surhythms

WE tried that and it didnt make any difference to us. If anything the neighbours are quiter around here and dont associate with each other. Not that you want to live in each others pockets but I find they areall busy doing their thing

How long is a while? Not to sound smart but we have been in Perth 4 years in April - Ihave met lots and lots of people and I can honestly say Ihave only met one friend who I see regularly. We have a 17 year old daughter so never had the opportunity to meet people from playdates etc because we both work fulltime. Is there still hope? Does it take 10 years to have friends that you can rely on? I know everyone is different but is that one of the trials and tribulations of being an immigrant that you need to accept the loneliness and isolation that comes with it? Me and my hubby are both "bosses" at work so the opportunity to make friends is minimal. Because I have been burnt in the past I have stopped making an effort now. Has anyone got any ideas for people who are nearly 40 with a grown up teenager who does her own thing? Im kinda running out of ideas. Ive done all the days out, nights out , coffees and then the gym, clubs etc. Maybe Im just weird lol!!!! Any feedback would be appreciated

Hi Folks

I havent posted on here in a long long time but basically we have now been in Perth 1 year. We live NOR 15km outside of the city. We are from Ireland and I am 36 and my hubby is 37. We have a 15 yr old daughter and are really enjoying our time here in Perth. In the past year I have done loads of things to try and meet new people - done book clubs, wine tours, high teas and tried to really get involved with people. Our neighbours each side of us are really nice but they keep themselves to themselves and because we all work we dont socialise much with each other. The office that I work in has a bunch of really nice people ( a real mix of Irish English Australian South African and Malayasian. We all work well together but there is not much sociliasing or meet ups at weekends (in fairness I dont think people want to be working and socialising with each other). I have met a couple of new friends and by saying that I mean 2 people in the last year that I would call my friends - you know those people you would call if something went wrong. Over the last year I have met people that I like and people that arent my cuppa tea and that ok. Because I work full time and dont have small kids I find it a little harder to meet people - anyone elseI know either doesnt work or they work part time and have loads of free time during the week to socialise with other mothers and go on play dates etc. Some of these happen at the weekend but not having small kids stops me from doing this type of stuff because I think we would stick out like a sore thumb. I was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience or is it just me ?? Cheers Suzanne

Hi Kaz

Have you tried any of the Irish facebook websites? You might find someone on them. I dont know if I am allowed say that name on this ! Suzanne

Hey Girls, I am here a year - I live NOR aswell and like that work full time. I have found it really hard to meet people aswell. Now granted I have tried book clubs, wine tours and ladies nights out, I am also a member of a facebook page aswell. I have a teenage daughter so I am not meeting people through kids. I think working full time just doesnt give you the option to go and meet people during the week. Maybe for all us full time workers we could meet up some Saturday afternoon or something. Im definitely interested

I agree with you both !! I definitely think that things get better once you meet friends - I just guess it is that period from when you are only getting to know people and being really good friends if you get what I mean. Its very easy when you have small children to meet people but not as easy when they are older! I guess with work aswell I am with a few girls in their early 20's so that wont turn into a social outlet for me either. I always wonder is it easier for people who dont have close attachments to their famalies at home as regards emigrating sucessfully.......

Thanks ALi, its good to know that someone else has been through this. I definitely really really like living here but I guess that it will just take a while to make friends

Hi Guys

I don’t know if anyone can help me or give me your thoughts on this situation. We are here in Australia over a year now and spent the first year in Canberra and then we recently moved to Perth. We have been here 3 months. I don’t feel homesick for Ireland nor do I want to go back to Ireland – so I can safely say that Im not pining for the old country. I have a 14 yr old daughter and I work full time so I don’t get the opportunity to meet other mothers at the school or anything like that. Now I have met lovely people so far, and I have joined a book club aswell which also happens once a month.

I love Perth and I think its a beautiful place to live and I definitely would like to stay but Im still feeling a little displaced here. I just wondered does anyone else feel like this or is it just a matter of time until I finally establish friendships to ease my displacement? Its not a comfortable feeling but I just have to roll with it for the moment. Anyone else feel this way?

Cheers

I have a hairdresser and she is NOR and will travel to your house. She is amazing and very reasonably priced - send me a PM and I will give you her details

Hi E

We are from Ireland aswell and there is a facebook page called Irish families in Perth as well as Irish Living in Perth - have a look on both of those sights. They are always having meetups. We are living in the burbs so we probably wouldnt be much used to you on the socialising front Im afraid.

Suzanne

Hi guys

I really get what your saying and to be honest I did agree to talk to Phillipa although our story is not all sunshine and palm trees to be perfectly honest. Its been a tough slog out here and anyone who is under the illusion that moving to Australia is a doddle is probably not being very realistic. I have good points and bad points about the place. One is the employment situation. We are in perth nearly 3 months and my OH is still looking for a job with no luck. I am quite happy to give both sides of the coin and I know many families who are in Perth that are finding it very much a struggle. We are lucky that I have a permanent job ( im not earning big money) and we dont have any small children (just a 14 yr old which brings it stresses). When I read Phillipa's post I didnt read that she was looking for just the good points but a balanced opinion on how we are enjoying it and I took from that well maybe that means not really enjoying it aswell. I have to stay emigrating has been one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life but I am glad I did it so Im not thinking in 20 years time.. what if .. what if... and if it doesnt work out in the long run we can always try something else.

cheers!

Suzanne

Hi Emma

Ah we are out in the burbs of North Perth (Carine) so it is about 15km from the city. The OH is still trying to get a perm job but as soon as he does I am hoping to increase the activity of my non existent social life How are you guys finding it so far?

I wouldnt have a problem living in any of these areas to be honest. We live in Carine but thats because we have a 14 yr old in school here. If I didnt have kids and need to be in catchment area I would probably live closer to the city althoug its not that far anyway to be honest. I guess it all depends on the type of lifestyle that you want.

Welcome to Perth Emma & Gary, Imsure you will love it here Where are you guys living?

130k is a great salary you wont have any problem living off that even if you wife doesnt work!

Hi Philippa

I'd gladly do this! Although I am Irish so I dont know if that makes any difference!!

Suzanne

If you have radiators definitely bring them with you. Alot of the houses dont have heating so you will need them. Our house doesnt have reverse cycle and we are freezing plus we have high ceilings. i got cheap oil filled ones in kmart but if I had them already I'd bring them. Bring everything with you including your kitchen sink

120k if you are on your own is a pretty GOOD salary. I dont think you will have any problems paying $10 for a beer on that!!

Hi Angiemalc - we are in Carine so not far from you. I dont work on Fridays if you want to meet up

Hi Angela

Good luck with the trip down under!! You will get a house in Carine for $800 that wont be a problem. Also checkouts www.realestate.com.au and www.reiwa.com.au they have a much broader selection than domain as far as I remember! I dont know if I can give you any advise on the first couple of weeks just enjoy it and treat it as a holiday as much as you can. Where are you staying when you arrive? Anyway look me up when you get here would be happy to meet up with you

Totally agree with Amanda carine is a fab suburb. LOL @ you Amanda about your grumpy old men!! Just let us know when you arrive. I work 4 days a week but Im up for meeting new people, and Im fairly new myself!

Suzanne

Not yet Ozindublin he is still on the search and he has had more interest last week but fingers crossed now and hopefully he gets something soon!

We live in Carine and its about a 15 min walk to Warwick train station although you can drive there in about 5 mins and park all day for $2! We live right beside Carine Open Space which is a huge open park. We are about a 10 min drive from the beach and there is a local shopping centre which is a 10 min walk. There is also Warwick Shopping centre which is about a 5 min drive and has Coles, wollies and everythign you pretty much need for day to day living. Duncraig Library is about a 5 min drive aswell.

Carine is NOR - I live there too

Yeah saints it really is cheaper on a wednesday - checkout : http://www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au/fuelwatch/pages/public/quickSearch.jspx