What is Oz really like??
Oct 8th 2007, 2:31 pm
#31
Australia's Doorman
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: The Shoalhaven, New South Wales, Australia
Posts: 11,056
Re: What is Oz really like??
). I suffered badly from depression (I'm low-end bipolar) and, when we came here for a trial run a couple of years ago (for two months), I came off my medication and was 'right as rain' as they say. Couldn't honestly explain why that was - but we tried moving within the UK before emigrating and that made no difference, so it's not as simple as a change-of-scene. My missus thoroughly enjoyed having the old me back and also loved Australia and Australians and so suggested we emigrate here. There were of course other reasons - such as the fact that I have family here (my dad's an aussie), that we vastly prefer the NSW education system to the Gloucestershire one, that the weather's great and that we can afford to live on the coast - but the main reason was that Australia agrees with my somewhat screwed-up brain. 
Oct 8th 2007, 2:47 pm
#32
sneaking a peek ...
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Adelaide, SA
Posts: 3,320
Re: What is Oz really like??
Like I said, it varies enormously and of course everyone has their own reasons. So allow me to explain mine (and I do mean mine, not my missus or my son's - though of course he being five had to come whatever ). I suffered badly from depression (I'm low-end bipolar) and, when we came here for a trial run a couple of years ago (for two months), I came off my medication and was 'right as rain' as they say. Couldn't honestly explain why that was - but we tried moving within the UK before emigrating and that made no difference, so it's not as simple as a change-of-scene. My missus thoroughly enjoyed having the old me back and also loved Australia and Australians and so suggested we emigrate here. There were of course other reasons - such as the fact that I have family here (my dad's an aussie), that we vastly prefer the NSW education system to the Gloucestershire one, that the weather's great and that we can afford to live on the coast - but the main reason was that Australia agrees with my somewhat screwed-up brain.
). I suffered badly from depression (I'm low-end bipolar) and, when we came here for a trial run a couple of years ago (for two months), I came off my medication and was 'right as rain' as they say. Couldn't honestly explain why that was - but we tried moving within the UK before emigrating and that made no difference, so it's not as simple as a change-of-scene. My missus thoroughly enjoyed having the old me back and also loved Australia and Australians and so suggested we emigrate here. There were of course other reasons - such as the fact that I have family here (my dad's an aussie), that we vastly prefer the NSW education system to the Gloucestershire one, that the weather's great and that we can afford to live on the coast - but the main reason was that Australia agrees with my somewhat screwed-up brain. The reason i am asking is because i dont think that i do have a 'compelling reason' to emigrate. We have the opportunity and the means and a 'life is too short' attitude and are planning on going for what appears to me some of the reasons that others have said are poor reasons.
To me the move is an adventure - to try something different and to experience life in a different country. If we go and we love it we will stay. If we go and we dont love it we will head off somewhere else to try something different (either back to the uk or on to a different country)
Yes i could sit here in my safe and comfy uk chair for the next 30 years and be perfectly happy - but why turn down the chance to try something different - i might like it more
maybe this does count as a 'compelling reason' - i dont know - hence the question
Oct 8th 2007, 3:32 pm
#33
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: PERTH WOOOHOOO !!! EVENTUALLY
Posts: 138
Re: What is Oz really like??
This answer above is one of the reasons that I posted the original question.......
If we didn't do it now, then we would regret it for the rest of our lives and always wonder what might have been.
Of course we will miss friends and family. Who wouldn't?? You would have to be totally heartless to not miss people, but life goes on and we are doing this for US and the kids not anybody else.
Wish us luck
(If we ever get there!!)
Rob
If we didn't do it now, then we would regret it for the rest of our lives and always wonder what might have been.
Of course we will miss friends and family. Who wouldn't?? You would have to be totally heartless to not miss people, but life goes on and we are doing this for US and the kids not anybody else.
Wish us luck
(If we ever get there!!)
Rob
Oct 8th 2007, 3:50 pm
#34
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Happily in Adelaide
Posts: 11,994
Re: What is Oz really like??
sounds like an excellent reason
The reason i am asking is because i dont think that i do have a 'compelling reason' to emigrate. We have the opportunity and the means and a 'life is too short' attitude and are planning on going for what appears to me some of the reasons that others have said are poor reasons.
To me the move is an adventure - to try something different and to experience life in a different country. If we go and we love it we will stay. If we go and we dont love it we will head off somewhere else to try something different (either back to the uk or on to a different country)
Yes i could sit here in my safe and comfy uk chair for the next 30 years and be perfectly happy - but why turn down the chance to try something different - i might like it more
maybe this does count as a 'compelling reason' - i dont know - hence the question
The reason i am asking is because i dont think that i do have a 'compelling reason' to emigrate. We have the opportunity and the means and a 'life is too short' attitude and are planning on going for what appears to me some of the reasons that others have said are poor reasons.
To me the move is an adventure - to try something different and to experience life in a different country. If we go and we love it we will stay. If we go and we dont love it we will head off somewhere else to try something different (either back to the uk or on to a different country)
Yes i could sit here in my safe and comfy uk chair for the next 30 years and be perfectly happy - but why turn down the chance to try something different - i might like it more
maybe this does count as a 'compelling reason' - i dont know - hence the question
Oct 8th 2007, 4:34 pm
#35
sneaking a peek ...
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Adelaide, SA
Posts: 3,320
Re: What is Oz really like??
do you leave the stress of the process behind - or do you take it with you and add to it he stresses associated with being in a unfamiliar environment
Oct 8th 2007, 4:35 pm
#36
sneaking a peek ...
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Adelaide, SA
Posts: 3,320
Re: What is Oz really like??
This answer above is one of the reasons that I posted the original question.......
If we didn't do it now, then we would regret it for the rest of our lives and always wonder what might have been.
Of course we will miss friends and family. Who wouldn't?? You would have to be totally heartless to not miss people, but life goes on and we are doing this for US and the kids not anybody else.
Wish us luck
(If we ever get there!!)
Rob
If we didn't do it now, then we would regret it for the rest of our lives and always wonder what might have been.
Of course we will miss friends and family. Who wouldn't?? You would have to be totally heartless to not miss people, but life goes on and we are doing this for US and the kids not anybody else.
Wish us luck
(If we ever get there!!)
Rob
Oct 8th 2007, 4:46 pm
#37
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Happily in Adelaide
Posts: 11,994
Re: What is Oz really like??
i wonder if that makes you work harder to try and make things work out - or if it makes you resentful of the country you are heading to?
do you leave the stress of the process behind - or do you take it with you and add to it he stresses associated with being in a unfamiliar environment
do you leave the stress of the process behind - or do you take it with you and add to it he stresses associated with being in a unfamiliar environment
Hopefully the experience will make us work harder to make the move a success.
Oct 8th 2007, 6:35 pm
#38
Happy migrant
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Newcastle , NSW
Posts: 6,756
Re: What is Oz really like??
sounds like an excellent reason
The reason i am asking is because i dont think that i do have a 'compelling reason' to emigrate. We have the opportunity and the means and a 'life is too short' attitude and are planning on going for what appears to me some of the reasons that others have said are poor reasons.
To me the move is an adventure - to try something different and to experience life in a different country. If we go and we love it we will stay. If we go and we dont love it we will head off somewhere else to try something different (either back to the uk or on to a different country)
Yes i could sit here in my safe and comfy uk chair for the next 30 years and be perfectly happy - but why turn down the chance to try something different - i might like it more
maybe this does count as a 'compelling reason' - i dont know - hence the question
The reason i am asking is because i dont think that i do have a 'compelling reason' to emigrate. We have the opportunity and the means and a 'life is too short' attitude and are planning on going for what appears to me some of the reasons that others have said are poor reasons.
To me the move is an adventure - to try something different and to experience life in a different country. If we go and we love it we will stay. If we go and we dont love it we will head off somewhere else to try something different (either back to the uk or on to a different country)
Yes i could sit here in my safe and comfy uk chair for the next 30 years and be perfectly happy - but why turn down the chance to try something different - i might like it more
maybe this does count as a 'compelling reason' - i dont know - hence the question
I'm with you. I think wanting a change/ an opportunity / adventure is a great reason to go.
Oct 8th 2007, 10:19 pm
#39
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Canberra
Posts: 8,377
Re: What is Oz really like??
If you are young and enthusiastic there is nothing like taking up the challenge! I think some of us have come across changes as we have got older which may jaundice the way we think about where we have ended up. When we were in our 20s and 30s we lived in PNG, UK and Aus and never gave a thought to uprooting and moving where the opportunities were, we just did it! We didnt have forward planning for what to do in our retirement and that, for us, has been the biggest problem with me thinking that half time here and half in UK was what I wanted to do and him thinking that living out in the bush miles away from anywhere is what he wanted to do (oops, not a good match!).
I'd say if you have an opportunity which looks too good to resist and you are young and able then go for it! You wont know until you try it but (and with the benefit of hindsight here) try not to burn any bridges in the process.
I'd say if you have an opportunity which looks too good to resist and you are young and able then go for it! You wont know until you try it but (and with the benefit of hindsight here) try not to burn any bridges in the process.
Nov 5th 2007, 4:00 pm
#40
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Dorset
Posts: 599
Re: What is Oz really like??
i wonder if that makes you work harder to try and make things work out - or if it makes you resentful of the country you are heading to?
do you leave the stress of the process behind - or do you take it with you and add to it he stresses associated with being in a unfamiliar environment
do you leave the stress of the process behind - or do you take it with you and add to it he stresses associated with being in a unfamiliar environment
As for Hutches compelling reason idea,I agree. We were definately "whim-sters", "because we could" . Not such a good basis to change an entire families lifestyle really.Particualrly as Vash has said, if what you have is already working, then why change?
Nov 5th 2007, 4:46 pm
#41
pink 'n' bouncy
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Zombie nation
Posts: 6,087
Re: What is Oz really like??
sounds like an excellent reason
The reason i am asking is because i dont think that i do have a 'compelling reason' to emigrate. We have the opportunity and the means and a 'life is too short' attitude and are planning on going for what appears to me some of the reasons that others have said are poor reasons.
To me the move is an adventure - to try something different and to experience life in a different country. If we go and we love it we will stay. If we go and we dont love it we will head off somewhere else to try something different (either back to the uk or on to a different country)
Yes i could sit here in my safe and comfy uk chair for the next 30 years and be perfectly happy - but why turn down the chance to try something different - i might like it more
maybe this does count as a 'compelling reason' - i dont know - hence the question
The reason i am asking is because i dont think that i do have a 'compelling reason' to emigrate. We have the opportunity and the means and a 'life is too short' attitude and are planning on going for what appears to me some of the reasons that others have said are poor reasons.
To me the move is an adventure - to try something different and to experience life in a different country. If we go and we love it we will stay. If we go and we dont love it we will head off somewhere else to try something different (either back to the uk or on to a different country)
Yes i could sit here in my safe and comfy uk chair for the next 30 years and be perfectly happy - but why turn down the chance to try something different - i might like it more
maybe this does count as a 'compelling reason' - i dont know - hence the question
Lee
Nov 5th 2007, 5:00 pm
#42
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 697
Re: What is Oz really like??
Hi Guys,
We are going through the hole application process now. TRA has been passed, 136 permanent applied for and just waiting for a case officer.
It feels like we have been waiting for ever, even though its only been in since July.
Anyway, been reading a few threads about people having second thoughts and stuff and me and the missus can really relate to that. I feel like all we talk about to each other is Australia, its seems that all we talk to the family about is Australia, it seems that all we talk to our friends about is Australia and its starting to wear me down. Everyone says to us "Oh it will be great and they wish that they had the guts to do what we are doing......etc" But then they tell us that they really dont want us to go and that they will really miss us.
The thing is, I am now thinking "Will it be great? Is it really that much better than the UK? Are we making the right choice? Is it really worth all the hassle?
We went over in March and April this year and loved the place, but we were on holiday and we know that real life is totally different and we are both going to have to work hard to have a decent life out there for our 2 kids.
We are not scared of hard work and both of us know that its not going to be easy, but we are going to give it 110% and make sure that it does work for us, but we have seemed to have forgotten what we liked about it in the first place.
So my question to you guys is...........What is Oz really like??....
We want both good and bad answers please, because at the moment we feel in limbo land living 2 lives. One is the Oz dream and one is the UK reality of trying to keep everything going as normal as possible. We have this life of planning for Oz and this other life of pretending that it doesnt exist. Especially for me and the missus working lives. We both cant tell our bosses or work collegues because we could lose our jobs, which would leave us both up Shit Creek without a paddle.
Sorry to go on for so long, just feeling really mixed up at the moment. We really wanna go..................but we cant remember why.........Does that make sense?
Thanks in advance guys for any reply's. Any advice or experiences would be very welcome.
Rob & Joanne
ps
We are heading to Perth by the way
We are going through the hole application process now. TRA has been passed, 136 permanent applied for and just waiting for a case officer.
It feels like we have been waiting for ever, even though its only been in since July.
Anyway, been reading a few threads about people having second thoughts and stuff and me and the missus can really relate to that. I feel like all we talk about to each other is Australia, its seems that all we talk to the family about is Australia, it seems that all we talk to our friends about is Australia and its starting to wear me down. Everyone says to us "Oh it will be great and they wish that they had the guts to do what we are doing......etc" But then they tell us that they really dont want us to go and that they will really miss us.
The thing is, I am now thinking "Will it be great? Is it really that much better than the UK? Are we making the right choice? Is it really worth all the hassle?
We went over in March and April this year and loved the place, but we were on holiday and we know that real life is totally different and we are both going to have to work hard to have a decent life out there for our 2 kids.
We are not scared of hard work and both of us know that its not going to be easy, but we are going to give it 110% and make sure that it does work for us, but we have seemed to have forgotten what we liked about it in the first place.
So my question to you guys is...........What is Oz really like??....
We want both good and bad answers please, because at the moment we feel in limbo land living 2 lives. One is the Oz dream and one is the UK reality of trying to keep everything going as normal as possible. We have this life of planning for Oz and this other life of pretending that it doesnt exist. Especially for me and the missus working lives. We both cant tell our bosses or work collegues because we could lose our jobs, which would leave us both up Shit Creek without a paddle.
Sorry to go on for so long, just feeling really mixed up at the moment. We really wanna go..................but we cant remember why.........Does that make sense?
Thanks in advance guys for any reply's. Any advice or experiences would be very welcome.
Rob & Joanne
ps
We are heading to Perth by the way
)Why would anyone want to live in Perth? This is the most isolated city in the world and apart from Rottnest Island the local attractions like the Margaret River u need an overnight stay and the Pinnacles (another local attraction) is several hours away. To get to the nearest Oz city (Adelaide) u need to fly. The city centre including Subiaco is pretty dull although the beaches are ok -Cottesloe being the best - but then most Oz cities are on the coast. Fancy being stuck all the time in boring Perth apart from when u take yr holidays - mad.
Nov 5th 2007, 6:01 pm
#43
Fighting my corner
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 11,948
Re: What is Oz really like??
Amazed that I missed this back in October; have only just seen it because the thread was bumped. 
Compelling reasons to go? Well, Hutch has presented a good one, but here are some alternatives:
Compelling reasons to go? Well, Hutch has presented a good one, but here are some alternatives:
- Kids have grown up and moved out; you've wanted to emigrate for a while, and this is your chance to do it, but the usual Pommie retreats (Majorca/Brittany/Andorra/wherever else the Poms are escaping to these days) no longer hold any attraction, and you'd prefer an English-speaking country anyway
- Family connections to Australia; perhaps one (or both!) of your parents is an Aussie, and you feel that it's time to go home; or perhaps some of your closer relatives have moved Down Under and you want to follow them
- You're an Aussie (like me!) and you've enjoyed your 4+ years in the UK, but your rose-tinted specs fell off a long time ago, and the highlights of British cultural achievement (Wigan Pier/Alton Towers/Blackpool/Margate/Trentham Monkey Forest/Leicester Women's Institute) just don't thrill you anymore...
- You are utterly miserable in the UK (perhaps you live in The Lunt, or somewhere similar); you've visited Australia before (or you know a bit about it) and you're desperate for a change
Nov 5th 2007, 6:24 pm
#44
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: What is Oz really like??
Not sure we had a compelling reason to go mate, we liked our lives in the UK and we like them here. We had the opportunity to come to Australia, I was lucky enough (made my own luck?) to be working in an industry which has good employment prospects in any large urban westernised society.
If we hadn't have come it would have been on our minds FOR EVER.
Saying all the above, I am enjoying Melbourne more than I thought (dared hope?) I would, I haven't found any negatives here that bother me at all.
LG
Life's Good.
Buzzy
If we hadn't have come it would have been on our minds FOR EVER.
Saying all the above, I am enjoying Melbourne more than I thought (dared hope?) I would, I haven't found any negatives here that bother me at all.
LG
Life's Good.
Buzzy
Nov 5th 2007, 6:51 pm
#45
ASHO
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Busselton, WA
Posts: 173
Re: What is Oz really like??
dont care i cant wait just love it there!!!!!!!!!!!!!
