Scotland to Brisbane!?
Jul 3rd 2013, 8:01 am
#16
Almost more Oz than Pom
Joined: Aug 2010
Location: Brisbane northern suburbs
Posts: 1,154
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Well maybe I do have too rosy a viewpoint. I came out here in 1983 from a job in Slough which was going nowhere, and all the other jobs I applied for in the UK would have meant moving to another housing estate near another industrial town, so Australia was a huge change for me both workwise and living. In the 30 years I've been here I have moved up in my profession (in an industry, pipelines, which I had not worked in before) to be near the top and recognized nationally. That would never have happened if I'd stayed in England, so naturally I love it here.
Whether anyone coming out now could do the same is up for debate - and if on arrival I'd found a job in the same field I was in in the UK it is also debatable whether I could have progressed as far.
Whether anyone coming out now could do the same is up for debate - and if on arrival I'd found a job in the same field I was in in the UK it is also debatable whether I could have progressed as far.
Jul 3rd 2013, 8:46 am
#17
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Thanks for the discussion its what I needed.
I think as soon as a company mentions Australia you imagine a dream move and lifestyle. Your comments even though you disagree on many things will ensure that people open their eyes before signing up.
Just to reiterate I have turned down the position for a new role in my home city of Glasgow. I want stability for myself and my family.
Hopping on a short cheap flight to Italy, Rome, Prague, Milan always makes living in the UK that much better!
I ran the numbers on a 100k package and they didn't add up even with the company car + bonus. If the pound vs the dollar ever hits 2.7 again ill concider it!
Thanks again guys!
I think as soon as a company mentions Australia you imagine a dream move and lifestyle. Your comments even though you disagree on many things will ensure that people open their eyes before signing up.
Just to reiterate I have turned down the position for a new role in my home city of Glasgow. I want stability for myself and my family.
Hopping on a short cheap flight to Italy, Rome, Prague, Milan always makes living in the UK that much better!
I ran the numbers on a 100k package and they didn't add up even with the company car + bonus. If the pound vs the dollar ever hits 2.7 again ill concider it!
Thanks again guys!
Jul 3rd 2013, 8:59 am
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Brisvegas
Posts: 5,461
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Thanks for the discussion its what I needed.
I think as soon as a company mentions Australia you imagine a dream move and lifestyle. Your comments even though you disagree on many things will ensure that people open their eyes before signing up.
Just to reiterate I have turned down the position for a new role in my home city of Glasgow. I want stability for myself and my family.
Hopping on a short cheap flight to Italy, Rome, Prague, Milan always makes living in the UK that much better!
I ran the numbers on a 100k package and they didn't add up even with the company car + bonus. If the pound vs the dollar ever hits 2.7 again ill concider it!
Thanks again guys!
I think as soon as a company mentions Australia you imagine a dream move and lifestyle. Your comments even though you disagree on many things will ensure that people open their eyes before signing up.
Just to reiterate I have turned down the position for a new role in my home city of Glasgow. I want stability for myself and my family.
Hopping on a short cheap flight to Italy, Rome, Prague, Milan always makes living in the UK that much better!
I ran the numbers on a 100k package and they didn't add up even with the company car + bonus. If the pound vs the dollar ever hits 2.7 again ill concider it!
Thanks again guys!
Rentals:
Some closer to city:
http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/wi...ocation-search
Suburbs further out of the city:
http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/wi...ocation-search
Groceries:
http://www2.woolworthsonline.com.au
Average family sedan:
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...sortby=TopDeal
Catholic Primary School Fees:
http://www.stthomascamphill.qld.edu....fee%20info.pdf
Top private school fees:
http://www.churchie.com.au/content/?...etfile&id=1626
Jul 3rd 2013, 10:50 am
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 200
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
There is a fair bit of nonsense in this thread imo. The notion that you need an 150k to 170k salary just to get by and avoid council house-style accomodation in Brisbane is ludicrous.
Living in Brisbane is more expensive than living anywhere in the UK now I reckon (including London) but that doesn't mean you are doing it tough on $150k.
If you want to live in the poshest suburbs close to the cbd and eat in the best places then yes, you may run out of money. But compare that with living in one of the most sought after suburbs in a big UK city and eating in fancy places etc. Would £100k (or whatever the £ equivalent of $150k is) easily cover that? A really nice house in the Glasgow west end would surely cost plenty money these days.
Sounds like you've made the correct decision OP as you sound really attached to home and family etc. Everyone is different, and there is no place on the planet that will make you happy if you know you will just be homesick etc. Good luck for the future.
Living in Brisbane is more expensive than living anywhere in the UK now I reckon (including London) but that doesn't mean you are doing it tough on $150k.
If you want to live in the poshest suburbs close to the cbd and eat in the best places then yes, you may run out of money. But compare that with living in one of the most sought after suburbs in a big UK city and eating in fancy places etc. Would £100k (or whatever the £ equivalent of $150k is) easily cover that? A really nice house in the Glasgow west end would surely cost plenty money these days.
Sounds like you've made the correct decision OP as you sound really attached to home and family etc. Everyone is different, and there is no place on the planet that will make you happy if you know you will just be homesick etc. Good luck for the future.
Last edited by big_matt; Jul 3rd 2013 at 10:59 am.
Jul 5th 2013, 12:10 pm
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 30
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
If 'bonnie scotland' was any good at maths, he'd see he had 1000 bucks a month left............so all good.
This is a totally ludicrous thread, totally misleading.
This is a totally ludicrous thread, totally misleading.
Jul 7th 2013, 5:56 am
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 175
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
also note: the restrictions on a 457 visa ... if your company goes tits up or lets you go you have 30 days to leave or get a replacement sponsor
Last edited by SUPERCAD; Jul 7th 2013 at 6:01 am.
Jul 7th 2013, 10:00 am
#22
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Will-I-Was, dont throw this away too easily, We are living in upper coomera, approx 35 minute drive to logan, 120K, plus if the ball and chain gets a job. Your in for one nice life style. All depends how you spend the money.
Food is more expensive over here, but the wages are more, so it all cancells its self out.
Its awesome here, Such a great outdoor lifestyle, even through the winter.
Good luck mate,
Food is more expensive over here, but the wages are more, so it all cancells its self out.
Its awesome here, Such a great outdoor lifestyle, even through the winter.
Good luck mate,
Jul 8th 2013, 11:07 am
#23
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 175
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Well maybe I do have too rosy a viewpoint. I came out here in 1983 from a job in Slough which was going nowhere, and all the other jobs I applied for in the UK would have meant moving to another housing estate near another industrial town, so Australia was a huge change for me both workwise and living. In the 30 years I've been here I have moved up in my profession (in an industry, pipelines, which I had not worked in before) to be near the top and recognized nationally. That would never have happened if I'd stayed in England, so naturally I love it here.
Whether anyone coming out now could do the same is up for debate - and if on arrival I'd found a job in the same field I was in in the UK it is also debatable whether I could have progressed as far.
Whether anyone coming out now could do the same is up for debate - and if on arrival I'd found a job in the same field I was in in the UK it is also debatable whether I could have progressed as far.
should we debate this?
Jul 8th 2013, 11:21 am
#24
Aussie Finn Mixture!
Joined: May 2005
Location: Leschenault WA (after few locations around WA and Around Europe!)
Posts: 1,151
Jul 8th 2013, 4:10 pm
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Up on the Ranches not down on the Springs
Posts: 2,109
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Having done the UK, Middle East, QLD on a 457 misery visa and now back to the Middle East; I can say if you want lifestyle, sunshine, cheap cigarettes yay, decent place to live, low crime and cash in the bank at the end of the month then the ME is the place to be and not Oz.
We were on quite a bit more than the salaries quoted here and lived in a cheaper area (Sunny Coast) but the figures never stacked up in terms of disposable income. Nurseries for the 2 boys cost a fortune as no discounts as being on a 457. We had one new small Honda and a 12 year old 100 series cruiser so didn't kick the backside out of it. It was a lifestyle experience or extended working holiday really.
Best bits about oz for us ? Loading up with decent camping gear before we shipped out that we will use in the Gulf. Got some fantastic gear that you just cannot get in the UK or in the ME. Wondering how our cardboard house stood up the cyclone without the patio windows falling out, roof ripping off or walls falling down
Things we miss. Only Fat Yak from the bottle store and the friends we made (predominately Europeans) who will all be visiting us on stopovers on their way home to Europe anyway.
Was it worth going ? Financially no,not a chance, we lost a bomb. Career wise, no not a chance as the ozzies are in the dark ages and bollox to the union issues etc however we bailed out before it was going to affect my career but from an experience point of view it was a ball.
So stay in Scotland if you like the cold, rain and square sausages, go on holiday to Oz to see a beautiful country and to get it out of the system or come to the Gulf if you want a decent life, simples. I cannot for the life in me fathom out why anyone would want to be skint in Oz especially on a 457 and God only help the young generation of UK brickies, plasterers etc who want to move to Oz and live the dream as there is more chance of finding rocking horse shit paving the streets of Brissie than there is of them living their dream.
We were on quite a bit more than the salaries quoted here and lived in a cheaper area (Sunny Coast) but the figures never stacked up in terms of disposable income. Nurseries for the 2 boys cost a fortune as no discounts as being on a 457. We had one new small Honda and a 12 year old 100 series cruiser so didn't kick the backside out of it. It was a lifestyle experience or extended working holiday really.
Best bits about oz for us ? Loading up with decent camping gear before we shipped out that we will use in the Gulf. Got some fantastic gear that you just cannot get in the UK or in the ME. Wondering how our cardboard house stood up the cyclone without the patio windows falling out, roof ripping off or walls falling down
Things we miss. Only Fat Yak from the bottle store and the friends we made (predominately Europeans) who will all be visiting us on stopovers on their way home to Europe anyway.
Was it worth going ? Financially no,not a chance, we lost a bomb. Career wise, no not a chance as the ozzies are in the dark ages and bollox to the union issues etc however we bailed out before it was going to affect my career but from an experience point of view it was a ball.
So stay in Scotland if you like the cold, rain and square sausages, go on holiday to Oz to see a beautiful country and to get it out of the system or come to the Gulf if you want a decent life, simples. I cannot for the life in me fathom out why anyone would want to be skint in Oz especially on a 457 and God only help the young generation of UK brickies, plasterers etc who want to move to Oz and live the dream as there is more chance of finding rocking horse shit paving the streets of Brissie than there is of them living their dream.
Jul 8th 2013, 11:50 pm
#26
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Brisvegas
Posts: 5,461
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
It's all a matter of personal taste. As an Aussie with a British born husband and having lived in the the Middle East for a couple of years I don't agree that the Middle East is the place to be over Australia. Good for an experience for a couple of years but that's about it for me.
The sun may shine for 360 days a year in Dubai, but for 300 of those days, the dust is so thick in the air that you don't see a truly blue sky. 50 degrees and dust grit on your teeth during summer - not pleasant. Brisbane weather much more pleasant in my opinion.
Having done the UK, Middle East, QLD on a 457 misery visa and now back to the Middle East; I can say if you want lifestyle, sunshine, cheap cigarettes yay, decent place to live, low crime and cash in the bank at the end of the month then the ME is the place to be and not Oz.
We were on quite a bit more than the salaries quoted here and lived in a cheaper area (Sunny Coast) but the figures never stacked up in terms of disposable income. Nurseries for the 2 boys cost a fortune as no discounts as being on a 457. We had one new small Honda and a 12 year old 100 series cruiser so didn't kick the backside out of it. It was a lifestyle experience or extended working holiday really.
The education at a state school here in Brisbane is equal to, if not better than the schools my kids attended in Dubai. I pay about AUD 4k per year in fees for specialist programs my kids are in here - basic school fees in Dubai, AED 130k per year at the first school they attended and about AED100k per year at the next. All after school activities such as ballet, voice and instrumental lessons cost three times what they do here and the standard of the activities were much lower than they receive here.
Best bits about oz for us ? Loading up with decent camping gear before we shipped out that we will use in the Gulf. Got some fantastic gear that you just cannot get in the UK or in the ME. Wondering how our cardboard house stood up the cyclone without the patio windows falling out, roof ripping off or walls falling down
The fist villas we lived in in Dubai were brand new, we had workers in trying to fix problems every day for a whole year and paid AED350k per annum (in advance with post dated cheques). We had six bathrooms and could only use one because the plumbing was so dodgy that to fix it could mean the whole villa collapsing.
Things we miss. Only Fat Yak from the bottle store and the friends we made (predominately Europeans) who will all be visiting us on stopovers on their way home to Europe anyway.
Was it worth going ? Financially no,not a chance, we lost a bomb. Career wise, no not a chance as the ozzies are in the dark ages and bollox to the union issues etc however we bailed out before it was going to affect my career but from an experience point of view it was a ball.
I know plenty of people that have lost a bomb in the Middle East too and with an unforgiving judicial system have had to flee the country or face jail. As for Unions, they're illegal in the UAE.
So stay in Scotland if you like the cold, rain and square sausages, go on holiday to Oz to see a beautiful country and to get it out of the system or come to the Gulf if you want a decent life, simples. I cannot for the life in me fathom out why anyone would want to be skint in Oz especially on a 457 and God only help the young generation of UK brickies, plasterers etc who want to move to Oz and live the dream as there is more chance of finding rocking horse shit paving the streets of Brissie than there is of them living their dream.
We were on quite a bit more than the salaries quoted here and lived in a cheaper area (Sunny Coast) but the figures never stacked up in terms of disposable income. Nurseries for the 2 boys cost a fortune as no discounts as being on a 457. We had one new small Honda and a 12 year old 100 series cruiser so didn't kick the backside out of it. It was a lifestyle experience or extended working holiday really.
The education at a state school here in Brisbane is equal to, if not better than the schools my kids attended in Dubai. I pay about AUD 4k per year in fees for specialist programs my kids are in here - basic school fees in Dubai, AED 130k per year at the first school they attended and about AED100k per year at the next. All after school activities such as ballet, voice and instrumental lessons cost three times what they do here and the standard of the activities were much lower than they receive here.
Best bits about oz for us ? Loading up with decent camping gear before we shipped out that we will use in the Gulf. Got some fantastic gear that you just cannot get in the UK or in the ME. Wondering how our cardboard house stood up the cyclone without the patio windows falling out, roof ripping off or walls falling down
The fist villas we lived in in Dubai were brand new, we had workers in trying to fix problems every day for a whole year and paid AED350k per annum (in advance with post dated cheques). We had six bathrooms and could only use one because the plumbing was so dodgy that to fix it could mean the whole villa collapsing.
Things we miss. Only Fat Yak from the bottle store and the friends we made (predominately Europeans) who will all be visiting us on stopovers on their way home to Europe anyway.
Was it worth going ? Financially no,not a chance, we lost a bomb. Career wise, no not a chance as the ozzies are in the dark ages and bollox to the union issues etc however we bailed out before it was going to affect my career but from an experience point of view it was a ball.
I know plenty of people that have lost a bomb in the Middle East too and with an unforgiving judicial system have had to flee the country or face jail. As for Unions, they're illegal in the UAE.
So stay in Scotland if you like the cold, rain and square sausages, go on holiday to Oz to see a beautiful country and to get it out of the system or come to the Gulf if you want a decent life, simples. I cannot for the life in me fathom out why anyone would want to be skint in Oz especially on a 457 and God only help the young generation of UK brickies, plasterers etc who want to move to Oz and live the dream as there is more chance of finding rocking horse shit paving the streets of Brissie than there is of them living their dream.
Jul 9th 2013, 12:08 am
#27
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Lol, why has Middle East come into the equation?
I thought the job transfer was to Australia.
It's not all about living like kings, it's about living comfortably and enjoying life.
Look at minimum wage here, and look at what ou have been offered, you can rent for around $350 a week, your mortgage on $350,000 is around $1500 per month. You can buy and excellent second hand car that's economical.
I thought the job transfer was to Australia.
It's not all about living like kings, it's about living comfortably and enjoying life.
Look at minimum wage here, and look at what ou have been offered, you can rent for around $350 a week, your mortgage on $350,000 is around $1500 per month. You can buy and excellent second hand car that's economical.
Jul 9th 2013, 12:11 am
#28
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Brisvegas
Posts: 5,461
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
Lol, why has Middle East come into the equation?
I thought the job transfer was to Australia.
It's not all about living like kings, it's about living comfortably and enjoying life.
Look at minimum wage here, and look at what ou have been offered, you can rent for around $350 a week, your mortgage on $350,000 is around $1500 per month. You can buy and excellent second hand car that's economical.
I thought the job transfer was to Australia.
It's not all about living like kings, it's about living comfortably and enjoying life.
Look at minimum wage here, and look at what ou have been offered, you can rent for around $350 a week, your mortgage on $350,000 is around $1500 per month. You can buy and excellent second hand car that's economical.
Jul 9th 2013, 3:36 am
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 127
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
I moved here with 3 kids as a mechanic from Glasgow 18 months ago. We live 1.5 hours from Brisbane and live on a combined salary of $120000. Our life is 10 times better than in Glasgow and we live very comfortable indeed. My friends live 30 mins outside Brisbane and get the train to work. Lovely house at $375 a week.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Jul 9th 2013, 3:43 am
#30
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 171
Re: Scotland to Brisbane!?
I appreciate what your saying...however I dont feel you are painting a true picture of what to expect if you move here from the UK.
My UK house (Not 17th Century...19th) was sold for 375k GBP in late 2012, a comparable house here with the same commute distance (45 mins west) would put me in Pullenvale where you are talking 1m plus.
I just want people to understand that many of the folk who bang on about Australia being great maybe moved here when the exchange rate 2.5 to the pound and the cost living was lower, so the incrimental increase hasnt been so noticable.
I would say take your UK earnings in pounds, times the numbers by 2.5 to 3 to give what you need in AUD.
Let me ask this if you took the sunshine away...what is left?
If I had a time machine would I still come?...yes...if you have the itch to come it will always bother you if you dont...just dont expect the same standard of living material wise you had in the UK if your going to do the same work wise here. Thats just the way it is, you loose here and there but gain in other areas.
A bumper sticker I saw sums it up
"Australia either love it or piss off"
And you have to do just that, come wth your eyes open to the financial reality these days thats all I am trying to get accross.
Now Im off to strole back to my 20 year old 15k AUD car which in the UK would cost 7k but I'll do it in the warm evening sun...swings and round abouts folks.
My UK house (Not 17th Century...19th) was sold for 375k GBP in late 2012, a comparable house here with the same commute distance (45 mins west) would put me in Pullenvale where you are talking 1m plus.
I just want people to understand that many of the folk who bang on about Australia being great maybe moved here when the exchange rate 2.5 to the pound and the cost living was lower, so the incrimental increase hasnt been so noticable.
I would say take your UK earnings in pounds, times the numbers by 2.5 to 3 to give what you need in AUD.
Let me ask this if you took the sunshine away...what is left?
If I had a time machine would I still come?...yes...if you have the itch to come it will always bother you if you dont...just dont expect the same standard of living material wise you had in the UK if your going to do the same work wise here. Thats just the way it is, you loose here and there but gain in other areas.
A bumper sticker I saw sums it up
"Australia either love it or piss off"
And you have to do just that, come wth your eyes open to the financial reality these days thats all I am trying to get accross.
Now Im off to strole back to my 20 year old 15k AUD car which in the UK would cost 7k but I'll do it in the warm evening sun...swings and round abouts folks.
If I had the time machine I'd think long & hard...