I have got my 175 visa, and now I am in this reverse lame duck situation. I know I will leave my current job and/or country in 1-year time, and in all likelihood never come back. It becomes hard to concentrate on task at hand. It becomes hard to have empathy for my colleagues and countrymen alike. Has anyone been in this situation? Any advice on how I should cope with this?

tempting as it is don't burn any bridges, you just never know - besides you need references too mate. It's allnormal and part of the journey.

Good luck mate

So, I guess it is normal. It feels like the time between accepting job offer from new company and handing in the resignation letter to current company.

same boat here, as soon as the Visa is in I am out of here - I have quit in my head and keeping it all a secret is murder!!

To combat it I have applied for a promotion and making lots of positive noises at work - might as well make it bearable for the rest of them!!

Not much help but your not the only one

So what happens if they offer you a promotion and a raise?

The Aussies go mad for endless references from former employers so be careful not to alienate anyone.

I've been in this exact situation for the last year, and have just formally resigned, and it is certainly a relief!

It is inevitable that you will become "semi-detached" but I assume you didn't get to where you are now without being professional and committed to your job. Hold onto that, set yourself some goals that are more short-term, and work your way through them.

There will be times when you have to be "economical with the truth" but do not lie. Being "diplomatic" in this way can become quite wearing, but it is all for the ultimate goal. Leaving in the right way is as important as arriving.

One of the things I did was to break the time up into smaller chunks and then recognise the passing of a particular chunk with a dinner out or even just a note-to-self.

And if you like planning, as I do, start planning like hell! Good Luck!

Spot-on Mike. I have already quit the job and the country in my head. So, it is very difficult to stay motivated.

As has been said don't burn too many bridges as a good proportion of migrants return home. Just be careful what you say and do.

This is an excellent idea. I'll try to break up into 5 3-month chunks or something. Thanks.

I'll trust the voice of reason.

Actually, an acquaintance from wife's side is quitting Sydney and returning to Singapore next year.

The Mayan Calendar predicts the end of the world on 12-21-2012, so if I were you, I wouldn't worry about it.

Human race is a stubborn one. There may be end of the world, but it is only end of the world "as we know it". There will always be some pockets of humans surviving somewhere. Since I'll be in Australia, it will be something like Mad Max.

More like 'Home & Away'.

more like The Castle