| Actively looking to Emigrate now 11:57 - Sep 27 with 14992 views | hype313 |
Both myself and my partner have discussed it for a few years and now we are both at the point where we think its time to leave blighty, can't believe we stuck around the past 6-7 years and looking forward, it's grim, even if Labour get in in 2024.
Both kids are in early stages at school so minimal disruption there, the only thing I'll miss is going to PR every other week, but that's it, and certainly not a strong enough pull to keep us here.
Sad state of affairs, but just can't see a promising future in this country for us or our children. |  |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 11:30 - Sep 28 with 1832 views | blueasfook |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 17:07 - Sep 27 by factual_blue |
Costa del Crime presumably? |
No, Seville. I've told you before, don't judge by your own standards. |  |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 11:55 - Sep 28 with 1792 views | urbanblue |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 10:36 - Sep 28 by IPS_wich |
We made the move almost nine years ago - moving to Perth. Was meant to be a two year adventure but we're citizens now and our oldest is about to finish high school and starts university in the New Year. You probably know most of this, but here are some pros and cons from our experience.
THREE BIGGEST PROS
- Moving to a new country is an adventure and the first two years feel like a really long holiday as you discover new places, experience new cultures (even though Australia isn't that different to the UK) and go through a couple of years to understand seasonal changes. But (and this isn't a con) if you stay any longer you will fall into a routine and the initial excitement/adventure does wear off.
- You get a chance to pick what climate you want to live in. If you like the sun and long summers then Australia is great. If you prefer wilder variations then Canada would be better. Even though we've just gone through our ninth winter I still pinch myself when I'm walking along a beach in the middle of winter in a pair of shorts, a light jacket and it's 22c. I genuinely have not seen frost for almost a decade.
- It builds your resilience and world awareness. There will be very few things in your life that will be harder and it does make the small things in life seem very trivial.
THREE BIGGEST CONS
- Missing family, and there's no doubt this is the biggie. Whilst we didn't live close to family in the UK before we emigrated you could still see them once every couple of months. Now, it's every couple of weeks on FaceTime and every couple of years in person. I'm actually back in the UK at the moment because my Dad had heart surgery three weeks ago and had some serious complications. I'm here for five weeks, but that's five weeks away from my wife and kids and I've had to put work on hold. As our parents are getting older it is getting emotionally harder to be the other side of the world, and we've both had some sh1tty comments from siblings still in the UK that we're neglecting our ageing parents.
- A complete lack of cultural awareness. This one crept up on me, but it really is frustrating when colleagues make comments or jokes about something from the 90s/00s that happened in Australia and you're the only person in the room to not know what they are talking about. And forget pub quizzes, there will always be at least 25% of questions where you just have no idea about.
- Making friends is hard work - especially once you get into your 30s and older - because most people have established friendship groups. Having young kids can help, but both of us worked full time from the start so we were the ones dropping the kids and running so we didn't really meet other parents. I have a lot of work colleagues who I get on great with and do the occasional beer after work - but we only really have a couple of other couples with kids who we occasionally socialise with. Neither of us have ever been big social animals, but it is something we do miss.
As for Australia itself, personally we really love it, but can understand why some people don't like it or the prospect of it. Here are some general observations about life down under:
- The cost of living is much higher than the UK, but to a large extent wages are equivalently higher. Like lots of folks who move down under we had to go through a period of adjustment and we did use up most of our savings in the first 18 months and it took a few years to rebuild them.
- There is a housing crisis in most cities, so getting an affordable rental is pretty bloody hard.
- There have been an increasing number of extreme weather events. Most of this is east coast (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne) and we haven't had the same issues over in Perth; but climate change is very obvious - it does feel like we're on the front line of it.
- It does get cold in winter at night (single figures) and houses were not designed for cold weather (no double glazing, no insulation, no central heating) so your house will feel like living in a fridge for two months a year.
- Don't believe the hype about snakes, spiders and sharks. Yes they are there, but in nine years I think I've seen one snake and about three properly dangerous spiders (I suspect it may be worse in Queensland).
- 75% of the whole population live in the 5-6 big cities and they are getting bigger and taking longer to get around. Locals love to complain how long it now takes to get from A to B. But if you've lived in the UK this is a complete nonsense. I think I've been sat in four proper traffic jams in nine years and the traffic is worse around Ipswich than it is around most parts of Perth. Sydney is worse for commuting because to live anywhere near the city centre you would need to be buying a million dollar property.
- Don't overlook the fact that when you get here (or any new country for that matter) you will have zero credit rating, so you will be paying higher rates for any loans (cars, furniture, mortgage) for the first couple of years.
Personally, we love living in Perth. It's that little bit closer to the UK both in travel time (18 vs 22 hours) and time difference (7 vs 10 hours) compared to the other cities. But, it is a long long way from anywhere so I could understand why it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. Flying to Sydney/Melbourne from Perth is like flying from London to Moscow.
Australian society and politics are generally more moderate than the UK/US - although there is a racist history (especially with Aboriginal people) that makes Apartheid South Africa seem quite tame - it's just there's not much global awareness about it. It is diminishing though because the influx of migrants from South East Asia over the last 30 years has led to a significant diversification in the general community.
A lot of the perceptions of the typical brash, dickish Australian don't really match reality in our experience if you live in the cities - but venture out into regional Australia and it is very much like the worst stereotypes you would have of Australians. |
Good post. A lot of stuff there I would agree with. One thing you didn't mention though is the total Nanny State mentality. Rules, feckin rules, everywhere ...
You also need a damn certificate to do anything it seems, and a different one if you move state as each has different methods/rules. Oh, and you have to pay each time.
I lived in Perth, and when we moved to NSW we had to change the plates, and re register the car. Change our driving licence. Many qualifications recognised in one state aren't recognised in another. I could go on ... it all costs money.
Great place to raise the kids though, and being able to jump in the Ocean most if the year is wonderful. |  | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 14:54 - Sep 28 with 1722 views | IPS_wich |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 11:55 - Sep 28 by urbanblue |
Good post. A lot of stuff there I would agree with. One thing you didn't mention though is the total Nanny State mentality. Rules, feckin rules, everywhere ...
You also need a damn certificate to do anything it seems, and a different one if you move state as each has different methods/rules. Oh, and you have to pay each time.
I lived in Perth, and when we moved to NSW we had to change the plates, and re register the car. Change our driving licence. Many qualifications recognised in one state aren't recognised in another. I could go on ... it all costs money.
Great place to raise the kids though, and being able to jump in the Ocean most if the year is wonderful. |
Oh - yes I totally forgot about that - it is a complete nanny state...but most people seem to just happily accept it. In Western Australia we were locked down for two years, not just from the rest of the world but from the rest of the country - it was almost impossible to get in and out. And the public's reaction - a complete landslide for the incumbent party in the next state election. Go figure!!
I honestly think Perth can't be beaten for raising kids - just so much outdoor space, it's one of the safest and cleanest places on the planet, and also has some of the lowest smoking and under age drinking rates going around. My seventeen and half year old hasn't touched a drop of alcohol, isn't interested in it and has a whole bunch of mates exactly the same - they seem to wear it like a badge of pride.
The main issue with Perth is that (at a complete guess) well over half of 20-somethings leave Perth - and why wouldn't you, whilst it's great to raise kids and we moved here in our late-30s - it would be a pretty dull place to spend your young adulthood. But...the vast vast majority come back to Perth when they settle down and start a family. [Post edited 28 Sep 2022 14:59]
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 14:56 - Sep 28 with 1716 views | clive_baker |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 11:55 - Sep 28 by urbanblue |
Good post. A lot of stuff there I would agree with. One thing you didn't mention though is the total Nanny State mentality. Rules, feckin rules, everywhere ...
You also need a damn certificate to do anything it seems, and a different one if you move state as each has different methods/rules. Oh, and you have to pay each time.
I lived in Perth, and when we moved to NSW we had to change the plates, and re register the car. Change our driving licence. Many qualifications recognised in one state aren't recognised in another. I could go on ... it all costs money.
Great place to raise the kids though, and being able to jump in the Ocean most if the year is wonderful. |
Germany is like that too, you even need a license to play golf ffs. |  |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:15 - Sep 28 with 1694 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 07:34 - Sep 28 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Pahahahahah.
Ok, I know now you're definitely a comedy creation. |
Odd downvote there blueas. Is this an admission that bungaytractor is you? |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:24 - Sep 28 with 1681 views | bungaytractor |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:15 - Sep 28 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Odd downvote there blueas. Is this an admission that bungaytractor is you? |
Eh?? Never said i lived abroad but did work isle of wight for a bit in the summer and its overseas.... you ever tried walking there??..... just liked being back home is all | | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:38 - Sep 28 with 1671 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:24 - Sep 28 by bungaytractor |
Eh?? Never said i lived abroad but did work isle of wight for a bit in the summer and its overseas.... you ever tried walking there??..... just liked being back home is all |
I mean, it's got to be the first time I've ever heard The Isle Of Wight described as "overseas". | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:50 - Sep 28 with 1652 views | bungaytractor |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:38 - Sep 28 by The_Flashing_Smile |
I mean, it's got to be the first time I've ever heard The Isle Of Wight described as "overseas". |
Well youve got to take the boat to get there so yes its overseas | | | |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 16:12 - Sep 28 with 1635 views | Skip_Intro |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:38 - Sep 27 by jeera |
If I had a pound for every time... |
did he just make a Maltese cross? |  | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 16:18 - Sep 28 with 1618 views | blueasfook |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:15 - Sep 28 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Odd downvote there blueas. Is this an admission that bungaytractor is you? |
No, I just downvoted because you're a t1t | |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 17:06 - Sep 28 with 1598 views | jeera |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 16:12 - Sep 28 by Skip_Intro |
did he just make a Maltese cross? |
I don't know whether to downvote this or up it so I'll leave it be! |  |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 17:07 - Sep 28 with 1597 views | jeera |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:50 - Sep 28 by bungaytractor |
Well youve got to take the boat to get there so yes its overseas |
I went there as a child on a hovercraft.
I think that at the time it was probably the best experience of my life.
The hovercraft, not the Isle of Wight. | |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 17:36 - Sep 28 with 1552 views | bungaytractor |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 17:07 - Sep 28 by jeera |
I went there as a child on a hovercraft.
I think that at the time it was probably the best experience of my life.
The hovercraft, not the Isle of Wight. |
Hovercraft was invented in suffolk i think out near somerleyton they tested it
Never been on one but dont seem very popular now a days........ | | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:00 - Sep 28 with 1492 views | Ace_High1 |
Yes something I really want to do. Came close about 4 years ago.
My other half is not as keen as me which is a bit of a problem but I would move to Melbourne or Sydney in a flash.
The weather is the big driver for me. |  | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:09 - Sep 28 with 1488 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 14:54 - Sep 28 by IPS_wich |
Oh - yes I totally forgot about that - it is a complete nanny state...but most people seem to just happily accept it. In Western Australia we were locked down for two years, not just from the rest of the world but from the rest of the country - it was almost impossible to get in and out. And the public's reaction - a complete landslide for the incumbent party in the next state election. Go figure!!
I honestly think Perth can't be beaten for raising kids - just so much outdoor space, it's one of the safest and cleanest places on the planet, and also has some of the lowest smoking and under age drinking rates going around. My seventeen and half year old hasn't touched a drop of alcohol, isn't interested in it and has a whole bunch of mates exactly the same - they seem to wear it like a badge of pride.
The main issue with Perth is that (at a complete guess) well over half of 20-somethings leave Perth - and why wouldn't you, whilst it's great to raise kids and we moved here in our late-30s - it would be a pretty dull place to spend your young adulthood. But...the vast vast majority come back to Perth when they settle down and start a family. [Post edited 28 Sep 2022 14:59]
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Nice posts there from both of you. My friend’s brother moved to Perth about 15-20 years ago with his Mrs and have since brought up their family there. They absolutely love it (she is an Aussie anyway, so that probably helps with the cultural side). I don’t think I could put into words how much he’s glad he made the move.
Also, yes I saw loads of snakes in Queensland. Some were HUGE. Luckily most were dead on the roads! |  |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:11 - Sep 28 with 1488 views | PhilTWTD |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 14:54 - Sep 28 by IPS_wich |
Oh - yes I totally forgot about that - it is a complete nanny state...but most people seem to just happily accept it. In Western Australia we were locked down for two years, not just from the rest of the world but from the rest of the country - it was almost impossible to get in and out. And the public's reaction - a complete landslide for the incumbent party in the next state election. Go figure!!
I honestly think Perth can't be beaten for raising kids - just so much outdoor space, it's one of the safest and cleanest places on the planet, and also has some of the lowest smoking and under age drinking rates going around. My seventeen and half year old hasn't touched a drop of alcohol, isn't interested in it and has a whole bunch of mates exactly the same - they seem to wear it like a badge of pride.
The main issue with Perth is that (at a complete guess) well over half of 20-somethings leave Perth - and why wouldn't you, whilst it's great to raise kids and we moved here in our late-30s - it would be a pretty dull place to spend your young adulthood. But...the vast vast majority come back to Perth when they settle down and start a family. [Post edited 28 Sep 2022 14:59]
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Do you ever bump into Mich D'Avray? He lives in Perth. His son owns a supermarket, I believe. |  | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:12 - Sep 28 with 1487 views | PhilTWTD |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:25 - Sep 27 by You_Bloo_Right |
Isn't "old" one of the primary criteria for a move to Malta? |
He's not that old, same age as me. Ahem. | | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:26 - Sep 28 with 1462 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:50 - Sep 28 by bungaytractor |
Well youve got to take the boat to get there so yes its overseas |
So when I take a rowing boat out to the island in the middle of Finsbury Park lake, that's overseas? | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:34 - Sep 28 with 1448 views | bungaytractor |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:26 - Sep 28 by The_Flashing_Smile |
So when I take a rowing boat out to the island in the middle of Finsbury Park lake, that's overseas? |
A lake isnt the sea is it....?
Next time you do drink the water and then you will know if youre in salt water or not...... | | | |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:43 - Sep 28 with 1430 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 20:34 - Sep 28 by bungaytractor |
A lake isnt the sea is it....?
Next time you do drink the water and then you will know if youre in salt water or not...... |
FFS, I give up. | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 21:04 - Sep 28 with 1402 views | jeera |
Look, although our new friend there is, loveable as I'm sure he is, clearly not the brightest, he does have a point that the Solvent is open water, tidal and as such is part of the Channel which is a sea.
So you know, technically and all that. | |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 21:15 - Sep 28 with 1381 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 15:50 - Sep 28 by bungaytractor |
Well youve got to take the boat to get there so yes its overseas |
 brilliant | |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 21:17 - Sep 28 with 1363 views | jeera |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 21:15 - Sep 28 by Swansea_Blue |
brilliant |
Some logic cannot be argued with. | |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 21:47 - Sep 28 with 1329 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 21:04 - Sep 28 by jeera |
Look, although our new friend there is, loveable as I'm sure he is, clearly not the brightest, he does have a point that the Solvent is open water, tidal and as such is part of the Channel which is a sea.
So you know, technically and all that. |
You'd describe going to the Isle Of Wight for the summer as "living overseas"? | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 22:04 - Sep 28 with 1295 views | bungaytractor |
| Actively looking to Emigrate now on 21:47 - Sep 28 by The_Flashing_Smile |
You'd describe going to the Isle Of Wight for the summer as "living overseas"? |
How stupid are you?? Overseas means over the sea and isle of wight is over the sea so its overseas..... Do i need to draw a picure lol | | | |
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