richardsmith2005

I know I'm being lazy and not doing the research myself, but I wonder if you guys could give me your opinion of quality of life in Australia versus the UK in my current circumstances?

I live in Northumberland with my girlfriend. She works as a projects officer for the council and I work as a Technical Consultant for an IT firm. We have a combined income of £45,000 and would have aprox. £60,000 equity from our home if we were to sell it under current market conditions. We are both under 30.

Neither of us have a degree. I have a number of petty professional qualifications but mostly find work in my field due to experience rather than academics.

The kind of place we'd be after in Australia would be within 40 minutes commute of a large town or city that would have those sorts of jobs.

Are we likely to get in with these credentials, and if so, what do you think our quality of life will be live versus the UK?

Thanks guys.

29palms

Its a big question! And depends on what you class as 'Quality of Life' ??
Your best bet would try and get a sponsorship on a 457 and then change to permanant after 2 years if you like it here!

richardsmith2005

I guess short term, to get more house and car for our money. As far as lesiure, we enjoy the countryside, wildlife, walks along the beach, bar meals here at home, which luckily for us, Northumberland is great for.

For example the house we live in now will sell for about £95k, and it is a terrace with 2 bedrooms, 20 minutes out of the city (Newcastle).

I'm just trying to get a basic idea if we'd be better off in the short-term in Australia or here.

29palms

Well mate if you enjoy the quality of life in Northumberland why move to Oz? I come from Newcastle and have grown up with Northumberland, and when I go back I always make a point of visiting N'land. To me its one of my favourite places in the world. But if you like country type feel, then I guess you cannot go wrong with oz or NZ, baring in mind anywhere in Australia at leat 2 -3 hrs from the coast is stinking hot for about 7-8 months of the year!

youngy73

mate, i grew up in a council estate on the outskirts of newcastle. there is always a better way of life. dont put yourself down, there are plenty of people in life who will do that one for you. be positive and if you have a dream follow it. you never know where it will take you. why wouldnt oz work for you?

Gems

Hello,
We are from Northumberland and love the countryside.
Our house was very rural and 40 minutes from Newcastle.

Now been in Western Australia over a year and live in rural town. We love it here and life is great.
Its also a lot warmer at the beach than Alnmouth!

You can make the jump from Northumberland to OZ. Go for it.

Gems
PS, research your areas you want to live.

youngy73

Ive done runs around the globe and had done every north run since i was 13 but the beadnel to alnmouth is is the best run i have ever done. so picturesque. we come from a beautiful part of the world.aussies dont belief me when i say we have good beaches and clean water. the north east coast is as good as it gets, its just cold thats all.

keel

Hello Gems

Are you still living the life in Canarvon?

Keel

best4ever

Hi Richard, which part of Northumberland do you live in? We are from N/Land also, thinking of emigrating to NSW.

richardsmith2005

Thanks for all your responses, it's given me a bit to think about.

Don't get me wrong, I'm by no means complaining, I just can't help thinking there's more out there I want to see and might be missing out on.

My colours aren't nailed to the mast with Australia, I haven't even visited, just wondered what you guys who are already over there think of the place.

It's great to hear back from people who have lived in the North East in particular.

I've lived in Cramlington since I was 12, but was bought up in Lemington (Newcastle). Funny you mention Alnmouth Gems, I'm working up there, Hawkhill Business Park to be precise.

We have friends over in Sweden, we've visited and love it there, but the language barrier is the main thing stopping us progressing that. My options n would be a lot better if I would pull my finger out and learn Swedish I suppose!

Gems

Hi,
How's things?

No we are now in Geraldton, hubby got moved by employer. So been sunning it in Geraldton since Christmas.

Dont think we will ever live in Perth now, prefer North of Perth.

Gems

vgenburgos

You don't mention if you have ever been to Australia? If not as you are both under 30 why not rent out your house and come to Australia on a working holiday visa, you could work 6 months and travel round the rest or work the whole year in different cities - that way you could see for yourself what life is like over here.

My boyfriend and I now live here permanently after doing something similar and think it was a great way to really see what it is like over here without putting yourself through all the visa process hassle. Now you can work for a company for 6 months on a working holiday visa it means you can find some ok ish jobs (I am in IT and got work as a test analyst earning a very good rate and when we did it was only allowed to work for 3 months for each company).

If you don't think it is for you then you will have had a year adventure, and if you do actually living and working over here for a bit is a fantastic preparation for emigrating, and often can act as a way in e.g. being offered sponsorship while you are here. My opinion the WHV is a real luxury for under 30's who are considering emigrating and people in that age bracket with no kids is an ideal way to do an extended assessment of what Australia is like to live.

keel

I'm very happy to here your enjoying it up North.

I havn't personaly lived out of Perth but I do know from workmates that I'm the one that's missing oot.

Take Care

Keel

Littleuns

Hi Guys,

We are originally from Northumberland - Alnwick area - and we are moving to Perth Oct / Nov.

Planning to live NOR at present as we have family in that area.


Kevin

RobAndEwa

First thing you should look at is whether you can get a visa. As an IT guy you'll be assessed by the Australian Computer Society and they have a very warped view of what an IT person looks like. Basically they require you to have a computer science degree or about 9 years relevent experience. And by "relevent" they mean it relates directly to the IT specialisation you say you are. Check out their website for the fine print.

Rob