Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Nov 5th 2009 | 9:10 pm
#16
Banned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 45
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Daunted,i have followed your progress over the last three and a bit years and i joined today instead of lurking just to say.
You should,be so proud of yourself,carry on the great work...your an example to all of us when times get tough..
Take care.
Pommie.
You should,be so proud of yourself,carry on the great work...your an example to all of us when times get tough..
Take care.
Pommie.
Nov 5th 2009 | 9:21 pm
#17
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,994
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
thanks guys - i didnt post for admiration just to put a true picture across. Pommie its good to hear you now signed up - look forward to hearing from you on here - its a fab site and plays a big part in me keeping it together and informed about what is going on.
Nov 5th 2009 | 9:23 pm
#18
Banned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 45
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Thank you for the welcome.
Nov 5th 2009 | 11:16 pm
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 766
From: Wollongong
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
I should probably update you all too... I keep meaning to do an update thread but don't feel I have much to say LOL!
I too am a single mum with a 14yo and 11yo about to start high school. I arrived in June 2008 - 17 months ago.
I settled in NSW south of Sydney... it is tough being a single parent anywhere but without the family support back in the UK it is doubly hard... there is no one there to have the kids when they are sick and if you get a job you will work whatever hours you have to to pay the rent, bills, food etc.
I have joint nationality so am fortunate enough to get Family Tax Benefit and currently Newstart allowance.
My first job was management in Sydney which I landed within 5 weeks of landing - I was up at 4.30am to get the train - biked there too until I got my first car... so that was 12 minutes downhill in the pitch black in the morning and 18 minutes uphill in the pitch black at night... after 4 months I physically couldn't do it anymore, 5 hours travelling each day, my boy was being bullied on the way home from school and I really felt on my own so I resigned... It took me another 7 months to gain full time employment and it was an unreal job with the government, with excellent pay although the hours were 12 - 8.30pm so again 7 months of not having dinner with my kids and the guilt at not being there for them but at least I had good money coming in, I bought a new car, new bed, a horse for my daughter life was brilliant. Then last month I found myself redundant thanks to the economy not being as bad as they expected and now I'm back on Newstart but with the extra expenses incurred it doesnt go as far as it did the first time!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed I am successful on Monday for an interview - a good job, normal hours and good pay. Wish me luck, I need it.
If I have any advise - get your citizenship as soon as you can so that you can claim CCB, FTB and 2 years down the track any unemployment benefits should you need them.
Overall, I like being independant here and not living in the pockets of others like in the UK. The kids have settled brilliantly, I'm not overly impressed with the state schools, my 11yo has declined significantly but I have him in a catholic boys school for high school so I am hoping for a good improvement. My daughters catholic girls school has been brilliant, any problems they go out of their way to assist and she is very well regarded by her teachers and peers in a very short amount of time.
I don't think I had the emotional upheavel that Daunted had... I grew up here, here feels like home to me and my mum and dad emails/skypes ALL the time so it's not like we are apart really. LOL
I have a few really good friends but I'm usually too busy with the kids to socialise much.
I too am a single mum with a 14yo and 11yo about to start high school. I arrived in June 2008 - 17 months ago.
I settled in NSW south of Sydney... it is tough being a single parent anywhere but without the family support back in the UK it is doubly hard... there is no one there to have the kids when they are sick and if you get a job you will work whatever hours you have to to pay the rent, bills, food etc.
I have joint nationality so am fortunate enough to get Family Tax Benefit and currently Newstart allowance.
My first job was management in Sydney which I landed within 5 weeks of landing - I was up at 4.30am to get the train - biked there too until I got my first car... so that was 12 minutes downhill in the pitch black in the morning and 18 minutes uphill in the pitch black at night... after 4 months I physically couldn't do it anymore, 5 hours travelling each day, my boy was being bullied on the way home from school and I really felt on my own so I resigned... It took me another 7 months to gain full time employment and it was an unreal job with the government, with excellent pay although the hours were 12 - 8.30pm so again 7 months of not having dinner with my kids and the guilt at not being there for them but at least I had good money coming in, I bought a new car, new bed, a horse for my daughter life was brilliant. Then last month I found myself redundant thanks to the economy not being as bad as they expected and now I'm back on Newstart but with the extra expenses incurred it doesnt go as far as it did the first time!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed I am successful on Monday for an interview - a good job, normal hours and good pay. Wish me luck, I need it.
If I have any advise - get your citizenship as soon as you can so that you can claim CCB, FTB and 2 years down the track any unemployment benefits should you need them.
Overall, I like being independant here and not living in the pockets of others like in the UK. The kids have settled brilliantly, I'm not overly impressed with the state schools, my 11yo has declined significantly but I have him in a catholic boys school for high school so I am hoping for a good improvement. My daughters catholic girls school has been brilliant, any problems they go out of their way to assist and she is very well regarded by her teachers and peers in a very short amount of time.
I don't think I had the emotional upheavel that Daunted had... I grew up here, here feels like home to me and my mum and dad emails/skypes ALL the time so it's not like we are apart really. LOL
I have a few really good friends but I'm usually too busy with the kids to socialise much.
Last edited by homewardbound; Nov 5th 2009 at 11:17 pm. Reason: ETA - WOW I didnt realise i wrote so much LOL
Nov 6th 2009 | 12:29 am
#20
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,994
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Hi good to hear you are keeping your head above water too. The bit about not having dinner with your kids is true here too. 
The little things mean so much hey? I am often leaving the house at 4.30am to get to work and by time i get home i am tired and miserable - just feels like the kids get the rough end of the stick. BUT i dont remember it being much different in the UK 
Onwards and upwards hey XXXX
I should probably update you all too... I keep meaning to do an update thread but don't feel I have much to say LOL!
I too am a single mum with a 14yo and 11yo about to start high school. I arrived in June 2008 - 17 months ago.
I settled in NSW south of Sydney... it is tough being a single parent anywhere but without the family support back in the UK it is doubly hard... there is no one there to have the kids when they are sick and if you get a job you will work whatever hours you have to to pay the rent, bills, food etc.
I have joint nationality so am fortunate enough to get Family Tax Benefit and currently Newstart allowance.
My first job was management in Sydney which I landed within 5 weeks of landing - I was up at 4.30am to get the train - biked there too until I got my first car... so that was 12 minutes downhill in the pitch black in the morning and 18 minutes uphill in the pitch black at night... after 4 months I physically couldn't do it anymore, 5 hours travelling each day, my boy was being bullied on the way home from school and I really felt on my own so I resigned... It took me another 7 months to gain full time employment and it was an unreal job with the government, with excellent pay although the hours were 12 - 8.30pm so again 7 months of not having dinner with my kids and the guilt at not being there for them but at least I had good money coming in, I bought a new car, new bed, a horse for my daughter life was brilliant. Then last month I found myself redundant thanks to the economy not being as bad as they expected and now I'm back on Newstart but with the extra expenses incurred it doesnt go as far as it did the first time!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed I am successful on Monday for an interview - a good job, normal hours and good pay. Wish me luck, I need it.
If I have any advise - get your citizenship as soon as you can so that you can claim CCB, FTB and 2 years down the track any unemployment benefits should you need them.
Overall, I like being independant here and not living in the pockets of others like in the UK. The kids have settled brilliantly, I'm not overly impressed with the state schools, my 11yo has declined significantly but I have him in a catholic boys school for high school so I am hoping for a good improvement. My daughters catholic girls school has been brilliant, any problems they go out of their way to assist and she is very well regarded by her teachers and peers in a very short amount of time.
I don't think I had the emotional upheavel that Daunted had... I grew up here, here feels like home to me and my mum and dad emails/skypes ALL the time so it's not like we are apart really. LOL
I have a few really good friends but I'm usually too busy with the kids to socialise much.
I too am a single mum with a 14yo and 11yo about to start high school. I arrived in June 2008 - 17 months ago.
I settled in NSW south of Sydney... it is tough being a single parent anywhere but without the family support back in the UK it is doubly hard... there is no one there to have the kids when they are sick and if you get a job you will work whatever hours you have to to pay the rent, bills, food etc.
I have joint nationality so am fortunate enough to get Family Tax Benefit and currently Newstart allowance.
My first job was management in Sydney which I landed within 5 weeks of landing - I was up at 4.30am to get the train - biked there too until I got my first car... so that was 12 minutes downhill in the pitch black in the morning and 18 minutes uphill in the pitch black at night... after 4 months I physically couldn't do it anymore, 5 hours travelling each day, my boy was being bullied on the way home from school and I really felt on my own so I resigned... It took me another 7 months to gain full time employment and it was an unreal job with the government, with excellent pay although the hours were 12 - 8.30pm so again 7 months of not having dinner with my kids and the guilt at not being there for them but at least I had good money coming in, I bought a new car, new bed, a horse for my daughter life was brilliant. Then last month I found myself redundant thanks to the economy not being as bad as they expected and now I'm back on Newstart but with the extra expenses incurred it doesnt go as far as it did the first time!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed I am successful on Monday for an interview - a good job, normal hours and good pay. Wish me luck, I need it.
If I have any advise - get your citizenship as soon as you can so that you can claim CCB, FTB and 2 years down the track any unemployment benefits should you need them.
Overall, I like being independant here and not living in the pockets of others like in the UK. The kids have settled brilliantly, I'm not overly impressed with the state schools, my 11yo has declined significantly but I have him in a catholic boys school for high school so I am hoping for a good improvement. My daughters catholic girls school has been brilliant, any problems they go out of their way to assist and she is very well regarded by her teachers and peers in a very short amount of time.
I don't think I had the emotional upheavel that Daunted had... I grew up here, here feels like home to me and my mum and dad emails/skypes ALL the time so it's not like we are apart really. LOL
I have a few really good friends but I'm usually too busy with the kids to socialise much.
Nov 6th 2009 | 12:37 pm
#21
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 592
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Yep,
That's some post, honest, a brave post, i have no kids in toe, but can relate to what you are saying.
But one life, as many adventures, you cannot put a price on memories, you have lost nothing and gained sh!t loads.
If you do not buy a ticket, well you do not go to the party. At least you had the guts to buy the ticket, some never even read the flyer!
Keith
That's some post, honest, a brave post, i have no kids in toe, but can relate to what you are saying.
But one life, as many adventures, you cannot put a price on memories, you have lost nothing and gained sh!t loads.
If you do not buy a ticket, well you do not go to the party. At least you had the guts to buy the ticket, some never even read the flyer!
Keith
Nov 6th 2009 | 1:13 pm
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 221
From: quinns rocks
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
I think I have had it quiet easy listening to how hard you two work!!!
Look forward to a meet!
If I ever get sent to work in Bunbury I will be in touch Daunted thanks -I am sure we can share experiences....
Look forward to a meet!
If I ever get sent to work in Bunbury I will be in touch Daunted thanks -I am sure we can share experiences....
Nov 25th 2009 | 4:01 pm
#23
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,303
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Hey Mandy if i say thats a great post, your very brave and a hard worker will it get me back on your christmas card list?
Yep she's some girl is our daunted, i'm in a similar position but have just had a further knock in that i've been made redundant and in two weeks we fly back to the uk for nearly a month. Which means i will have no income at all for about 2 months
I'm about to sign on the dole next week so if anyones interested in what i'd be entitled to, tune in next week for an update.
Well done mandy, keep it up girl. here's to the next two
PS wish i could afford an ensuite to cry in
Jazzys xxx
Yep she's some girl is our daunted, i'm in a similar position but have just had a further knock in that i've been made redundant and in two weeks we fly back to the uk for nearly a month. Which means i will have no income at all for about 2 months
I'm about to sign on the dole next week so if anyones interested in what i'd be entitled to, tune in next week for an update.
Well done mandy, keep it up girl. here's to the next two
PS wish i could afford an ensuite to cry in
Jazzys xxx
Nov 25th 2009 | 6:50 pm
#24
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23,400
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Hey Mandy if i say thats a great post, your very brave and a hard worker will it get me back on your christmas card list?
Yep she's some girl is our daunted, i'm in a similar position but have just had a further knock in that i've been made redundant and in two weeks we fly back to the uk for nearly a month. Which means i will have no income at all for about 2 months
I'm about to sign on the dole next week so if anyones interested in what i'd be entitled to, tune in next week for an update.
Well done mandy, keep it up girl. here's to the next two
PS wish i could afford an ensuite to cry in
Jazzys xxx
Yep she's some girl is our daunted, i'm in a similar position but have just had a further knock in that i've been made redundant and in two weeks we fly back to the uk for nearly a month. Which means i will have no income at all for about 2 months
I'm about to sign on the dole next week so if anyones interested in what i'd be entitled to, tune in next week for an update.
Well done mandy, keep it up girl. here's to the next two
PS wish i could afford an ensuite to cry in
Jazzys xxx
Jazzy, I know its a bummer being paid off but knowing you, you will get something better.
Everything you have been through, this is a setback and one you will overcome.
Nov 25th 2009 | 9:29 pm
#25
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,994
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Hey Mandy if i say thats a great post, your very brave and a hard worker will it get me back on your christmas card list?
Yep she's some girl is our daunted, i'm in a similar position but have just had a further knock in that i've been made redundant and in two weeks we fly back to the uk for nearly a month. Which means i will have no income at all for about 2 months
I'm about to sign on the dole next week so if anyones interested in what i'd be entitled to, tune in next week for an update.
Well done mandy, keep it up girl. here's to the next two
PS wish i could afford an ensuite to cry in
Jazzys xxx
Yep she's some girl is our daunted, i'm in a similar position but have just had a further knock in that i've been made redundant and in two weeks we fly back to the uk for nearly a month. Which means i will have no income at all for about 2 months
I'm about to sign on the dole next week so if anyones interested in what i'd be entitled to, tune in next week for an update.
Well done mandy, keep it up girl. here's to the next two
PS wish i could afford an ensuite to cry in
Jazzys xxx
Mmmmm bring me back some English Chocolate buttons and i may consider putting you back on the christmas card list!!
Shit news about being out of work again but knowing you you will bounce right back
Have a great time back in Blighty and dont get any silly ideas about staying there!!
Nov 25th 2009 | 9:56 pm
#26
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Just a point about this. You do not need citizenship to claim family benefits.
If you are a PR you can claim from day 1 of arrival.
From: Payments if you have a permanent residence visa
In general, social security payments from Centrelink are only available to people who reside in Australia and are either Australian citizens or holders of permanent visas. In addition, most social security payments and concession cards, except Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Benefit, have a two year newly arrived resident's waiting period. There are some exemptions, e.g. refugee and humanitarian visa holders. Some pension payments have their own 'qualifying residence' requirements with some exceptions. Also, some services are only available when receiving a payment from Centrelink.
Rent Assistance has no waiting period either.
Nov 25th 2009 | 11:45 pm
#27
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,994
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Thanks fish - always good to make sure everyone knows what they are entitled to
Great posts.
Just a point about this. You do not need citizenship to claim family benefits.
If you are a PR you can claim from day 1 of arrival.
From: Payments if you have a permanent residence visa
In general, social security payments from Centrelink are only available to people who reside in Australia and are either Australian citizens or holders of permanent visas. In addition, most social security payments and concession cards, except Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Benefit, have a two year newly arrived resident's waiting period. There are some exemptions, e.g. refugee and humanitarian visa holders. Some pension payments have their own 'qualifying residence' requirements with some exceptions. Also, some services are only available when receiving a payment from Centrelink.
Rent Assistance has no waiting period either.
Just a point about this. You do not need citizenship to claim family benefits.
If you are a PR you can claim from day 1 of arrival.
From: Payments if you have a permanent residence visa
In general, social security payments from Centrelink are only available to people who reside in Australia and are either Australian citizens or holders of permanent visas. In addition, most social security payments and concession cards, except Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Benefit, have a two year newly arrived resident's waiting period. There are some exemptions, e.g. refugee and humanitarian visa holders. Some pension payments have their own 'qualifying residence' requirements with some exceptions. Also, some services are only available when receiving a payment from Centrelink.
Rent Assistance has no waiting period either.
Nov 26th 2009 | 1:29 am
#28
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,521
From: Brisbane, Australia
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Good post. It does make me wonder though whether it was all worth it for you and your kids. No disrespect, I've done the single parent thing in Aus (different circumstances, we split after moving), the lack of family, the lack of support network etc, I know how damned hard it is. I hope everything pays off dividends for you.
Nov 26th 2009 | 12:03 pm
#30
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,994
Re: Doing it as a single parent - the truth!
Good post. It does make me wonder though whether it was all worth it for you and your kids. No disrespect, I've done the single parent thing in Aus (different circumstances, we split after moving), the lack of family, the lack of support network etc, I know how damned hard it is. I hope everything pays off dividends for you.
There is no doubt that is has all been worth it for us. I am not close to my family in the UK so got very little support from them back there. Honestly? I would rather be doing it tough in Oz than in the UK - at least we can have days out and it not cost us a fortune just to stay dry!
