Work/Life Balance

[Guest SouthernPom]

Hi All

 

We've been investigating a move to Oz, but NZ has also come up a couple of times in our dicussions.

 

The impression we always had (based on nothing solid whatsoever) is that there is a better work/life balance in Oz compared to NZ - is this true? We wanting to move for lots of reasons but these include more time together as a family so it's an important consideration.

 

Any replies appreciated!

[Guest Hatton]

Hi All

 

We've been investigating a move to Oz, but NZ has also come up a couple of times in our dicussions.

 

The impression we always had (based on nothing solid whatsoever) is that there is a better work/life balance in Oz compared to NZ - is this true? We wanting to move for lots of reasons but these include more time together as a family so it's an important consideration.

 

Any replies appreciated!

I think the aussie attitude to work is a good think as they seem to think it unacceptable to be out of work and do not try and "swing the lead" as they do in the UK.

Aussies have a strong work ethic that is opposite to what Brits have to be honest, my hubby who is an aussie finds work more laid back in the UK with a slower pace, he worked longer hours in Oz and Saturday morning was the norm for him on the building.

He thinks Poms are a lazy bunch overall compared to his aussie workmates.

[Guest guest37336]

Hi All

 

We've been investigating a move to Oz, but NZ has also come up a couple of times in our dicussions.

 

The impression we always had (based on nothing solid whatsoever) is that there is a better work/life balance in Oz compared to NZ - is this true? We wanting to move for lots of reasons but these include more time together as a family so it's an important consideration.

 

Any replies appreciated!

 

Hi Southern.

 

It's a bit like how long is a piece of string really.

 

You can make it as family friendly as you like and vice versa. If a career and material things are really important to you then as with any country you may sacrifice certain family time, thats not a criticism at all, but as with most things in life, sacrifices have to be made for us to be happy is all.

 

If you want to chase the dollar then that is a route that 'may' lead to family time/commitments going to one side to a degree.

 

I am sure you will do what is important for you matey, that's all you can ever do.

 

But I will say this, I do agree that the Aussies 'seem' to have found a balance more than us, and hopefully in the not too distant future you will find that balance as well.:jiggy:

 

Cheers Tony.:wink:

[Guest Hatton]

I couldnt agree moore with this hattin, I think on the hole, Brits are a bunch off lazy peaple who dont like work, where as Aussies are a hard working peaple who can not help but work there areses off. In my opinon though, this comes with its' own problems cos off the dis ordered work life balence.

Four examples, I was a Plummer in uk and I was the only person who licked doing on calls. Hear in oz I have to beet of all the Aussies to get to do a late shift or any sort off weekend work, un less off coarse theirs a grand final on or some such, in witch case I am the only one prepeared to do it, LOL!!!!!

 

But it is refreshing to see people who want TO WORK against all the benefit claimants we have in the UK, I honestly think the UK is far to generous with benefits to people who can work but chose to spend their time watching Jeremy Kyle or do the pub, working hard and playing hard keeps you young fit and gives a purpose to you life and aussies have got the balance spot on.

[janine the party queen 1,485]

But it is refreshing to see people who want TO WORK against all the benefit claimants we have in the UK, I honestly think the UK is far to generous with benefits to people who can work but chose to spend their time watching Jeremy Kyle or do the pub, working hard and playing hard keeps you young fit and gives a purpose to you life and aussies have got the balance spot on.

I guess people only see what they want to see !!!!!!!

Go past our Centre Link office and most days you will see them queueing out the doors !!!!

Benefits here are just as generous and lots of people would rather claim them than work.

One of the ladies I was working with has just given up work because as a single person she gets over $750 a fortnight with her rent paid on benefits.

As for the work/life balance most people I know work 6 days a week.I have yet to meet anyone who has the work/life just right.No doubt there are a lucky few out there who have it sorted,but in my experience Aussies work far more hours.

[Guest Hatton]

I guess people only see what they want to see !!!!!!!

Go past our Centre Link office and most days you will see them queueing out the doors !!!!

Benefits here are just as generous and lots of people would rather claim them than work.

One of the ladies I was working with has just given up work because as a single person she gets over $750 a fortnight with her rent paid on benefits.

As for the work/life balance most people I know work 6 days a week.I have yet to meet anyone who has the work/life just right.No doubt there are a lucky few out there who have it sorted,but in my experience Aussies work far more hours.

 

Fair points but i still think the UK has far more shirkers, I know 6 days is the norm for a lot of professions in oz and they do work longer hours but they also take a pride in providing for the family and have a better work ethic than pomz IMO.

[Guest kentargyle]

It may be the case that work and life balance is different where you live. But regardless of where you live, I think the best way to achieve work and life balance is through entrepreneurship. Oddly enough, it's incredible just how liberating owning a business can be.

[Bobj 10,407]

To put it another way...More Kiwis in Australia working, than Australians in NZ working.

 

Or, Kiwis come to Australia for work, Australians go to NZ for holidays.:yes:

 

Cheers, Bobj.

[Guest Darla R]

Hi All

 

We've been investigating a move to Oz, but NZ has also come up a couple of times in our dicussions.

 

The impression we always had (based on nothing solid whatsoever) is that there is a better work/life balance in Oz compared to NZ - is this true? We wanting to move for lots of reasons but these include more time together as a family so it's an important consideration.

 

Any replies appreciated!

 

It's heaps better here in Australia, believe me I've done both and NZ was a hard slog for less money. I've been able to increase my hourly rate by moving here and can now afford to work part time. I can arrange my work hours around my family and work from home whenever I can.

 

It also helps that the weather is better here. I mean, look at today - wonderful sunshine and 21 degrees, back in Auckland it's been snowing. Besides the obvious benefits of that to one's lifestyle there are others too - like having lower winter fuel bills and kids not being plagued with chest infections.