Bridget Jones's Guide to Moving Overseas

[surflen22]

Ok guys and girls, I've not posted since I arrived and, to be honest, I'm happy about that. It's a different person writing this from the scared little mouse who boarded that flight to Perth.

 

Let's have a little background...failed engagement (sucks to be him :biggrin:), miserable time in Ireland & London and generally unhappy about life. In my mid-twenties, I'd done my 2 year WHV and loved it. Started my PR application but said Irish fiance came along and, well, things changed (doh!).

 

Within a couple of years the relationship broke down and our shared dream of returning to Oz was over - I had been relying on him to be the PR applicant.

 

6 months later I picked myself up (pathetic I know :wink:). My Australia dream was foremost in my mind and, despite the economic crisis in Europe, I became fixated. Approx 150 Seek ads later, a positive result. A skype interview followed (note to self...next time, change out of Mickey Mouse PJ's...you never know when they might want the webcam turned on!) And eventually a job offer :biggrin: The 457 apps went in and 8 days later I had a visa. Cue mayhem...boxes, suitcases and shoes everywhere! I flew out 10 days later with the rest of my belongings to follow.

 

And this is what I think is the important stuff:

 

- remember that you are in a different country. Things work differently here

- don't fight the Aussie way of life....its way tougher than you! Embrace it, its fun!

- Don't limit yourself to PIO or ex Pat friends. That will not make it easier to settle.

- Appreciate the differences. We can all learn from them.

 

I have integrated pretty well into WA life and, had I not previously spent time in SA, this would have been surprising. Once again, I have found the Aussies to be nothing but friendly, welcoming and helpful...as long as you treat them with the respect they deserve.

 

And more importantly, I'm not Bridget Jones anymore :biggrin:

 

Ladies...and gents...emigrating/moving/relocating....whatever you want to call it, is never easy. Take a bit of time to think of you motivations AND your goals before you make the leap. Don't expect it to be like home with sunshine.

[motherof2]

You go girl and :tongue:to the ex :biggrin:

[Guest siamsusie]

Ok guys and girls, I've not posted since I arrived and, to be honest, I'm happy about that. It's a different person writing this from the scared little mouse who boarded that flight to Perth.

 

Let's have a little background...failed engagement (sucks to be him :biggrin:), miserable time in Ireland & London and generally unhappy about life. In my mid-twenties, I'd done my 2 year WHV and loved it. Started my PR application but said Irish fiance came along and, well, things changed (doh!).

 

Within a couple of years the relationship broke down and our shared dream of returning to Oz was over - I had been relying on him to be the PR applicant.

 

6 months later I picked myself up (pathetic I know :wink:). My Australia dream was foremost in my mind and, despite the economic crisis in Europe, I became fixated. Approx 150 Seek ads later, a positive result. A skype interview followed (note to self...next time, change out of Mickey Mouse PJ's...you never know when they might want the webcam turned on!) And eventually a job offer :biggrin: The 457 apps went in and 8 days later I had a visa. Cue mayhem...boxes, suitcases and shoes everywhere! I flew out 10 days later with the rest of my belongings to follow.

 

And this is what I think is the important stuff:

 

- remember that you are in a different country. Things work differently here

- don't fight the Aussie way of life....its way tougher than you! Embrace it, its fun!

- Don't limit yourself to PIO or ex Pat friends. That will not make it easier to settle.

- Appreciate the differences. We can all learn from them.

 

I have integrated pretty well into WA life and, had I not previously spent time in SA, this would have been surprising. Once again, I have found the Aussies to be nothing but friendly, welcoming and helpful...as long as you treat them with the respect they deserve.

 

And more importantly, I'm not Bridget Jones anymore :biggrin:

 

Ladies...and gents...emigrating/moving/relocating....whatever you want to call it, is never easy. Take a bit of time to think of you motivations AND your goals before you make the leap. Don't expect it to be like home with sunshine.

 

 

 

A great post, a good healthy attitude, very best wishes for the good life here in Australia :notworthy:Susie x

[Guest guest30038]

Bloody good post! You'll fit right in.

 

kev

 

PS.............Are yer knickers as big as Bridget's ?

 

[Guest MarkandVerlie]

HAHA! Awesome post......How's your hangover??

X