Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6387454)

Yeah no war for me. If a chance then as I say that's another plan that falls on it's face! ... :(

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 6387459)

Trouble with this is that if the army say that you're going, you're going and there is nothing you can do about - apart from deserting, which would probably mean going to jail. The problem with joining the army is that it's not a 'normal' career as such. You will be a soldier first - everything else comes second - and soldiers fight wars.

Originally Posted by PaulandNic (Post 6383528)

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!

Originally Posted by mr luvpants (Post 6388115)

Just being nosey but how old are you?

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 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 6388133)

Just short of 38

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?