Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Hi everyone just been reading the post from the user who isn't happy living in Perth
I too have posted of not enjoying my experience of emigrating to Sydney and just feel annoyed at the usual response "take it to the Moving back to Uk forum"

It is like a lot of you people can't take to hear anything negative or anyone who is not living in a mansion with pool, swimming in sea everyday, sunbathing and enjoying BBQ's every night with their regions of Australian friends. You know a bit of realism about the move might do you good.
I personally feel that before you emmigrate is the best time to read of other people's DIFFERENT experiences.

I am not talking about negativity but I for one would have like to have known how hard it is for a qualified nurse and teacher to actually get work over here or how bad traffic is in most of the cities (yes I know they are cities and you should expect some traffic but 1 hour jams are the norm even an hours drive out of the city)

There are good and bad things about Oz the beaches are beautiful, but it is too expensive for most to live close to them, the people we have meet have all been really friendy but it is hard to make new friends, like it would be anywhere!

Anyway sorry everyone rant over (having a bad day today) just think there should be a bit of a balance of this site and everyones opinion is valid

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I agree. Although some people do post things like 'there's no tesco's here' and expect everyone to ooh and argh over their plight to buy M&S knickers. Or the ones who state it as fact that their experience is the only true account of life here.

We all have our own experiences, they should be shared but not in a way that makes out that because they don't like it or are having difficulties that is the way it is for everyone (or vice versa).

I think that's where people get all defensive mostly. :)

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

You could say the same thing about negative views of the UK.
I see no difference here.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I dont have a mansion by any means but do have a small pool. I dont swim in the Ocean everyday and live only 5 mins away.....dont have time to go...everyday chores still need doing no matter what country yer in. I dont sunbathe....its too bloody hot to and the sun is too fierce here. Dont have BBQ's every night.......only meet up wi friends about once a month cos we r too tired to be bothered most weekends lol

We have a bigger mortgage than in the UK, but have a bigger house. Hubby works harder than he has ever done and for less money and he bloody loves it.

Bills still need paying(some months are a struggle)......you still have shit days just like you would anywhere...............would I swap what I have got now ...................Not a bloody chance!!!!!

I hope your day gets better

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

To be honest, I think there is a fair balance. I stumbled across this web site after only a few minutes of searching the internet and it's given me a pretty good grounding. I have no dissolutions about Australia (sydney in particular), in fact just the oz forum has given me enough food for thought. If people choose to ignore the negatives, then so be it, but I agree if people won't tolerate constructive critisism, then more fool them.

Have a bear, chill out, think about what YOU want out of life, and move on.:thumbup:

Cheryl

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

The negative stuff has it's uses- taken with a pinch of salt.

It amazes me how many people seem to go having never even visited before. :confused:
I'm sure lots of people expect 'UK with sun' :ohmy: (the same kind of people who complain about Spain not having decent fish and chips etc :rofl: )


I much prefer to read about those who have had it hard, but stuck it out and come good in the end. :thumbup:

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Why does it amaze you that people move without having ever gone before?

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I agree with you Dorothy.I jumped in cold as I recon a lot of people do.I just didnt have the money to "waste" on a reccie.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Or the ones who state "This is what it's like in Australia" when in fact Australia is a bloody big place & everywhere is different ;) .

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Me 3 :D

It's actually mostly those that do visit who expect it to be all sunshine and lollipops. They come for a holiday then when they actually come to live here they find that it's totally different to what their holiday was and think what they hell have I done.

Those of us who don't visit beforehand don't have any pre-conceived ideas and usually slot pretty well into everyday life here. :)

Of course there are exceptions to that, and it's very hard to generalise because at the end of the day there are lots of reasons why people don't settle here

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I agree with that, we had some friends of friends staying with us the other week. They had been here on holiday before and decided to get there visas so where here to activate them and make there final decision on moving here.
I have never seen such rose coloured glasses before, they where surprised by stupid , I was shocked, think they had taken the paradise thing a bit too literally :)

Anyway after staying with us I don't think they will move here :confused:

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Oi - you edited that - you said they were surprised they had car crashes here ... hence my :rofl:

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Some of these negative comments are exaggerated and factually wrong, to try and prove there point.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Thats OK to say if it worked out for you, but what about all the ones going back who didnt do a research trip, nearly always the ones weve seen go back never visited first. People quote it sets them back 30/40/60 grand, I imagine the cost of selling houses, commissions, fees, shipping, currency fluctuations, weeks or months of unemployment, setting up costs, selling it all up again a and shipping it all back again is slightly more of a 'waste' than the cost of a few weeks temp accom and airfares on research.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Hi i came to Australia in 2005 to stay without ever visiting the country reason why simply couldn't afford a recce before coming. We moved to Melbourne first stayed there for a year wasn't for us so decided to try here Perth without visiting first couldn't afford it we drove our car from melbourne to Perth and was close to $4000 for our container up here.Not everyone can afford a trip here before the big move down to all the cost's of moving so that's probably the main reason a lot of people dont, a few weeks in place doesn't really give you that much insight nothing like living it!!!

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

There are 5 families going back we know of, none of them are likely to post their news and I can see why, the reaction is hardly constructive is it. Pity I think those sort of posts can make people more aware of the things to be aware of and if people know the downsides they can plan for them, work out how to tackle that issue before the arrive, not try to sort it out when they have 3 kids in holiday accom and no bloody job!

I think tho for all the people cracking up about those sort of posts there are people who quietly take it in and arrive far more prepared simply because someone like you did bother to write about it. So I'll send ya some karma:D

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Good point. Though I understand that it can be tight to get the money together for an initial trip, when you weigh it up against these points, it really does make sense to do one.

I can't believe that anybody would place the future wellbeing and prosperity of themsleves and their family at the mercy of a country and system they had never even visited before!

Many of the people that seem to be going back (IMO) do seem to be in industries where the states jerk them around for months after arrival with trade licencing etc, which prevents them from getting a good start in the first place. But then again, good research should prepare people for these problems.

S

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I dont mind reading negative things about any country, what I cant stand is people putting their own personal views across as if they are fact and everyone who doesnt agree must be wrong, plus they think because that's how they feel the place must be to blame.

For instance, I am fed up of hearing how awful Perth is because people walk around barefoot - so bloody what???? Doesnt mean you dont have to do it (I know I certainly want shoes on my feet unless I'm walking round my own home) so what's the big deal?

I didnt come on a reccie, couldnt afford it and TBH I thought I'd get cold feet if we came first (OH had been before) and I've not had one single bit of homesickness or wanted to go back, we've been here 18 months now.

I know of one couple going back who'd already been here twice before so doing a reccie is certainly no guarantee that things will work out for you. I guess a lot of people dont realise how much they will miss things until they've gone.

I agree with Biggy: you still have to get up and go to work, you still have bills to pay - it's LIFE here not one long holiday - but I certainly wouldnt swap it.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Good for you ! However in the REAL WORLD some of us are more than capable of doing our research in advance and are flexible to deal with whatever life throws at us.

The cold hard fact is, that 2 weeks in Oz as a 'reccie' is of limited use - it WON'T tell you much more than you can gain from research over the internet. It also WON'T tell you is how long it will take to get to work, what's the best/worst areas to live, how you will find a job etc.

If you want to go for a look first, great, wonderful idea - but don't pontifcate on other peoples motives for not - which may often be financial also.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I had never been to Oz before we came :)

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

we couldnt afford to come over on a reccie either......and in our opinion we wouldnt have got a true impression of the place...as its totally different when yer in holiday mode to daily living.

the money that we would have spent on a reccie fully furnished our house...we had made up our minds we were comin and we were stayin end off lol

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I'm not just talking about a recce trip, but research in general, and it is a sad truth that a lot of people don't do enough of it.

S

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I agree and my dad is one of those in spain in a rural illage and wont touch tapas as you "dont know what youre getting!!:rofl: "

As for uk v oz
What in everyday life is so different between the two countries except better weather?

Do people speak a different language?
Do you have to work or not?
Did you have to travel to the beach for more than 20 minutes as you couldnt afford a house by the ocean?
Are there no taxes or laws or stupid red tape in oz?
Are there no drugs/crime/idiots

So why isnt it the UK with sun

im not having a go i just would like an answer as i cant see it any other way. The only reason we are moving there is for the weather. I fully expect everyhting to be as good or bad as the u. I dont care about people in barefoot or not in next clothing. Live and let live as long as im warm.

Live in piss it down for 11 months manchester and be a motorbiker and youll know what i mean.

al

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I dont think it's like the UK with better weather either.

It's the little things I guess: although some things are similar to the UK there are also American influences.

Sense of humour is a big thing that's different, sometimes you'll say something as a joke that a Pom would just laugh at but you get a strange look as the Aussies obviously dont understand what you're on about or think you're serious, plus there are many Aussies who think Benny Hill on a Saturday night is absolutley hilarious... :eek:

And words they use for things are different which can lead to confusion, my Aussie friends think it's hilarious when I mention that I have to hoover the house, they call trousers pants which I still havent got used to, there's loads of words that are different and you do sometimes get looked at like you've got two heads if you ask in a shop for something and you've used the UK word without realising it's called something else here!

I dont know, it's hard to put a finger on exactly what is different, like I said it's lots of little things really that add up to a big difference. Of course, there are positives and negatives like anywhere, best to come with an open mind and dont expect it to be like anywhere else. :thumbup:

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

So apart from a phrase book needed and a sense of humour from the seventies what is different

al

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I believe there are many posters here who believe they are better off in Oz but if they really analysed their decision to move would realise their previous lives offered them more.

They choose to sweep that sentiment under the carpet by putting their fingers in their ears and shouting ...

Blah Blah Blah Blah ...

Sometimes a bad decision is hard to admit.

I am full of admiration to those posters who give an honest and frank opinion on how things sit.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I truly hope that's a tongue in cheek post, designed to provoke a reaction. 'Cause if it's not, you're in for one enourmous shock.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Like I said, I cant say what the difference is as such, but it is there...

Maybe it's the family thing, Aussies definitely do like to spend more time with their families especially kids, you always see them in the parks at weekends, big groups having BBQs and playing cricket or whatever.

Less emphasis on labels (certainly in my neck of the woods) no looking down on people because they are wearing something from Best & Less that cost $5.

That is just a couple more examples, like I said it's little things that add up...

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Bugger, have to "spread" before I can give you K again... :(

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Answer the question then please to inform me.

I have given my view earlier why i think it is

Please change my mind or open my eyes as to HOW different it is.

Just sying that it is isnt helping anyone

thanks

al

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Ask sensible questions, I'll give sensible answers. if you need it to be explained that Australia and the UK are different countries with different cultures, histories, identities etc etc etc, you really are setting yourself up for a shock.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

So are you suggesting no families in the uk do this too

Its all a bit generalistic as to YOUR EXPERIENCE

I call pant pants and not trousers so am i australian. There are other parts of the uk where people spend alot of time with their families and i walk round in barefoot sometimes(did it last night to the petrol station) and i wash my feet when i get home.


al

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I'd only spend it on cheap booze and loose men. ;)

I have enough - worry yourself not.

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

You are born then go to school and then work and get a partner and have kids and pay taxes and get stuck in traffic and then die

in england (manches=ter in my experience) it pisses it down very often
In australia it will be sunnier and warmer

Whats the difference there. none.

Maybe not being able to get next clothing or go to boots or get a mars bar is horrifying for some people but not for me.

Paxing 10% GST on things WOW 17.5% in the uk.

This is my sensible answerable question to you:

What are major cultural differences between oz and the uk for you.


thanks

not trying to be an arse, i just want to see why i will be shocked and prepare myself.

al

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

FFS I was just trying to give examples as to how it's different :rolleyes:

I certainly dont know any families in the UK who would spend their Sundays down the park having a BBQ with a load of friends and family.....

Like I said IT'S HARD TO EXPLAIN

But anyone naive enough to think it's the UK with sun is in for a huge shock...

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

I think it's more to do with the way that things get done. Some things they do here are great, and you think why the hell don't they do that in England, where as other things, you think the complete opposite.

Buying a house for example, as I can combine both things.

Legally binding offer acceptance process, with completion 1 month after offer, penalty clauses apply if you don't sort it out on time. Why don't they do this in the uk?

But:

Viewing a house: May have to wait 4 weeks for the 25 minute 'Open for inspection' window, probably have to take the afternoon off of work to fit it in, only to be told by the agent he has "no idea" how much the vendor wants :confused: because he really wants to take it to auction. UK? Phone the agent, make an appointment go have a look, usually on your own, Agent tells you the asking price is xxxk pounds. How easy is that?

Stuff like that.

S

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

But then you say we are being generalistic and it's just our own experiences so make your mind up....

Dont prepare yourself for anything, come with an OPEN mind, dont expect Aus to be like anywhere....

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

You have just described most of Europe, North America, half of Asia and significant proportions of Africa.

What's the difference between any of them?

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

Hi swervo thanks

you mean red tape and funny ways, but on the flip side the aussies wold think it was the same if they came to the uk.

Same everything then just all in a brighter light.

Im trying to get a REAL difference one you wouldnt get anywhere else in the world, like getting bum raped for having a tattoo not the ususal company or gov bollocks spilt out by idiots who think they know things

Thats what i cant get to the bottom of im sorry bridie and geordie.

As far as im concerned itd be like me moving to newcastle or scotland or ireland. The people talk funny anfd they have there frustrating or affable ways (own opinion) but hardly any of that bollocks affects me in the UK so why should it in Australia. Thats my question.

al

Re: Why can't some people stand to hear negative views of Australia
 

This is absolutely spot on. Some people are afraid to admit that they may not be as well off here as they expected, and get upset when others point out the failings that Australia has. All countries have their bad points, so why is Oz exempt?

I work the same hours here as I did in the U.K. I have a bigger house here, and the weather is better. However financially I was better off in the U.K. Why do people assume that here I will spend all of my free time with my family, doing "wholesome family" things, whereas in the U.K I would obviously be doing something else (sitting in the pub perhaps?)? If people are that way inclined, they will do it anywhere. Besides, they seem to forget that in the U.K, I actually had a lot of family to spend time with. Here, I am part of a very small family unit.

If I were to say that I would be having more holidays if I lived in the U.K, and driving a better car, people would jump down my throat about being too materialistic. They'd then go on in another thread about the bigger house with a pool they've just bought (Ooooh. It's soooo much better than what we were living in before....)! So many people talk about coming here for a better life with more leisure time, but this isn't always possible in a lot of cases. Many people have to work more hours here to make anything like they were before they left, which leaves them less time for family, holidays (coupled with the lesser annual leave allowance on average), and generally enjoying the "lifestyle" that is so heavily promoted.

And if you haven't already secured a job in Oz, make no mistake, it isn't easy, and whatever you might hear on the grapevine about how much you can expect to earn, don't believe it until the first payslip is in you hand. Only then can you pass comment on how much family time, the comparative cost and quality of living, and overall improvement in you circumstances the move to Oz has made. People who sit back in their armchair in rainy Grimsby or wherever, and spout on about all the free time, flash cars, nice houses etc etc they're going to have when they arrive are dreaming, and they will be sadly, in most cases, but not all, proved wrong when they arrive.