Thinking of Moving to Darwin From Ireland.... Would really appreciate some feedback

[Guest SueBoo]

Hi Guys,

 

I have just been offered a job in Darwin. Im 24 and have a good secure job in Ireland but its been in my head for the last year that I want to work in Oz, so ive been offered this job starting @ 46k a year with 3 months accomodation included but i just have a few questions i was wondering if some of you could kindly take the time to answer for me as im really dont know what to expect.

 

Firstly do you think i could live off 46K per year, i would only be looking to apartment/house share and am really not fussy. I would like to be able to earn enough to be able to put a small bit aside every fortnightly to have some for a rainey day do you think this would be possible? I do like to do alot of activities such as sight seeing and exploring, going cinema and maybe a few drinks on the weekend.

 

I know im not going to be loaded with cash but i dont want to struggle. Its only myself i have to look after and would cook alot so wouldnt be eating out much.

 

Secondly what is the general atmosphere over there im quiet bubbly and energetic also laid back, is it easy to make friends?

 

Also what are the Darwinians like to work for?

 

many thanks for taking the time to read this and i would appreciate any comments or feedback

 

Thankies,

 

SueBoo

[Guest Whoopseydaisy]

Hi Sueboo

 

I have just moved to Darwin from Cork! Myself and my husband have been here 9 days and we are getting good vibes from the place. It is laid back but it seems like its work hard, party hard! I started work a few days after arriving here and am shattered. What with the heat and overloading my brain with all the new info, I am really tired!!! Australians will always give you a fair shot with regards to work, so if you give 100% you will be grand. If you dont, it seems you are out the door! (In my small bit of experience anyway) Overtime seems to be a huge thing as well so even if your basic salary is small, you may be able to make up with overtime. Most bar staff are on $50 per hour on Sundays and B Hols and you get extra for working evenings and even Saturdays! So that would be worth a thought.

 

Theres a huge pub culture here and when we walked down Mitchell St ( the main street) for the first time it reminded me of a tourist spot in Spain and this is the quiet time!! Darwin is expensive. House sharing is a good idea as rent is expensive and electricity the same. Even though wages are high, everyday items are high also. And because the exchange rate to the euro is crap at the moment, prices will seem high compared to Ireland. However though if you save for when you go back home, you will get alot more euro for the dollar. So it goes both ways! We still have lots of bills to pay back home but its not costing as much because of the strength of the dollar!

Like everywhere else, there will always be cheaper places to shop, drink and eat so do your research. We are close to a Target and Coles supermarket and the prices are ok there.

 

99% of people I have come accross are nice and friendly, however there is a 6 or 7 to 1 ratio of men to women up here so the guys can get a bit leary so you got to be able to handle yourself and I wouldnt recommend walking anywhere on your own once it starts to get dark. Theres also a huge aboriginal population and theres a few that are problematic. Lots of them just hang around the place too but again thats only some, as I dont want to tar them all with the same brush as there are always a few a**holes in every community/nationality!

 

I am in my late 30's and beyond the whole party scene, but if that is what you are into, there is plenty here. You'll be coming the right time too as the dry season will be on the way, although its really nice at the mo!

 

ANy questions, give me a shout. I have only just got my broadband up and running again so will be on here a bit more than I have been over the last few weeks

 

Best of luck

[4lan]

Howdy,

 

I think honestly, it depends what sort of 'working holiday' you expect. You could live on the figure you mentioned perhaps, it just depends on the standards where you state aren't 'fussy'.

In the first instance I would strongly suggest you do some research and check websites for prices on ALL living expenses that you would encounter; rent (http://www.realestate.com.au), food (http://www.coles.com.au/ ; http://www.woolworths.com.au/), clothes (http://www.target.com.au/), cars/public transport (Darwin is spread out;http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/transport/public/bus/fares.shtml / http://radiotaxi.com.au/private%20hire%20prices.html), leisure (cinema http://www.eventcinemas.com.au/, gym http://www.timeoutfitness.com.au/fees.html#, alcohol http://www.darwin.com.au/darwin-news/2009/5/18/darwin-faces-higher-drink-costs/, gambling http://www.skycitydarwin.com.au/index.html, etc.), emergencies (savings rates, http://www.savingsaccounts.com.au/).

 

The atmosphere is okay provided you fit in with a niche then you can expect a decent night-out etc. just means you have to establish the appropriate friendships and that could take time.

 

Working for 'Darwinians' toughie that; I don't like generalisations they suck. Make sure you work 'hard', do well and give no cause for reprimand and ALL is good (same as anywhere really).

 

I dont want to appear negative but I DO want to promote a realistic approach. Provided you've checked everything and 'tick all the boxes' you'll have an epic time!!! Hope that helps.

 

4lan