After the long wait....
Mar 6th 2006, 4:03 am
#1
New South Welshie
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Up in the Hills
Posts: 282
After the long wait....
....Australia is everything we dreamt it would be, but emigrating is possibly one of the hardest things we have ever done. 2.5 years on from when we started the whole process, the move itself was tough and emotional on all four of us, but more so for those we left behind.
For the emigration flight, we chose Singapore Airlines and they were amazing. I've flown with Cathay, JAL, Emirates and BA and would say Singapore were overall the better airline. They were great with the kids, the food was actually really quite appetising and the most legroom I've seen in economy.
After shipping our stuff with John Mason, selling the house, all that paperwork we all endure, we were tired of the waiting game and ready for the big move, and a bit of quality Aussie time.
However, the first week was hard in Sydney. We stayed in Dural Holiday Village and the combination of jetlag and shock of what we had done hit me hard in particular, and I felt very remote and highly emotional, living in a chalet. I had already been out a few months before to secure work, and I was starting a few days after landing so had something to help concentrate my mind and help me settle in. It didn't take long.
I work in IT, and immediately found that I had plenty of challenges ahead of me - in a good way that is. There are plenty of opportunities for the right people (if you're prepared to work hard). I managed to land a good job in Sydney that would see us right for the first few months in a new country. As it turns out, it could be a more permament role now that I've dug my heels in a bit. There is a lot of bad press about the 'state of IT' in Australia. If you have half a brain, willing to give anything a fair go and work hard, you will find the right work for you. Stick with it.
We found a rental home quickly, at a reasonable price, and in a good area. Cherrybrook is in the N.W. hills above Sydney and it takes me 40 minutes to commute to work by car. The traffic is bad some days, but by getting in an hour or so earlier (6:30 am) and leaving earlier (around 4 pm), I skip the heavy commuting traffic without a problem. The added bonuses are that I get a large amount of work done early before everyone gets in to the office in the morning AND I get to leave early to spend the end of the day with my kids. That would never have happened before now.
As for buying a property, there's no rush, particularly with Sydney prices being what they are. To be honest, Sydney may not be where we truly settle.
We bank with Commonwealth, and have found them to be hassle-free and very helpful in getting us set up out here. Once our house was sold and the money across, they waived all their fees (if that bothers you).
For us, the most welcome aspect of Aussie life has been the attitude of the people we come across every day. We've made friends at work, at home, at school, at the corner shop...everywhere, Aussies are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves and are so easy to get on with...well, the ones we've met anyway!! I've been out on several work do's and made some good friends already......and we haven't even started yet; we have plans to join the local sports clubs, get involved in local community activities, so it can only get better and better in our eyes.
Our boys have settled in to primary and pre-school education really well. Plenty of differences in attitude in the classroom which will do our eldest the world of good. I've read on here that some people object to dipping in their pocket to pay for school trips and extra curricular stuff. Well, from our perspective, that's all good and the more they can throw at our kids, the better we'll like it. The boys are getting opportunites (dancing, art, nature trips etc) they would never have got under the Hampshire Education Authority and if I have to throw a few dollars in for that to happen, so be it. Overall, we are very impressed with the public education out here.
Xmas came and went without any sense of occasion this year for us, and I have to say we absolutely loved the freedom it gave us. No furniture, no TV, but no worries! The kids were excited that Santa had not forgotten us (clever Santa even knew we were getting a pool, so he packed in some extra pool toys in his sack). We were on the beach at Narrabeen on Christmas Day with grins from ear to ear. A first, and defintely not a last.
New Years Day was a scorcher, Australia Day was a blinder, any bloody day.....so far this place has been incredible.
There are many things that, on the surface, could make you feel 'worse off' out here. When I read some of the more negative posts on BE about Australian life, they usually make me chuckle as most of them are factually spot on. (Arkon, you are a legend !!) Whether these things irritate you is clearly your personal choice and I'm sure there are times all of us get frustrated (like dealing with the RTA - what the hell are those guys on???!?
)
For us, Australia was never going to fix our money troubles, or give us a bigger house, or even guarantee a sunny day. It was going to be a new home, for richer or poorer, better or worse. A fair go. From the UK it was very hard to foresee how our Aus project would unfold. You can only plan so much, and you trust your ongoing judgement and hope for a big helping of luck. Well..... all I can say to those planning the move is, go for it. Don't sweat the small stuff, stay focussed on your goal and enjoy the ride. It will be the ride of your life and you will not regret it. Of course your bank balance will take a battering; you will spend a bit of money getting here (and it doesn't stop once you get here either) but whether you stay in Australia for the rest of your lives, or whether you go home after giving it your best shot, my opinion is you will definitely be the richer for having done it. It's a beautiful country and is now our new home.
If you're in Cherrybrook NSW, drop in for a cold one.
For the emigration flight, we chose Singapore Airlines and they were amazing. I've flown with Cathay, JAL, Emirates and BA and would say Singapore were overall the better airline. They were great with the kids, the food was actually really quite appetising and the most legroom I've seen in economy.
After shipping our stuff with John Mason, selling the house, all that paperwork we all endure, we were tired of the waiting game and ready for the big move, and a bit of quality Aussie time.
However, the first week was hard in Sydney. We stayed in Dural Holiday Village and the combination of jetlag and shock of what we had done hit me hard in particular, and I felt very remote and highly emotional, living in a chalet. I had already been out a few months before to secure work, and I was starting a few days after landing so had something to help concentrate my mind and help me settle in. It didn't take long.
I work in IT, and immediately found that I had plenty of challenges ahead of me - in a good way that is. There are plenty of opportunities for the right people (if you're prepared to work hard). I managed to land a good job in Sydney that would see us right for the first few months in a new country. As it turns out, it could be a more permament role now that I've dug my heels in a bit. There is a lot of bad press about the 'state of IT' in Australia. If you have half a brain, willing to give anything a fair go and work hard, you will find the right work for you. Stick with it.
We found a rental home quickly, at a reasonable price, and in a good area. Cherrybrook is in the N.W. hills above Sydney and it takes me 40 minutes to commute to work by car. The traffic is bad some days, but by getting in an hour or so earlier (6:30 am) and leaving earlier (around 4 pm), I skip the heavy commuting traffic without a problem. The added bonuses are that I get a large amount of work done early before everyone gets in to the office in the morning AND I get to leave early to spend the end of the day with my kids. That would never have happened before now.
As for buying a property, there's no rush, particularly with Sydney prices being what they are. To be honest, Sydney may not be where we truly settle.
We bank with Commonwealth, and have found them to be hassle-free and very helpful in getting us set up out here. Once our house was sold and the money across, they waived all their fees (if that bothers you).
For us, the most welcome aspect of Aussie life has been the attitude of the people we come across every day. We've made friends at work, at home, at school, at the corner shop...everywhere, Aussies are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves and are so easy to get on with...well, the ones we've met anyway!! I've been out on several work do's and made some good friends already......and we haven't even started yet; we have plans to join the local sports clubs, get involved in local community activities, so it can only get better and better in our eyes.
Our boys have settled in to primary and pre-school education really well. Plenty of differences in attitude in the classroom which will do our eldest the world of good. I've read on here that some people object to dipping in their pocket to pay for school trips and extra curricular stuff. Well, from our perspective, that's all good and the more they can throw at our kids, the better we'll like it. The boys are getting opportunites (dancing, art, nature trips etc) they would never have got under the Hampshire Education Authority and if I have to throw a few dollars in for that to happen, so be it. Overall, we are very impressed with the public education out here.
Xmas came and went without any sense of occasion this year for us, and I have to say we absolutely loved the freedom it gave us. No furniture, no TV, but no worries! The kids were excited that Santa had not forgotten us (clever Santa even knew we were getting a pool, so he packed in some extra pool toys in his sack). We were on the beach at Narrabeen on Christmas Day with grins from ear to ear. A first, and defintely not a last.
New Years Day was a scorcher, Australia Day was a blinder, any bloody day.....so far this place has been incredible.
There are many things that, on the surface, could make you feel 'worse off' out here. When I read some of the more negative posts on BE about Australian life, they usually make me chuckle as most of them are factually spot on. (Arkon, you are a legend !!) Whether these things irritate you is clearly your personal choice and I'm sure there are times all of us get frustrated (like dealing with the RTA - what the hell are those guys on???!?
)For us, Australia was never going to fix our money troubles, or give us a bigger house, or even guarantee a sunny day. It was going to be a new home, for richer or poorer, better or worse. A fair go. From the UK it was very hard to foresee how our Aus project would unfold. You can only plan so much, and you trust your ongoing judgement and hope for a big helping of luck. Well..... all I can say to those planning the move is, go for it. Don't sweat the small stuff, stay focussed on your goal and enjoy the ride. It will be the ride of your life and you will not regret it. Of course your bank balance will take a battering; you will spend a bit of money getting here (and it doesn't stop once you get here either) but whether you stay in Australia for the rest of your lives, or whether you go home after giving it your best shot, my opinion is you will definitely be the richer for having done it. It's a beautiful country and is now our new home.
If you're in Cherrybrook NSW, drop in for a cold one.
Mar 6th 2006, 4:14 am
#2
Confused member
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 1,109
Re: After the long wait....
Originally Posted by <")))><
....Australia is everything we dreamt it would be, but emigrating is possibly one of the hardest things we have ever done. 2.5 years on from when we started the whole process, the move itself was tough and emotional on all four of us, but more so for those we left behind.
For the emigration flight, we chose Singapore Airlines and they were amazing. I've flown with Cathay, JAL, Emirates and BA and would say Singapore were overall the better airline. They were great with the kids, the food was actually really quite appetising and the most legroom I've seen in economy.
After shipping our stuff with John Mason, selling the house, all that paperwork we all endure, we were tired of the waiting game and ready for the big move, and a bit of quality Aussie time.
However, the first week was hard in Sydney. We stayed in Dural Holiday Village and the combination of jetlag and shock of what we had done hit me hard in particular, and I felt very remote and highly emotional, living in a chalet. I had already been out a few months before to secure work, and I was starting a few days after landing so had something to help concentrate my mind and help me settle in. It didn't take long.
I work in IT, and immediately found that I had plenty of challenges ahead of me - in a good way that is. There are plenty of opportunities for the right people (if you're prepared to work hard). I managed to land a good job in Sydney that would see us right for the first few months in a new country. As it turns out, it could be a more permament role now that I've dug my heels in a bit. There is a lot of bad press about the 'state of IT' in Australia. If you have half a brain, willing to give anything a fair go and work hard, you will find the right work for you. Stick with it.
We found a rental home quickly, at a reasonable price, and in a good area. Cherrybrook is in the N.W. hills above Sydney and it takes me 40 minutes to commute to work by car. The traffic is bad some days, but by getting in an hour or so earlier (6:30 am) and leaving earlier (around 4 pm), I skip the heavy commuting traffic without a problem. The added bonuses are that I get a large amount of work done early before everyone gets in to the office in the morning AND I get to leave early to spend the end of the day with my kids. That would never have happened before now.
As for buying a property, there's no rush, particularly with Sydney prices being what they are. To be honest, Sydney may not be where we truly settle.
We bank with Commonwealth, and have found them to be hassle-free and very helpful in getting us set up out here. Once our house was sold and the money across, they waived all their fees (if that bothers you).
For us, the most welcome aspect of Aussie life has been the attitude of the people we come across every day. We've made friends at work, at home, at school, at the corner shop...everywhere, Aussies are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves and are so easy to get on with...well, the ones we've met anyway!! I've been out on several work do's and made some good friends already......and we haven't even started yet; we have plans to join the local sports clubs, get involved in local community activities, so it can only get better and better in our eyes.
Our boys have settled in to primary and pre-school education really well. Plenty of differences in attitude in the classroom which will do our eldest the world of good. I've read on here that some people object to dipping in their pocket to pay for school trips and extra curricular stuff. Well, from our perspective, that's all good and the more they can throw at our kids, the better we'll like it. The boys are getting opportunites (dancing, art, nature trips etc) they would never have got under the Hampshire Education Authority and if I have to throw a few dollars in for that to happen, so be it. Overall, we are very impressed with the public education out here.
Xmas came and went without any sense of occasion this year for us, and I have to say we absolutely loved the freedom it gave us. No furniture, no TV, but no worries! The kids were excited that Santa had not forgotten us (clever Santa even knew we were getting a pool, so he packed in some extra pool toys in his sack). We were on the beach at Narrabeen on Christmas Day with grins from ear to ear. A first, and defintely not a last.
New Years Day was a scorcher, Australia Day was a blinder, any bloody day.....so far this place has been incredible.
There are many things that, on the surface, could make you feel 'worse off' out here. When I read some of the more negative posts on BE about Australian life, they usually make me chuckle as most of them are factually spot on. (Arkon, you are a legend !!) Whether these things irritate you is clearly your personal choice and I'm sure there are times all of us get frustrated (like dealing with the RTA - what the hell are those guys on???!? )
For us, Australia was never going to fix our money troubles, or give us a bigger house, or even guarantee a sunny day. It was going to be a new home, for richer or poorer, better or worse. A fair go. From the UK it was very hard to foresee how our Aus project would unfold. You can only plan so much, and you trust your ongoing judgement and hope for a big helping of luck. Well..... all I can say to those planning the move is, go for it. Don't sweat the small stuff, stay focussed on your goal and enjoy the ride. It will be the ride of your life and you will not regret it. Of course your bank balance will take a battering; you will spend a bit of money getting here (and it doesn't stop once you get here either) but whether you stay in Australia for the rest of your lives, or whether you go home after giving it your best shot, my opinion is you will definitely be the richer for having done it. It's a beautiful country and is now our new home.
If you're in Cherrybrook NSW, drop in for a cold one.
For the emigration flight, we chose Singapore Airlines and they were amazing. I've flown with Cathay, JAL, Emirates and BA and would say Singapore were overall the better airline. They were great with the kids, the food was actually really quite appetising and the most legroom I've seen in economy.
After shipping our stuff with John Mason, selling the house, all that paperwork we all endure, we were tired of the waiting game and ready for the big move, and a bit of quality Aussie time.
However, the first week was hard in Sydney. We stayed in Dural Holiday Village and the combination of jetlag and shock of what we had done hit me hard in particular, and I felt very remote and highly emotional, living in a chalet. I had already been out a few months before to secure work, and I was starting a few days after landing so had something to help concentrate my mind and help me settle in. It didn't take long.
I work in IT, and immediately found that I had plenty of challenges ahead of me - in a good way that is. There are plenty of opportunities for the right people (if you're prepared to work hard). I managed to land a good job in Sydney that would see us right for the first few months in a new country. As it turns out, it could be a more permament role now that I've dug my heels in a bit. There is a lot of bad press about the 'state of IT' in Australia. If you have half a brain, willing to give anything a fair go and work hard, you will find the right work for you. Stick with it.
We found a rental home quickly, at a reasonable price, and in a good area. Cherrybrook is in the N.W. hills above Sydney and it takes me 40 minutes to commute to work by car. The traffic is bad some days, but by getting in an hour or so earlier (6:30 am) and leaving earlier (around 4 pm), I skip the heavy commuting traffic without a problem. The added bonuses are that I get a large amount of work done early before everyone gets in to the office in the morning AND I get to leave early to spend the end of the day with my kids. That would never have happened before now.
As for buying a property, there's no rush, particularly with Sydney prices being what they are. To be honest, Sydney may not be where we truly settle.
We bank with Commonwealth, and have found them to be hassle-free and very helpful in getting us set up out here. Once our house was sold and the money across, they waived all their fees (if that bothers you).
For us, the most welcome aspect of Aussie life has been the attitude of the people we come across every day. We've made friends at work, at home, at school, at the corner shop...everywhere, Aussies are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves and are so easy to get on with...well, the ones we've met anyway!! I've been out on several work do's and made some good friends already......and we haven't even started yet; we have plans to join the local sports clubs, get involved in local community activities, so it can only get better and better in our eyes.
Our boys have settled in to primary and pre-school education really well. Plenty of differences in attitude in the classroom which will do our eldest the world of good. I've read on here that some people object to dipping in their pocket to pay for school trips and extra curricular stuff. Well, from our perspective, that's all good and the more they can throw at our kids, the better we'll like it. The boys are getting opportunites (dancing, art, nature trips etc) they would never have got under the Hampshire Education Authority and if I have to throw a few dollars in for that to happen, so be it. Overall, we are very impressed with the public education out here.
Xmas came and went without any sense of occasion this year for us, and I have to say we absolutely loved the freedom it gave us. No furniture, no TV, but no worries! The kids were excited that Santa had not forgotten us (clever Santa even knew we were getting a pool, so he packed in some extra pool toys in his sack). We were on the beach at Narrabeen on Christmas Day with grins from ear to ear. A first, and defintely not a last.
New Years Day was a scorcher, Australia Day was a blinder, any bloody day.....so far this place has been incredible.
There are many things that, on the surface, could make you feel 'worse off' out here. When I read some of the more negative posts on BE about Australian life, they usually make me chuckle as most of them are factually spot on. (Arkon, you are a legend !!) Whether these things irritate you is clearly your personal choice and I'm sure there are times all of us get frustrated (like dealing with the RTA - what the hell are those guys on???!?
)For us, Australia was never going to fix our money troubles, or give us a bigger house, or even guarantee a sunny day. It was going to be a new home, for richer or poorer, better or worse. A fair go. From the UK it was very hard to foresee how our Aus project would unfold. You can only plan so much, and you trust your ongoing judgement and hope for a big helping of luck. Well..... all I can say to those planning the move is, go for it. Don't sweat the small stuff, stay focussed on your goal and enjoy the ride. It will be the ride of your life and you will not regret it. Of course your bank balance will take a battering; you will spend a bit of money getting here (and it doesn't stop once you get here either) but whether you stay in Australia for the rest of your lives, or whether you go home after giving it your best shot, my opinion is you will definitely be the richer for having done it. It's a beautiful country and is now our new home.
If you're in Cherrybrook NSW, drop in for a cold one.
Mar 6th 2006, 4:16 am
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,997
Re: After the long wait....
Fantastic to hear things are working out for you after all the hard work of getting here. A great, realistic post. Thanks for sharing.
The bit about "don't sweat the small stuff" is very profound. Aus aint perfect but if you can get over the niggles, I agree it's a fantastic place to be
Good luck for the future to you and your family
The bit about "don't sweat the small stuff" is very profound. Aus aint perfect but if you can get over the niggles, I agree it's a fantastic place to be
Good luck for the future to you and your family
Mar 6th 2006, 5:28 am
#4
Migration Agent
Joined: May 2002
Location: Offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Geelong (Australia), and Southampton (UK)
Posts: 6,459
Re: After the long wait....
I don't normally say anything in response to these postings, but I thought your comments and observations were so uplifting ... making a success of emigrating is all about having the right attitude in my book ... and you guys have clearly got some of the right stuff!
Enjoy!
Best wishes.
Enjoy!
Best wishes.
Mar 6th 2006, 5:52 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: North Lakes/Mango Hill, Brisbane
Posts: 1,134
Re: After the long wait....
Originally Posted by Alan Collett
I don't normally say anything in response to these postings, but I thought your comments and observations were so uplifting ... making a success of emigrating is all about having the right attitude in my book ... and you guys have clearly got some of the right stuff!
Enjoy!
Best wishes.
Enjoy!
Best wishes.
It was and still is a ride but it's bloody enjoyable!!
Great post
Mar 6th 2006, 6:09 am
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Cairns
Posts: 3,918
Re: After the long wait....
Great post - well done! 
Mar 6th 2006, 6:56 am
#7
Australia's Doorman
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: The Shoalhaven, New South Wales, Australia
Posts: 11,056
Re: After the long wait....
Glad to hear it's all working out for you guys.
Mar 6th 2006, 8:32 am
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2004
Location: Tapping, Perth
Posts: 1,586
Re: After the long wait....
Great post. Thanks for that. Post's like this really encourage us that it WILL be all worth it in the end
Mar 6th 2006, 8:39 am
#9
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,918
Re: After the long wait....
Karma sent for a wonderful post....sent shivers down my spine and brought a tear to my eye.
Carry on loving it
Carry on loving it
Mar 6th 2006, 8:48 am
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: ocean reef
Posts: 439
Re: After the long wait....
Originally Posted by breezeboylan
Great post. Thanks for that. Post's like this really encourage us that it WILL be all worth it in the end
Fantastic post,at the end of my tether with this immigration lark,it pushes you to the limit. your post has made me feel more positive and has let me realise why we are still battling to get our visas ,and not give up CHEERS AGAIN
Terri
Mar 6th 2006, 8:58 am
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 909
Re: After the long wait....
Great post. Fantastic to see how well you are getting on. Cherry brook looks lovely and a friend of mine has suggested thats where we start looking when we move over. Good on you
Mar 6th 2006, 9:15 am
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 84
Re: After the long wait....
What a fantastic post!
We are due to emigrate to Sydney in August, we have just sold our house and reality has hit! Both myself and my husband are on the emotional rollercoaster at the moment and the prospect of moving to the other side of the world away from family and friends with two small children aged 2 and 3 is pretty daunting
so it was lovely to read something so heart warming and uplifting!
Thank you!
Any tips to get us through these next few months would be welcome!
We are due to emigrate to Sydney in August, we have just sold our house and reality has hit! Both myself and my husband are on the emotional rollercoaster at the moment and the prospect of moving to the other side of the world away from family and friends with two small children aged 2 and 3 is pretty daunting
so it was lovely to read something so heart warming and uplifting! Thank you!
Any tips to get us through these next few months would be welcome!
Mar 6th 2006, 9:16 am
#13
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: at the bottom of a wine glass
Posts: 28,176
Re: After the long wait....
Originally Posted by Pink & Fluffy
Any tips to get us through these next few months would be welcome!
and more
Mar 6th 2006, 9:20 am
#14
Sunning it up in Benowa
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Body in benowa, Mind in Benowa, the whole fricking thing in benowa MAN !!!!!
Posts: 1,224
Re: After the long wait....
Originally Posted by <")))><
....Australia is everything we dreamt it would be, but emigrating is possibly one of the hardest things we have ever done. 2.5 years on from when we started the whole process, the move itself was tough and emotional on all four of us, but more so for those we left behind.
For the emigration flight, we chose Singapore Airlines and they were amazing. I've flown with Cathay, JAL, Emirates and BA and would say Singapore were overall the better airline. They were great with the kids, the food was actually really quite appetising and the most legroom I've seen in economy.
After shipping our stuff with John Mason, selling the house, all that paperwork we all endure, we were tired of the waiting game and ready for the big move, and a bit of quality Aussie time.
However, the first week was hard in Sydney. We stayed in Dural Holiday Village and the combination of jetlag and shock of what we had done hit me hard in particular, and I felt very remote and highly emotional, living in a chalet. I had already been out a few months before to secure work, and I was starting a few days after landing so had something to help concentrate my mind and help me settle in. It didn't take long.
I work in IT, and immediately found that I had plenty of challenges ahead of me - in a good way that is. There are plenty of opportunities for the right people (if you're prepared to work hard). I managed to land a good job in Sydney that would see us right for the first few months in a new country. As it turns out, it could be a more permament role now that I've dug my heels in a bit. There is a lot of bad press about the 'state of IT' in Australia. If you have half a brain, willing to give anything a fair go and work hard, you will find the right work for you. Stick with it.
We found a rental home quickly, at a reasonable price, and in a good area. Cherrybrook is in the N.W. hills above Sydney and it takes me 40 minutes to commute to work by car. The traffic is bad some days, but by getting in an hour or so earlier (6:30 am) and leaving earlier (around 4 pm), I skip the heavy commuting traffic without a problem. The added bonuses are that I get a large amount of work done early before everyone gets in to the office in the morning AND I get to leave early to spend the end of the day with my kids. That would never have happened before now.
As for buying a property, there's no rush, particularly with Sydney prices being what they are. To be honest, Sydney may not be where we truly settle.
We bank with Commonwealth, and have found them to be hassle-free and very helpful in getting us set up out here. Once our house was sold and the money across, they waived all their fees (if that bothers you).
For us, the most welcome aspect of Aussie life has been the attitude of the people we come across every day. We've made friends at work, at home, at school, at the corner shop...everywhere, Aussies are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves and are so easy to get on with...well, the ones we've met anyway!! I've been out on several work do's and made some good friends already......and we haven't even started yet; we have plans to join the local sports clubs, get involved in local community activities, so it can only get better and better in our eyes.
Our boys have settled in to primary and pre-school education really well. Plenty of differences in attitude in the classroom which will do our eldest the world of good. I've read on here that some people object to dipping in their pocket to pay for school trips and extra curricular stuff. Well, from our perspective, that's all good and the more they can throw at our kids, the better we'll like it. The boys are getting opportunites (dancing, art, nature trips etc) they would never have got under the Hampshire Education Authority and if I have to throw a few dollars in for that to happen, so be it. Overall, we are very impressed with the public education out here.
Xmas came and went without any sense of occasion this year for us, and I have to say we absolutely loved the freedom it gave us. No furniture, no TV, but no worries! The kids were excited that Santa had not forgotten us (clever Santa even knew we were getting a pool, so he packed in some extra pool toys in his sack). We were on the beach at Narrabeen on Christmas Day with grins from ear to ear. A first, and defintely not a last.
New Years Day was a scorcher, Australia Day was a blinder, any bloody day.....so far this place has been incredible.
There are many things that, on the surface, could make you feel 'worse off' out here. When I read some of the more negative posts on BE about Australian life, they usually make me chuckle as most of them are factually spot on. (Arkon, you are a legend !!) Whether these things irritate you is clearly your personal choice and I'm sure there are times all of us get frustrated (like dealing with the RTA - what the hell are those guys on???!? )
For us, Australia was never going to fix our money troubles, or give us a bigger house, or even guarantee a sunny day. It was going to be a new home, for richer or poorer, better or worse. A fair go. From the UK it was very hard to foresee how our Aus project would unfold. You can only plan so much, and you trust your ongoing judgement and hope for a big helping of luck. Well..... all I can say to those planning the move is, go for it. Don't sweat the small stuff, stay focussed on your goal and enjoy the ride. It will be the ride of your life and you will not regret it. Of course your bank balance will take a battering; you will spend a bit of money getting here (and it doesn't stop once you get here either) but whether you stay in Australia for the rest of your lives, or whether you go home after giving it your best shot, my opinion is you will definitely be the richer for having done it. It's a beautiful country and is now our new home.
If you're in Cherrybrook NSW, drop in for a cold one.
For the emigration flight, we chose Singapore Airlines and they were amazing. I've flown with Cathay, JAL, Emirates and BA and would say Singapore were overall the better airline. They were great with the kids, the food was actually really quite appetising and the most legroom I've seen in economy.
After shipping our stuff with John Mason, selling the house, all that paperwork we all endure, we were tired of the waiting game and ready for the big move, and a bit of quality Aussie time.
However, the first week was hard in Sydney. We stayed in Dural Holiday Village and the combination of jetlag and shock of what we had done hit me hard in particular, and I felt very remote and highly emotional, living in a chalet. I had already been out a few months before to secure work, and I was starting a few days after landing so had something to help concentrate my mind and help me settle in. It didn't take long.
I work in IT, and immediately found that I had plenty of challenges ahead of me - in a good way that is. There are plenty of opportunities for the right people (if you're prepared to work hard). I managed to land a good job in Sydney that would see us right for the first few months in a new country. As it turns out, it could be a more permament role now that I've dug my heels in a bit. There is a lot of bad press about the 'state of IT' in Australia. If you have half a brain, willing to give anything a fair go and work hard, you will find the right work for you. Stick with it.
We found a rental home quickly, at a reasonable price, and in a good area. Cherrybrook is in the N.W. hills above Sydney and it takes me 40 minutes to commute to work by car. The traffic is bad some days, but by getting in an hour or so earlier (6:30 am) and leaving earlier (around 4 pm), I skip the heavy commuting traffic without a problem. The added bonuses are that I get a large amount of work done early before everyone gets in to the office in the morning AND I get to leave early to spend the end of the day with my kids. That would never have happened before now.
As for buying a property, there's no rush, particularly with Sydney prices being what they are. To be honest, Sydney may not be where we truly settle.
We bank with Commonwealth, and have found them to be hassle-free and very helpful in getting us set up out here. Once our house was sold and the money across, they waived all their fees (if that bothers you).
For us, the most welcome aspect of Aussie life has been the attitude of the people we come across every day. We've made friends at work, at home, at school, at the corner shop...everywhere, Aussies are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves and are so easy to get on with...well, the ones we've met anyway!! I've been out on several work do's and made some good friends already......and we haven't even started yet; we have plans to join the local sports clubs, get involved in local community activities, so it can only get better and better in our eyes.
Our boys have settled in to primary and pre-school education really well. Plenty of differences in attitude in the classroom which will do our eldest the world of good. I've read on here that some people object to dipping in their pocket to pay for school trips and extra curricular stuff. Well, from our perspective, that's all good and the more they can throw at our kids, the better we'll like it. The boys are getting opportunites (dancing, art, nature trips etc) they would never have got under the Hampshire Education Authority and if I have to throw a few dollars in for that to happen, so be it. Overall, we are very impressed with the public education out here.
Xmas came and went without any sense of occasion this year for us, and I have to say we absolutely loved the freedom it gave us. No furniture, no TV, but no worries! The kids were excited that Santa had not forgotten us (clever Santa even knew we were getting a pool, so he packed in some extra pool toys in his sack). We were on the beach at Narrabeen on Christmas Day with grins from ear to ear. A first, and defintely not a last.
New Years Day was a scorcher, Australia Day was a blinder, any bloody day.....so far this place has been incredible.
There are many things that, on the surface, could make you feel 'worse off' out here. When I read some of the more negative posts on BE about Australian life, they usually make me chuckle as most of them are factually spot on. (Arkon, you are a legend !!) Whether these things irritate you is clearly your personal choice and I'm sure there are times all of us get frustrated (like dealing with the RTA - what the hell are those guys on???!?
)For us, Australia was never going to fix our money troubles, or give us a bigger house, or even guarantee a sunny day. It was going to be a new home, for richer or poorer, better or worse. A fair go. From the UK it was very hard to foresee how our Aus project would unfold. You can only plan so much, and you trust your ongoing judgement and hope for a big helping of luck. Well..... all I can say to those planning the move is, go for it. Don't sweat the small stuff, stay focussed on your goal and enjoy the ride. It will be the ride of your life and you will not regret it. Of course your bank balance will take a battering; you will spend a bit of money getting here (and it doesn't stop once you get here either) but whether you stay in Australia for the rest of your lives, or whether you go home after giving it your best shot, my opinion is you will definitely be the richer for having done it. It's a beautiful country and is now our new home.
If you're in Cherrybrook NSW, drop in for a cold one.
Really good post, we are very open and positive about the big move, just waiting(again!!
) for the house to sell, Its good to get peoples views and feelings of their experiences since they move over there as that is all we have till we get there and start living it for ourselves.I agree you must be positive and dont think it may be the answer to any problems you may have here in UK.
We are looking for a fresh start and want to live a more healthy and comfortable life
Its also nice to hear the kids are settling into school and the opportunities that are open to them........It just makes me want to get there all the more.... Thanks Jane xxx
Mar 6th 2006, 9:28 am
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 84
Re: After the long wait....
Originally Posted by WendyC
Only one thing for it I'm afraid and more
and more Yep trying that, a bit concerned about my liver though!!!