Re: Moving to Melbourne...concerns
 

[QUOTE=fender]Hi,
We are getting near the final stages of the visa process(medicals requested) on a STNI visa(Victoria) and are having second thoughts and some concerns now about making the move. This is something which we have always wanted to do and I think we have realistic expectations of the challenges involved.

Hi Fender,
We are also going to Melbourne on STNI route and we have all the same doubts as you.We have 3 children(7months,9 & 15) and they are the one thing that i worry about the most. No matter how much research we have done(and we've done lots) we still have days were we wonder are we mad to be taking our children to the other side of the world but to be honest i think children are more open minded to change then most adults and most people who have children find it easier to meet new people and make friends.
What part of Melbourne are you planning on settling in?

Sue

Re: Moving to Melbourne...concerns
 

Hi Fender - do a search under my name as I've given updates on our life out in Victoria since moving here in November. If it's any consolation Paul and I (other half) got really anxious before we left. We absolutely knew that we wanted to do it but the day before the flight I very nearly bottled it all together. It's all part of the stressful experience I think, which most folk go through. Getting on the plane I actually started to feel better. All the terrible emotional goodbyes were over and all I had to do was concentrate on getting my 2.5 year old to keep quiet for the long haul!!!

Firstly, in our experience of having a toddler, he adjusted brilliantly. My biggest concern was he'd forget his grandparents but with a web cam, skype etc we regularly keep in touch and he certainly hasn't forgotten them. My friends over here bought there two boys with them (5 and 8 I think) and they are thriving over here. Settled well into an excellent school with a fantastically active life. Hopefully this will help alievate your fears regarding the older children. Not sure about a teenager though - will leave that one to the experts!

Job wise, my background in is IT consultancy and recruitment. I was offered 3 jobs over the phone by IT recruitment agencies in the city before leaving the UK. They all consistently said the same thing - they have lots of companies who are desperate to find good IT staff. I opted to not pursue these offers as although they were offering fantastic salaries./benefits etc., I was actually moving to Oz to get out of the rat race and to be able to be a full time Mum. This was only in November so unless there has been a big down turn in the economy then you should hopefully find employment. Register with the bigger agencies ie: Hudsons, IT Matters, Computer People etc. They aren't all sharks and hopefully you'll find a good agent who can help you. :)

I can appreciate how you and your family must feel. It's probably the biggest move you'll make. Only you can decide whether it's the right thing to do. As I said, I very nearly bottled it......but in the end I came and so far have found it to be a positive move. I miss my friends and family terrible, but I expected to feel this way so am able to deal with it. I doubt that feeling will go away so I have had to learn to live with it. Our quality of life is better, our little boy is thriving and I'm no longer a 'stress head"!!!!

As the weather changes I'm now starting to miss England - the countryside, the beautiful little villages and historical buildings and the lovely old world pubs with roaring log fires. But putting it in to perspective it was all the things I took for granted when I lived in the UK and probably didn't appreciate as much as I should have done.

As long as we continue to be happy then we'll stay. If not, we'll consider another state or perhaps another country. I can't say Victoria is for us forever, but I'm also not in a hurry to rush back to the UK. I'd rather see some more of the world and experience life in different countries (perhaps I was a gyspy in a previous life!!!). :p

Try not to worry - easier said than done, I know. Balance your 'worries' out with the feeling of regret if you never take a risk and give it a go. What would be easier to live with? Going for it and doing your best to make it work. Or staying put and regretting not giving it ago for the rest of your days????


Hope this helps. Better get my act together now as the little un wants to go swimming followed by a baby cino and cake by the sea.

Take care,
T x :)

Re: Moving to Melbourne...concerns
 

[QUOTE=sued]Oz might be on the other side of the world but you will probably find it easier to adjust living there then countries a few hundred miles away in Europe, because OZ has the same language, similar culture, laws, system of government, etc, drive left hand side of the road .

Re: Moving to Melbourne...concerns
 

[QUOTE=sued]

Re: Moving to Melbourne...concerns
 

[QUOTE=sued]
Hi Sue,
At this stage we're not sure, its hard to determine were we would settle, it would probably depend on job locations etc. We have looked at various areas but until we actualy get out there its hard to decide. It would be ideal to visit first and have a look, if not I suppose rent a house first for a few months and that would give us time to decide were to settle.
How far into the visa process are you and when are thinking of making the move.

Cheers