|
CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Cheers folks for those you have asked for our update...no pearly we havent fallen off the planet, and have thought about what to write in the update. Our story has been quite challenging and have started an update sooo many times and deleted it as it was soo naff.
Here we go then, warts an all - I apologise if its not as smooth - but this is our story. We landed at the end of June on the same flight as another BE family at Brisbane airport...the emotion I felt when that stamp was put in my passport was amazing. I felt so elated. We then stayed at a lovely house in Bridgeman downs (near Brissy) for a week, but we did a daily drive up to the Sunshine Coast...that made me realise I couldnt do it for work from the coast down to the Brissy CBD on a daily basis, so started to focus on working on the coast. We then struggled getting our TFN, driving licences as we met every awkward person going...we rung the TFN people after their website was down and was told that we cant go into anywhere anymore to be issued with our number and that we had to either have paperwork posted out or do it online....that was challenge number 1 - as you all know you can go in and get it done, but we did as we were told and thought everyone else had it wrong (sorry folks). On the back of this we went into our ozzy bank and were told not to move our money over until we had our TFN as we would be charged 40% interest...so that waited a month too!! But apparently we could have had it backdated as a fellow BEer told us a month later...typical for us though. Then we couldnt get driving licences on our rental address because it wasnt a permanent address, but again as people know you can get licences even if you are in a hotel!! so that was another challenge.We waited 3months to get them as we were fed up. Then we had a nightmare finding somewhere to rent, we would get approval eventually on about 5 properties, for the owners to then choose people who were moving interstate. I started to get really low at this point and a really kind and lovely BE mate gave me a call as she could tell I was starting to get upset... (Thankyou Elljay) she got us down to her house and lifted our spirits more than she will ever know. We then restarted looking again with a renewed vigour...then we found somewhere with the help of my uncle having a word in a real estate ladies ear. So we moved into our rental house.... its a nicish house...but is near a motorway, which means we can hear the traffic when we are out by the pool. But its a ok. Not too much. The challenges have kept coming and coming... the next one was enrolling with a job agency...the first one we went into said I was to take off all my managerial experience, my degree means nothing and my CV isnt worth the paper its written on and that I will start a job on the coast irrelevent of my experience as a 16-18yr old would. I came out of there and cried, wondering what on earth I had done. The next day, i woke up smiled and had the f*** it attitude, i rung a job coach and spent money seeing him to told me to ignore the agency and that my skills are valuable etc....that was a boost i needed. I got a job the week after on cracking money (well sort of) I am telling you the challenges are not negatives in our experience, they are just that challenges and we have continually hit them. I started work with this company on the coast, who lied to get me into the role promising me a cracking salary package, put on a limo to drive me down to brissy for me to complete my finance licence... but the company is only just setting up so it will take time for the money promised to come in. I went to hand in my notice a fortnight ago and the boss talked me out of it promising me more money. It worked, i stayed - well i am just. Paul on the otherhand has landed on his feet. He is now a real estate agent in Caloundra, he got the job without any experience and just completed his course - he is sooo happy. My middle son - is doing really well, he has settled into school and has had some funny stories from school. There hasnt been a fight in 3yrs allegedly. Whereas at his UK school it was on a daily basis. He stays out at weekends at friends and is happy as larry (whoever larry is). My youngest son Alex - he has just won a chess competition : http://www.schoolzine.com.au/schools.../story_14.html he has a nice bunch of friends and its as though he has always lived here. He has surfin lessons for PE on a friday. He stays out a friends houses too regularly and he smiles lots and lots. We have made some fab friends and were welcomed last weekend to a beach get together, truely lovely time was had. I am nearer to my family and some live just round the corner. That has been strange to go to family get togethers with everyone playing volleyball (except me) or cricket. To cut a long story short, Paul and the kids have settled, I have found it more challenging, but all the way through there is no way I would go back the UK. I know this is my home and is where I belong. It will just take me a little time to settle more... but every day as it comes eh??? |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
You guys had so many challenges to deal with, but now you can put them all behind you & start enjoying your new life. :thumbsup:
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Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by chris and farideh
(Post 5448880)
You guys had so many challenges to deal with, but now you can put them all behind you & start enjoying your new life. :thumbsup:
|
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Sounds like you've just started to enjoy everything after sooo much hassle.
Good on you!! How hard did your husband find the real estate coarse, and was it easy for a job? is he selling houses or on a traineeship kind of thing? Is he getting paid or on commision only for the start?? Sorry for being nosey, I'd like to do the same when we arrive. Great to hear the kids are sorted now aswell. Keep the positive and good days rolling!! |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by SKIPPI79
(Post 5448910)
Sounds like you've just started to enjoy everything after sooo much hassle.
Good on you!! How hard did your husband find the real estate coarse, and was it easy for a job? is he selling houses or on a traineeship kind of thing? Is he getting paid or on commision only for the start?? Sorry for being nosey, I'd like to do the same when we arrive. Great to hear the kids are sorted now aswell. Keep the positive and good days rolling!! He didnt find the sales certificate too hard, the job is cutthroat over here - I also work with two ex-real estate people who have some horror stories for sure. He is waiting for his final papers to come through, but he is doing open houses pending the final paperwork to come through. He is then doing his licence. There are different types of payment here, not sure its my business to tell you which method he is on. There are different rules too from state to state, so it depends where you are settling. I am sure he wont mind chatting with you though if you want further info. Otherwise the REIQ website may be good for you to have a browse through??? |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Hey huny,
As they say onwards and upwards! It was all worth it in the end eh, can you believe it was four months ago that we landed:eek: where does the time go. Glad the boys have settled well as its the kids happiness which is always important to us parents eh. Hope the job situ improves for you. hugs Axx |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
its funny how everyone says that you will be fine after 2 years.
just proves that we never know how long it takes before you feel really happy being here. if you ever do? fantastic update guys. the best of luck to you............you do deserve it:) |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Yes WELL DONE if you believe in yourselves it always pays off.
I hope to be going to Adelaide around June next year waiting for my 136 Skilled Visa to come through. |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by CathnPaul
(Post 5448660)
Cheers folks for those you have asked for our update...no pearly we havent fallen off the planet, and have thought about what to write in the update. Our story has been quite challenging and have started an update sooo many times and deleted it as it was soo naff.
Here we go then, warts an all - I apologise if its not as smooth - but this is our story. We landed at the end of June on the same flight as another BE family at Brisbane airport...the emotion I felt when that stamp was put in my passport was amazing. I felt so elated. We then stayed at a lovely house in Bridgeman downs (near Brissy) for a week, but we did a daily drive up to the Sunshine Coast...that made me realise I couldnt do it for work from the coast down to the Brissy CBD on a daily basis, so started to focus on working on the coast. We then struggled getting our TFN, driving licences as we met every awkward person going...we rung the TFN people after their website was down and was told that we cant go into anywhere anymore to be issued with our number and that we had to either have paperwork posted out or do it online....that was challenge number 1 - as you all know you can go in and get it done, but we did as we were told and thought everyone else had it wrong (sorry folks). On the back of this we went into our ozzy bank and were told not to move our money over until we had our TFN as we would be charged 40% interest...so that waited a month too!! But apparently we could have had it backdated as a fellow BEer told us a month later...typical for us though. Then we couldnt get driving licences on our rental address because it wasnt a permanent address, but again as people know you can get licences even if you are in a hotel!! so that was another challenge.We waited 3months to get them as we were fed up. Then we had a nightmare finding somewhere to rent, we would get approval eventually on about 5 properties, for the owners to then choose people who were moving interstate. I started to get really low at this point and a really kind and lovely BE mate gave me a call as she could tell I was starting to get upset... (Thankyou Elljay) she got us down to her house and lifted our spirits more than she will ever know. We then restarted looking again with a renewed vigour...then we found somewhere with the help of my uncle having a word in a real estate ladies ear. So we moved into our rental house.... its a nicish house...but is near a motorway, which means we can hear the traffic when we are out by the pool. But its a ok. Not too much. The challenges have kept coming and coming... the next one was enrolling with a job agency...the first one we went into said I was to take off all my managerial experience, my degree means nothing and my CV isnt worth the paper its written on and that I will start a job on the coast irrelevent of my experience as a 16-18yr old would. I came out of there and cried, wondering what on earth I had done. The next day, i woke up smiled and had the f*** it attitude, i rung a job coach and spent money seeing him to told me to ignore the agency and that my skills are valuable etc....that was a boost i needed. I got a job the week after on cracking money (well sort of) I am telling you the challenges are not negatives in our experience, they are just that challenges and we have continually hit them. I started work with this company on the coast, who lied to get me into the role promising me a cracking salary package, put on a limo to drive me down to brissy for me to complete my finance licence... but the company is only just setting up so it will take time for the money promised to come in. I went to hand in my notice a fortnight ago and the boss talked me out of it promising me more money. It worked, i stayed - well i am just. Paul on the otherhand has landed on his feet. He is now a real estate agent in Caloundra, he got the job without any experience and just completed his course - he is sooo happy. My middle son - is doing really well, he has settled into school and has had some funny stories from school. There hasnt been a fight in 3yrs allegedly. Whereas at his UK school it was on a daily basis. He stays out at weekends at friends and is happy as larry (whoever larry is). My youngest son Alex - he has just won a chess competition : http://www.schoolzine.com.au/schools.../story_14.html he has a nice bunch of friends and its as though he has always lived here. He has surfin lessons for PE on a friday. He stays out a friends houses too regularly and he smiles lots and lots. We have made some fab friends and were welcomed last weekend to a beach get together, truely lovely time was had. I am nearer to my family and some live just round the corner. That has been strange to go to family get togethers with everyone playing volleyball (except me) or cricket. To cut a long story short, Paul and the kids have settled, I have found it more challenging, but all the way through there is no way I would go back the UK. I know this is my home and is where I belong. It will just take me a little time to settle more... but every day as it comes eh??? Shame we don't live nearer - so we could meet up more regularly...but I'm so happy you're settling in. As the song goes "Nobody said it was easy....." You can do all the preparation in the world - but it still knocks you for 6 when you finally do get here. Here's to your continuing journey - ENJOY Love to all, ELLJAY....and Co. |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by soapy
(Post 5451344)
its funny how everyone says that you will be fine after 2 years.
just proves that we never know how long it takes before you feel really happy being here. if you ever do? fantastic update guys. the best of luck to you............you do deserve it:) We were so disappointed, until recently when low and behold Mrs JFW (mega cheers Jackie x) gives me a contact that is directing us to pre approval and westpac apologised for the misinformation given to us via westpacs telephone banking lady who told us we cant have a mortgage for a year!!! Things must be happenin for a mega reason eh???? but I know it will all work out well in the long run. I have so many genuine friends through BE who I cant thank enough for the help and support I have recieved. Thank you to you all. x x |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Cath I think you have been given these challenges to stop you from being completely bored out of your mind!
Nothing to do at work and everything in the garden is rosey! Jeez! your brain would completely seize up! :rofl: Lets see how our jobs feature on the boredometer this week shall we? :p Glad everything is panning out for you mate and glad to have been able to help in some small way! :) Jackie x |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by Mrs JFW
(Post 5452278)
Cath I think you have been given these challenges to stop you from being completely bored out of your mind!
Nothing to do at work and everything in the garden is rosey! Jeez! your brain would completely seize up! :rofl: Lets see how our jobs feature on the boredometer this week shall we? :p Glad everything is panning out for you mate and glad to have been able to help in some small way! :) Jackie x |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Cath
How lovely to read your update and sorry to hear that things have been a bit challenging. We had a few early challenges too - mostly vehicle related - and my mantra for a while was 'this could happen anywhere in the world'. Anyway, it all settled down in the end and we're happy as pigs in muck now. I've been mega busy setting up my own business. Have been meaning to email you but have been soo very busy. Will get around to doing another newsletter soon and will send it to you too. Sorry for not being in touch mate. Chin up - it'll all settle as I said.:thumbsup: Lou xx |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by Weasy
(Post 5452495)
Cath
How lovely to read your update and sorry to hear that things have been a bit challenging. We had a few early challenges too - mostly vehicle related - and my mantra for a while was 'this could happen anywhere in the world'. Anyway, it all settled down in the end and we're happy as pigs in muck now. I've been mega busy setting up my own business. Have been meaning to email you but have been soo very busy. Will get around to doing another newsletter soon and will send it to you too. Sorry for not being in touch mate. Chin up - it'll all settle as I said.:thumbsup: Lou xx I reckon its got to be here to test us and if we pass we can actually stay!! it is funny though, it makes me laugh now and we roll with the punches. Lookin forward to what your new business is. |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by CathnPaul
(Post 5452821)
haha, bad timin Lou - found out today that our youngest hasnt been included on our family allowance since we got here and they have said we cant claim for him until the end of the tax year. I have just printed off a letter naming all the names of people I have spoke with regarding us having 2 dependant kids... it rolls on and on. But at least we can laugh about it.
I reckon its got to be here to test us and if we pass we can actually stay!! it is funny though, it makes me laugh now and we roll with the punches. Lookin forward to what your new business is. |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Great post & well done for facing up to the challenges 7 succeeding!
Glad things are starting to get better. Best of luck!:thumbsup: |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
got to update you on our centrelink challenge. I wrote a complaint letter last night and took it in this morning to medicare as they have a family assistance thing... i didnt sit down as i thought i was just handing it in. the lady said oh please let me show it to someone - we maybe able to help you.
I handed them the 2page complaint letter, written without emotion - but listed every advisor i had spoken with and the dates and times. It was passed over to another lady who invited me to discuss it there and then. I told her it was all there, she went into the system and cross referernced everything that i had written and then made a call to a manager at head office - to cut a long story short, they are backdating my youngests family allowance and all our rental allowance since we landed!! So glad I had done that!! Plus on one of my previous posts I noted about westpac - well this morning we were also pre-approved for a mortgage too!! I think our luck maybe changing!!! |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Thank heavens for that Cath. We had a similar thing with our rent allowance and got it backdated too, it was lovely when that came through :). Fingers crossed that's it for your run of luck although in my opinion life is always throwing up little challenges no matter where you live.
Lou xx |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by CathnPaul
(Post 5448660)
Cheers folks for those you have asked for our update...no pearly we havent fallen off the planet, and have thought about what to write in the update. Our story has been quite challenging and have started an update sooo many times and deleted it as it was soo naff.
Here we go then, warts an all - I apologise if its not as smooth - but this is our story. We landed at the end of June on the same flight as another BE family at Brisbane airport...the emotion I felt when that stamp was put in my passport was amazing. I felt so elated. We then stayed at a lovely house in Bridgeman downs (near Brissy) for a week, but we did a daily drive up to the Sunshine Coast...that made me realise I couldnt do it for work from the coast down to the Brissy CBD on a daily basis, so started to focus on working on the coast. We then struggled getting our TFN, driving licences as we met every awkward person going...we rung the TFN people after their website was down and was told that we cant go into anywhere anymore to be issued with our number and that we had to either have paperwork posted out or do it online....that was challenge number 1 - as you all know you can go in and get it done, but we did as we were told and thought everyone else had it wrong (sorry folks). On the back of this we went into our ozzy bank and were told not to move our money over until we had our TFN as we would be charged 40% interest...so that waited a month too!! But apparently we could have had it backdated as a fellow BEer told us a month later...typical for us though. Then we couldnt get driving licences on our rental address because it wasnt a permanent address, but again as people know you can get licences even if you are in a hotel!! so that was another challenge.We waited 3months to get them as we were fed up. Then we had a nightmare finding somewhere to rent, we would get approval eventually on about 5 properties, for the owners to then choose people who were moving interstate. I started to get really low at this point and a really kind and lovely BE mate gave me a call as she could tell I was starting to get upset... (Thankyou Elljay) she got us down to her house and lifted our spirits more than she will ever know. We then restarted looking again with a renewed vigour...then we found somewhere with the help of my uncle having a word in a real estate ladies ear. So we moved into our rental house.... its a nicish house...but is near a motorway, which means we can hear the traffic when we are out by the pool. But its a ok. Not too much. The challenges have kept coming and coming... the next one was enrolling with a job agency...the first one we went into said I was to take off all my managerial experience, my degree means nothing and my CV isnt worth the paper its written on and that I will start a job on the coast irrelevent of my experience as a 16-18yr old would. I came out of there and cried, wondering what on earth I had done. The next day, i woke up smiled and had the f*** it attitude, i rung a job coach and spent money seeing him to told me to ignore the agency and that my skills are valuable etc....that was a boost i needed. I got a job the week after on cracking money (well sort of) I am telling you the challenges are not negatives in our experience, they are just that challenges and we have continually hit them. I started work with this company on the coast, who lied to get me into the role promising me a cracking salary package, put on a limo to drive me down to brissy for me to complete my finance licence... but the company is only just setting up so it will take time for the money promised to come in. I went to hand in my notice a fortnight ago and the boss talked me out of it promising me more money. It worked, i stayed - well i am just. Paul on the otherhand has landed on his feet. He is now a real estate agent in Caloundra, he got the job without any experience and just completed his course - he is sooo happy. My middle son - is doing really well, he has settled into school and has had some funny stories from school. There hasnt been a fight in 3yrs allegedly. Whereas at his UK school it was on a daily basis. He stays out at weekends at friends and is happy as larry (whoever larry is). My youngest son Alex - he has just won a chess competition : http://www.schoolzine.com.au/schools.../story_14.html he has a nice bunch of friends and its as though he has always lived here. He has surfin lessons for PE on a friday. He stays out a friends houses too regularly and he smiles lots and lots. We have made some fab friends and were welcomed last weekend to a beach get together, truely lovely time was had. I am nearer to my family and some live just round the corner. That has been strange to go to family get togethers with everyone playing volleyball (except me) or cricket. To cut a long story short, Paul and the kids have settled, I have found it more challenging, but all the way through there is no way I would go back the UK. I know this is my home and is where I belong. It will just take me a little time to settle more... but every day as it comes eh??? You are out here and starting a new life... I know your courage, determination and hope for a better life will pay off x All our love mate x |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
[ QUOTE]
Jeez Cath , you have had a baptism of fire starting out. Still, your tough as old boots , so I know it will all work out fine in the end. Glad Paul and kids are sorted and happy. Keep the updates coming ...and best o luck for the future chuck. Dave & Wendy :thumbsup: |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Glad to hear that your luck is on the upturn:thumbsup:
What is the rent allowance? |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
thanks for sharing that with us:thumbsup: It's good to see things are getting better now!!
s x |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Hi Cath,,,,sending you a PM...glad all is beginning to settle down Ems x
|
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by sallyclaire
(Post 5456876)
Glad to hear that your luck is on the upturn:thumbsup:
What is the rent allowance? |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
That's only if you have a PR visa though.........
Originally Posted by CathnPaul
(Post 5459412)
You can claim part of your rent back if your within their income bracket and have enough kids etc. Its not a huge amount, my cousin is getting $50 a week towards his.
|
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by Weasy
(Post 5459632)
That's only if you have a PR visa though.........
|
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Hi Cath,
Good to hear from you. You sound like you've had the same sh*tty start which we also had. Since arriving nearly 7 months ago we've slowly got onto our feet and I still feel that every week holds another challenge. Recently I've considered returning to the Uk sooner than we'd originally planned. But today the sun is shining and I feel happy to stay for the 5 years we'd planned for. Who knows if that will change tomorrow. We can only do our best and enjoy our time here - how ever long that may be. Keep in touch darl! *pearly* |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
hi cath
I am really pleased that you and your family are getting sorted after all the struggle. your children seem to be thriving and settling in well. whereabouts have you settled? keep us updated:thumbsup: bec |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by egghead4
(Post 5475636)
hi cath
I am really pleased that you and your family are getting sorted after all the struggle. your children seem to be thriving and settling in well. whereabouts have you settled? keep us updated:thumbsup: bec |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by CathnPaul
(Post 5480292)
We are at Mountain Creek on the Sunshine coast Becs..our kids are crackin kids and have settled really well. Thankfully.
Well good luck and keep us updated, hopefully we wont be too long - fingers and toes crossed:p bec |
Re: CathnPauls 4month update as requested
Originally Posted by CathnPaul
(Post 5452826)
By the way if anyone wants to PM me for a couple of photos we are on face book too x
Regards Raven |
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