Its over
 

i have decided to come over for a visit to perth end of October, but to be honest it is looking like i am going to give up all plans to migrate. My self and husband have good career prospects in Uk, well paid jobs and security. From what i have heard on here and my own research, i am having serious doubts. If it was just me and hubby i would definatley take the risk, but i would be taking 3 children and leaving 2 behind. I am 39 soon hubby 42, we are at a time in our life (and the childrens) that we need security. Feeling blue at the momment, especially as i have sold my house and on saturday i am moving into a very expensive rented house.

ellen1

Re: Its over
 

Sorry to hear that Ellen.........whatever decision you make....its a hard one, good luck with your future..:)

Oh Ellen you must feel really down. Good luck with whatever you decide:confused:

it must be a tough decision to make, good luck whatever you decide to do.

Sorry to hear that Ellen:(

Perhaps your visit may make things a little clearer for you. Perhaps job prospects would be easier for you in another part of Aus. Have you considered Melbourne or Sydney?

Here's hoping that things work out whatever you decide.

Personally I think you are making a wise decision. Although it can be done, finding work as you get older gets harder, doing it in another country harder still. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Re: Its over
 

Hope I'm not too bold to suggest that, at your age, if you do not land better jobs with better security in Australia within a few months after your visit to Australia then you should consider that you have made a well considered decision not to emigrate.

If you do not emigrate, then save lots of dough for your retirement and a great holiday in Australia some time later?

Re: Its over
 

Ellen
You have gone so far. It is obviously your decision, but why dont you just complete the process, validate your VISA and see if things pan out here.
You have very little to lose do you!!

I am convinced that a few negative people on this site are responsible for most of the negative posts, Give yourself a chance to see for yourself what is available.

Good luck in whatever decision you make.

Cheers. :beer:

Re: Its over
 

So you're saying that there is nothing negative about living in Australia?

Re: Its over
 

Hi Ellen its Donna,

There is employment in Child Protection for social workers without AASW recognised qualifications take a look at http://www.communitydevelopment.wa.gov.au/, a few monthas ago they had 24 posts advertised and have recently readvertised 8 of them.

As you are aware I have experienced some difficulty in getting through the door, and I am unwilling to throw myself on their mercy and beg for work. We are luckly that we don't have a family to support or the need to work would be huge.

I had already accepted that I would not be able to further my career when I moved and so far that has been the case. There is also work via the Salvation Army they have jobs in Victoria at the moment being advertised. Let me know if you want the link or do you can complete a search on google.

I hadn't realised your Visa had come through already, hopefully the weather will be better for your visit at the end of October, just in time for the flies.

For what its worth I believe everything happens for a reason, maybe the house sale frees you up to consider other areas in UK or Europe, I used to work with a woman who worked for 6-9 months in UK and then went off to Italy to renovate a house she had bought there for the rest of the year Sounds good to me. I wish you the very best of luck with everything.

Donna

Ellen, try not to make any definate decisions until you have been out to Australia and done your research.
We all go through terrible emotional nightmares through this process, and I am sure that others like myself, still have our doubts for one reason or another right up to getting on that plane.
At the moment, you are going through the hell and the turmoil of a house sale. That alone can drive the sanest person over the edge.
You had your car stolen the other week.
You then have your children to consider. They can be a pain under normal daily conditions. Kids change their minds every 5 minutes.
You have been under a great deal of stress, and it doesn't help when you start getting the threads on here that are so snotty and negative. It does pull you down when you are at your lowest.
When you are feeling like this, you are best not to read them. I don't anymore, not unless I am in a fiesty fighting mood, or can't give a s**t mood.
My advise - Go to Australia with your daughter in October. Do as much research as you can. Apply for your Visas and then decide.

Have you managed to find out much about work over the internet, or have you got to wait till you go over there?

Keep your chin up Ellen. Don't do something you might regret later on. Have your holiday, and take each day as it comes.
See you in Perth.

Whisky

Very sound advice. It is far too early to make the decision. Buying/Selling a house is one of lifes most stressful moments.

Good luck and hope the emotional rollercoaster steadies out for a while.

very sorry to hear you are down.... I truly hope you have made the correct decision and I wish you happiness now and in the future..

cheers booboo

For all those who do find out that taking a job in a rural or remote area is a necessary step in the OZ job ladder it should be remembered that it may only be for a few years, its not usually for ever. (Donnas post My first job interview in OZ if you did not read it)

I dont know about Social Work, however with teaching having done the 3 years rural/remote service they get priority then to secure positions in areas like Cities or say Sunshine Coast where the demand for the jobs is huge.

Also if you have done a 3 year course in UK and OZ requires a 4 year degree surely you must get credits for all those years?

Anybody looking at Teaching, Police, Medicine, even banking should probably check with the State they intend going to to see if they have rural/remote service requirements, or if thats where the vacant positions are likely to be.

NSW teaching requires a few years in the bush before they let you in somewhere you would want to live. Brother in law is going through the start of the process now. Disorganised mess is the message I am getting about the application process.

Qld teaching too, on here tonight 'talking' to my daughter (husbands daughter but I think of her as mine), she trained as a teacher here, got a remote positing in Bamaga!!!!!! Packed up and is now working in UK.

Banking surprised me, ANZ manager mates got transfered to Mount Isa, his poor wife literally had a nervous breakdown and they still did not get sent back.

Tough call, really really worth finding out about before you get here.

Ellen, Sorry to hear that your mind is in turmoil; at least validate the visa, having come this far. Have a good look at Oz without the tourist veneer if possible, and I think Whisky has said everything else I would've said. At my lowest point I nearly backed out because of some of the posts on here - especially about work - but the only way you will know whether it will suit you is by going and having a look.

Take a deep breath and a few days away from us lot on here, and good luck with whatever decision you make.

Pollyana

Same system in SA.

Our teacher friend is currently doing her 2 year stint in Coober Pedy.

I reckon its good system though. Could certainly do with methods of getting teachers into less desirable schools over here.

Somthing worth noting is that private schools don't have this system, so it may be possible to get work inthe city this way. Problem is thats what everyone else wants to do too....

If a few negative posts put people off I doubt they were ready to go anyway.

Having read many of Ellens posts its obvious she knows what she wants and is also realistic. What seems to be continually overlooked on this forum are the variables.

Some people openly admit to taking a hell of lot of cash with them, enough to live mortgage free, for them life is going to be a lot easier. Some are well under the age of 40 and again life will be easier. Some dont have kids, some are in proffessions that are in demand in and they will walk into jobs. Some have Australian partners which again will make life a lot easier.

I have no idea of how Ellen is sorted financially but she has kids, is of an age where jobs are a little harder to come by and in a proffession that is hard to get into in Australia. Those things are bloody important and have to be taken into consideration. Its easy for those that have a few quid in the bank to say go for it.

Personally I had no career to lose and finished playing that game years ago, Donna could walk into a job in UK within a week, we have no kids, we have rental property at home, and enough money not to starve. So the risk we took is relativly small. Plus I am completly barking so that helps.

As nice as Australia is and as much as you want that dream, somtimes you have to be realistic and weigh up the risk. For some that risk is worth it for them and their family.

I wish Ellen and anyone making the move all the luck in the world. At least with all the negative posts on here you know the worse case scenario, which means you dont get any nasty surprises. :D

Well said...

I could'nt say for sure, as im not in the situation, but if I had kids and a good job here i don't think i would go. The risk you are putting both yourself and more importantly your kids under would be great.

Ellen. My opinion.

Go to Aus for the holiday, and have a GOOD look around. Check out the job situation. Think about what you might try to do if you were unable to get work in your field. Draw up a monster list of pros and cons, and try to wiegh everything up. What do your kids think? I am unsure of thier age, but they may have valuable input too.

Good luck.

Sorry Ellen to read you are having doubts , wouldnt have thought people on here would have got to a person like you , you have always been one to fire straight back . Just listen to what you want to hear and ignore the rest . we hear more negativity about the UK on here than about australia , that to can be upsetting as we like it in the UK and Australia . Surely its better to use the negative posts to your advantage , so when you make the move you can use it to your own advantage. From our point of view we mean no malice , but life is hard here make no mistake , same social promblems etc as at home as you are all well aware. Perhaps some just dont want to listen , fair enough , sure we where all the same , but god i wish i had taken a bit more advice on board , might have changed a few shit things that have happened to us , then again might not have . But hey hope it all goes well for you and your family whatever you decide
Joanne xx

Re: Its over
 

No that is not what Im saying.
We are all different. What may be my cup of tea, you may hate.

Some People writing posts on this forum may hate Australia for many different reasons.

Those very same reasons may be somebody else's dream of how they would like to live.

All I was trying to point out was that the same few names are continually cropping up with negative comments for just about everything.

I would listen to these comments more seriously if the same individuals also wrote about the good things as well.

There are other people who have commented that they love their lives in OZ and NZ. However they seem to be swept away by the few who are continually posting the negative posts.

I will make my decision after living there for a period of time. Nobody else will make that decision for me.

That was all I was putting across to Ellen because I can well understand how people can be brainwashed into thinking that they are heading for disaster.

To be honest this forum has some great uses. The most important reason for me is so that I can find out information on practical issues like Tax laws, Areas to live, Schools, Work, Good removal companys etc..

Opinions about perth, being the arse end of the world, I do not want to hear about.

People will go and find out for themselves if it is the case or not.

There was a post the other day about it being cloudy and dull in perth.

The comment straight after it was. Funny how there is a post about how dull the weather is today,when its been sunny for the last 3 months.

There was no post from the same person so say how nice the weather had been in those 3 months. I could not agree more with that observation.

Cheers. :beer:

Well said Joanne, validating the visa's is a must though it'd be a waste of time, effort and money if they didn't. I haven't been on this forum for a long time because of the negativity. Hey lifes what you make it and that's what counts out here.

Julie

Oh Ellen, don't really know what to say you must be very sad.


Debs

This is for you

just want to say thank you to you all for your honesty and support, especialy to Donna who has provided some good links (which i haven't got time to look at just yet). I will still visit in October and do my best to look at real possibilities job wise.
Just want to clarify that i haven't got visa yet, i am applying in Jan (139) so i supose i will still have time to do lots more research and enquiries. But at the moment i have definitley lost my "go for it attitude", but who knows what the next few months may bring.

Thanks again

ellen1

Look forward to your holiday this month and research like mad when you get there. Only you can decide whether it is the place for your family though.


It is an emotional rollercoaster, but after you have visited you will know deep down if you think it will work or not. Hopefully then you willl be able to make the right decision.

Hi Ellen &family sorry to hear of your woes,I think as everyone else has said don't let the buggers get to you ,but in the end it has to be yours and your family,who know whats best.
I would get the visa validate them and sit on them it can do no harm.It was precisely because my "get up and go"had "got up and gone"in this country that I finally realised that I should have gone to Aus years ago.

As my wife is an Aussie I have been lucky in that respect.Unfortunatley I have no trade,no large amount of money,we have rented for 18 years so no house to sell.Some may call me irresponsible lots will I'm sure.But at 42 years old I still have enough brawn to get me through as that is all's I have ever done.I wll do my utmost to succeed for my wife and kids first and foremost,luckily all my kids are looking forward to their new life.

They are 17,16,14,10and8 by the way,dubiuos of course but ready for the challenge just the same.

We also intend to foster over there as we do here so we know how vital good social workers are so you will be a big loss to Aus.

One thing I am looking forward to is to be able to come back on this forum and tell the negative bums we have made a decent lives for ourselves not really rich or successful but comfotable I've
never chased the pound so the dollar won't make a difference.
(By the way you whinging poms I have not bought a lotto ticket in four years,one of you is bound to comment on chasing money).
Cheer up Ellen don't let 'em get to you all.

Re: Its over
 

Ellen life begins at 40, its all a state of mind, you'll feeling low at the moment, the whole process is a bloody nightmare, stress, not knowing what the hell your going to do at times. I bet nearly every member has had the moments of doubt and despair.
Take that holiday in Oz and go their with an open mind, breath the air, get the tee-shirt, and see it for yourselves. Is it purely security you seek or a change in lifestyle, what do you see in 10, 20 yrs time for you in the UK?
I've taken a rental(6mths) had to, forced into it really, couldn't organise things quick enough, and I know what you mean by paying out expensive rent, but see it as a "get your breath" stage
before you decide what to do.
What I've read of your post Ellen your've got....spirit, its not over yet for you, its not over until the fat lady sings ;)

thank you so much chris and get me outahere, you have refilled me with insperation! (i've had a few biccarddis so excuse the spellinG) i want this move so bad, i have come a long way over the last few years and i am bloody good at my job!

thank you!

ellen1

Ellen, dont wipe the idea because of the negative backlash. As everyone else has said, come to Australia & really look at what is available & what is possible realistically. You may decide that Perth isnt suitable, but perhaps somewhere else might be a whole lot better. Just because Dotty says you cant get a job except in Timbuktu doesnt make it so ;) . And as she pointed out, a country posting doesnt mean Siberia for the rest of your life! So much depends on what your elusive *dream* really is. Different things are important to different people, only you truly know what you are looking for & will be happy with in life. And to all the people scoffing at the idea of immigrating &/or not getting a job at 38 pfffffftttttttttt to you all, Im the same age as Ellen & you can all stick your heads where the sun dont shine - & we all know that isnt Australia ;).

If you then decide that Oz isnt for you then at least you will have made an informed decision - one based on your OWN observations & not on someone elses warped or one sided view of life.

Good luck whatever you decide :).

:PARTY: Nice one Ellen &co.Enjoy the Bacardi:beer: :beer: :beer: :D

Ellen - just want to add to what everyone has said, it is such a huge step and there are loads of pros and cons to every big desicion we make in life. Once you have been on holiday you will have a better idea of how you feel about things and hopefully whatever you decide you know you'll be making the right choice.

All the best
Diane:rolleyes:

I think you will find that the posts actually said - its harder to get a job at 38 or as an older person, it did not say its not possible, it didnt say it was easy it said harder.

The fact is the older you get the harder it is to find employment, not just for Australia but for any country. Had the maintenance guy here this week, 47 and he has been forced to work for himself because after being made redundant knowone wants to employ him.

At 39 my chances of securing work in IT either Australia or UK are greatly reduced because of my age, thats not negative, that is fact. Being in Perth greatly reduces due to the available positions, not negative but fact.

What would you prefer me to post, that at 39 in Perth I have my pick of jobs so if you are in IT get yourself over here.?

Or

Would it be better to post it as it is, so that someone thinking of coming out here in the IT field can re-think the plan maybe go east or because they are aware of the situation research which skills are most in demand and re-train and aquire the skills before getting here and therefore increasing there chances of work.

Is it better that Ellen is aware that getting work here might not be "as easy" as the UK or "as she had hoped" therefore arriving here better informed and better equipped to use the information to her advantage.

Or would you prefer the post to say loads of social work jobs here no problems and let her arrive "blind".

If people choose to ignore your posts or don't believe you're telling the truth then it's their loss!

However much you try and help and give advice for some it's going to fall on deaf ears!

But please keep posting, because I find it interesting to know how other people are getting on out here.

I hardly think that 38 is considered "old" in anyones book when it comes to employment unless you are starting out in a field or you want to work as a checkout chick in Coles or KFC. If someone was 50 then I might say that their age may be a disadvantage depending on their field of work of course! I know very little about the field of social work, but its obvious from Donna & Ellens posts (& others) that alot of the problem seems to be location ie Perth & the fact that the study that shes done isnt what is required for a specific job here in Australia.

As for your particular situation, your chances of obtaining work in IT in Australia are severely compromised by the fact that you are in Perth. There are many many more positions available in Melb & Sydney in IT than anywhere else. In fact Im sure people on this board that are in IT have posted that they have jobs! Not to say its easy to get a job, but they are available, most of the difficulty is in the amount of applicants, not a persons age I wouldnt think. Dagboy has a great job here in Brisbane, he turns 40 next year & I know damn well that if he, for whatever reason, lost his job there would be employers clambering over themselves to secure his services :D. He is extremely good at what he does, & is one of the top in his field. And Im not implying that you or anyone else is crap at their job, simply that as you said, he has a large skillset & his skills are very much in demand & hes exceptionally good. Ive seen many people on here pointing out the sort of things needed in the way of experience & qualifications & what to expect & that is exactly what is needed, but to simply say that someone will find it hard to get a job because they are *old* is a bit harsh IMO.

As for your last 2 scenarios, your comments here
are exactly what you should be posting, unfortunately a lot of the time from what I see, its not. Throw away one liners dont particularly help anyone to come to see a realistic view of a foreign country. If there are negatives people need to know the reasons & more detail than just "its bad". At least your second post in this thread addresses the details.

BTW, you werent the only person to make the comment about age, so my comment wasnt specifically directed just at you anyway.

Of course you wouldnt use a throw away one liner. :rolleyes: :D

I dont consider 38 old but as I said it makes it harder to get a job, not hard. Harder in the context not as easy :)

I would agree that location is a big factor, I note your husband is Australian so guess he has a work history in Australia, is known in the industry has references etc.

Supposing I am the same age have the same qualfications, experience etc. All gained in UK. I get off the boat and apply for a position and I am up against your husband for the job. Who is going to get that job?

Same scenario except now I am up against guys of 25, 28, 30, 35 I have to be bloody good to get that job, its not impossible just a bit harder. I know people in IT here, I even got someone a top a few years back by blagging them an interview. So its not impossible. Personally I think if you want somthing bad enough you will go get it by any means possible.

[QUOTE] I note your husband is Australian so guess he has a work history in Australia, is known in the industry has references etc.

Supposing I am the same age have the same qualfications, experience etc. All gained in UK. I get off the boat and apply for a position and I am up against your husband for the job. Who is going to get that job?

[QUOTE]

Sorry to but in on this really informative post, but is "Mrs dag boy" not married to a pom? Sorry but i'm a bit
:confused:
But Donna and Chris, thanks for all the help.
Ellen, i hope that whatever you choose to do, you are happy, go get 'em!

Thanks for that, my mistake, sun must be getting to me. Sorry Mrs Dagboy I had you married off to an Aussie. !!

No probs, thanx Heather, yeah hes the pom, Im the Aussie :). Yes, age can make it slightly more difficult in some scenarios, I'll agree with that & in some cases it probably doesnt mean a thing. You win some, you lose some I guess, thats my philosophy anyway!

As for being up against him for a job, sorry, but you wouldnt stand a look in & neither would anyone else but that wouldnt be because you were straight off the boat ;) . Yes, I am being facetious, but I am also extremely proud of him :D. He is exceptionally good at what he does & he gets recognition from his bosses & peers because of that fact. He got a transfer from the UK to Australia with the company he works for, so the lack of work thing was never an issue for us.

As for the one liners, I can make flippant comments with the best of them & I often do, but its rarely in response to someone that asks for ideas or info, its normally only when Im in smartarse mode :p.

Ellen, sorry for taking over your thread, next time just smack me :lecture: :eek: ;)

Chin up babe, I've been reading all the threads and whatever you decide, you'll know in your heart that it will be the best decision for you and your family.
I agree with the majority on here, do go to Oz with an open mind and I bet you'll wake up one morning and things will be a lot clearer. (unless you've been hitting the bacardi's again!)
The very best of luck
Tazzy