strewth

Hi,
we are a family of four. Our kids are 1 and 3. We're contemplating a move from Dublin, Ireland to the Gold Coast, Qld. My hubby's from Brisbane so we have somewhere to stay until we get set up and also plenty of family support when we get there.
Here in Dublin, we both work full time in jobs that we really enjoy. Shiftwork allows us to work opposite eachother so we don't have to pay for childcare. The downside of that is that we don't get a lot of time all together as a family, maybe a couple of days a fortnight. When we go out to Australia we would *hope* for me not to work and stay at home with the kids until they start school. (My husband is a nurse with 15 yrs experience and my background is in IT.)
Can anyone out there give me an honest opinion....are we crazy to leave two secure jobs here in Ireland and pursue our dream or will we be struggling in Australia on one wage? Are there any Irish people out there who have done the same?
We have a decent amount of savings but would rather keep them for a deposit on a house than use them to subsidise our day to day budget.
We're not extravagent by any stretch but we want a comfortable life for our kids.
Any advice would be really appreciated.
thanks,
S

Sally Simpson

It is certainly possible to support a small family on a nurses salary, particularly with shift work & obviously the higher the grade, the better the salary. I would suggest that you may need to rent rather than buy initially though as it is generally cheaper than a mortgage.
I would also suggest that you apply for PR rather than sponsorship as you could also apply for Family Tax Benefit but also you are not tied. It takes longer initially but is well worth it.
There are lots of people on the forum who have moved from Ireland, so hopefully they will answer you too.

DumbFalang

It is very likely the best move you will ever make in your life. It's a dream - so stop dreaming and make it a reality.

If not for you - for your kids

lenehan101

I would ask myself the question if you were not married to an aussie, would it be your dream to emigrate to Australia? Im married to an Aussie and have realised how different my outlook is to couples of the same nationality who decide to emigrate. If I had married a brit, no way would I have come. I think it comes down to how close you are to your family back home too. And remember, if you dont like it, your kids will soon be old enough to voice their opinion and want to stay. Good luck with your decision. From someone whose going through it

Alfresco

Here is the Irish thread.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...524530&page=38