Well, we've been here 5 weeks now and although it's been abit of a roller coaster ride, we're getting there...

So far we haven't really got a chance to experience the holiday feeling as we have both been struggling to secure permanent, full-time work....HOPEFULLY THAT WILL COME LATER ON!

I will now just say a few things you won't hear on the forums:-

Sunshine coast is not nicknamed the "Casual Coast" for nothing. For Kerrie there only seems to be Casual part-time cold-call call centre-work or retail (cr*p money) Admin is virtually impossible to get into due to the Aus qualifications needed.

Casual means they can get rid of you at 5 mins notice literally, and you won't get paid ANY HOLS but do get your Super. If you are lucky enough to get full-time permanent, expect your hourly rate to drop accordingly as you then get paid your hols...and this applies to MOST trades, also...

I've been working casual (that word again!) for an engineering company on Kunda Park, it's a small unit (no big enginering companies here) I enjoy it, but need more than 2/3 days a week, too much work for 3, not enough for 4 people, hence my situation and every engineering place seems to be the same.

To cut along story short, i've had opportunnities (or so I thought) I wouldn't get in the UK at my age including apprentership offers and have even had a few try-outs, but were all false starts as the employer each time has changed his mind and has decided he wants experienced people, so I have been a bit unlucky?

Anyway, I start a key-cutting/shoe/watch repair job next Monday, that involves working 6 days/48 hours a week although with the overtime/bonus the money will be good...and have agreed with my boss on Kunda that I can pop back from time to time if I need to...

That's the moans out the way, yes it is lovely here, as close to paradise as you can get assuming you can afford to live here long term...

We are settled in our rental only $150 a week so cheap and cheerful and adequate, meaning our outgoings are minimul, which is just as well! Not a great area, but will do until we make our minds up.

Got a good set of wheels, 2nd hand cars are expensive here, compaired to the UK., but repairs are alot cheaper and petrol is half.

All for now,

Regards, Jamie & Kerrie

Best wishes - we have been here a year now and have to say it's hard to get work that pays average.
I started my own business and I'm earning less than dole money in the UK but hey - I know i'm the best and the cheapest on the coast - and it will come good.
Stick with it - it will all come good - if you knock on a 100 doors one will open.
Best Wishes
Mick and Paula

http://profile.myspace.com/croccomputers

Stick it out and give it a go.................. it can only get better and it will?

Glad i didn't throw in the towel and sneak back to the UK when things got very tough for us.............as much as the temptation to do so was strong.

Was on the dole long term here in Perth; one year I only managed a couple of 3 week shutdowns up the Pilbara.

Perseverance is the name of the game................. stick at it and you will come good.

The tide turned for us............ and it will for you too? Plenty of opportunity here once the doors start opening up.......... just takes a bit of time!!!

The casual works thing is a major pain in the arse and they employ people that way for years its not a temp arrangment. Be wary those jobs giving you a 'try out' very popular way to get cheap/free labour for a few weeks than bye bye, next mug waiting, always a supply of new people looking for work in places like this.

If you want to make any money you have to get out and do your own thing, whatever that is

Nice one on the rental, thats V cheap, bet its got some character we used to rent a house like that old beach shack a right bomb, fun tho, rolled out of bed into the beach.

Keep with it most string together enought to live, some end up doing quite well, it just takes time in places like this as far more peeps than jobs.

Good luck & job-searching Karma on way!

Hi,

We are waiting for our skilled 136 Visa and are heading to Perth. What kind of engineer are you?

I have been classed as a Metal Machinist 1st Class and thought there was plenty of work, especially on the tools.

Really dont fancy all that casual lark with 2/3 days work here and there !!!

Rob

Best of luck on the job front. We can't make our minds up about the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast as we like both

Just wishing you all the best in your new life.

Mandy

You aint the best on the coast because I am :-) You might be the cheapest though

.

I hope it all works out for you, keep us posted

Great post. Good luck with the job hunt!