Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Nov 9th 2003, 11:55 am
#1
Crocodile Member
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Wurtulla, Sunshine Coast. Crikey Terri, That's a BIG ONE!
Posts: 179
Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Hello Everyone - remember me?
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy
Nov 9th 2003, 1:08 pm
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: Gold Coast- the best place in the world
Posts: 3,196
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Originally posted by Andy_Hanrahan
Hello Everyone - remember me?
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy
Hello Everyone - remember me?
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy
What a great post Andy! Thanks for keeping us all updated. You sound very positive and it sounds like things have gone extremely well for you.
Might see you out there is a few weeks we are looking to settle in the same area
We are renting a Beach House on Moffat beach when we arrive which won't be too far from you!Good luck with it all.
Nov 9th 2003, 1:08 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Well done Andy, look's like you,ve landed on your feet. Please keep us informed , as your post's are most appreciated.
All the best plumber!
All the best plumber!
Nov 9th 2003, 3:14 pm
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Eatons Hill, Brisbane
Posts: 2,289
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Originally posted by Andy_Hanrahan
Hello Everyone - remember me?
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy
Hello Everyone - remember me?
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy
what a lovely cheery post! its really grey and drizzly here on the sunny south coast so this is just the sort of post i needed to read....not! just kidding!
We cant wait to be in your position and are so pleased to read that Australia isn't an extension of the Uk, thank god for that eh!
do keep in touch and keep smiling!
regards
rach & family
Nov 9th 2003, 3:17 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
great to hear you are settling in well, and i know what you mean about kids/schools that is one of our biggest worries.
good luck
good luck
Nov 9th 2003, 3:25 pm
#6
Home in 2010.
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: UK-Holland-OZ-UK-OZ-2010 Back to UK
Posts: 664
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Great post Andy, nice to hear you have landed on your feet and are doing ok. As for the childcare, have heard that before and will have to look into it too. Keep us up to date as you go along.
Nicholls can
Nicholls can
Nov 9th 2003, 8:21 pm
#7
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,814
Hi Andy and co,
Very honest post - I know I've only got a week here but you are echoing my thoughts exactly.
It is so much more relaxed and friendly than the UK - I've had nothing but smiles extended so far, and when I say "Help I've only just arrived" people have been really helpful.
It is different though, and you do have that feeling of having left everything behind, and making a new start - I was ready for that, but I think some people might not be so prepared for it.
Really pleased your daughter is happy at school, that must put your mind at rest a lot.
Hope things keep going well,
Very honest post - I know I've only got a week here but you are echoing my thoughts exactly.
It is so much more relaxed and friendly than the UK - I've had nothing but smiles extended so far, and when I say "Help I've only just arrived" people have been really helpful.
It is different though, and you do have that feeling of having left everything behind, and making a new start - I was ready for that, but I think some people might not be so prepared for it.
Really pleased your daughter is happy at school, that must put your mind at rest a lot.
Hope things keep going well,
Nov 9th 2003, 8:26 pm
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Hands up if you like shopping !!
Posts: 876
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Fab post Andy, thanks
Nov 9th 2003, 8:30 pm
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Cairns
Posts: 3,918
Nice post - keep 'em coming!!!
Nov 9th 2003, 8:44 pm
#10
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,147
great post!
wondered where you had got to!
good luck...keep us posted, especially about how the kids get on!
sue
wondered where you had got to!
good luck...keep us posted, especially about how the kids get on!
sue
Nov 9th 2003, 8:55 pm
#11
Loving it in Bundy
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Bundaberg, Australia
Posts: 1,775
Great news Andy,
It's lovely to hear that things can go well so soon after you arrive. I have read a few posts recently that had me thinking "Are we doing the right thing?" I'm so glad I read your post, my spirits are well and truly lifted. Ta very much.
Sarah
It's lovely to hear that things can go well so soon after you arrive. I have read a few posts recently that had me thinking "Are we doing the right thing?" I'm so glad I read your post, my spirits are well and truly lifted. Ta very much.
Sarah
Nov 9th 2003, 11:22 pm
#12
Crocodile Member
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Wurtulla, Sunshine Coast. Crikey Terri, That's a BIG ONE!
Posts: 179
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Thanks Everyone , I'll keep you up to date
Andy
QUOTE]Originally posted by Andy_Hanrahan
Hello Everyone - remember me?
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy [/QUOTE]
Andy
QUOTE]Originally posted by Andy_Hanrahan
Hello Everyone - remember me?
Yes, after just over a month offline and in Oz, the Croc is back!
Just a few initial impressions of how life has gone for us since we arrived here on the Sunshine Coast. within the first week of arriving here we managed to buy a car, find somewhere to live and organize a school for our 7 year old daughter. Anyone coming here with kids will know how petrified I was on her first day. I felt completely sick!! But I'm pleased to say she has settled in brilliantly and has started to make friends. No problems with bullying or teasing.
We had no problem renting a place, having brought with us a reference from our mortgage company (we've never rented before). We did offer to put down 3 months rental in advance but it wasn't required. I think the fact that we offered it went down well.
Workwise, things have panned out not a bit like I expected. There is not a lot of work up here in Caloundra, even Siobhan has had trouble getting work as a Nurse, but I did get offerred a job at a call centre down th road in Kawana. I've done quite a lot of this kind of work before, and it's not my idea of fun, but I was going to take it. Then things took an unexpected turn. The company I worked for in England, (doing IT Training) have just opened up an office in Brisbane, and more or less on a whim, I decided to send them my CV. To my surprise they called me the next day and asked me to come in for an interview. I had no real intention of doing it but when I went along it sounded really good. $12k more money, Much more relaxed than at home. shorter hours etc. Plus they are thinking of opening a satellite office in Mooloolaba, just down the road from where I live! To cut a long story short, I found myself in the position of being offered two jobs, one that I didn't want but was 5 minutes down the road, and another which I did want, but was a long commute away. Sod's law! Anyway, I've decided to go for the Brisbane one, even though I swore blind I would try not to commute, I'll see how it goes.
One thing that has been very difficult is trying to get childcare. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Australia but every single childcare centre here has a waiting list as long as your arm. We have had to re-think our work plans so that one of us can be at home with the kids untill we can get a place.
Thinking back to some of the negative things I've read on Expats before I came, I would still have to say I disagree with a lot of them from what I've seen so far. Life here is definately a lot more relaxed. I have not encountered any anti-pommie sentiment so far, and everyone has been a lot more friendly than most people I knew in London. As for working longer hours, well, all the Australians I've met would laugh at that idea, but I guess it depends on the line of work you're in. Money-wise, I have found some things to be cheaper than in the UK. Other things are more expensive (sadly, one of those things is Mcvities chocolate digestives - DRAT!), so it kind of evens itself out.
I think one of the things that could give rise to major disappointment is something that doesn't really hit you until you're here - Australia is not an extension of the UK. You are starting again from scratch, and you can't expect to pick up where you left off. If you are a career person (which I'm not) you may end up a couple of rungs back down the ladder. If you're not prepared for that, then maybe it's not for you.
OK, loads more to tell you about, but in a nutshell, so far so good. Watch this space!
Andy [/QUOTE]
Nov 9th 2003, 11:38 pm
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Dream life UK....
Posts: 2,912
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Andy, Re: Childcare, the government here (well us the taxpayer) gives basically free childcare to those who dont work!! hence the full childcare centres.
However have you tried the Local Council, they will offer a home based daycare scheme which you may find a place in untill a Childcare centre place comes up. Just ring Caloundra City Council for details. Maroochy Shire council also runs a scheme.
However have you tried the Local Council, they will offer a home based daycare scheme which you may find a place in untill a Childcare centre place comes up. Just ring Caloundra City Council for details. Maroochy Shire council also runs a scheme.
Nov 10th 2003, 7:42 am
#14
Crocodile Member
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Wurtulla, Sunshine Coast. Crikey Terri, That's a BIG ONE!
Posts: 179
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Thanks Dotty, we'll give it a go, although I've heard they're unregulated so it's a bit of a last resort
Andy
Andy
Originally posted by dotty
Andy, Re: Childcare, the government here (well us the taxpayer) gives basically free childcare to those who dont work!! hence the full childcare centres.
However have you tried the Local Council, they will offer a home based daycare scheme which you may find a place in untill a Childcare centre place comes up. Just ring Caloundra City Council for details. Maroochy Shire council also runs a scheme.
Andy, Re: Childcare, the government here (well us the taxpayer) gives basically free childcare to those who dont work!! hence the full childcare centres.
However have you tried the Local Council, they will offer a home based daycare scheme which you may find a place in untill a Childcare centre place comes up. Just ring Caloundra City Council for details. Maroochy Shire council also runs a scheme.
Nov 10th 2003, 8:07 am
#15
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Dream life UK....
Posts: 2,912
Re: Hello from the sunny Sunshine Coast!
Originally posted by Andy_Hanrahan
Thanks Dotty, we'll give it a go, although I've heard they're unregulated so it's a bit of a last resort
Andy
Thanks Dotty, we'll give it a go, although I've heard they're unregulated so it's a bit of a last resort
Andy
Have you thought of a Nanny. We hired a brilliant ex teacher (retired lady) she was like a granny to our kids, people will accept as little as $8 $10 dollars an hour, even now. Probably not much dearer than a childcare centre for 2 kids.
Oh and plenty of high schoolers leaving this month, many could be up for a bit of childcare if you were really stuck.