Perth 18 months in...
Aug 29th 2005 | 9:45 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Checkin' the world out.
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 113
Perth 18 months in...
...and 12 months since I posted.
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
Aug 29th 2005 | 9:59 pm
#2
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 24,249
From: Alloha snack bar
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Originally Posted by nixstuff
...and 12 months since I posted.
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
Aug 29th 2005 | 10:05 pm
#3
kneading my cushion
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 743
From: Perth
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Great post! Lots of truth in a lot of what you say. And what is it about the lack of bleedin' roundabouts!
Keep going, you may surprise yourself in a year's time.
Good luck.
Keep going, you may surprise yourself in a year's time.
Good luck.
Aug 29th 2005 | 10:06 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 59
From: WA
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Great post, we're about to make the move when we sell the bloody house. It certainly won't put us off, but it definately helps us to know what we're letting ourselves in for. Thanks for that and good luck.
Lee
Lee
Aug 29th 2005 | 10:11 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 195
From: Pretty Perth!!
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Wow.... that one makes you think!!!
Well like you said, you did get rid of the 'what ifs!!'
My partner and I are moving to Perth in a few months - and like you described, we have all those things - great house, holidays, jobs, etc, and for us we haven't ever wondered whether it will be worth it!! We're confident it will!!.....but, i grew up in Perth (moved back to Manchester when i was 12) and i have always missed Perth!!
Not only that, but moving back to Manchester from Perth was the biggest culture shock of my life - i had to grow up much quicker and have all the right clothes, etc, before i could be accepted!! (I hadn't ever experienced this in Perth - not that it doesn't happen!!) There was plenty of drinking & smoking going on.... i wanted to fit in straight away but it was so hard!!!
When we emigrate, my partner and I are hoping to start a family (once we are settled!) I want our children to experience the outdoor life and excitment that i did as a child - bike trails beside Joondalup lake, BBQ's at Neil Hawkins Park, pool parties, taking the dog for walks on the beach, body boarding and not to forget the fantastic wildlife!!!
Don't get me wrong, i'll miss my friends and family and i'll miss the nice holidays, but i'll be providing a healthier and more exciting outdoor childhood and lifestyle for my children - priceless!!!! (Not to mention enjoying the sunny climate and gorgeous Australian wine that i love so much!!)
I do appreciate your views however, as it will be very difficult to adapt - i remember my parents hard times and worries as they missed all of the family do's and occasions, and i know the novelty of the above things will wear off, but over all i need to erase the what ifs too!!
We're looking forward to our new life in Perth and fortunately i have a lot of friends over there already - and to make things much easier my mum and her husband are also moving to Perth too!!! So this has made our decision simple!!
Without my mum coming, i'm not sure if i'd make the move for a while yet!!!
Thanks for your views though and for telling it like it is!!
After all your living it right now!!!
Michelle x x x
Well like you said, you did get rid of the 'what ifs!!'
My partner and I are moving to Perth in a few months - and like you described, we have all those things - great house, holidays, jobs, etc, and for us we haven't ever wondered whether it will be worth it!! We're confident it will!!.....but, i grew up in Perth (moved back to Manchester when i was 12) and i have always missed Perth!!
Not only that, but moving back to Manchester from Perth was the biggest culture shock of my life - i had to grow up much quicker and have all the right clothes, etc, before i could be accepted!! (I hadn't ever experienced this in Perth - not that it doesn't happen!!) There was plenty of drinking & smoking going on.... i wanted to fit in straight away but it was so hard!!!
When we emigrate, my partner and I are hoping to start a family (once we are settled!) I want our children to experience the outdoor life and excitment that i did as a child - bike trails beside Joondalup lake, BBQ's at Neil Hawkins Park, pool parties, taking the dog for walks on the beach, body boarding and not to forget the fantastic wildlife!!!
Don't get me wrong, i'll miss my friends and family and i'll miss the nice holidays, but i'll be providing a healthier and more exciting outdoor childhood and lifestyle for my children - priceless!!!! (Not to mention enjoying the sunny climate and gorgeous Australian wine that i love so much!!)
I do appreciate your views however, as it will be very difficult to adapt - i remember my parents hard times and worries as they missed all of the family do's and occasions, and i know the novelty of the above things will wear off, but over all i need to erase the what ifs too!!
We're looking forward to our new life in Perth and fortunately i have a lot of friends over there already - and to make things much easier my mum and her husband are also moving to Perth too!!! So this has made our decision simple!!
Without my mum coming, i'm not sure if i'd make the move for a while yet!!!
Thanks for your views though and for telling it like it is!!
After all your living it right now!!!
Michelle x x x
Aug 29th 2005 | 10:19 pm
#6
Account Closed
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,375
Re: Perth 18 months in...
We fall into the category you talk about ...
"If you have a tolerable job"
"a mortgage you can (just about) afford"
"a foreign holiday most years"
"friends you get on with"
"and a family you can put up with"
We have all the above but seek the adventure and outdoor life for our kids.
Your post is refreshingly honest and we anticipate going through the exact same feelings when we are 18 months in.
We are expecting one hell of a rough ride and if it turns out to be more pleasant than that ... it will be a bonus.
Bring it on.
Three Legs
"If you have a tolerable job"
"a mortgage you can (just about) afford"
"a foreign holiday most years"
"friends you get on with"
"and a family you can put up with"
We have all the above but seek the adventure and outdoor life for our kids.
Your post is refreshingly honest and we anticipate going through the exact same feelings when we are 18 months in.
We are expecting one hell of a rough ride and if it turns out to be more pleasant than that ... it will be a bonus.
Bring it on.
Three Legs
Originally Posted by nixstuff
...and 12 months since I posted.
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
Aug 30th 2005 | 12:01 am
#7
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Wow, we live in Nelson new zealand and are considering hopping over the ditch.What you wrote is almost exactly the same as our experiences over here. I've been told that salaries are higher over there hence our thoughts of swopping NZ for Oz. Must say our reasons for moving over here were a bit differnt though, safety for our kids being the biggy. for that reason we'll not be returning to the UK
Aug 30th 2005 | 12:11 am
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,196
From: Gold Coast- the best place in the world
Re: Perth 18 months in...
You hit the nail on the head when you say you have got rid of the 'what ifs'.
I agree that work differences and actually finding a good job is the hardest thing about emigrating here.
You have tried, get your citizenship before you go- you never know it may not seem so bad once you are back in the UK!
Feel happy and contented that you tried the adventure.
I agree that work differences and actually finding a good job is the hardest thing about emigrating here.
You have tried, get your citizenship before you go- you never know it may not seem so bad once you are back in the UK!
Feel happy and contented that you tried the adventure.
Aug 30th 2005 | 12:21 am
#9
small steps long journey
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,451
From: A river somewhere
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Good post - and you havent got shot down for it!!! well done !
All the best (you will take out citizenship wont you ?)
All the best (you will take out citizenship wont you ?)
Aug 30th 2005 | 12:49 am
#10
Live the moment
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,026
From: In between nappies and feeds
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Originally Posted by nixstuff
...and 12 months since I posted.
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
So, 2 reasons to emigrate here:
1. The climate*
2. A big ass house**
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
OK, life review time. For those of you in a similar situation, think long, think hard, don't knock the 'whingers' who've posted on here. It's hard. Harder than you think. And far less rewarding.
To be succinct, if you have a fairly nice life in the UK, stick with it. If you have a tolerable job, a mortgage you can (just about) afford, a foreign holiday most years, friends you get on with, and a family you can put up with...that's all you'll ever need. If you're feeling itchy, a little bored, a little adventurous, but have all this and yearn for more – the sad news is you'll get far less Down Under.
People? OK, so the shop assistants are FAR friendlier, when the shops are open, which is not often enough when you're working longer hours for less pay. Talking of which..
Work? And while you're at work, you won't be making great friends, one of our hopes/expectations. The webcam and phone remain our saviour. Or was that about people?
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Sunshine? Plenty of that, and the colours are splendid, I'll give Perth that much, no complaints there.
Shopping? Well, when you can manage it, there's less than half the choice for much more moolah (cost vs earnings, there's that work thing again), be it clothes, furniture, cars, whatever. Oh, except food, which is superb, but equivalent prices.
Holiday? No, you don't live on holiday, basking in the sun in your own pool (it's easier to maintain a dreary garden than a pool you hardly ever use), cos it's dark by the time you get home from work, and damn cold more often than you think of an evening. And try holidaying abroad, which costs an absolute fortune from the savings you just blew on the big ass house miles from the city, that's where the feelings of being stuck begin..
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it. And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
Restaurants? Fab, fab and fab. Shame the expendible income doesn't allow more of this,there's that work thing again.But it's hard to find a bad wine, and there's enough English, Belgian, German, Aussie beer here for anyone. Being pleasantly pissed is not difficult, and the atmos is a lot less aggressive than any rough arse northern town UK (ah dearest home).
So in all, this sounds like a huge downer, but you should hear the one coming from our friends in NZ. Well, it is, sort of. However, no regrets (apart from the lost money, but hey, you only live once), but we enjoyed holidaying then travelling extensively here FAR MORE than living here this past 18 months. But it's made us really appreciate what's important in life, not to mention given myself in particular a far healthier attitude towards the country I wanted to get out of.
Will we return to 'crap' olde Englande? Without a doubt. When we can afford it. And after we've given it at least another 12 months – let you know then.
Enjoy your adventure, and don't ever not do it, if that makes any sense. At the very least, we got rid of the 'what if's'..
what a post.....so I take it now it's "better the devil you know?"
Aug 30th 2005 | 12:56 am
#11
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Good luck with whatever you end up doing. But yes, do wait and get citizenship. Who knows what will happen 15 years down the line.
Aug 30th 2005 | 12:58 am
#12
Fighting my corner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,948
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Re: Perth 18 months in...
As someone who was born in Perth and lived there for many years with considerable ease, I'm curious about the specifics of your scenario.
I'm not having a go at you; just wondering if perhaps you could have made life easier for yourself.
Three questions: (1) how big? (2) is there any particular reason why you need to be close to the city? I lived about half an hour from the city myself, and preferred it that way. (3) If the answer to (2) is "yes", then why did you choose to live so far out?
Double glazing and central heating are a waste of money in a state where the average annual temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius. Nor do you need to spend 10k on reverse cycle in order to be comfortable.
I bought an uninsulated house and filled the ceiling with pink batts. This automatically reduced my heating costs. I then made a point of only warming the rooms that I was using. This ensured that my heating costs remained low. Did you insulate your house before installing the reverse cycle? Did you investigate alternatives to reverse cycle, such as a heat pump?
At the end of the day, the size of one's mortgage is the result of one's personal choice. It was easy enough to buy my own house back home in Perth; I couldn't possibly afford it here in the UK.
Salaries will depend on the industry in which you work; I don't think your generalisation on this point is justifiable.
I am now working in the UK, where I receive the same salary for a 38-hour week that I received for a 25-hour week back home in Australia.
But between the traffic lights you will notice that the roads are straight and wide, facilitating swift suburban travel. Here in the UK, the roundabouts are frequently congested and (for reasons that continue to elude me) placed right in the middle of the narrow, hopelessly twisted laneways which pass for an adequate road system in this country. I find that this slows me down more than a set of traffic lights ever would.
"Safe" is good. I like "safe." It's a commodity that's increasingly hard to come by in the UK.
You can get a drink outside the city. Yes, you really can. I'm not fibbing.
I'm sorry to hear that you had such a hard time in Perth. I accept that it's not everyone's cup of tea, and I respect you for toughing it out.
For the sake of my patriotic pride, I hope that you will have changed your mind in 12 months' time; but if you haven't, then I wish you all the best and thank you for giving Perth a fair go.
I'm not having a go at you; just wondering if perhaps you could have made life easier for yourself.
2. A big ass house**
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
**At least 30 mins from the city, twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries. Rats. Fell for that one.
*It's DAMN cold in winter - no insulaton, no double glazing, no central heating. Whatever temp's outside is inside. A pokey gas fire or wood burner don't make for a toasty home. It's taken 10 grand on reverse cycle to sort that one out.
I bought an uninsulated house and filled the ceiling with pink batts. This automatically reduced my heating costs. I then made a point of only warming the rooms that I was using. This ensured that my heating costs remained low. Did you insulate your house before installing the reverse cycle? Did you investigate alternatives to reverse cycle, such as a heat pump?
twice the mortgage, 2/3rd the salaries.
Salaries will depend on the industry in which you work; I don't think your generalisation on this point is justifiable.
I am now working in the UK, where I receive the same salary for a 38-hour week that I received for a 25-hour week back home in Australia.
Traffic? Oh you'll still get that, it's great fun sitting at endless sets of lights wishing they knew what a roundabout was here.
Life? Erm, hardly buzzing. The sleepy burbs are safe, pleasant and, well, that's it.
And don't forget if you want a drink, that 30 mins into the city to actually find a crowd costs a $30 taxi to get back after the (occasional) trains and buses have finished for the night.
I'm sorry to hear that you had such a hard time in Perth. I accept that it's not everyone's cup of tea, and I respect you for toughing it out.
For the sake of my patriotic pride, I hope that you will have changed your mind in 12 months' time; but if you haven't, then I wish you all the best and thank you for giving Perth a fair go.
Aug 30th 2005 | 1:00 am
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,035
From: Home and proud to be British
Re: Perth 18 months in...
great to hear that not all have their rose tinted specks still on. Hang in there for your citizenship. I found the first 18 months the worse then I started to remember the little things about the UK that i hated. Now I look at Oz and appreciate what it has. Whether it will be enough, time will tell. Lucky for me I don't have to go to the burbs.
Aug 30th 2005 | 1:20 am
#14
You sip .... I glug !!!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,790
From: Over the hill!
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Talking about the categories you mention...
"If you have a tolerable job"
"a mortgage you can (just about) afford"
"a foreign holiday most years"
"friends you get on with"
"and a family you can put up with"
we met all of these (and more) when we lived in Europe.
I've taken a 70% cut in salary. Hubby has taken a 90% cut in salary (cos he decided to retrain and is now one of the oldest apprentices on WA
).
Would we make the same choices again (given the info we have now) ..... ?
You bet your ass we would. !!!!!!
We've sold the holiday home in South Africa, cashed in the insurance policies, moved the pensions, and its the best thing we've ever done.
no doubt someone will come on after me and say we've got the 'rose tinted sunnies' firmly strapped on ... fine if thats what you want to think, but after 17 countries between us in the last 20 years I think we have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesnt immigration-wise.
At this point in time we're both just happy to settle down and put out roots, and those roots are perth. (cant imagine doing that in any of the other countries (although italy comes closest)
Our impressions are that Perth is a lot more subtle than Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane. Its not in your face. You have to search out the good things but they are there and worth looking for.
We're 16 months into our Perth life and still say <with excited tone> "we live here".
Its definately not for everyone, but for those people who dont care about keeping up with the Jones's, its pretty damn good.
"If you have a tolerable job"
"a mortgage you can (just about) afford"
"a foreign holiday most years"
"friends you get on with"
"and a family you can put up with"
we met all of these (and more) when we lived in Europe.
I've taken a 70% cut in salary. Hubby has taken a 90% cut in salary (cos he decided to retrain and is now one of the oldest apprentices on WA
).Would we make the same choices again (given the info we have now) ..... ?
You bet your ass we would. !!!!!!
We've sold the holiday home in South Africa, cashed in the insurance policies, moved the pensions, and its the best thing we've ever done.
no doubt someone will come on after me and say we've got the 'rose tinted sunnies' firmly strapped on ... fine if thats what you want to think, but after 17 countries between us in the last 20 years I think we have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesnt immigration-wise.
At this point in time we're both just happy to settle down and put out roots, and those roots are perth. (cant imagine doing that in any of the other countries (although italy comes closest)
Our impressions are that Perth is a lot more subtle than Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane. Its not in your face. You have to search out the good things but they are there and worth looking for.
We're 16 months into our Perth life and still say <with excited tone> "we live here".
Its definately not for everyone, but for those people who dont care about keeping up with the Jones's, its pretty damn good.
Aug 30th 2005 | 1:38 am
#15
Home at last
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 263
From: Perth
Re: Perth 18 months in...
Hi there,
I have to say i think this is a great post although being a Perth girl longing for home I wish you'd found Perth a bit more of a postive experience! But good on you for being honest! Although have to strongly disagree with your theories of roundabouts! Can't stand the things myself, they drive me UP THE WALL in the UK. Drinks falling off the passenger chair every time you go aroundone - driving through Milton keynes and some partsof bristol leaves me feeling queasy! I guess it's like a preference for Penguins or Tim Tams or M&S undies v's Bonds- you love what you know best
What I am curious about though is what industry you work in? I am certainly not expecting my hubby and I to earn the same as we do in the UK, but I do expect that cost of living vs wages will be roughly similar. Can you give us an idea of what it is you do to help us see what the real comparisions for wages are?
Many thanks
Michelle
I have to say i think this is a great post although being a Perth girl longing for home I wish you'd found Perth a bit more of a postive experience! But good on you for being honest! Although have to strongly disagree with your theories of roundabouts! Can't stand the things myself, they drive me UP THE WALL in the UK. Drinks falling off the passenger chair every time you go aroundone - driving through Milton keynes and some partsof bristol leaves me feeling queasy! I guess it's like a preference for Penguins or Tim Tams or M&S undies v's Bonds- you love what you know best
What I am curious about though is what industry you work in? I am certainly not expecting my hubby and I to earn the same as we do in the UK, but I do expect that cost of living vs wages will be roughly similar. Can you give us an idea of what it is you do to help us see what the real comparisions for wages are?
Many thanks
Michelle
