, whereas others prefer a more laidback lifestyle. Different cities will suit different people. 

[Skani]

29 minutes ago, Dusty Plains said:

Yes, Sydney CAN be expensive but only because it is very desirable as a place to live. ...One of the more prominent population shifts, is the shift of rural people coming into larger urban centres, especially Sydney.

Actually,  population  figures for the year ending 30 June last year show that Sydney had a net loss of around 25,000 to internal Australian migration (I.e. 25,000 more people moved away from Sydney to other areas of Australia than moved in the opposite direction).  This may be partly due to large numbers of baby boomer retirees  looking for a more desirable place to live and not constrained by employment.  Melbourne had a slight positive internal migration increase but Brisbane is the most interesting one:  a third of its total population increase is due to migration from elsewhere in Australia.

An interesting  chart on this:  https://blog.id.com.au/2020/population/population-trends/migration-within-australia-strongest-out-of-sydney/

[Dusty Plains]

37 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

No one was suggesting anyone should go and live in the sticks or in a small town!  Are you suggesting that Perth or Brisbane are backward little country towns?

People are moving to Melbourne in just as large numbers as Sydney, but it's because those two cities have the most job opportunities.  It is not because they are somehow superior to Perth, Adelaide or Brisbane.    Health care, schools etc are just as good there as in Sydney.  People have different tastes.  Some people want the buzz of big city life, whereas others prefer a more laidback lifestyle. Different cities will suit different people. 

Once again you have incorrectly assumed that my posts were directed to you, or to any person other that the original poster. I have been suggesting the merits of living at the periphery of "major urban centres". That at least covers all the capital cities.

Are you no longer assisting the original poster? it seems so.

 

 

[Dusty Plains]

19 minutes ago, Skani said:

Brisbane is the most interesting one:  a third of its total population increase is due to migration from elsewhere in Australia.

Absolutely. Brisbane is a great place to live. The drought hit Queensland rural towns pretty hard. I was up in the Queensland outback last year and a lot of people had left some of the smaller towns to live in Rockhampton, Brisbane etc. The exceptions that we discovered were towns such as Longreach which have bucked the trend in this respect.