Considering taking the leap
Mar 21st 2010, 6:53 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Considering taking the leap
I'm currently considering escaping the UK to Oz and I would like some advice.
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
Mar 21st 2010, 6:59 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 85
Re: Considering taking the leap
I would go for it, you are young with no dependants. You could soften the blow for your parents by saying that you are going on a working holiday for a few years. As you say, your living at home, not earning much etc, this could be a very exciting time in your life....go for it, home will always be where you left it.
Mar 21st 2010, 7:02 pm
#3
Not dead yet
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: In a world of my own where I know everyone
Posts: 15,042
Re: Considering taking the leap
I'm currently considering escaping the UK to Oz and I would like some advice.
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
Mar 21st 2010, 7:06 pm
#4
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,348
Re: Considering taking the leap
Your dad shouldn't have a problem getting a visa to visit you in Australia provided he declares it in his visa application and landing card (I'm assuming he didnt receive a custodial sentence).
Mar 21st 2010, 7:23 pm
#5
Happy migrant
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Newcastle , NSW
Posts: 6,756
Re: Considering taking the leap
I'm currently considering escaping the UK to Oz and I would like some advice.
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
Mar 21st 2010, 8:03 pm
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Engadine, NSW
Posts: 427
Re: Considering taking the leap
I would defo say go for it. You have no ties at the moment and at the end of the day if you go and dont like it or it doesnt work out you can come back and start again. Life is too short...... I am 35 with two little ones and it has been our dream for so long and now we are heading over in a couple of months time. I am so anxious about how things will turn out and how the kids will be but we have got to go and seeif its for us as i am sure we will regret not going when we had the chance. Go for it.
Mar 21st 2010, 9:52 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 86
Re: Considering taking the leap
you are in the ideal situation and have much to gain. unless of course you dearly love living with your parents in their house (incid, they make horror movies about this subject). your parents/ family arent losing a child but gaining a wonderful place to go in uk winter months...
Mar 21st 2010, 10:44 pm
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: Considering taking the leap
I'm currently considering escaping the UK to Oz and I would like some advice.
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
go for it, share a flat, work, see if you enjoy it. Your not the age, nor have the commitments where you will end up stuck in OZ if you dont like it. You dont have the complications of kids in education, your life savings to punt on the currency market fluctuations, blah blah.Go for a couple of years, tell your parents its just that, and only if you like it will you be staying.
Many would envy your position
And no OZ is not all its cracked up to be, just another country with its ups and downs, if you dont build it up to be what its not, you will enjoy it for what it is - a new experience for a while.
Mar 21st 2010, 10:49 pm
#9
Canuck/Aussie
Joined: May 2006
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 4,547
Re: Considering taking the leap
So, he would have to play it safe and apply for the proper one. which is a bit more money and it takes longer. My dad's took about 4 weeks, which was very stressful as he hadn't planned on that. Just make sure to factor that in and apply several months before just to be on the safe side. They actually recommend 6 months before I think!
Mar 21st 2010, 10:52 pm
#10
Mostly Harmless
Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Semi-rural wonderworld, Brisbane
Posts: 15,109
Re: Considering taking the leap
I'm currently considering escaping the UK to Oz and I would like some advice.
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
My Situation at the moment.
I live at home with my parents as I can't afford to move out.
I earn £12.500 a year as an optical mechanic and I've being doing that for 8 years, 3 of those are as the Assistant Lab Manager. My manager has said that there is no chance of a payrise in the forseeable future, the jobs market in my area is just as grim.
The company I work for has branched out into Australia and they are crying out for optical mechanics with my experience, they are starting them on a basic pay of about $46.000 a year.
The main facility where I would be working is in Port Melbourne.
I am 25 years old, no wife / Girlfriend or kids. I have a British JAA pilot's licence (financed by lots of overtime and saving) and I have no criminal record. I've also found out that I have more than enough points to get a visa.
My Questions
How did your relatives react when you told them that you were emigrating? I'm concerned about telling my parents that I'm thinking of emigrating.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne? I'm aware that the rent can be quite expensive but what about things like electricity, gas, water, council tax and food?
My Dad has a conviction for Drink Driving, would he still be able to get a visa, so he can come visit me if I do decide to emigrate?
I'm worried that I will get homesick if I go, what tips do you hve for combatting it?
Is Australia all that is is cracked up to be?
Hold on, actually it IS mostly like it is on the telly ... get gone ya eeeejit!
Mar 22nd 2010, 7:36 am
#11
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,348
Re: Considering taking the leap
Given your young and free go for it, share a flat, work, see if you enjoy it. Your not the age, nor have the commitments where you will end up stuck in OZ if you dont like it. You dont have the complications of kids in education, your life savings to punt on the currency market fluctuations, blah blah.
Go for a couple of years, tell your parents its just that, and only if you like it will you be staying.
Many would envy your position
And no OZ is not all its cracked up to be, just another country with its ups and downs, if you dont build it up to be what its not, you will enjoy it for what it is - a new experience for a while.
go for it, share a flat, work, see if you enjoy it. Your not the age, nor have the commitments where you will end up stuck in OZ if you dont like it. You dont have the complications of kids in education, your life savings to punt on the currency market fluctuations, blah blah.Go for a couple of years, tell your parents its just that, and only if you like it will you be staying.
Many would envy your position
And no OZ is not all its cracked up to be, just another country with its ups and downs, if you dont build it up to be what its not, you will enjoy it for what it is - a new experience for a while.
.
