I just dont know whether it is all worth it . Hearing no end of stories, be it on this forum or elsewhere, of tradies finding it nigh on impossible to find work. Well if thats the case, may as well stay put in UK i say. Bugger that. Jed is a Corgi registered gas engineer/plumber here in UK and been doing the job for longer than I can remember. Seems bloody ridiculous the hoops you have to jump through in Oz and even then dont hear of anyone getting work

We really cant afford to make any more mistakes and I am seriously thinking moving back to Oz would be a very very bad idea, sadly

FFS

Second thoughts? Isn't it more like 4th or 5th thoughts in your case?

Anyway, joking apart:

1. Look at the number of plumber's job in the area you are thinking of moving to. I know not all jobs are advertised on the internet/the local paper, but these sources can still give you a general "feel" of the situation. So, look at seek.com and careerone etc (internet) and look through the job adverts in the local paper (subscribe to their Saturday online version).

You will then get an idea of which area has the most jobs for plumber.

2. The local registration requirements (to be allowed to work) for each trade differ from state to state. First step: find our what the registration requirements are in the state you will be moving to.

(Contact the local chapter of the trade association.)

3. Make sure that all documentation you need for this registration are ready and in your hand luggage. If Jed has to sit an exam, find out beforehand what this includes and whether you can register for it prior to arrival.

(Wendy did all of this for her husband - ellectrician in SA - and because she was so orgainsed he had is registration within 8 weeks of arrival. He has had no difficulty in finding work. But then - Wendy did her research!)

Good luck!

Gina

Mate, you're doing my head in

D D

PS Oh, and what Gina said.....

We have done all that mate, and when we were over there last time Jed did get his provisional plumbing and gas licence. However, if you look at a thread started by JoanneS today (who's hubbie is equally as qualified as Jed) you wil see that holding a provisional licence doesnt carry much weight. There are haeps of jobs for plumbers in brisbane and he doesnt seem to be having much luck. Cant see it being any easier for Jed

i'm having second thoughts every second - driving me insane.
think about yr kids - they will thank you for it in yrs to come if you go - how on earth are our kids today going to get onto the uk property market into anything half decent. if it was just me i wouldnt go but its the next generation i am doing it for and the thought of them growing up in the uk is enough on my bad days to get me motivated again! chin up - keep positive - and your oh will get a job but everyone is in the same boat worrying about things we cant do anything aboutuntil we get there.

Everything I've ever read on these forums says that the tradies have to do the hard yards for several years before they get close to earning a good wage. But if you go in with your eyes open, understand that that will be the case and just get on with it, then you'll come good in the end. The question, of course, is - are you both prepared to put up with that? Wasn't Jed the one pushing to return? If he's having serious second thoughts ...

J.....although my hubby hasn''t a trade he does worry whether he will get a job as well paid as he has at the moment ( manager for a builders merchants ) but you know he would do anything just to tie us over as i am sure Jed will do. You want Oz more than anyone, hence the planned move back so quick after returning. As my hubby once said ....we'll just throw the chips up and see where they fall. Don't be worrying about something that may never happen to you. Ged may got to Oz and find himself a job straight away......everyone is different

How are they going to do it in any Australian city?

No mate, not Jed (never was him ). we dont mind starting from the bottom and working our way up again but it seems even then there is a huge brick wall . i think we may have to have a bit of role reversal if push comes to shove. TBO id love to get back in the saddle

ive bought property in both countries when i was single and i sure as hell know which one i got more for my money in

thanks mate im just having a wobble

And it's normal ( i have them all the time ). Just ride it out. You will be just fine

Rooksie, does Jed know about these second thoughts?

I remember you having them before just before you went and I think its a worry that you are having them again now.

Might be worth working through these together because if you go to Oz with any serious doubts and you don't deal with them, then its not going to be good for you - financially or mentally.

I hope you get it sorted but IMO full and frank discussions are needed before you make that leap.

I'll be ok mate, if i wasnt worrying about something, id be worrying why but youre right, i will talk to jed tonight

Let us know how you get on.