lawlaw

Hello Guys

Thought I would give you all a little update as I loved reading them back in the UK.

We arrived in Australia end of feb, Sydney airport. Our intention was to visit family in the northern Beaches (mona vale to be precise) do a bit of sightseeing then spend a week driving up the coast to Brisbane, where we intended to settle.

Well anyway we got to brissie and changed our minds within about 2 days and decided to go back to Sydney.

We came with about $7000 and have done really well, we both have better paid jobs than in the UK. I started last week, Steve starts in May.

We paid 3 months upfront for a unit in Mona Vale, as had no jobs when we applied.

Everything has worked out really well for us. We absolutely love it here, no regrets at all. I have not even been homesick, although having family here really helps I guess.

I love Sydney, its great having beers by the opera house after a days work and strolling along the beach at the weekend.

I have found everyone really friendly.

I just wanted to post this to give some hope to those without much cash to come with that it can be done if you are determined.

fantastic furniture is a godsend for those on a tight budget. we got a queen bed, mattress, table and chairs and a corner sofa for $1600. BARGAIN!

Anyway enough bimbling,

LawLaw x

Wendy

Great post, glad you are enjoying it.

Mrs JFW

No! not enough bimbling....i love these kinda posts!

Sounds like you are having a great time. Well done on getting good jobs very quickly! What made you change your mind about Brissy? was it just your family were in Syndney and you wanted to be nearer them? Thanks for the info on the furniture...good to know you can pick up a bargain.

Well feel free to ramble on some more LawLaw....I'm all ears!

Love Jackie x

kiwichild

Great to hear things are working out for you both. I was interested to hear you came with $7,000. Was this each or joint? The reason I am asking is one thing I am considering is moving to UK and would be interested on how much you think I might need to get me by until I get work (would take first job I could land until I find one that fits my qualifications).

I was thinking of taking 2-3,000 pounds plus airfare back to OZ/NZ if things didn't work out. What do you think? I have been to UK before and last time I was in London (was in my 20's then) scored a job in 3 days.

lawlaw

I dont know really what made me change my mind, I loved sydney soo much when we got here, I lived in the northern beaches til I was 10 and i felt so back at home here and just didnt get the same vibe in Brisbane. You know I think the main thing was the lack of beaches near to the city, I didnt think it would bother me until I got there, I felt a bit hemmed in, weird hey considering I lived in Derby before.

Mrs JFW

Hi Kiwi,

where in the UK are you thinking of coming? the amount you would need to live on varies considerably depending on where you live. Would you be looking at a house share? what kind of job would you be looking for...if you could get what you wanted. I think 2-3 thousand pounds might last you about 3-4 months depending on where you are in the country if that is any help.

Jackie x

lawlaw

hi kiwichild, oops I meant £7000 that was joint. Im not too sure about your question. I reckon you could do it not sure on London rentals though, others may be better qualified. I'm pretty sure it would be easy to get work there though

northerner

Hey, glad you're enjoying Sydney. We hope to be out there by the end of the year too!! Can't wait! Beer by the Opera House...... ahhhh

Graham

kiwichild

I was thinking of going to London intially as last time I was there, there was a lot of work around. Figured I'd stay at a backpackers till I got a job then move into a flatshare for awhile, then get my own flat or move north once I had saved a bit.

Sammy-G

Hi kiwichild

if going to London then you'll easily get a job (if you're prepeared to do whatever comes up.) Flat share wise youre prob looking at around about £400-£450 per month incl bills for the further out zones (i.e. 4-6), only way to get it cheaper is to organise a flat share yourself. Closer into the centre i'm not sure how much, but certainly would expect it to be more. I have no clue about backpacker rates.

Oh and to the OP - thanks - excellent post - trying to choose between Sydney and Brisbane myself (only difference being I spent my first 10 years in QLD).

Sammy

kiwichild

Thanks Sammy, sending you some karma (For the answer and so you can get started)

gedge

Welcome back to the northern beaches then! IMO you can't beat them.

A point on the furniture, I've bought a fair bit from Best Price -the big yellow building on main road near Balgowlah. Prices are good for some sturdy pieces, if you haggle. Just avoid the garlic smelling Frenchie in there.

Sammy-G

Thanks kiwichild!!! We've all gotta start somewhere!

Juliecabs

I love these posts.
Glad you are settling in well.
Long may it continue
Julie. x

possoms

Hi LawLaw great post, good to hear your settled and loving it

fab news re the job front, better paid too - bonus!!

bloody good deal on the furniture

sure its gotta be better than Derby

Possoms