Kristine

Hey guys,
I've been offered the chance to work in Canberra - moving out hopefully in Jan!!

Just a bit worried about moving out on my own!

I'm sure many of you out there have done it!!!!

Looking for some advice/ top tips to survive doing visa forms, trying to sell my house, and getting my beloved cat out there with me - without totally losing the plot!!!

Cheers in advance

K

bundy

There's a few here who are out there on their own, including one in Canberra (ScutterUK) and one in Melbourne (ianj). Both seem to be having a great time because they haven't been posting here so much! There are definite advantages to going on your own, I suspect.

sunny side up

oh - you brave thing - cant offer any advice, but i do admire your 'gutsyness'

good luck,

tanja

Boomerang

Hello,

Will keep an eye on this thread, because i will be going by myself too :scared:

It's scary

Pedro

madsad

Your not on your own anymore-youve got all us guys to keep you going along the way
Good luck
Donna.

tonyk38

I'm going out all by my lonesome too!

Still, that's how I want it to be, as it makes things that bit less complicated, i.e. possibility of a partner not settling as well as you.

Whether I'll fell isolated? Yes, probably, at least in the beginning. But I'm one of lifes adventurers, so I'll try and take it in my stride. I don't have a house to sell, or a kitty, and I'm way off applying for my visa.

Nevertheless, I wish you the very best of luck. What sort of job will you be doing in Canberra?

Tony.

Boomerang

Thanks, thats one of the reasons i like being here you get to meet very nice people and the expat forums is a good way to make friends too, before and after the move...

I will be going out to Brisbane, to get a feel for the place ( already been there anyway ) early next year so im hoping to meet a few expats that may be living in Brisbane and surroundings. It makes the transition very smoother for later on

Regards,
Pedro

Cheeky

Hi there!!

Best of luck mate!!

Its an opportunity of a lifetime!!!! Go for it!!

Best of luck!!

Cheeky!!

JAJ

Big visa tip is - what visa? It's usually far better to go to Australia as a permanent resident rather than a temporary resident (you can then get citizenship after two years). Canberra is eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) and a lot of employers there use that.

Some people prefer the tax benefits of temporary residence (eg living away from home allowance) but my own view is that permanent status outweighs any tax benefits - agents see too many temporary residents in a visa mess because something hasn't worked out as planned.

Jeremy

anya4oz

Best of luck Kristine - I bet you will have a terrific time!

FWIW, we shipped our 2 moggies out here a few months back (to Melbourne). We used Airpets (http://www.airpets.com/) and everything worked out fine. They did get a bit bored while in quarantine (30 days) but the staff at our local quarantine station were lovely, and did their best.

Cheers,
Anya.

Athena

Good luck to you, Kristine!

You are lucky to already have a job!

If/when I get my visa I'm going to Sydney on my own, too... and will try to make a living as a translator, go figure! Well, that's my plan, anyway! I figure I'm going to do all sorts of jobs, in between...

It *is* scary... all sorts of fears: will I find a job? Will I find a house? Will I survive??? Mommy!!!!!! :scared: But I think it's just the "big jump" syndrome ... the good old fear of the unknown...

I'm confident things will work out alright, in the end... as long as I'm given the chance to prove myself, that is!

Kristine

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the advice and pointers! You're a grand bunch!!!!

I am lucky that I have a job to go out for! I'm going to be working for the family services team in Canberra - they are also helping me out with visa (it's permanent).

I received some paperwork re moggy, so as least I feel a bit more sorted about that one!

Thanks once again
Will keep you posted
K.

claire1974

Hello, not really advice, but to say me and my partner are hoping to move to Canberra soon as im a nurse and will hopefully get a job offer through a agency this week. Be nice to keep in touch with someone who is going through the same process, as we dont know anybody in Auz let alone Canberra. Anyway, be pleased to comm here or on PM. Ive been trying to find Threads on Canberra but not that many. Seen the link about pets though. I have a cat who i want to bring with me

Fremantleraider

Hi there,

I am moving out to Perth on my own in December this year.
I know how you feel, i have good days when i cant wait to go and days where i say to myself "I am doing the wrong thing, stay in the UK"
All i can say is keep thinking about the great weather you will have and the new friends you will make, thats what does it for me!
Best of luck with the cat i got 2 of em to ship out and i am gonna use Golden Arrow as they seem to be very good.

Best of British to you and take care

windsordave

Hi Kristine

I came out here on my own too ... I chose Sydeny after an initial period with friends in Brisbane.

I agree with everyone here - my initial source of friends and support was a British Expats meet up in Brisbane - havent been able to make the Sydney ones yet but know I must.

My advice would be to share a place when you first come here. I made the mistake of living on my own and it can be tough in a new place without knowing anyone. (Thats not unique to Australia, its the same anywhere) ... BUT ... I am so happy I made the move ... life here is quirky, sometimes annoying, but also incredible

Not sure about Canberra though ... cant you reconsider and come to Sydney ... I'll shout you a Lemon Lime and Bitters !

All the best and stick it out .. the rewards are huge.

Dave