|
3 months in Perth
Hi all, be prepared it's a long read. It could be alot longer but I will try and keep it brief.Well we have been here almost three months now.
We flew with Singapore airlines and after almost missing our flight:eek: we had a very enjoyable few days in Singapore before cotinuing on to Perth. We arrived mid afternoon and was met by Steve's aunty and uncle waving an Aussie flag:o We had prebooked a furnished short term rental for 8 weeks. The house didn't look much from the photo's but it was only for a short time and it was the only one available for the full 8 weeks. We arrived at the house and WOW!! It was huge and really nice. The housekeeper and Steve's aunt had bought us some supplies (including a v.large bottle of red) Steve and his uncle went out and got takeaway while I started with the wine:thumbsup: The kids raced about, checking out the house and baggying beds. The following day we went to get a hire car. During that first week we had got the kids into school, sorted medicare, sent off for tax file numbers, etc. Steve got in touch with an employment agent and went for an interview with them. He is a refrigeration and aircon mechanic, but he also has his 16th edition electrics and corgi gas and plumbing qualifications. The guy at the employment agent suggested that he looked at managerial positions, but seemed to take ages getting him any interviews. By this point Steve was getting really fed up, so started to apply for every job he thought he was qualified to do. Most of the jobs on the tools wouldn't entertain him until he had got his TRA back, which we had been told could take 4 - 6 weeks. The wages seemed really low too. By this time he was talking about cutting our losses and going home. We decided to send his CV to any advertised job. The following week the phone never stopped ringing, with people interested in interviewing him, which obviously lifted his spirits. To cut an even longer story short, he went for 6 interviews in the space of a week and got offered every position, even one job from a company that didn't even have a position, but they were really impressed with his CV they interviewed him and wanted him to work for there company, not bad eh?? He decided to accept a project managers position with a large ref/aircon company. He has been working there three weeks now and is loving it. We decided to buy a house quite quickly rather than renting. We had earmarked and researched quite alot of areas before we arrived so had a starting point of where to look. We prefer the northern subs but hadn't ruled out anywhere. So the search began. Armed with lists of open days we spent our weekends house hunting. All the areas we looked at the houses were either too expensive, needed tonnes of work doing or were just too small. Again we began feeling like we had made a huge mistake, we just were really struggling to find something suitable that we could afford. I decided to go to the meet at Hillary's, thought it may help to speak to other people. I met Sue there who suggested I take a look at Ellenbrook (where she lives) and kindly invited us to her house for a drink. I mentioned it to Steve who dismissed it as been too far out. I said it wouldn't hurt to go look. So we did, and fell in love with Ellenbrook. Everywhere is really clean and well kept. The houses are really nice and still very reasonably priced. We found a 7 year old house 4 bed 2 bathroom with a games room and a huge garden (plenty of room for a pool!!)There are parks at either end of the street and we can walk to the shops. It is ideal for us. We moved in two weeks ago and our stuff was delivered one week ago. The kids had to move schools again, but they have really settled and have made loads of friends. We have made friends too, which is nice, I think that has helped us settle. As much as I love my husband and my kids I think we would drive each other mad if we didn't have other people:eek: The weather has suprised me, I really am feeling the cold, and it's not because I have become climatised, cos I haven't been here for the hot weather. The houses just aren't built for cooler weather. We have bought a car now, which was expensive. Second hand vehicles really do keep their value here. All in all, we are starting to feel settled here now. It has been a rollercoaster few months and I am sure it will continue to be so, for a while yet. I haven't yet felt homesick. I don't think I will get homesick for the UK, but perhaps I will for family and friends, although I do phone on a frequent basis. My sister is pregnant and is due in August, so I think that may be tough. We have frinds visiting in November, our first visitors, Mark'n'Joe from BE, and we can't wait to see you!! Steve's parents are coming for xmas. I think this is all preventing any homesickness, knowing people are coming out. Life is good, Perth is beautiful and up to press we are loving it. We are spending more time together and feel less stressed. I am looking forward to the next year and really exploring our new homeland.:thumbsup: Nicky xx |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Originally Posted by leechy100
(Post 4996811)
Hi all, be prepared it's a long read. It could be alot longer but I will try and keep it brief.Well we have been here almost three months now.
We flew with Singapore airlines and after almost missing our flight:eek: we had a very enjoyable few days in Singapore before cotinuing on to Perth. We arrived mid afternoon and was met by Steve's aunty and uncle waving an Aussie flag:o We had prebooked a furnished short term rental for 8 weeks. The house didn't look much from the photo's but it was only for a short time and it was the only one available for the full 8 weeks. We arrived at the house and WOW!! It was huge and really nice. The housekeeper and Steve's aunt had bought us some supplies (including a v.large bottle of red) Steve and his uncle went out and got takeaway while I started with the wine:thumbsup: The kids raced about, checking out the house and baggying beds. The following day we went to get a hire car. During that first week we had got the kids into school, sorted medicare, sent off for tax file numbers, etc. Steve got in touch with an employment agent and went for an interview with them. He is a refrigeration and aircon mechanic, but he also has his 16th edition electrics and corgi gas and plumbing qualifications. The guy at the employment agent suggested that he looked at managerial positions, but seemed to take ages getting him any interviews. By this point Steve was getting really fed up, so started to apply for every job he thought he was qualified to do. Most of the jobs on the tools wouldn't entertain him until he had got his TRA back, which we had been told could take 4 - 6 weeks. The wages seemed really low too. By this time he was talking about cutting our losses and going home. We decided to send his CV to any advertised job. The following week the phone never stopped ringing, with people interested in interviewing him, which obviously lifted his spirits. To cut an even longer story short, he went for 6 interviews in the space of a week and got offered every position, even one job from a company that didn't even have a position, but they were really impressed with his CV they interviewed him and wanted him to work for there company, not bad eh?? He decided to accept a project managers position with a large ref/aircon company. He has been working there three weeks now and is loving it. We decided to buy a house quite quickly rather than renting. We had earmarked and researched quite alot of areas before we arrived so had a starting point of where to look. We prefer the northern subs but hadn't ruled out anywhere. So the search began. Armed with lists of open days we spent our weekends house hunting. All the areas we looked at the houses were either too expensive, needed tonnes of work doing or were just too small. Again we began feeling like we had made a huge mistake, we just were really struggling to find something suitable that we could afford. I decided to go to the meet at Hillary's, thought it may help to speak to other people. I met Sue there who suggested I take a look at Ellenbrook (where she lives) and kindly invited us to her house for a drink. I mentioned it to Steve who dismissed it as been too far out. I said it wouldn't hurt to go look. So we did, and fell in love with Ellenbrook. Everywhere is really clean and well kept. The houses are really nice and still very reasonably priced. We found a 7 year old house 4 bed 2 bathroom with a games room and a huge garden (plenty of room for a pool!!)There are parks at either end of the street and we can walk to the shops. It is ideal for us. We moved in two weeks ago and our stuff was delivered one week ago. The kids had to move schools again, but they have really settled and have made loads of friends. We have made friends too, which is nice, I think that has helped us settle. As much as I love my husband and my kids I think we would drive each other mad if we didn't have other people:eek: The weather has suprised me, I really am feeling the cold, and it's not because I have become climatised, cos I haven't been here for the hot weather. The houses just aren't built for cooler weather. We have bought a car now, which was expensive. Second hand vehicles really do keep their value here. All in all, we are starting to feel settled here now. It has been a rollercoaster few months and I am sure it will continue to be so, for a while yet. I haven't yet felt homesick. I don't think I will get homesick for the UK, but perhaps I will for family and friends, although I do phone on a frequent basis. My sister is pregnant and is due in August, so I think that may be tough. We have frinds visiting in November, our first visitors, Mark'n'Joe from BE, and we can't wait to see you!! Steve's parents are coming for xmas. I think this is all preventing any homesickness, knowing people are coming out. Life is good, Perth is beautiful and up to press we are loving it. We are spending more time together and feel less stressed. I am looking forward to the next year and really exploring our new homeland.:thumbsup: Nicky xx |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Nicky xx[/QUOTE]
Hey Leechy ! Really pleased you are finding your feet after a sticky start. I reckon you just have to keep gritting your teeth until the pieces of the jigsaw start to fit together...well done !! .....keep us posted on life in Perth.. Ellenbrook housing/ area is impressive I must say.....hmmm Regards Mindblower:thumbsup: |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Hi,
We arrived a month ago, and we love it too!!!! And yes its bloody freezing!! good luck. Amanda:lol: |
Re: 3 months in Perth
[QUOTE=leechy100;4996811]
Life is good, Perth is beautiful and up to press we are loving it. We are spending more time together and feel less stressed. I am looking forward to the next year and really exploring our new homeland.:thumbsup:/QUOTE] Glad you have enjoyed it so far........... and once we get rid of this poxy weather it just gets better and better. |
Re: 3 months in Perth
So pleased to here things are going well for you.
Sarah |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Hi Leechy
Great to hear that you are settling into your new life, really reassuring for those of us who are about to make the move, and getting nervous. Tina |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Hi Leechy Great to hear you have settled and and are enjoying your new lives down under hears to the next 3 months keep us posted and carry on enjoying :thumbsup:
|
Re: 3 months in Perth
Great to hear that things are going well for you Nicky. Doesn't the time fly after you leave the UK? We'll be doing our 6 month update in 3 weeks :cool:
Lou xx |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Originally Posted by leechy100
(Post 4996811)
Hi all, be prepared it's a long read. It could be alot longer but I will try and keep it brief.Well we have been here almost three months now.
We flew with Singapore airlines and after almost missing our flight:eek: we had a very enjoyable few days in Singapore before cotinuing on to Perth. We arrived mid afternoon and was met by Steve's aunty and uncle waving an Aussie flag:o We had prebooked a furnished short term rental for 8 weeks. The house didn't look much from the photo's but it was only for a short time and it was the only one available for the full 8 weeks. We arrived at the house and WOW!! It was huge and really nice. The housekeeper and Steve's aunt had bought us some supplies (including a v.large bottle of red) Steve and his uncle went out and got takeaway while I started with the wine:thumbsup: The kids raced about, checking out the house and baggying beds. The following day we went to get a hire car. During that first week we had got the kids into school, sorted medicare, sent off for tax file numbers, etc. Steve got in touch with an employment agent and went for an interview with them. He is a refrigeration and aircon mechanic, but he also has his 16th edition electrics and corgi gas and plumbing qualifications. The guy at the employment agent suggested that he looked at managerial positions, but seemed to take ages getting him any interviews. By this point Steve was getting really fed up, so started to apply for every job he thought he was qualified to do. Most of the jobs on the tools wouldn't entertain him until he had got his TRA back, which we had been told could take 4 - 6 weeks. The wages seemed really low too. By this time he was talking about cutting our losses and going home. We decided to send his CV to any advertised job. The following week the phone never stopped ringing, with people interested in interviewing him, which obviously lifted his spirits. To cut an even longer story short, he went for 6 interviews in the space of a week and got offered every position, even one job from a company that didn't even have a position, but they were really impressed with his CV they interviewed him and wanted him to work for there company, not bad eh?? He decided to accept a project managers position with a large ref/aircon company. He has been working there three weeks now and is loving it. We decided to buy a house quite quickly rather than renting. We had earmarked and researched quite alot of areas before we arrived so had a starting point of where to look. We prefer the northern subs but hadn't ruled out anywhere. So the search began. Armed with lists of open days we spent our weekends house hunting. All the areas we looked at the houses were either too expensive, needed tonnes of work doing or were just too small. Again we began feeling like we had made a huge mistake, we just were really struggling to find something suitable that we could afford. I decided to go to the meet at Hillary's, thought it may help to speak to other people. I met Sue there who suggested I take a look at Ellenbrook (where she lives) and kindly invited us to her house for a drink. I mentioned it to Steve who dismissed it as been too far out. I said it wouldn't hurt to go look. So we did, and fell in love with Ellenbrook. Everywhere is really clean and well kept. The houses are really nice and still very reasonably priced. We found a 7 year old house 4 bed 2 bathroom with a games room and a huge garden (plenty of room for a pool!!)There are parks at either end of the street and we can walk to the shops. It is ideal for us. We moved in two weeks ago and our stuff was delivered one week ago. The kids had to move schools again, but they have really settled and have made loads of friends. We have made friends too, which is nice, I think that has helped us settle. As much as I love my husband and my kids I think we would drive each other mad if we didn't have other people:eek: The weather has suprised me, I really am feeling the cold, and it's not because I have become climatised, cos I haven't been here for the hot weather. The houses just aren't built for cooler weather. We have bought a car now, which was expensive. Second hand vehicles really do keep their value here. All in all, we are starting to feel settled here now. It has been a rollercoaster few months and I am sure it will continue to be so, for a while yet. I haven't yet felt homesick. I don't think I will get homesick for the UK, but perhaps I will for family and friends, although I do phone on a frequent basis. My sister is pregnant and is due in August, so I think that may be tough. We have frinds visiting in November, our first visitors, Mark'n'Joe from BE, and we can't wait to see you!! Steve's parents are coming for xmas. I think this is all preventing any homesickness, knowing people are coming out. Life is good, Perth is beautiful and up to press we are loving it. We are spending more time together and feel less stressed. I am looking forward to the next year and really exploring our new homeland.:thumbsup: Nicky xx |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Hi matey
Really glad you are settling in well. Cant wait to see you too. 17 weeks to go and counting!!:thumbsup: Ethan keeps asking when we are seeing Alfie, bless. Hope he had a lovely birthday. You arent missing much here its still persisting down. Miss our nights up town but sure we will make up for that in November:D Glad Steves enjoying his job and the kids have settled well. See ya soon, keep in touch Lots of love Joe, Mark and Ethanxx |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Great update :thumbsup: I cant wait to move out to Perth.:D
|
Re: 3 months in Perth
Originally Posted by bluenico
(Post 4997878)
Hey Leechy - Good to hear you are settled, I will be onto you for some tips pending our arrival on the 4th Octber !!
Looks like we'll be moving up to Kingsley area in Septembern, so we'll have to get together fo another barbie sometime. Andrea & Gareth |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Hi Nicky,
Great post I think meeting you and your family aswell as Clare has made it alot easier for us to settle too. Chin up the weather shall get better :thumbup: Hopefully have a BBQ round ours soon Kate xx |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Originally Posted by mark 'n' joe
(Post 5001859)
Hi matey
Really glad you are settling in well. Cant wait to see you too. 17 weeks to go and counting!!:thumbsup: Ethan keeps asking when we are seeing Alfie, bless. Hope he had a lovely birthday. You arent missing much here its still persisting down. Miss our nights up town but sure we will make up for that in November:D Glad Steves enjoying his job and the kids have settled well. See ya soon, keep in touch Lots of love Joe, Mark and Ethanxx joe when in Nov you flying?? we are off on Nov 25th with singapore from LHR. |
Re: 3 months in Perth
HI, thanks for that great insight. We are coming over to Perth In a few weeks to do a research trip. Do you have any tips, we ned to look at housing, schools, job situations ( hubby is a sheetmetal worker). I am worried that we will not be able to fit it all in. Which areas are best to avoid, and which are the nicer areas. What are the average 4 x 2 house prices.
Also is anyone else from Sussex (worthing) area going to perth or hoping to. All advice welcome. Thanks Sara |
Re: 3 months in Perth
well done, I like the nice stories, Yes Perth is beautiful, but even better when the skies are blue.
All the very best to you. Denise |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Originally Posted by s-jmelbournewannabe
(Post 5009782)
Great post, very inspirational...
joe when in Nov you flying?? we are off on Nov 25th with singapore from LHR. We fly 13 October to Melbourne, then Adelaide and on to Perth to see Nicky 3rd November. Joex |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Nice post. Glad you are enjoying your time in Perth.:thumbup:
|
Re: 3 months in Perth
I'll be honest.............your story started to irritate me early in the piece as you spoke of things like 'cutting your losses', so early in the process.
So many British folk I know have done, exactly that..............gone back, cried to get back, and can't!!!!!!! Well done for not giving in. It's good to hear a realistic view........ No, employers aren't waiting on the tarmac to sign you up...........you have to work to FIND work, but it is out there............and Steve has done well. Credit to him. Yes, it also gets 'cool', not 'cold' in Perth.............but let me know what you think in February when you're sweating your bum off and are fed up looking at sunshine. Just remember...........this is as bad as the weather really gets..............a bit of wind, rain.............and warm days again in September. This is GREATTTTTTTTTTT for Winter. Enjoy it..............and be thankful. It's not Iraq............it's not Ethopia.................just go and see the great selection of meat, fruit, and veg, in local shops. You can have a great life here...........and you WILL! If you look at the house you have in Ellenbrook.....................think how much that would cost back in your home town. Houses feel colder cos, generally, they are tiled..............no insulation, etc. As I said, let me hear you complain of the 'coolness' in February. lol I love the sun..........but the wind, when it gets going, scares the living daylights out of me. Oh, so do Huntsman Spiders.......................I hate them most of all. Nobody warned me about them...........or I may have thought twice. I didn't even like housespiders back in the UK. A Huntsman, in case you haven't befriended one yet...................and you'll KNOW it when you see it.................can outsprint any Olympian. lol Okay, I'm exaggerating.............and I'm also scanning the walls to see if there is one there. Gordon |
Re: 3 months in Perth
lol you are spot on.
Denise |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Originally Posted by Gordy834
(Post 5021215)
I'll be honest.............your story started to irritate me early in the piece as you spoke of things like 'cutting your losses', so early in the process.
So many British folk I know have done, exactly that..............gone back, cried to get back, and can't!!!!!!! Well done for not giving in. It's good to hear a realistic view........ No, employers aren't waiting on the tarmac to sign you up...........you have to work to FIND work, but it is out there............and Steve has done well. Credit to him. Yes, it also gets 'cool', not 'cold' in Perth.............but let me know what you think in February when you're sweating your bum off and are fed up looking at sunshine. Just remember...........this is as bad as the weather really gets..............a bit of wind, rain.............and warm days again in September. This is GREATTTTTTTTTTT for Winter. Enjoy it..............and be thankful. It's not Iraq............it's not Ethopia.................just go and see the great selection of meat, fruit, and veg, in local shops. You can have a great life here...........and you WILL! If you look at the house you have in Ellenbrook.....................think how much that would cost back in your home town. Houses feel colder cos, generally, they are tiled..............no insulation, etc. As I said, let me hear you complain of the 'coolness' in February. lol I love the sun..........but the wind, when it gets going, scares the living daylights out of me. Oh, so do Huntsman Spiders.......................I hate them most of all. Nobody warned me about them...........or I may have thought twice. I didn't even like housespiders back in the UK. A Huntsman, in case you haven't befriended one yet...................and you'll KNOW it when you see it.................can outsprint any Olympian. lol Okay, I'm exaggerating.............and I'm also scanning the walls to see if there is one there. Gordon The 'cold' weather, yes I should have perhaps used the word 'cool', it is mainly on the evenings. It just suprised me how much I felt it having coming from the UK winter, I thought it may just feel cold once you are acclimatised, having said that, I was sat out in the sunshine yesterday enjoying the lovely winter sun and thinking 'if this is winter, bring it on'. Nicky:thumbup: |
Re: 3 months in Perth
Originally Posted by leechy100
(Post 5024878)
Thankyou for your comments. I was indeed trying to point out, for those about to make the move, that although there is a skill shortage, that there are still many hoops to jump through when you arrive here and that there won't be a job waiting for you. Not that we expected it. It still remains a rollercoaster ride and there are times when you question what you have done and have concerns over your future, but if you stick with it, grit your teeth and get on with it, then you can reap the rewards.
The 'cold' weather, yes I should have perhaps used the word 'cool', it is mainly on the evenings. It just suprised me how much I felt it having coming from the UK winter, I thought it may just feel cold once you are acclimatised, having said that, I was sat out in the sunshine yesterday enjoying the lovely winter sun and thinking 'if this is winter, bring it on'. Nicky:thumbup: We arrived with 3 young boys aged 1 year, 3 years, and 4 years. It helped because our kid lived in Beldon which was lucky; as Beldon is north of the river. Had he lived south of the river we would have probably ended up living SOR and I'm so happy we didn't. Unfortunately times were tough when we first arrived and try as I may; I couldn't find work.......... talk about soul destroying. It really wasn't the best of times and it was a huge strain on our marriage; not to mention our finances because for the first time ever.......... I was unemployed. We gave it our best shot........ sure we felt homesick and almost threw the towel in several times ......... but we didn't. Our boys have now grown up (19, 21, and 22). I'm confident their schooling and upbringing here was far superior to what we could have expected back in the UK. I say that with mixed feelings because I have the red rose of Lancashire proudly tattooed on each shoulder............ I have been so proud to have been British on my travels..... yet when we visited Lancashire within the last few months........ we hated it and couldn't get back here quick enough. Give it a go over here........ learn to ride the punches........ trust me; you won't look back. (Sorry for rambling on......... it's the red wine after making a sale today in for want of a better word....'humpty' weather) |
Re: 3 months in Perth
[QU
All in all, we are starting to feel settled here now. It has been a rollercoaster few months and I am sure it will continue to be so, for a while yet. I haven't yet felt homesick. I don't think I will get homesick for the UK, but perhaps I will for family and friends, although I do phone on a frequent basis. My sister is pregnant and is due in August, so I think that may be tough. We have frinds visiting in November, our first visitors, Mark'n'Joe from BE, and we can't wait to see you!! Steve's parents are coming for xmas. I think this is all preventing any homesickness, knowing people are coming out. Life is good, Perth is beautiful and up to press we are loving it. We are spending more time together and feel less stressed. I am looking forward to the next year and really exploring our new homeland.:thumbsup: Nicky xx[/QUOTE] Great post! & well done for sticking with it, it must have been hard to start with. What do you think of Perth? We have been considering it but I'm not sure endless suburbs appeals. Is it like that in reality especially with all the new builds? Sally |
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