For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Oct 22nd 2005, 11:48 pm
#1
sunshinesarah
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Buderim, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Posts: 203
For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Whilst my partner and my situation are only 2 little statistics I thought I might just put this on paper (or screen).
We decided to settle on the Sunshine Coast and commited to a 6 month rental and bought a block of land to build a house both before even looking for a job. Yes, we were concerned about the rumours of few job prospects but decided that jobs would have to fit into lifestyle and chosen area to live rather than the other way round ie live somewhere due to job. We were both prepared to wash dishes if necessary.
We found the quickest and most effective way to find jobs was to walk into places. I found work in 2 days and my partner in a week. We found agencies too long winded and complicated.
My partner worked high up the ladder in retail but was quite prepared to take a 'shop floor' job. We knew he'd be OK.
Although we had come in on my skills the job thing was more a concern for me cos my field was quite specialised. I worked as a Project Manager in Construction. I did not want exactly the same job, just similar and part time. I have ended up still in sales but working in a plumbing/bathroom showroom 18 hours per week. I now know everything there is to know about loos! I earn $19 /hr on a casual contract which works out more cost effective than going on a part time contract where you might get sick pay and annual leave.
Dave's job was actually a full time job, but they liked him and were willing to take him on for the 3 days he wanted. Also, if you work Sundays in retail, you will probably get double pay. So he gets around $36/hr on a Sunday just for selling blumin TV's!!! Then he gets commision on top of that.
Another thing, because we are both part time, we are in the lowest tax bracket so don;t lose a whole load to tax, just a bit. Do your research on tax brackets as income tax is higher here.
If you're looking for a high flying executive job, I think very few exist on the Sunshine Coast - you may have to be prepared to commute to Brisbane.
And if you're worried about getting the job you want, there are ALWAYS retail, restaurant jobs to keep you going in the meantime. Se Queensland is the fastest growing place in Oz at the moment, unemployment is at a low so fret not.
We found there was much more of a demand for full time work rather than the casual/part time work we wanted.
We met some other expats recently - he was a panel beater in the UK. he has had several job offers it seems but wants to use the move to try something different - maybe buy a business.
It all depends on what you want to do and how flexible you can be just to bring in some cash. There is work here.
Sunshine Sarah
PS I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
We decided to settle on the Sunshine Coast and commited to a 6 month rental and bought a block of land to build a house both before even looking for a job. Yes, we were concerned about the rumours of few job prospects but decided that jobs would have to fit into lifestyle and chosen area to live rather than the other way round ie live somewhere due to job. We were both prepared to wash dishes if necessary.
We found the quickest and most effective way to find jobs was to walk into places. I found work in 2 days and my partner in a week. We found agencies too long winded and complicated.
My partner worked high up the ladder in retail but was quite prepared to take a 'shop floor' job. We knew he'd be OK.
Although we had come in on my skills the job thing was more a concern for me cos my field was quite specialised. I worked as a Project Manager in Construction. I did not want exactly the same job, just similar and part time. I have ended up still in sales but working in a plumbing/bathroom showroom 18 hours per week. I now know everything there is to know about loos! I earn $19 /hr on a casual contract which works out more cost effective than going on a part time contract where you might get sick pay and annual leave.
Dave's job was actually a full time job, but they liked him and were willing to take him on for the 3 days he wanted. Also, if you work Sundays in retail, you will probably get double pay. So he gets around $36/hr on a Sunday just for selling blumin TV's!!! Then he gets commision on top of that.
Another thing, because we are both part time, we are in the lowest tax bracket so don;t lose a whole load to tax, just a bit. Do your research on tax brackets as income tax is higher here.
If you're looking for a high flying executive job, I think very few exist on the Sunshine Coast - you may have to be prepared to commute to Brisbane.
And if you're worried about getting the job you want, there are ALWAYS retail, restaurant jobs to keep you going in the meantime. Se Queensland is the fastest growing place in Oz at the moment, unemployment is at a low so fret not.
We found there was much more of a demand for full time work rather than the casual/part time work we wanted.
We met some other expats recently - he was a panel beater in the UK. he has had several job offers it seems but wants to use the move to try something different - maybe buy a business.
It all depends on what you want to do and how flexible you can be just to bring in some cash. There is work here.
Sunshine Sarah
PS I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
Oct 23rd 2005, 3:41 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2004
Location: lived in halesworth in suffolk, now on the sunny coast qld
Posts: 274
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by sunshinesarah
Whilst my partner and my situation are only 2 little statistics I thought I might just put this on paper (or screen).
We decided to settle on the Sunshine Coast and commited to a 6 month rental and bought a block of land to build a house both before even looking for a job. Yes, we were concerned about the rumours of few job prospects but decided that jobs would have to fit into lifestyle and chosen area to live rather than the other way round ie live somewhere due to job. We were both prepared to wash dishes if necessary.
We found the quickest and most effective way to find jobs was to walk into places. I found work in 2 days and my partner in a week. We found agencies too long winded and complicated.
My partner worked high up the ladder in retail but was quite prepared to take a 'shop floor' job. We knew he'd be OK.
Although we had come in on my skills the job thing was more a concern for me cos my field was quite specialised. I worked as a Project Manager in Construction. I did not want exactly the same job, just similar and part time. I have ended up still in sales but working in a plumbing/bathroom showroom 18 hours per week. I now know everything there is to know about loos! I earn $19 /hr on a casual contract which works out more cost effective than going on a part time contract where you might get sick pay and annual leave.
Dave's job was actually a full time job, but they liked him and were willing to take him on for the 3 days he wanted. Also, if you work Sundays in retail, you will probably get double pay. So he gets around $36/hr on a Sunday just for selling blumin TV's!!! Then he gets commision on top of that.
Another thing, because we are both part time, we are in the lowest tax bracket so don;t lose a whole load to tax, just a bit. Do your research on tax brackets as income tax is higher here.
If you're looking for a high flying executive job, I think very few exist on the Sunshine Coast - you may have to be prepared to commute to Brisbane.
And if you're worried about getting the job you want, there are ALWAYS retail, restaurant jobs to keep you going in the meantime. Se Queensland is the fastest growing place in Oz at the moment, unemployment is at a low so fret not.
We found there was much more of a demand for full time work rather than the casual/part time work we wanted.
We met some other expats recently - he was a panel beater in the UK. he has had several job offers it seems but wants to use the move to try something different - maybe buy a business.
It all depends on what you want to do and how flexible you can be just to bring in some cash. There is work here.
Sunshine Sarah
PS I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
We decided to settle on the Sunshine Coast and commited to a 6 month rental and bought a block of land to build a house both before even looking for a job. Yes, we were concerned about the rumours of few job prospects but decided that jobs would have to fit into lifestyle and chosen area to live rather than the other way round ie live somewhere due to job. We were both prepared to wash dishes if necessary.
We found the quickest and most effective way to find jobs was to walk into places. I found work in 2 days and my partner in a week. We found agencies too long winded and complicated.
My partner worked high up the ladder in retail but was quite prepared to take a 'shop floor' job. We knew he'd be OK.
Although we had come in on my skills the job thing was more a concern for me cos my field was quite specialised. I worked as a Project Manager in Construction. I did not want exactly the same job, just similar and part time. I have ended up still in sales but working in a plumbing/bathroom showroom 18 hours per week. I now know everything there is to know about loos! I earn $19 /hr on a casual contract which works out more cost effective than going on a part time contract where you might get sick pay and annual leave.
Dave's job was actually a full time job, but they liked him and were willing to take him on for the 3 days he wanted. Also, if you work Sundays in retail, you will probably get double pay. So he gets around $36/hr on a Sunday just for selling blumin TV's!!! Then he gets commision on top of that.
Another thing, because we are both part time, we are in the lowest tax bracket so don;t lose a whole load to tax, just a bit. Do your research on tax brackets as income tax is higher here.
If you're looking for a high flying executive job, I think very few exist on the Sunshine Coast - you may have to be prepared to commute to Brisbane.
And if you're worried about getting the job you want, there are ALWAYS retail, restaurant jobs to keep you going in the meantime. Se Queensland is the fastest growing place in Oz at the moment, unemployment is at a low so fret not.
We found there was much more of a demand for full time work rather than the casual/part time work we wanted.
We met some other expats recently - he was a panel beater in the UK. he has had several job offers it seems but wants to use the move to try something different - maybe buy a business.
It all depends on what you want to do and how flexible you can be just to bring in some cash. There is work here.
Sunshine Sarah
PS I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
i know a few Expats here who still want to earns the big bucks but i think most of us knew that wouldn't be so , like u we really wanted to stay on sunny coast & as lots of u know Kev is now in air con & not the stressed out gm of a very busy crash repair centre , he does much less hrs & is pretty chilled most of the time . me !! well still enjoying being at home .[at mo ]
Oct 23rd 2005, 8:03 am
#3
one day rodders !!!
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Helensvale where else!
Posts: 2,216
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
fantastic thread
thank you we need more like this for us on this side waiting our turn
jan xx
thank you we need more like this for us on this side waiting our turn
jan xx
Oct 23rd 2005, 8:11 am
#4
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
debreeve,
are you who I think you are, Brad and angelina Jolie of fly on the wall tv?
are you who I think you are, Brad and angelina Jolie of fly on the wall tv?
Oct 23rd 2005, 8:30 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2004
Location: Mountain Creek, Sunshine Coast
Posts: 1,643
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by The Freak
debreeve,
are you who I think you are, Brad and angelina Jolie of fly on the wall tv?
are you who I think you are, Brad and angelina Jolie of fly on the wall tv?
Beers on the way
Oct 23rd 2005, 8:39 am
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 987
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Sarah I have sent you a PM.
Oct 23rd 2005, 10:44 am
#7
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,172
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by sunshinesarah
Whilst my partner and my situation are only 2 little statistics I thought I might just put this on paper (or screen).
We decided to settle on the Sunshine Coast and commited to a 6 month rental and bought a block of land to build a house both before even looking for a job. Yes, we were concerned about the rumours of few job prospects but decided that jobs would have to fit into lifestyle and chosen area to live rather than the other way round ie live somewhere due to job. We were both prepared to wash dishes if necessary.
We found the quickest and most effective way to find jobs was to walk into places. I found work in 2 days and my partner in a week. We found agencies too long winded and complicated.
My partner worked high up the ladder in retail but was quite prepared to take a 'shop floor' job. We knew he'd be OK.
Although we had come in on my skills the job thing was more a concern for me cos my field was quite specialised. I worked as a Project Manager in Construction. I did not want exactly the same job, just similar and part time. I have ended up still in sales but working in a plumbing/bathroom showroom 18 hours per week. I now know everything there is to know about loos! I earn $19 /hr on a casual contract which works out more cost effective than going on a part time contract where you might get sick pay and annual leave.
Dave's job was actually a full time job, but they liked him and were willing to take him on for the 3 days he wanted. Also, if you work Sundays in retail, you will probably get double pay. So he gets around $36/hr on a Sunday just for selling blumin TV's!!! Then he gets commision on top of that.
Another thing, because we are both part time, we are in the lowest tax bracket so don;t lose a whole load to tax, just a bit. Do your research on tax brackets as income tax is higher here.
If you're looking for a high flying executive job, I think very few exist on the Sunshine Coast - you may have to be prepared to commute to Brisbane.
And if you're worried about getting the job you want, there are ALWAYS retail, restaurant jobs to keep you going in the meantime. Se Queensland is the fastest growing place in Oz at the moment, unemployment is at a low so fret not.
We found there was much more of a demand for full time work rather than the casual/part time work we wanted.
We met some other expats recently - he was a panel beater in the UK. he has had several job offers it seems but wants to use the move to try something different - maybe buy a business.
It all depends on what you want to do and how flexible you can be just to bring in some cash. There is work here.
Sunshine Sarah
PS I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
We decided to settle on the Sunshine Coast and commited to a 6 month rental and bought a block of land to build a house both before even looking for a job. Yes, we were concerned about the rumours of few job prospects but decided that jobs would have to fit into lifestyle and chosen area to live rather than the other way round ie live somewhere due to job. We were both prepared to wash dishes if necessary.
We found the quickest and most effective way to find jobs was to walk into places. I found work in 2 days and my partner in a week. We found agencies too long winded and complicated.
My partner worked high up the ladder in retail but was quite prepared to take a 'shop floor' job. We knew he'd be OK.
Although we had come in on my skills the job thing was more a concern for me cos my field was quite specialised. I worked as a Project Manager in Construction. I did not want exactly the same job, just similar and part time. I have ended up still in sales but working in a plumbing/bathroom showroom 18 hours per week. I now know everything there is to know about loos! I earn $19 /hr on a casual contract which works out more cost effective than going on a part time contract where you might get sick pay and annual leave.
Dave's job was actually a full time job, but they liked him and were willing to take him on for the 3 days he wanted. Also, if you work Sundays in retail, you will probably get double pay. So he gets around $36/hr on a Sunday just for selling blumin TV's!!! Then he gets commision on top of that.
Another thing, because we are both part time, we are in the lowest tax bracket so don;t lose a whole load to tax, just a bit. Do your research on tax brackets as income tax is higher here.
If you're looking for a high flying executive job, I think very few exist on the Sunshine Coast - you may have to be prepared to commute to Brisbane.
And if you're worried about getting the job you want, there are ALWAYS retail, restaurant jobs to keep you going in the meantime. Se Queensland is the fastest growing place in Oz at the moment, unemployment is at a low so fret not.
We found there was much more of a demand for full time work rather than the casual/part time work we wanted.
We met some other expats recently - he was a panel beater in the UK. he has had several job offers it seems but wants to use the move to try something different - maybe buy a business.
It all depends on what you want to do and how flexible you can be just to bring in some cash. There is work here.
Sunshine Sarah
PS I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
cheers - karma on its way!
jacs x
Oct 23rd 2005, 10:54 am
#8
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 715
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by sunshinesarah
PS I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
I have forgotten what it is like NOT to sit in traffic, blimely the UK is a corker for traffic.Nice to hear a good positive approach to life, best of luck
Oct 23rd 2005, 8:10 pm
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 115
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
hi all great thread, when we were on the sunshine coast i worked a nurse/midwife and my hubby general labourer. he too just approached some builders on a building site nr where we lived and the builder didn't need him but passes him on to a mate that did. you can do a half day course to get your safety cert then work as a general labourer. he also went through the yellow pages and could have got work as a landscape gardeners assistant, only that particular jobs hours didn't fit in with our family. the people he spoke to and worked for were impressed by his willingness to seek work himself. he also helped build the tiger enclosure at Australia zoo, and had good fun there too, generally when he worked somewhere casually if they liked him they called him back and recommended him.
Same for me casual work to start then found practice nurse job, and was offered permanent contract after 3 months. sometimes being different (as in UK accent) helped me get work.
Same for me casual work to start then found practice nurse job, and was offered permanent contract after 3 months. sometimes being different (as in UK accent) helped me get work.
Oct 23rd 2005, 8:30 pm
#10
"Whats That In Pounds?"
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Posts: 77
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by sunshinesarah
I have not sat in a traffic jam since I got here (god how I don't miss the A52 in nottingham) and neither of us have worn a suit, shirt or tie in over a year!
:-Dave
Oct 23rd 2005, 10:58 pm
#11
sunshinesarah
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Buderim, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Posts: 203
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Hi jacs
It would seem skilled tradesmen are well in demand. The 3 main plumbing places on Sunny Coast are, Reece (big national company), North Coast Plumbing, where I work and Tradelink if he wants to be employed.
If he's looking to be self employed, from what I have learned in a year, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Working in a showroom, I do hear people all day who are doing renovations saying how difficult it is to find plumbers, tilers, electricians etc.
There is building going on everywhere here. It's growing at a fast pace.
Sarah
It would seem skilled tradesmen are well in demand. The 3 main plumbing places on Sunny Coast are, Reece (big national company), North Coast Plumbing, where I work and Tradelink if he wants to be employed.
If he's looking to be self employed, from what I have learned in a year, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Working in a showroom, I do hear people all day who are doing renovations saying how difficult it is to find plumbers, tilers, electricians etc.
There is building going on everywhere here. It's growing at a fast pace.
Sarah
Oct 24th 2005, 12:07 am
#12
Dobro
Joined: May 2004
Location: Essex to Perth via Caloundra
Posts: 100
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by sunshinesarah
Hi jacs
It would seem skilled tradesmen are well in demand. The 3 main plumbing places on Sunny Coast are, Reece (big national company), North Coast Plumbing, where I work and Tradelink if he wants to be employed.
If he's looking to be self employed, from what I have learned in a year, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Working in a showroom, I do hear people all day who are doing renovations saying how difficult it is to find plumbers, tilers, electricians etc.
There is building going on everywhere here. It's growing at a fast pace.
Sarah
It would seem skilled tradesmen are well in demand. The 3 main plumbing places on Sunny Coast are, Reece (big national company), North Coast Plumbing, where I work and Tradelink if he wants to be employed.
If he's looking to be self employed, from what I have learned in a year, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Working in a showroom, I do hear people all day who are doing renovations saying how difficult it is to find plumbers, tilers, electricians etc.
There is building going on everywhere here. It's growing at a fast pace.
Sarah
Hi All,
I've lived on the Sunny Coast on and off for 4 years now and work for both me and my good wife has been very easy to find. As Sunshinearah says the best way to get work in Oz is to turn up and show people your face.
The building trade is booming at the moment and there is lots of work for all trades(I used to be in the trade).
Hospitality is also very easy to work in, just to tide you over till something better comes along if need be.
Huey
Oct 24th 2005, 7:51 am
#13
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,172
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by sunshinesarah
Hi jacs
It would seem skilled tradesmen are well in demand. The 3 main plumbing places on Sunny Coast are, Reece (big national company), North Coast Plumbing, where I work and Tradelink if he wants to be employed.
If he's looking to be self employed, from what I have learned in a year, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Working in a showroom, I do hear people all day who are doing renovations saying how difficult it is to find plumbers, tilers, electricians etc.
There is building going on everywhere here. It's growing at a fast pace.
Sarah
It would seem skilled tradesmen are well in demand. The 3 main plumbing places on Sunny Coast are, Reece (big national company), North Coast Plumbing, where I work and Tradelink if he wants to be employed.
If he's looking to be self employed, from what I have learned in a year, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Working in a showroom, I do hear people all day who are doing renovations saying how difficult it is to find plumbers, tilers, electricians etc.
There is building going on everywhere here. It's growing at a fast pace.
Sarah
OoooooOO thanks your a star!!!
Oct 24th 2005, 7:51 am
#14
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,172
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
now all i need is for someone to buy my chuffin house 
Oct 24th 2005, 11:40 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2004
Location: lived in halesworth in suffolk, now on the sunny coast qld
Posts: 274
Re: For those worried about finding work on Sunshine Coast
Originally Posted by kevinbloomfield
I would say they are more like David Beckham and Victoria (from what I can remember)
Beers on the way
Beers on the way
not long now until we all meet . will ask Kev which beers he would like , as for me i miss nothing thanks , well apart form a good old karaoke down the local , sad i know .
see ya soon . xx cheers
debs & kev .. :
