And Van Isla

My wife, 2 kids (under 4) and I are planning on moving to Perth from the UK. I am a non degree qualified engineer with 2 years experience of the Australian mining industry and had my own very small engineering company in the UK for 4 years. My wife is a programmer but is short of the confidence to get a good job in that field.

We had emigrated to Sydney in 2008 and spent a total of $50k from landing until we had a good income coming in, this included the cost of paying 6 months rent in advance, a car, days out etc.

If I spent the same this time I would be bust!

So the question is how much did families spend, from landing until the income overtook expenditure?

I am waking up with panic attacks over this as the thought of spending all our savings and not even being able to afford a return is quite scary.

Tramps_mate

Have you not applied for work from the UK?

And Van Isla

Did phone a recruitment consultant who said I should come out first.

Tramps_mate

Oh.. id try and send some out myself. You never know you might hit lucky and arrive with work in place! I couldnt go over without work. I arrive in OZ on march 8th and start work on march 12th..

Green Grass

This question is important to me too. Arriving in Melbourne with partner and no kids, jobless, in early April with $40k and home in the UK rented out. Have been advised on forum previously that living costs in Melbourne average $3k to $4k per month. After rent bond, short term accommodation and car purchase, reckon will have maybe $32k to cover 9 months.

Is this reasonable?

I've held mid/senior banking roles in the UK but it appears all the major Aussie banks are in cost cutting mode and I'm concerned it might take me 6-9 months to find something. Salaries appear higher than Scotland so if I get a job, I'll be laughing but I'm concerned I'll be unemployed for a while.

I've spoken to about 10 agents, mainly in Australia and most say I wont land anything until arrival but might get lucky before then (small chance).

To the OP, best of luck. I share your concern.

And Van Isla

Will send some CV's out on the off chance I get lucky.

Tramps_mate

It's always worth a go I reckon. I did and was lucky!