Is it me or do all the expats I meet in Perth not allow their wives to work.

I have never so many brits in my life whose wives or GF's hang around at home and do the coffee club lunch thing.....

Just an observation...

Maybe they don't want or need to work, I doubt many expats aren't working because their husbands "don't allow it". Quick way to divorce these days I would've thought!!

As a WA "expat wife" I would like to add that I work full time in construction and my OH is unemployed.....

Wish I had the time to do coffee mornings or ladies who lunch!

...........swallow ?

I'm not in WA, but I'm an "expat wife" and no, I don't work (outside the home ). Not because DH doesn't "allow" it, but because that's a choice we've made. Two of my closest friends here are also expats and no, they don't work either.

Yes, it's you. Obviously a well-balanced guy; a chip on each shoulder. Seems to be a running theme.

I've been a trailing spouse on and off (mostly on) for years. Great work if you can get it.

I assume you're talking about paid work rather than work...

after all, who looks after the kids, makes sure they get to school etc on time, does the housework, probably does the majority of the cooking etc etc etc....

Totally agree Actually, me not working was part of the "deal" I made with DH before we moved here... "yes you can drag me half way around the world... but no, don't expect me to work"

Seriously though, we came out here with a 2.5yr old and whilst she did a day or so in daycare for a bit and then a couple of days per week in preschool from 2007, it's been lovely being "here" for her.

She's now in school full-time so there was talk of me getting a job.

Got pregnant again instead. I'm a clever sausage

No need to justify it, Tilly. Until recently I was a child-free housewife with a cleaner.

Also, when we first came out here we were on the god-awful 457 temporary visa and as such it would have been a PITA to get someone to take me on.

Or maybe I'm just a big lazy-bones

[B]Quote:
Originally Posted by La Vida loca
Every Pom I meet is wedged up, Im yet to meet one who isnt building a house or owns one over $600k.

Also their wifes dont work, they own two cars and have took a lesser paid job as they have come here to sit back.....

Must be my expat circles if others know different...[/B]
I come here with a credit card bill and $2000 cash.....and a car.


It depends on the age group you are meeting? I was 40 when I arrived here and OH was 44 - both had good jobs in the UK and OH has a good job here. I would expect us, and others like us, to have money behind us at our age.

Oh and I don't work - bloody marvellous!!

Nice one!!! I am in awe of you

Yes I am one of those wives.My husband doesnt allow me to work.I am not even allowed to clean the house ,do the shopping or care for two children.Everyday he gives me $20 dollars to go to the Dome for coffee.It really is hell.


Gosh that was a nice dream.

Being serious for one minute - before we moved to Asia I had been single for a long time, owned my own house, was high-earning, and in charge of my own destiny. From that to being reliant on a man for pocket money took some adjustment.

However one does soon get used to having nothing more stressful to think about than one's outfit for post-gym and post-massage lunch with the Ladies, that's also suitable for a touch of light shopping and adjourning to somebody's poolside to drink gin or bubbly 'til the men come home.

Was this the kind of discussion you were hoping for, OP?