Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6383528)

Well, where do I start.

Nic is still in a cast after breaking her ankle. She's casual so it's been 3 weeks since any money came in from her ... feeling the pinch for once! ... :rolleyes: ... and another 3 weeks to go! ... :(

I'm still looking for alternative work, but not having much joy to be honest. I have a few leads, but leads that will prob be more suited to my dog!

Now a PR at last I'm gonna get my arms sorted out. I broke them both in 2003 and they've not grafted (welded together) and altho they've given me jip for years, with a PR case to be decided I've been too scared to have them sorted out here, but as I say now is the time! I'm off to have them x-rayed on Monday and know the news will be bad, they'll NEED to be grafted so it'll be time off work. Time I no doubt won't be able to afford! ... but GOTTA be done if my 'next mission' is gonna be overcomed! ... :unsure:

Next mission?

Well, I'm currently goin nowhere here being unskilled so it's looking like joining the army is my / our best bet. I can do the equivalent of a 4 year apprenticeship in 2 years in the army. We'll get all kinds of benefits inc free healthcare & dentistry, and will gain citizenship after 3 months of joining, which isn't to be sniffed at!

My tie in will be 6 years, but once qualified (Electrician) I'll be on £55k which again, isn't to be sniffed at!

Locations?

Well I have to do 8 weeks on my own in NSW. They tell you NOT to move your family there as you're basically not allowed away from camp. After that, we all move to Victoria for 12 months, followed by 12 - 18 months back in NSW. Once qualified I can opt to be posted back in QLD, either Brissie or Townsville!

My daughter has made her life here on the Goldie and has already said she doesn't want to come. She's gonna obtain her real estate licence soon and is basically sorted. Got a long time boyfriend and only a matter of time before she leaves home anyway!

The boy has left school and working part time for Hungry Jacks, basically goin nowhere so he'll follow suite and do an apprenticeship in the army by the looks of things.

I've got friends and family telling me this seems sooooo extreme, but at the end of the day we're just struggling and there isn't many options for us. The TV will tell you that QLD is crying out for trades, and how they're offering incentives to get mature apprentices and all the rest, but when you actually start looking for a decent (Sparkie or Plumber) apprenticeship, well, they're just NOT out there! I've spent a good 2 weeks phoning, emailing, and all the rest all kinds of apprenticeship centre's, electrical contractors, and everyone who advertises on SEEK and basically no one is interested! ... so what can I do!!

It's annoying as Nic will become permanent once she returns to work, and is sorted! ... but me! ... still clutching at straws and only last week I was sudgesting I go back to blighty again and drive a cab for 2 - 3 months. Nic REALLY doesn't want this, and if the truth be known I don't either! ... but I'm just soooo fed up with scrimping and scraping to get by ... I didn't come here for this!!!

Sooooo, my current mission is to get my arms sorted out so I can do 15 press ups. This is part of the fitness test to get into the army, the rest I know I can pass. Currently I cannot do one as my right arm is basically 50% strong, and down to the bone damage, but hopefully once they're both sorted, and a bit of physio etc I'll be right!

Anyway, that's the current state of play.

Please wish me luck!

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6388033)

Well it turns out this line about over 30's not going anywhere is a load of ole tutt! ... :rolleyes:

Also the chances of getting posted back at Brisbane will be asking as LOADS of people want to be posted there! Darwin is looking more likely! ... :eek:

Still, even with that said it's still looking fav as I'm goin nowhere as we speak, so will get me arms sorted out and go from there.

Originally Posted by Vicky88 (Post 6392317)

Just had another thought - if you think you could tolerate living in Darwin there is absolutely no need to join the Army.

There is plenty of work in Darwin and you will easily get something on your own. Anyone who is prepared to work can get something.

My sister lives there, husband is not skilled and it took him a good 18 months to get a permanent position, but in the meantime he was never out of work.

Originally Posted by Brisben (Post 6393113)

Good Luck Paul, If I can help, shout me !!

Originally Posted by Brisben (Post 6393114)

or just short?

Originally Posted by lovleylady (Post 6393169)

good luck

Originally Posted by donna (Post 6393427)

Dont want to pee on your parade or be rude,but wouldnt they also be looking at emotional stability just in case you do get sent overseas.We,ve got a friend who has just been for his psychological testing for the police and that was a real biggy(as it should be)he was asked in numerous ways about suicidal thoughts etc.
just a thought,good luck in whatever you decide.
donna

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6393572)

Hmmmm.


Cheers matey ... :)


Now I have to take issue with this one young Ben ... :D

How tall are you?


Thanks.


Wish me luck!

Originally Posted by Brisben (Post 6393582)

Paul just a little taller than you, anyway what is going on with the whole hairdressing thing, I am a little confused by what is going on Paul, I have not kept up to speed. I know you have PR now so surely that was obtained through being qualified?

Originally Posted by welshviking (Post 6393595)

Well, your taking the bull by the horns, which is better than taking the first plane home like some.

This new lead sounds good, look after your foot now.

All the best

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6393593)

A little eh, and you call me shorty! ... :huh:

Anyway, yes am a qualified hairdresser in these parts, but would be looking at $12ph and a top of $20ph with a trillion years experience!

Pity as I really enjoyed the job funny enough, but at the end of the day it was a means to an end really. We both had every intention of doing the job, and one day having our own salon, but Nic went off the job real quick with all the talk of long hours, no set breaks, and all the bitching in the trade. She was close to blows with one of the girls at school so in the end I said it would be better if she ditched the course and left me to it!

I loved the bitching! ... :rofl:

Originally Posted by Brisben (Post 6393629)

Now I understand, it is a means to an end PR that is, you have done well so far Paul, all your struggles but you are now living the dream which was once only a dream and now your here with PR, look back 2 years and the trouble you had just to get here.

You have done well mate. I wish you luck and good judgement going forward.

I am sure with your attitude it will all work out for you !

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl (Post 6393899)

I've only just stumbled across this as I don't come into the Update Forum very often.

Wowee Paul, your head must be in a right old spin. I just don't know what to say that would be of any help to you. The Army did sound abit drastic. Have you ever thought of working offshore or in the mines? I know it's not ideal, but a friend of our sons worked offshore as a canteen assistant for 3 years. He is only 21, has 2 investment properties and has now moved to Melbourne with his girlfriend and set up a business selling catering equipment. We thought when he failed all his TEE's and was doing odd jobs for the first year after leaving school, that he was going to end up struggling and going from job to job. Not so. He pulled his head in and has a good future ahead of him. They earn good money doing what he did. OH knows a guy who works in a canteen way up north of Perth and also makes money on the side cutting the workers hair up there. It's worth a thought.

I can't believe you've now broken a toe and your big toe at that. I know how painful that can be as I broke my middle little piggy and found that hard enough to walk with, so dose up with painkillers and the best of luck with the next stage.:)

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl (Post 6393899)

I've only just stumbled across this as I don't come into the Update Forum very often.

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl (Post 6393899)

Wowee Paul, your head must be in a right old spin. I just don't know what to say that would be of any help to you. The Army did sound abit drastic. Have you ever thought of working offshore or in the mines? I know it's not ideal, but a friend of our sons worked offshore as a canteen assistant for 3 years. He is only 21, has 2 investment properties and has now moved to Melbourne with his girlfriend and set up a business selling catering equipment. We thought when he failed all his TEE's and was doing odd jobs for the first year after leaving school, that he was going to end up struggling and going from job to job. Not so. He pulled his head in and has a good future ahead of him. They earn good money doing what he did. OH knows a guy who works in a canteen way up north of Perth and also makes money on the side cutting the workers hair up there. It's worth a thought.

I can't believe you've now broken a toe and your big toe at that. I know how painful that can be as I broke my middle little piggy and found that hard enough to walk with, so dose up with painkillers and the best of luck with the next stage.

Originally Posted by nightnurse2 (Post 6394068)

And just think of all the tips you'd get if you were to cut all their hair whilst you're there :)

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6394174)

Australia isn't a tipping country I'm afraid.

In 16 months of cutting hair I got 4 tips, and 2 was from the same guy who's a Pom! ... :lol:

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl (Post 6394307)

You can stay where you are in Q'land and still work offshore, but I expect you know that. I would also say that being an Electrician would be hard on your arms , especially on the industrial side. Believe me, I know with OH being a sparks. It might be worth looking into offshore or mines working if this one you are after doesn't work out. You get well looked after and it pays well too.

Best of luck Paul.

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6394369)

Yeah but if I'm gonna go offshore I might as well go back to London and make very good money, but we know all about how that went.

some nice curries tho! ... :lol:

I'll find sommit, just crossing fingers for now.

Thanks ... :)

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl (Post 6394387)

Well it's not quite as far and at least you get a week at home every few weeks, but the curries do sound tempting.:p

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6394463)

To be honest I foresee a quick month back there anyway. I had me arms x-rayed today, pick them up tomorrow and back to the GP for a referral to an orthopedic for his / her views. I know it's gonna be the op and will be time off work so will need a bit of a cushion that's for sure!

See how it goes on that one.

I can taste the curry now you know ... yum yum! ... :cake:

What do you mean that's not a curry? ... :lol:

Originally Posted by Clippy (Post 6394635)

OMG!!! I'm way behind on this, new job offer, broken toe - omg

Right, I've read that very fast but think it's all good (except the toe) so I'm crossing fingers for you!

:thumbsup:

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl (Post 6394652)

You have removable joints?:eek:

No, this is a curry.............http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8...nmasalaud2.jpg

Originally Posted by Kapri (Post 6395097)

Paul - Just wondering as my OH will need to retrain - have you thought aboutdoing a diploma at TAFE in a field that you're interested in?

Originally Posted by curly (Post 6395286)

Blimey what have I missed? :eek: sorry to hear about the toe! you clumsy devil! but great news about the interview :thumbsup: sounds very promising I'll send you good luck karma thoughts tomorrow :D

Originally Posted by sallyclaire (Post 6395398)

Good luck Paul! I hope that your plans work out for you:thumbsup:
Karma sent!

Originally Posted by mr luvpants (Post 6396145)

Have you a web address for TAFE diploma courses? Would I have to play for one if I am a PR?

JOHN

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6397210)

Thanks ... :)

Am off for my big day in 15 ... http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...eys/scared.gif


.

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6398765)

:):):):):)

Originally Posted by Brisben (Post 6401749)

Paul what about training to be a truckie, they earn good wack, course is quite cheap and you could be away working pretty quickly ?

Originally Posted by katsmajic (Post 6407146)

Ive just read through the whole thread...you certainly dont do things by halves do you?
Hope everything goes really well on your trial day.
Re your arms - you know your looking at a 6mth + recovery time scale dont you, and if pos do 1 at a time - or poor nic's gona have to wipe your bum! :eek:

Good luck guys - i hope things work out xxxxx