Update - For the few that are interested.
May 23rd 2008 | 3:11 pm
#31
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 24,249
From: Alloha snack bar
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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.
May 23rd 2008 | 3:23 pm
#32
Thread Starter
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,768
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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.
I'm gonna call the helpdesk now, but am wondering if they'll tell me 'whatever' to get me to enlist! ...
May 23rd 2008 | 8:41 pm
#33
Thread Starter
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,768
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Well it turns out this line about over 30's not going anywhere is a load of ole tutt! ...
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! ...
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.
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! ...
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.
May 23rd 2008 | 9:13 pm
#34
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 206
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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!
My tie in will be 6 years, but once qualified (Electrician) I'll be on £55k which again, isn't to be sniffed at!
May 24th 2008 | 9:21 am
#36
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 17,426
From: Mount Tamborine
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Well it turns out this line about over 30's not going anywhere is a load of ole tutt! ...
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! ...
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.
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! ...
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.
May 25th 2008 | 3:46 am
#37
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 875
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Actually Darwin is not the end of the world, far worse places you could be sent.
I thought it was a load of tosh that you would not be deployed overseas after 30 as I know people it has happened to. Whatabout the Navy or Air Force, if they are deployed they tend not to be as front line as Army.
I thought it was a load of tosh that you would not be deployed overseas after 30 as I know people it has happened to. Whatabout the Navy or Air Force, if they are deployed they tend not to be as front line as Army.
May 25th 2008 | 3:48 am
#38
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 875
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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.
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.
May 25th 2008 | 9:24 am
#39
Born to be wild....
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,450
From: Northants to Brisbane.
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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! ... ... 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! ...
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!
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! ...
... 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! ...
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!
Good Luck Paul, If I can help, shout me !!
May 25th 2008 | 9:25 am
#40
Born to be wild....
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,450
From: Northants to Brisbane.
May 25th 2008 | 9:46 am
#41
Just Joined
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
From: scotland
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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! ... ... 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! ...
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!
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! ...
... 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! ...
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!
May 25th 2008 | 12:00 pm
#42
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,020
From: brisbane
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Well it turns out this line about over 30's not going anywhere is a load of ole tutt! ...
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! ...
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.
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! ...
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.
just a thought,good luck in whatever you decide.
donna
May 25th 2008 | 1:31 pm
#43
Thread Starter
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,768
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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.
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.
I'm told it's lovely from May to August, but hot as hell for the rest of the year! ... Hmmmm.
Cheers matey ...
Now I have to take issue with this one young Ben ...
How tall are you?
Thanks.
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
just a thought,good luck in whatever you decide.
donna
Anyway, I don't want to say too much for fear of jinxing things, but hey if it's meant to be and all that!!! One of my leads doesn't fit my dog and might be looking promising ...
I had an interview last Thursday, and all that satisfy them will be asked to do a days work experience to see if they like the role / job.
This is something that fits my bill very much, and won't be too physical, so will be easy enough of me ole arms ...
It's a trainee position with a view of getting qualified within the year. Prospects are excellent and there's perks with the job inc a company car ...
... and a title of a 'Engineer' ... how posh is that! ... 
I got the call this morning asking me to do it asap so we're lined up for tomorrow.
I just have to hope that my recently acquired (yesterday) broken toe will be ok! ...
I broke it yesterday when trying to get my boat out of the water ... 
So there's both of us with a damaged foot! ... LOL
Should be ok tho, will top up on pain killers. Too much to lose at this stage NOT to get stuck in!
Wish me luck!
Last edited by PaulandNic; May 25th 2008 at 1:42 pm.
May 25th 2008 | 1:39 pm
#44
Born to be wild....
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,450
From: Northants to Brisbane.
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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?
May 25th 2008 | 1:47 pm
#45
Thread Starter
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,768
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
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! ...
