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Re: My First Three Weeks in OZ
Originally posted by Megalania I think I might dare to say you were, and looked, hungry for work - and consequentially, got some. Having a large stash does not hunger make. I disagree we have a large stash well not huge but enough to keep us going but I worried about spending it as that is the money to put towards a house and to re furnish a house. I was hungry for work and appied for everything and anything. Even stacking shelves in a supermarket. It gets you down when you are either knocked back before Interview stage or you hear nothing at all. I have had 4 interviews since arriving in Melbourne. The first for a small company in the suburbs. They said I would know by Wednesday the following week on thursday they decided to get back to me to say thanks but no thanks. Oh well first one thought no more of it The second interview was a temp job for 6 weeks and I failed to get that due to the fact I asked whether I would be able to apply for any jobs on their vacancy list should one arise that I fancied doing. He had warning signs in his head the agency said as I would be looking for permanent work rather than giving 100% to the temp job. (well of course I will be looking for permanent work a 6 wk job is not gonna bring money in for long) The 3rd was a government job in the city and it went terrible. They wanted evidence of reports I had done. I had contacted work back home but they were unable to locate my work and the person who could was on Annual leave. So I was at a disadvantage from the start. I then found out about a job from a friend who old boss was looking for a Business Support Officer. I emailed through my application. I was selected for interview and it went fantastic. I came out on a high and thought I can sell myself and I am worthy of working. I was a manager in an office back home so this is a demotion but I was quite happy to accept that and I can always work my way up as I prove myself. Within an hr I had the job. I start on monday and I am over the moon. It was the one thing that was stopping me from being truelly happy with the decision to come to Oz. My hubby has 2 interviews and I am so hopeful for him. I never thought how hard it would be with both of us out of work and spending so much time together does take its toll on your relationship. We have argues alot more. We argue over areas we want to settle in to what car to buy. We have never spent so much time together as we travelled for 31/2 months before getting here. But things are finally feeling 100% better. I don't feel bad about wanting to go shopping and spend a little bit of money on things we need. Not now we have my income to live off. For all those coming the visa process and the selling of the house is the most stressful thing. But getting here and adjusting is not stressful I would just say hard. I never anticipated how hard, you take a knock everytime someone turns you down for a job. I am lucky my friend nr sydney took 3 yrs to find work. Luckily her husband was working but it hit her confidence really hard and I didn't want to be in that position. Jo |
Re: My First Three Weeks in OZ
Originally posted by joh117 I disagree we have a large stash well not huge but enough to keep us going but I worried about spending it as that is the money to put towards a house and to re furnish a house. I was hungry for work and appied for everything and anything. Even stacking shelves in a supermarket. It gets you down when you are either knocked back before Interview stage or you hear nothing at all. I have had 4 interviews since arriving in Melbourne. The first for a small company in the suburbs. They said I would know by Wednesday the following week on thursday they decided to get back to me to say thanks but no thanks. Oh well first one thought no more of it The second interview was a temp job for 6 weeks and I failed to get that due to the fact I asked whether I would be able to apply for any jobs on their vacancy list should one arise that I fancied doing. He had warning signs in his head the agency said as I would be looking for permanent work rather than giving 100% to the temp job. (well of course I will be looking for permanent work a 6 wk job is not gonna bring money in for long) The 3rd was a government job in the city and it went terrible. They wanted evidence of reports I had done. I had contacted work back home but they were unable to locate my work and the person who could was on Annual leave. So I was at a disadvantage from the start. I then found out about a job from a friend who old boss was looking for a Business Support Officer. I emailed through my application. I was selected for interview and it went fantastic. I came out on a high and thought I can sell myself and I am worthy of working. I was a manager in an office back home so this is a demotion but I was quite happy to accept that and I can always work my way up as I prove myself. Within an hr I had the job. I start on monday and I am over the moon. It was the one thing that was stopping me from being truelly happy with the decision to come to Oz. My hubby has 2 interviews and I am so hopeful for him. I never thought how hard it would be with both of us out of work and spending so much time together does take its toll on your relationship. We have argues alot more. We argue over areas we want to settle in to what car to buy. We have never spent so much time together as we travelled for 31/2 months before getting here. But things are finally feeling 100% better. I don't feel bad about wanting to go shopping and spend a little bit of money on things we need. Not now we have my income to live off. For all those coming the visa process and the selling of the house is the most stressful thing. But getting here and adjusting is not stressful I would just say hard. I never anticipated how hard, you take a knock everytime someone turns you down for a job. I am lucky my friend nr sydney took 3 yrs to find work. Luckily her husband was working but it hit her confidence really hard and I didn't want to be in that position. Jo Also, networking, well thought out cold selling yourself to employers can land you a plum. I'd almost go so far as to say forget answering advertised positions as a waste of time. Get the yellow pages, trade magazines and the like, get a list of likely employers, get on the phone and ask and probe around. Most employers know who is hiring and, even if they are not hiring, will often make suggestions if you ask nicely. Still need a well thought out CV to send and need to personally follow up. "Hit the tarmac running." |
Nowt to loose
Hi Dicko,
Question I had to ask myself was, "Do I want my kids growing up in a country, that has nothing to offer them" and I honestly believe it doesnt. I am not knocking the UK, but from a personal point of view, it does not offer what I require. My son is 12, and in the UK was starting to venture out after dark, wanted to hang about with His little gang and stuff like that. I dont have a problem with "gangs", but where we lived, the gangs were nasty, and the older kids would get the younger ones to do all the dodgy stuff, cos they knew the cops could do NOTHING to them. I am not being naieve in thinking it doesnt happen here, but if I could send you our local paper, which has a "crime" section, some of the reports would have you rolling. I swear to god this was in the Redland Bay local paper last week: Police are searching for a scratched car, as they believe it was used to vandalise a fence in Alex Hills. Approx six wooden spikes we destroyed, anyone with info contact....... You get the picture. When you do get here(Holiday or Migrate) stop a coppper and ask him the murder rate for Brisbane! He would have to think really hard to give an honest answer. Go to glasgow, stop a copper(if you can find one) and ask him the same question. I checked out the stats( on tinternet) before we moved here, and it was frightening. It is worth it, in the UK i was a big fish in a big pond, with a "secure job", but trust me, if the company didnt make their £2 billion profit, they would get rid of everyone, so long as they stayed in profit. No job is secure. Over here, I am a small fish in a tiny pond, but I am starting again, and if I want to I might want to climb the ladder, but truthfully I cant be arsed! Life is for living, not working. Also, when everton are relegated, and Rooney signs for Man U, what will be the point of hanging around. Big Dunc is a donkey, i supported him when at Rangers. HA HA Anyway hope this helps. You cant beat a bit of OZZY! Wcee Originally posted by Dicko Wow what a post, so positive, I am so pleased that some people just go for it We are are much in the same postion, I have a secure job, but want to give it all up just to give it a go, I am a sheetmetalworker by trade and have been off the tools for a number of years now, in engineering, not a bad job,I am now in management, but just feel the need to go for it with the family. (wife and 3 kids) So I will be starting off again in my trade my wife is wondering why? But in the words of Jim Bowen: "Thats the gamble!" :D :D Good luck and keep us updated |
Re: My First Three Weeks in OZ
I noticed that if I sent my cv, to these agents they wouldnt even bother to reply. In the UK, if I was looking for work, I would send my CV, sit back, and the phone would start ringing. Ozzies dont, dont take it personally! Go into brisbane, along the piers at lunchtime, and you will see hundreds of these agency workers, chilling, eating, relaxing, chilling, Oh and then maybe going back to work! It is the way they are, but if you keep on at them, they get the message, and will actually start looking for work that suits you.
Some of the people I have met are so laid back, they are horizontal. And I spent a lot of my time working in Holland, that has laws, allowing you to be very laid back!! Its good that you start on Monday, as I started yesterday. i still wish I could win the lottery (if I could understand the Oz one) but until I do, I will just have to put up with making money for someone else, and i only get a fraction of it. Such is Life Wcee Originally posted by joh117 I disagree we have a large stash well not huge but enough to keep us going but I worried about spending it as that is the money to put towards a house and to re furnish a house. I was hungry for work and appied for everything and anything. Even stacking shelves in a supermarket. It gets you down when you are either knocked back before Interview stage or you hear nothing at all. I have had 4 interviews since arriving in Melbourne. The first for a small company in the suburbs. They said I would know by Wednesday the following week on thursday they decided to get back to me to say thanks but no thanks. Oh well first one thought no more of it The second interview was a temp job for 6 weeks and I failed to get that due to the fact I asked whether I would be able to apply for any jobs on their vacancy list should one arise that I fancied doing. He had warning signs in his head the agency said as I would be looking for permanent work rather than giving 100% to the temp job. (well of course I will be looking for permanent work a 6 wk job is not gonna bring money in for long) The 3rd was a government job in the city and it went terrible. They wanted evidence of reports I had done. I had contacted work back home but they were unable to locate my work and the person who could was on Annual leave. So I was at a disadvantage from the start. I then found out about a job from a friend who old boss was looking for a Business Support Officer. I emailed through my application. I was selected for interview and it went fantastic. I came out on a high and thought I can sell myself and I am worthy of working. I was a manager in an office back home so this is a demotion but I was quite happy to accept that and I can always work my way up as I prove myself. Within an hr I had the job. I start on monday and I am over the moon. It was the one thing that was stopping me from being truelly happy with the decision to come to Oz. My hubby has 2 interviews and I am so hopeful for him. I never thought how hard it would be with both of us out of work and spending so much time together does take its toll on your relationship. We have argues alot more. We argue over areas we want to settle in to what car to buy. We have never spent so much time together as we travelled for 31/2 months before getting here. But things are finally feeling 100% better. I don't feel bad about wanting to go shopping and spend a little bit of money on things we need. Not now we have my income to live off. For all those coming the visa process and the selling of the house is the most stressful thing. But getting here and adjusting is not stressful I would just say hard. I never anticipated how hard, you take a knock everytime someone turns you down for a job. I am lucky my friend nr sydney took 3 yrs to find work. Luckily her husband was working but it hit her confidence really hard and I didn't want to be in that position. Jo |
Re: My First Three Weeks in OZ
WOW!! What an amazing post. I know it has been said over and over now but you are inspirational - ever thought of writing a book about your experiences?!! Like you, we will be arriving in Oz with very little money, but debt free and able to 'start over'. It is great to know that the dream really can come true. Thanks.:D
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Re: My First Three Weeks in OZ
Originally posted by Brian & Lou WOW!! What an amazing post. I know it has been said over and over now but you are inspirational - ever thought of writing a book about your experiences?!! Like you, we will be arriving in Oz with very little money, but debt free and able to 'start over'. It is great to know that the dream really can come true. Thanks.:D Thanks Brian & Lou Yeah I might write a book, but I cant be bothered! Do it tommorrow (part Oz already);) Incidentally, for anyone interested, the names of the hotel that we stayed in that was excellent was called the Airolodge Motel on Kingsford smith drive. New decor, cleaned everyday, superb pool, and the owners/staff were so friendly. It would be unfair to give the name of the "very crappy" hotel we then moved into and staright out of the next night on a widely read forum. All I will say is, that it was in a place called Sunnybank! It was a toilet, yet they charged the same as the Airolodge. PS I bought a new car (second hand) on finance yesterday, with only a small deposit. The car company gave me a great deal, and heavily discounted the car, just so I could get it. So after only three weeks in the country, with no credit history, a large dealership lost money on a car just to get my business. naturally I was blown away, as I was expecting the usual "Ah Sorry" come back with the cash. But the business manager, explained that when someone from the UK migrates lock stock and barrel to the other side of the world to make a go of it, they are prepared to trust them and be fair with them, cos when you do make it, and the money gets better, you will remember those that helped you to start with and go back to them in the future. They also threw in a brand new DVD player and three free movies, for the kids. Could you imagine Arnold Clark or Reg Vardy doing that! Let me know if you want the name of the car dealer. they are not a small back street car dealer, they are one of brisbanes biggest dealers. Ill be going back when I need a new car! Buy for now wcee |
Wcee, I'm quite sure a lot of the people on this thread haven't read you 'answer' on the new thread you started! :)
Here it is: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...hreadid=224545 "Embarrassed response from Wcee" :) |
Re: My First Three Weeks in OZ
Originally posted by wcee Let me know if you want the name of the car dealer. they are not a small back street car dealer, they are one of brisbanes biggest dealers. Ill be going back when I need a new car! Buy for now wcee |
Re: Nowt to loose
Originally posted by wcee Hi Dicko, Question I had to ask myself was, "Do I want my kids growing up in a country, that has nothing to offer them"..When you do get here(Holiday or Migrate) stop a coppper and ask him the murder rate for Brisbane! He would have to think really hard to give an honest answer. But, no doubt Brisbane compares well with Glasgow. I presume you are suggesting that the high crime in Scotland/UK will stop your son from having a future back there? Mmmm. What do the Aussies themselves have to say about crime in their fair land? "So how did Australia emerge from these comparisons? Unhappily, the report concludes that Australian rates of crime are in some respects very high compared with most other comparable countries. Australia is ranked third highest of the fourteen countries in terms of overall victimisation, behind the other two non-European countries, the USA and Canada. In assaults involving force, in the less serious types of sexual incidents, in burglary and in motor vehicle thefts, Australia ranked highest of all the countries surveyed. Only in the categories of motorcycle or bicycle theft, and pickpocketing did we fail to finish in the top half of the list...Australia would probably stand out as a 'high risk' country." A Comparison of Crime in Australia and Other Countries I hope your son cycles or has a friend named the Artful Dodger :rolleyes: |
Re: Nowt to loose
Originally posted by MikeStanton Give an honest answer? Yes, Qland cops are renowned for their corruption. The Brissy cop was probably too busy trying to remember where he had stashed his cache of drugs... :) But, no doubt Brisbane compares well with Glasgow. I presume you are suggesting that the high crime in Scotland/UK will stop your son from having a future back there? Mmmm. What do the Aussies themselves have to say about crime in their fair land? "So how did Australia emerge from these comparisons? Unhappily, the report concludes that Australian rates of crime are in some respects very high compared with most other comparable countries. Australia is ranked third highest of the fourteen countries in terms of overall victimisation, behind the other two non-European countries, the USA and Canada. In assaults involving force, in the less serious types of sexual incidents, in burglary and in motor vehicle thefts, Australia ranked highest of all the countries surveyed. Only in the categories of motorcycle or bicycle theft, and pickpocketing did we fail to finish in the top half of the list...Australia would probably stand out as a 'high risk' country." A Comparison of Crime in Australia and Other Countries I hope your son cycles or has a friend named the Artful Dodger :rolleyes: 1/ The excited lot, brimming with wide eyed optimism with their applications at various stages of process. 2/ The ones who have been in Australia from about 0-18 months and are enjoying themselves and probably getting on okay. 3/ The ones who have had enough and are coming/have come back to the UK and wondering why they ever left in the first place. Does this mean that if we can survive the first 6-18 months we have integrated ourselves into Australian society and don't need to post on this site anymore ? |
Re: Nowt to loose
Originally posted by Innyjim It's funny, from reading and posting on this site for the past few weeks, most contibutors seem to fit more or less into three catagories: 1/ The excited lot, brimming with wide eyed optimism with their applications at various stages of process. 2/ The ones who have been in Australia from about 0-18 months and are enjoying themselves and probably getting on okay. 3/ The ones who have had enough and are coming/have come back to the UK and wondering why they ever left in the first place. Does this mean that if we can survive the first 6-18 months we have integrated ourselves into Australian society and don't need to post on this site anymore ? You can also return after many more months/years. And you can also integrate, but still return. See http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...hreadid=225500 for some examples of those who return Also, there are plenty (ok, not that many) on here, who have lived in Oz for more than the 18 months, are just getting on with live and posting too (ie DianeOz, Jopaulss, Bondipom, Renth, Owieb, more......... ) But, yes, overall, you could be right. A LOT stop posting on the other side. Some of those come back, some are still there(I'm going to track some down soon) |
Re: Nowt to loose
Originally posted by Innyjim It's funny, from reading and posting on this site for the past few weeks, most contibutors seem to fit more or less into three catagories: 1/ The excited lot, brimming with wide eyed optimism with their applications at various stages of process. 2/ The ones who have been in Australia from about 0-18 months and are enjoying themselves and probably getting on okay. 3/ The ones who have had enough and are coming/have come back to the UK and wondering why they ever left in the first place. Does this mean that if we can survive the first 6-18 months we have integrated ourselves into Australian society and don't need to post on this site anymore ? In my experience and talking with friends that have also emigrated to Oz, those that stay need to deal with the following rough timescale of events: - first 6 months, most things are a novelty. The weather and the beaches are great! It almost seems like a holiday every day, even if you're at work. "Glad I left miserable, crowded UK!" And it's fun to explore the differences between UK and Oz way of life. Eg it's not bed-linen, it's Manchester etc... At this stage most people are very enthusiastic about their new home. Most likely hurdles: getting a job, a little homesickness. - 6-12 months. Novelty begins to wear off. For most things, there is not a lot of difference between UK and Oz. But, there is still your new house, the warm weather and beaches as a plus. Although some of the differences begin to grate. Especially if the Aussies criticise UK. After all the UK may not be perfect, but it's not that bad, is it? Most likely hurdles: If still not got a job, this can become a BIG problem. Putting together a network of friends. Homesickness may intensify. - 12-24 months+. The main crunch time. The weather and beach novelties begin to wear off. You really miss your close friends. Your new Oz friends may be nice, but they don't have that shared sense of history you had with your closest friends in the UK. Day-to-day problems and the real differences (+ and -) between UK and Oz, make you ask yourself the question "Why did I emigrate to the other side of the world. Is it all worth it?". Other events that can bring this 'crunch time' forward include key family events. Eg sudden sickness of loved one in UK, new baby in UK or Oz. Also, not being able to afford a visit to see UK family can intensify the feeling of being trapped. Lack of a support network can increase feeling of isolation - most people make close friends in teens and 20s. However, the average emigrant to Oz from UK is in early 30s+. Of course, a significant number of people do get over these hurdles. But, it can be very tough. |
Re: Nowt to loose
Originally posted by MikeStanton Most of us (including myself) start out in category 1 and move to 2. So why do people move to 3.? In my experience and talking with friends that have also emigrated to Oz, those that stay need to deal with the following rough timescale of events: - first 6 months, most things are a novelty. The weather and the beaches are great! It almost seems like a holiday every day, even if you're at work. "Glad I left miserable, crowded UK!" And it's fun to explore the differences between UK and Oz way of life. Eg it's not bed-linen, it's Manchester etc... At this stage most people are very enthusiastic about their new home. Most likely hurdles: getting a job, a little homesickness. - 6-12 months. Novelty begins to wear off. For most things, there is not a lot of difference between UK and Oz. But, there is still the warm weather and beaches as a plus. Although some of the differences begin to grate. Especially if the Aussies criticise UK. After all the UK may not be perfect, but it's not that bad, is it? Most likely hurdles: If still not got a job, this can become a BIG problem. Putting together a network of friends. Homesickness may intensify. - 12-24 months+. The main crunch time. The weather and beach novelties begin to wear off. You really miss your close friends. Your new Oz friends may be nice, but they don't have that shared sense of history you had with your closest friends in the UK. Day-to-day problems and the real differences (+ and -) between UK and Oz, make you ask yourself the question "Why did I emigrate to the other side of the world. Is it all worth it?". Other events that can bring this 'crunch time' forward include key family events. Eg sudden sickness of loved one in UK, new baby in UK or Oz. Also, not being able to afford a visit to see UK family can intensify the feeling of being trapped. Lack of a support network can increase feeling of isolation - most people make close friends in teens and 20s. However, the average emigrant to Oz from UK is in early 30s+. Of course, a significant number of people do get over these hurdles. But, it can be very tough. Good reply, Mike. Although I don't think it's possible to decide not to got to Oz, even when you know it might not work out. I think people simply have to try it and know when to accept if it's not working out and go back to the UK. However many horror stories people hear, they still assume it won't happen to them. And I'm the same... |
Almost 5 Years in Melbourne now & still loving it. No Homesickness, no intentions of even going back for a visit. Look ahead at what youve got, not what you had or what might have been.
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Re: Nowt to loose
Originally posted by bundy Good reply, Mike. Although I don't think it's possible to decide not to got to Oz, even when you know it might not work out. I think people simply have to try it and know when to accept if it's not working out and go back to the UK. However many horror stories people hear, they still assume it won't happen to them. And I'm the same... But there isn't, because this is about understanding oneself better, and that often takes some form of crisis. |
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