This isn't easy
May 22nd 2008, 9:12 am
#1
is the donut hole
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Location: London
Posts: 217
This isn't easy
Isn't life funny, eh?
Here I am, a Kiwi in London with a Peruvian wife and 3 kids (1,3,5), working in a specialised IT field.
My parents and sister live in Dunedin, NZ and I've been planning, over many years, to move closer to them. BTW, my Mum grew up in OZ and my Dad in NZ.
My original plan centred around finding a city in Australasia that would suit my need for space and proximity to family and my wife’s big city background (Lima, Madrid, London). We thought initially that Oz, rather than NZ, would offer this.
Due to my wife’s visa position, I decided to play safe and get Oz PR but that required state sponsorship and only Melbourne looked to fit the bill. After many £s and paper work, we achieved that. Unfortunately, the reccie did not impress my wife too much. There were many positives but the main issues were: Flies, dry heat and reliance on drying air-conditioning, drought, bush fires, very unpredictable weather with extreme heat and the Australian “robust” personality (both a pro and con, this last one). On top of this, to go there without a job offer? The Mrs was not happy with this prospect.
Ok, so now I decided on a new tack, looking at the issue from the other end. The new approach would be “job first, location second”.
My specialist area is remarkably strong downunder. So what has happened is I have received one definite, written offer from a company in Christchurch and one almost done deal (they’ve just told me they’d waive the 2nd interview) for a company in Sydney at the same time. Are jobs really like buses?
OK, decision time.
The difference in base remuneration is approximately 17% more in the Sydney job but looking at them in relation average rents, the Christchurch salary seems to go further.
Both have a good feel, are growing in a strong market and look to offer good prospects.
Chch company is a subsidiary of a large government owed company with approx 75 people and clients in OZ/NZ/Canada and future USA
Sydney company is a private, global company with 150 in the Sydney office and clients worldwide.
Chch as created a special role for me that is senior to others. The Sydney role is senior too, but 1 of 6 similar roles.
Chch is closer to Dunedin. Sydney is more cosmopolitan. Chch has less traffic, Sydney is warmer (or too warm).
Also, as I will not be able to sell my house in London, I will have to rent it out. Now, as a returning resident to NZ, I would not have to pay tax on the rental income for 4 years from arrival in NZ. This is a one-time offer.
The list goes on. Time to flip a coin?
Here I am, a Kiwi in London with a Peruvian wife and 3 kids (1,3,5), working in a specialised IT field.
My parents and sister live in Dunedin, NZ and I've been planning, over many years, to move closer to them. BTW, my Mum grew up in OZ and my Dad in NZ.
My original plan centred around finding a city in Australasia that would suit my need for space and proximity to family and my wife’s big city background (Lima, Madrid, London). We thought initially that Oz, rather than NZ, would offer this.
Due to my wife’s visa position, I decided to play safe and get Oz PR but that required state sponsorship and only Melbourne looked to fit the bill. After many £s and paper work, we achieved that. Unfortunately, the reccie did not impress my wife too much. There were many positives but the main issues were: Flies, dry heat and reliance on drying air-conditioning, drought, bush fires, very unpredictable weather with extreme heat and the Australian “robust” personality (both a pro and con, this last one). On top of this, to go there without a job offer? The Mrs was not happy with this prospect.
Ok, so now I decided on a new tack, looking at the issue from the other end. The new approach would be “job first, location second”.
My specialist area is remarkably strong downunder. So what has happened is I have received one definite, written offer from a company in Christchurch and one almost done deal (they’ve just told me they’d waive the 2nd interview) for a company in Sydney at the same time. Are jobs really like buses?
OK, decision time.
The difference in base remuneration is approximately 17% more in the Sydney job but looking at them in relation average rents, the Christchurch salary seems to go further.
Both have a good feel, are growing in a strong market and look to offer good prospects.
Chch company is a subsidiary of a large government owed company with approx 75 people and clients in OZ/NZ/Canada and future USA
Sydney company is a private, global company with 150 in the Sydney office and clients worldwide.
Chch as created a special role for me that is senior to others. The Sydney role is senior too, but 1 of 6 similar roles.
Chch is closer to Dunedin. Sydney is more cosmopolitan. Chch has less traffic, Sydney is warmer (or too warm).
Also, as I will not be able to sell my house in London, I will have to rent it out. Now, as a returning resident to NZ, I would not have to pay tax on the rental income for 4 years from arrival in NZ. This is a one-time offer.
The list goes on. Time to flip a coin?
Last edited by fnord; May 22nd 2008 at 9:25 am. Reason: Added tax issue
May 22nd 2008, 11:12 am
#2
Has left the building
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,079
Re: This isn't easy
Isn't life funny, eh?
Here I am, a Kiwi in London with a Peruvian wife and 3 kids (1,3,5), working in a specialised IT field.
My parents and sister live in Dunedin, NZ and I've been planning, over many years, to move closer to them. BTW, my Mum grew up in OZ and my Dad in NZ.
My original plan centred around finding a city in Australasia that would suit my need for space and proximity to family and my wife’s big city background (Lima, Madrid, London). We thought initially that Oz, rather than NZ, would offer this.
Due to my wife’s visa position, I decided to play safe and get Oz PR but that required state sponsorship and only Melbourne looked to fit the bill. After many £s and paper work, we achieved that. Unfortunately, the reccie did not impress my wife too much. There were many positives but the main issues were: Flies, dry heat and reliance on drying air-conditioning, drought, bush fires, very unpredictable weather with extreme heat and the Australian “robust” personality (both a pro and con, this last one). On top of this, to go there without a job offer? The Mrs was not happy with this prospect.
Ok, so now I decided on a new tack, looking at the issue from the other end. The new approach would be “job first, location second”.
My specialist area is remarkably strong downunder. So what has happened is I have received one definite, written offer from a company in Christchurch and one almost done deal (they’ve just told me they’d waive the 2nd interview) for a company in Sydney at the same time. Are jobs really like buses?
OK, decision time.
The difference in base remuneration is approximately 17% more in the Sydney job but looking at them in relation average rents, the Christchurch salary seems to go further.
Both have a good feel, are growing in a strong market and look to offer good prospects.
Chch company is a subsidiary of a large government owed company with approx 75 people and clients in OZ/NZ/Canada and future USA
Sydney company is a private, global company with 150 in the Sydney office and clients worldwide.
Chch as created a special role for me that is senior to others. The Sydney role is senior too, but 1 of 6 similar roles.
Chch is closer to Dunedin. Sydney is more cosmopolitan. Chch has less traffic, Sydney is warmer (or too warm).
Also, as I will not be able to sell my house in London, I will have to rent it out. Now, as a returning resident to NZ, I would not have to pay tax on the rental income for 4 years from arrival in NZ. This is a one-time offer.
The list goes on. Time to flip a coin?
Here I am, a Kiwi in London with a Peruvian wife and 3 kids (1,3,5), working in a specialised IT field.
My parents and sister live in Dunedin, NZ and I've been planning, over many years, to move closer to them. BTW, my Mum grew up in OZ and my Dad in NZ.
My original plan centred around finding a city in Australasia that would suit my need for space and proximity to family and my wife’s big city background (Lima, Madrid, London). We thought initially that Oz, rather than NZ, would offer this.
Due to my wife’s visa position, I decided to play safe and get Oz PR but that required state sponsorship and only Melbourne looked to fit the bill. After many £s and paper work, we achieved that. Unfortunately, the reccie did not impress my wife too much. There were many positives but the main issues were: Flies, dry heat and reliance on drying air-conditioning, drought, bush fires, very unpredictable weather with extreme heat and the Australian “robust” personality (both a pro and con, this last one). On top of this, to go there without a job offer? The Mrs was not happy with this prospect.
Ok, so now I decided on a new tack, looking at the issue from the other end. The new approach would be “job first, location second”.
My specialist area is remarkably strong downunder. So what has happened is I have received one definite, written offer from a company in Christchurch and one almost done deal (they’ve just told me they’d waive the 2nd interview) for a company in Sydney at the same time. Are jobs really like buses?
OK, decision time.
The difference in base remuneration is approximately 17% more in the Sydney job but looking at them in relation average rents, the Christchurch salary seems to go further.
Both have a good feel, are growing in a strong market and look to offer good prospects.
Chch company is a subsidiary of a large government owed company with approx 75 people and clients in OZ/NZ/Canada and future USA
Sydney company is a private, global company with 150 in the Sydney office and clients worldwide.
Chch as created a special role for me that is senior to others. The Sydney role is senior too, but 1 of 6 similar roles.
Chch is closer to Dunedin. Sydney is more cosmopolitan. Chch has less traffic, Sydney is warmer (or too warm).
Also, as I will not be able to sell my house in London, I will have to rent it out. Now, as a returning resident to NZ, I would not have to pay tax on the rental income for 4 years from arrival in NZ. This is a one-time offer.
The list goes on. Time to flip a coin?
Did you get Oz PR? or would you get it? if yes rental income would be taxable unless you stay a kiwi
May 22nd 2008, 12:09 pm
#3
is the donut hole
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Location: London
Posts: 217
Re: This isn't easy
I have OZ PR subject to living in the state of Victoria. For Sydney, this wouldn't be any use so I'd have to invoke my SCV me and the kids and my wife would have to apply for the spouse visa.
May 22nd 2008, 2:22 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 666
Re: This isn't easy
Your kiddies will have a better time there when they are older ... think of that !!
May 22nd 2008, 5:10 pm
#5
is the donut hole
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Location: London
Posts: 217
Re: This isn't easy (Fnord's wife)
Hi
As this is a very difficult decision I thought to post and ask for some help and advice too...
Now, why Geelong said that 'for what's worth CHC?' what do you mean by wha't worth...
At the start I though CHC was a very good idea but now I'm thinking... will it be too cold for me? Is CHC colder than London? (I know that a good look at the web will answer that question but personal opinion is invaluable to me)
Will the beach be too cold? will it make the children's asthma worst, even if living in the mountains to evade the smog? how one season in one day it is. Is it like Melbourne? Why do they have Australian exams for schools?
Will Sydney be too hot? Are there as many flyes as Melbourne? Will the paying for school fees make it cheaper in the end? Will I have more facilities in Sydney? more access to the things I'm use to?
I am a city girl, will I feel CHC frustrating?
Ok, I think I need a bear now... or a glass of wine?.... hmm not sure.....
May be we should choose CHC because if we choose Sydney and something wrong happens it'll be my fault...
xxoo
As this is a very difficult decision I thought to post and ask for some help and advice too...
Now, why Geelong said that 'for what's worth CHC?' what do you mean by wha't worth...
At the start I though CHC was a very good idea but now I'm thinking... will it be too cold for me? Is CHC colder than London? (I know that a good look at the web will answer that question but personal opinion is invaluable to me)
Will the beach be too cold? will it make the children's asthma worst, even if living in the mountains to evade the smog? how one season in one day it is. Is it like Melbourne? Why do they have Australian exams for schools?
Will Sydney be too hot? Are there as many flyes as Melbourne? Will the paying for school fees make it cheaper in the end? Will I have more facilities in Sydney? more access to the things I'm use to?
I am a city girl, will I feel CHC frustrating?
Ok, I think I need a bear now... or a glass of wine?.... hmm not sure.....
May be we should choose CHC because if we choose Sydney and something wrong happens it'll be my fault...
xxoo
May 22nd 2008, 5:31 pm
#6
Happy migrant
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Newcastle , NSW
Posts: 6,756
Re: This isn't easy
Not a bad decision to have to make? 
What's your gut feeling? If someone said there is no longer an option - you have to go to ChCh how would you feel?
Same for Sydney?
Would you have family support in NZ?
What's your gut feeling? If someone said there is no longer an option - you have to go to ChCh how would you feel?
Same for Sydney?
Would you have family support in NZ?
May 22nd 2008, 7:44 pm
#7
is the donut hole
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Location: London
Posts: 217
Re: This isn't easy
More family support in NZ (folks and sister are in Dunedin)
May 22nd 2008, 8:02 pm
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 957
Re: This isn't easy
Good luck with your decision,
May 22nd 2008, 9:36 pm
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 413
Re: This isn't easy
Don't take either of them - you're obviously not keen or you wouldn't be questioning it. Keep looking for jobs - third time lucky you might get one in Melbourne. Fantastic place to live. Been here 3 1/2 years, weather is great, not been bothered by flies in our area.
Good luck with your decision,
Good luck with your decision,
Christchurch is a gorgeous, gorgeous city. Close to fabulous skiing in winter and to even more amazing tramping in the summertime. If I could choose anywhere in the world to live it would be Christchurch. Sadly, there are no jobs for me there...
May 22nd 2008, 10:01 pm
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Canberra
Posts: 8,378
Re: This isn't easy
Your wife's concerns are pretty Aus generic - especially the "robust"
personality. Is she going to like anywhere here?
personality. Is she going to like anywhere here?
May 22nd 2008, 10:06 pm
#11
kopites are gobshites
Joined: Dec 2007
Location: sitting on the right hand of good
Posts: 628
Re: This isn't easy
Hes not come back,dya think the bear got him?
May 22nd 2008, 10:37 pm
#12
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: This isn't easy
Ashe, Christchurch 100%. If you have a good job, Christchurch would be much easier to live in than Sydney IMO. You can have a completely rural lifestyle, with 10 acres if you so choose, yet have only a 30 min commute to work. The weather in Chch is similar to London, Chch has slightly more sunshine hours.
Sydney would offer you a very urban or suburban lifestyle or a massive commute, that may be what you want though.
Buzzy
Sydney would offer you a very urban or suburban lifestyle or a massive commute, that may be what you want though.
Buzzy
