Kinetic Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 (edited) Fristly, hello to everyone on the forum. After first starting to look at moving to Perth 18 months ago, I have just had a job offer with employer sponsorship and am waiting for my visa to come through. To get this far has been quite a challenge, as few employers in my field are willing to provide sponsorship, but it looks like we are getting there. Due to my age, the points system wasn't going to work for me, so it was employer sponsorship or nothing. I have read lots about the cost of living in Perth and have friends out there who have provided advice, but until you start to live yourself, you don't really know how far your money will go and that is one of my concerns. I have a senior job role here in the UK and have been in my career for quite a few years so am fortunate to earn a good living and have a fear of going to Perth and being worse off financially. I have been earning around £80k in the UK and the job in Perth will pay $165k which doesn't stack with the 2.5 £ to $ multiplier most people recommend. Now I know that $165k is a good salary so please don't tell me I should be grateful etc, as with all these things it is all relative to what you are used to e.g. we have a small mortgage in the UK but will be renting in Perth at around $800 a week. Has anyone made a similar move in £ to $ and how have you found the cost of living? Our second challenge is the enourmity of making that decision to leave friends and family behind. My wife especially, wants the climate, but doesn't want to leave people behind. I am not quite sure what my question is there, but would appreciate how others have dealt with that aspect! The other thing I have been thinking about, is that we are blessed with being able to travel to pretty much any event in the UK with just a few hours in the car - e.g. going to see a West End show, or pop concert. Do you miss that in Perth or do other things compensate? Soon getting to crunch decision time! Thanks. Edited June 21, 2013 by Kinetic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 There are pluses and minuses. As you have already found, although $165k is a good salary, it will not provide the same standard of living as you have now. In Perth, it isn't that high a salary. About average for mining. Perth is isolated and that is a fact. To get to another city is a 4 hour flight. We do of course get a good smattering of entertainment visiting the city. In the last month, I have been to see Jesus Christ Super Star and Circ Du Solie. The weather is better. But it isn't perfect. Very cold nights at the moment - down to 5c and a lot of houses have no heating, insolation is poor to non existent and double glazing rarer than hens teeth. Then, summer can just be too hot. When it's over 40, all you want to do is sit under an air conditioner. We also get a good smattering of storms - most dont realize, but Perth has a higher rainfall than London, just we get most of it over a few months. The other thing you have to consider is you are not emigrating. The 457 is a temp visa. It also has a major issue in that if you lose your job, you only have 28 days to find another willing to sponsor or leave the country. A particularly important thing to consider in a slowing economy. Ultimately, you have to decide why you want to come. What is it that you think Perth will give you that you don't have now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfie Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 Hi Here also on the dreaded 457 visa, have experience the looming threat of hubby losing job but all was good in the end. Your wages are looking good but then you have to factor the high cost of living here make a budget and double it. The first 6-8 months all you seem to do is spend out. Rent setting up utility bills yes they charge you for that, driving licences you get charged, phone lines, internet, oh crikey the list goes on. The weather is fab in summer as stormy says winter is cold never thought I would be wearing a jumper when its 20 deg ............. Your social life will be totally different that I can assure you making friends is not easy either. There will be a total emotional roller coaster that will hit you at about 4 months well did with me. You can look at it as an opportunity you wouldnt ever have had and grab it with both hands like we have. Nearly a year in next month for me and a beach is a beach is a beach then theres the flies flies and more flies mozzies spiders etc although yet to see a spider and hope it stays like that. I now miss my friends and my son very much I miss my home I miss the freedom of owning my own home and I miss my garden my animals god I miss my animals I now know I cannot live without pets I miss my hubby when hes away on site I miss being able to walk to the pub or shop I miss people saying hiya good morning etc I miss my life to be honest etc. I feel like a long term holiday maker its not real my life is not real any more. But I know I am going home the way I feel today sooner the better. Come here and see for yourself it is an opportunity Perth is a wonderful looking city small though compared to cities in the UK. There is a lot to see things you would not see in the UK. The wildlife is amazing to see kangaroos in folks gardens is fab although some people see them as pests. The only way you will know is to come here. Good luck what ever you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 Yep, as Elfie says, Perth is a small city. If you are used to popping to London it will seem very small. You can walk from one side of the city - kings park, to the other Adelaide terrace in under half an hour. The rest is just suburbia. If you like popping for a beer, then you might struggle. Perth doesn't really do pubs much. There are drinking holes - pretty grim places where people do what it says. Drink. And trendy bars - which will charge you up to $15 for a beer. Do not underestimate the mozzzies. Unusually for this time of year, they are still bad. My legs look like have the plague. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 We came from London. We lived there for ten years and took advantage of everything it had to offer. Our income was above average but looking back it never, ever felt like we enjoyed it. I remember that 85% of our monthly income just went the day it hit my account. We just live differently here - cars, big house, pool, fancy restaurants, and material possessions mean nothing to us now and it's a blooming relief that's for sure. We arrived here and it changed us completely. Relatively speaking our income is probably the same or a little less but it just doesn't matter to us. There'a always free events and even those you play for cost less than the UK. We took our son to the Blues and Roots Festival in Freo this year - Santana, Paul Simon, Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite. It was fantastic and we walked there and home in 15 minutes. The Dandy Warhols played last year and Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zero's and Mumford and Sons was one of the best gigs I've ever seen. We're never more than an hour from anything going on, the only downside is that some bands don't always include Perth on their tour. What's important to you? If it's relocating your existing lifestyle to Australia you might want to think again - $165k doesn't get you far in this town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfie Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 Yep, as Elfie says, Perth is a small city. If you are used to popping to London it will seem very small. You can walk from one side of the city - kings park, to the other Adelaide terrace in under half an hour. The rest is just suburbia. If you like popping for a beer, then you might struggle. Perth doesn't really do pubs much. There are drinking holes - pretty grim places where people do what it says. Drink. And trendy bars - which will charge you up to $15 for a beer. Do not underestimate the mozzzies. Unusually for this time of year, they are still bad. My legs look like have the plague. Last week one of the little blighters got me, when gardening I flicked it off as soon as. I thought oh I have escaped the dreaded raised inflamed bump that spreads from the size of a sixpence to a dinner plate. Oh how wrong I was the next evening it came up like the Tor in Glastonbury shinning beacon on top as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 (edited) Thanks for all the responses. We don't go into London very often so that isn't a major issue, but the point made about the size of Perth is an interesting one. I may have misled you a little about the salary on offer as I would get super on top plus a car and other allowances etc, which would take the total package to $225k, but it was the comparison with UK earnings that I was most interested in. Thanks also for the point about transplanting your UK lifestyle. I wouldn't be planning on doing this and would hopefully be spending money on other (more) fun things - it's just from here I am not sure what they would be apart from the obvious. If funds allowed the family to get into water sports that would be great. I can't remember the last time I went into a pub, so that's a non-issue for me. Schooling and activities for our two boys are a higher priority. Would be bringing our dog with us - he is part of the family! I have heard about the flies from a friend in Perth, but are the mozzies that much of an issue - I am never a fan of mozzie bites and seem to suffer when I get them!! You guys aren't all walking around covered in bites are you? Thanks. Edited June 22, 2013 by Kinetic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 Bites just don't bother us and living near the coast, the flies don't either. Fly screens over the doors and windows help and we plant all manner of smelly things to keep the mozzies down. That salary is extremely generous compared to ours, you'll certainly have a fair degree of disposable income so getting into watersports should not be an issue. Even on our small budget we're looking at going part share in a yacht so whatever means you have, there's always a way forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 (edited) The salary package is good, something like 2.5 times average. You willlive quite well but not as well as you do in the UK. I am a big believer in the2.5 x buying power pound to $ Weather is not what you may be lead to believe. 200mm more rain p/a than London, albeit over a 3 – 4 month period. Spring is variable, early summer very windy, late summer hot, autumn beautiful, winter – 3 months of squalls. I think although gloomy weather can drag you down, sunny weather does not necessarily have the opposite effect, and you do take it for granted after a little while. I certainly don’t think the climate alone is sufficient reason to leave the green - green grass of home, certainly not for the long term, but that, like everything else in this post is just my opinion. Certainly when you are referring to the separation from loved ones. Isolation, that drives me nuts at times, it’s hard to get a change of scenery or culture from what is the most isolated city in the world, you are robbed blind on air travel (and being a captive market a lot of other things besides), you could fly half way round the world for what it costs you to get to the east coast, particularly if you leave booking late. And you can shove Tiger Airways! You don’t say whether your move is temporary or permanent, if you intend to sell your house and bring your equity across, or leave it renting? That all has a major impact on your wellbeing. We only planned a short stay, but 5 and a half years later are still here, what with the GFC affecting the UK badly and WA buoyant through that period, things seem to be reversing a little now in that respect. Its just not that easy to move back and forth with family, not only is it hellishly expensive, its also very disruptive. There are plusses too, but it really isn’t for everybody. Edited June 22, 2013 by Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 The salary package is good, something like 2.5 times average. You willlive quite well but not as well as you do in the UK. I am a big believer in the2.5 x buying power pound to $ Weather is not what you may be lead to believe. 200mm more rain p/a than London, albeit over a 3 – 4 month period. Spring is variable, early summer very windy, late summer hot, autumn beautiful, winter – 3 months of squalls. I think although gloomy weather can drag you down, sunny weather does not necessarily have the opposite effect, and you do take it for granted after a little while. I certainly don’t think the climate alone is sufficient reason to leave the green - green grass of home, certainly not for the long term, but that, like everything else in this post is just my opinion. Certainly when you are referring to the separation from loved ones. Isolation, that drives me nuts at times, it’s hard to get a change of scenery or culture from what is the most isolated city in the world, you are robbed blind on air travel (and being a captive market a lot of other things besides), you could fly half way round the world for what it costs you to get to the east coast, particularly if you leave booking late. And you can shove Tiger Airways! You don’t say whether your move is temporary or permanent, if you intend to sell your house and bring your equity across, or leave it renting? That all has a major impact on your wellbeing. We only planned a short stay, but 5 and a half years later are still here, what with the GFC affecting the UK badly and WA buoyant through that period, things seem to be reversing a little now in that respect. Its just not that easy to move back and forth with family, not only is it hellishly expensive, its also very disruptive. There are plusses too, but it really isn’t for everybody. Hi Greg. The intention is that it would be permanent, but we would keep our house in the UK and rent it out. We live in a town around 1.5 hours from London, so are used to a sleepy existence, but we are able to visit events like Goodwood Festival of Speed when it's on. The overall package would equate to 2.3 times what I earn here but I do travel 20,000 miles a year just getting to the office and back, so would try and live nearer work which would be near the CBD. We would also make some cash from the rental income which would help offset the WA rental cost. The UK economy will be slow to pick up and although WA is slowing down, it is still buoyant compared to the UK. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfie Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 Hi Greg. The intention is that it would be permanent, but we would keep our house in the UK and rent it out. We live in a town around 1.5 hours from London, so are used to a sleepy existence, but we are able to visit events like Goodwood Festival of Speed when it's on. The overall package would equate to 2.3 times what I earn here but I do travel 20,000 miles a year just getting to the office and back, so would try and live nearer work which would be near the CBD. We would also make some cash from the rental income which would help offset the WA rental cost. The UK economy will be slow to pick up and although WA is slowing down, it is still buoyant compared to the UK. Thanks. one thing to remember you will have to declare your UK rental income on your oz tax return as its an income never mind if in the UK so not all will be an off set for your oz rental due to your promise oz salary in 3 figures you will not see much of your UK rental income Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 HiHere also on the dreaded 457 visa, have experience the looming threat of hubby losing job but all was good in the end. Your wages are looking good but then you have to factor the high cost of living here make a budget and double it. The first 6-8 months all you seem to do is spend out. Rent setting up utility bills yes they charge you for that, driving licences you get charged, phone lines, internet, oh crikey the list goes on. The weather is fab in summer as stormy says winter is cold never thought I would be wearing a jumper when its 20 deg ............. Your social life will be totally different that I can assure you making friends is not easy either. There will be a total emotional roller coaster that will hit you at about 4 months well did with me. You can look at it as an opportunity you wouldnt ever have had and grab it with both hands like we have. Nearly a year in next month for me and a beach is a beach is a beach then theres the flies flies and more flies mozzies spiders etc although yet to see a spider and hope it stays like that. I now miss my friends and my son very much I miss my home I miss the freedom of owning my own home and I miss my garden my animals god I miss my animals I now know I cannot live without pets I miss my hubby when hes away on site I miss being able to walk to the pub or shop I miss people saying hiya good morning etc I miss my life to be honest etc. I feel like a long term holiday maker its not real my life is not real any more. But I know I am going home the way I feel today sooner the better. Come here and see for yourself it is an opportunity Perth is a wonderful looking city small though compared to cities in the UK. There is a lot to see things you would not see in the UK. The wildlife is amazing to see kangaroos in folks gardens is fab although some people see them as pests. The only way you will know is to come here. Good luck what ever you decide. Elfie, so you really don't like it there, or are you just having a bad day? Sounds like you prefer the UK... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 There are pluses and minuses. As you have already found, although $165k is a good salary, it will not provide the same standard of living as you have now. In Perth, it isn't that high a salary. About average for mining. Perth is isolated and that is a fact. To get to another city is a 4 hour flight. We do of course get a good smattering of entertainment visiting the city. In the last month, I have been to see Jesus Christ Super Star and Circ Du Solie. The weather is better. But it isn't perfect. Very cold nights at the moment - down to 5c and a lot of houses have no heating, insolation is poor to non existent and double glazing rarer than hens teeth. Then, summer can just be too hot. When it's over 40, all you want to do is sit under an air conditioner. We also get a good smattering of storms - most dont realize, but Perth has a higher rainfall than London, just we get most of it over a few months. The other thing you have to consider is you are not emigrating. The 457 is a temp visa. It also has a major issue in that if you lose your job, you only have 28 days to find another willing to sponsor or leave the country. A particularly important thing to consider in a slowing economy. Ultimately, you have to decide why you want to come. What is it that you think Perth will give you that you don't have now. I have done loads of research and understand the weather differences as much as you can from graphs etc. Winter in the UK seemed to go on forever last/this year. I understand about the 457 and the 28 days and is a risk I would be happy to take. To me, that is less scary than emigrating and trying to get a job once there. The primary reason for moving for us is the weather and therefore being able to be out doors more. I love the UK, but it needs Spain's weather! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfie Posted June 22, 2013 Report Share Posted June 22, 2013 (edited) Hi i dont dislike it but I am not in love with it for us it was never a move for ever. Yes having a bad week actually. Australia is not all sunshine happy people loveliness come and see for yourself. The crime rate is the same if not higher more violent crimes, drug and alcohol problems bigger, murders, muggings, rapes, boy racers in 4 ltr cars as car insurance is a joke here, racing all hours of the night in some suburbs crashing into houses killing people all the social problems exist here to some extent worse. Huge divide between the rich and the poor, homelessness big problem not enough social housing for the poorer people as they cannot always afford the huge rents. Oh yes and racism and discrimination I forgot about that. The mining boom has a lot to answer for in WA. Reason such a huge influx of people services 10 years behind the UK and cannot cope. A new hospital being built millions spent but no staff to staff it, although it is not open yet. WA is not the place for us the rest of Australia I cannot say havent seen yet. I am only answering your question from a different perspective if you dont want to know about the other side of life then as you wish. We never came with rose tinted glasses on and I researched also I am not ignorant I can assure you but by god after the initial awe realism sets in you see it differently. I just wish someone had posted honestly about the other side of WA when I first started posting on this forum oh at least 2 years if not longer ago ................... oh ps i do prefer the UK and not ashamed to admit it either as they say been and seen and will be going home but not yet more to see yet Edited June 22, 2013 by elfie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted June 23, 2013 Report Share Posted June 23, 2013 As I have said, you are not moving to Oz. You are coming as a 4 year visitor. That is a big difference. The rules on 457 are changing and it is I think likely they will also change the PR visas. As the economy slows - and it is slowing fast, the government are certain to tighten things up. Do you qualify for PR now? If not, then there is no guarantee you will in the future. Those on 457 visas should never come with the belief they are here permanent. Your not. I really do think you should consider the advice on the other posters about the weather if that is a major factor in your decisions. Have you lived / worked in a hot country? Trust me, arriving the office drenched in sweat is not pleasant because it's 40 out side. Perth is the 3rd windiest city in the world. So even when the temp is nice, it often means getting off the beach by late morning or get sand blasted. Today here, is very similar to the UK in October. Cold, grey, wet and windy. As for schools. Personally, and some will disagree with this, but having friends here who are teachers, I would not even think about it. Uni is shockingly bad at undergrad level. Undergrads graduate at a level, which if they were in the UK, would getting a chat to see if they should consider a different course. In their first year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2013 Those on 457 visas should never come with the belief they are here permanent. Your not. I appreciate that. My friend went on a 457 and now has PR so become permanent for him and he loves it there. If the rules change, the rules change, so a good reason for keeping our house in the UK. Have you lived / worked in a hot country? Yes, I lived in Cyprus for 3 years. Perth is the 3rd windiest city in the world. So even when the temp is nice, it often means getting off the beach by late morning or get sand blasted. Sounds painful! As for schools. Personally, and some will disagree with this, but having friends here who are teachers, I would not even think about it. Uni is shockingly bad at undergrad level. Undergrads graduate at a level, which if they were in the UK, would getting a chat to see if they should consider a different course. In their first year. Some say the schooling is good! Lots of differing views but appreciate yours. What for you is the best part of living in Perth then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2013 I do prefer the UK and not ashamed to admit it either, as they say been and seen and will be going home but not yet more to see yet How long do you think you will stay in Perth? If you had to say one thing that you like the most about living there, what would it be? And what is the worst? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfie Posted June 23, 2013 Report Share Posted June 23, 2013 Hi our visa runs out in 2016 we may stay until then but most likely not. The best thing about being here is the experience of seeing and doing different things, the weather in autumn and spring is fab summer we coped with very well I have to say when temps hit the 40 + deg, wildlife mostly venturing out and about and getting lost seeing things we wouldn't have seen. Our lives are not real any more, I feel I have lost my identity. I don't expect you to understand what I mean when I say this maybe if you come on the 457 visa you will understand. The worst for us, not in order of priority, paying extortionate rent when we can live mortgage free in the UK, unable to have animals, never been with out a pet in my life thought I could be animal free hate the fact I am, the isolation from friends and family I miss my job - which does not exist here as services are so far behind, not being able to get a job in my field of work, [i do work] mostly miss my hubby being away for 2 weeks at a time. But in 3 weeks we are off to see The Stereophonics yeahhhhh back stage passes as well. We grew up together from our little village in Wales back home. Fleetwood Mac in November and Mrs Brown in April next year so will be here until April next year at least Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2013 The worst for us, not in order of priority, paying extortionate rent when we can live mortgage free in the UK:cute: Hi, I certainly understand that! Plus FIFO Must be hard for you. Hope things look up for you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted June 23, 2013 Report Share Posted June 23, 2013 It has, until recently been very good career wise. I am a geologist and working in oz has allowed me to work week on week off instead of long international rosters. But, the down turn in oz means there is a lack of work in oz, so back to working international FIFO. My wife likes the peace and quiet and is happier than she was in the UK - she is not a Brit by birth and never took to the UK too well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted June 23, 2013 Report Share Posted June 23, 2013 One of the things you mentioned in your early post was that your wife was worried about 'leaving people' - don't underestimate this as it is often one of the things cited for reasons for returning. I enjoy living in Perth, I take the good with the bad - it's not perfect by any means but the things that are wrong with it don't make me want to return to the UK or move to another state. We're happy with our lot. However, one of the things I missed (more than my hubby) was having friends - it's taken a few years to have the network of support and friendships that we've now developed. I think we forget that the friendships we had in the UK tended to develop over a period of time - and it is hard to replace that initially. My children were a little older so I didn't have the school run to make friends etc. To provide a little balance re education - my daughter goes to UWA - it's a highly regarded university on the world stage and has some exchanges with other excellent universities around the world, Our experience of education for our children hasn't been a bad one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest9824 Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 One of the things you mentioned in your early post was that your wife was worried about 'leaving people' - don't underestimate this as it is often one of the things cited for reasons for returning. I enjoy living in Perth, I take the good with the bad - it's not perfect by any means but the things that are wrong with it don't make me want to return to the UK or move to another state. We're happy with our lot. However, one of the things I missed (more than my hubby) was having friends - it's taken a few years to have the network of support and friendships that we've now developed. I think we forget that the friendships we had in the UK tended to develop over a period of time - and it is hard to replace that initially. My children were a little older so I didn't have the school run to make friends etc. To provide a little balance re education - my daughter goes to UWA - it's a highly regarded university on the world stage and has some exchanges with other excellent universities around the world, Our experience of education for our children hasn't been a bad one I have to agree, I think lots of people underestimate how much they will miss their friends and family, especially if family has always been there to lend a hand with children etc, and having that safety net of friends is incredibly difficult to leave behind. Some are lucky enough to have family here, and even if its distant relatives, it can be very comforting to know there is someone here that can be a life line if you are feeling a bit lost or lonely. It is difficult to make friends and I think we all tend to migrate towards expats and people in the same position as us, but as time moves on, making friends with lots of other nationalities becomes easier, and I do think it really depends on where you end up living, I cant stress enough how important that is, as we have never really wanted to live in the northern or southern suburbs it just didnt float our boat, we have third, fourth fifth generation australian friends, who are the salt of the earth, and a different kettle of fish I think compared to some of the australians who have been here for a lot less time than that, just my opinion. Education wise, I agree with Ali, my children work really hard at school here, and I think they have done probably better here than they would have done in the UK and the level of education has been excellent. UWA has a fantastic reputation, as does Melbourne Uni, so not really sure why anyone would dumb down the standards here. pea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinetic Posted June 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 I have to agree, I think lots of people underestimate how much they will miss their friends and family, especially if family has always been there to lend a hand with children etc, and having that safety net of friends is incredibly difficult to leave behind. pea Ali and Peanuts, I understand, lots of my wife's friends were made when our two were at primary school so with the ages they are now, wouldn't have the same opportunity in Oz. We would know a couple of families in Perth - people I used to work with who moved out a few years ago, so that would be a comfort, but my wife wouldn't have her close friends. What would you both say is the biggest plus for living there? Lots to think about... Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest9824 Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 Ali and Peanuts, I understand, lots of my wife's friends were made when our two were at primary school so with the ages they are now, wouldn't have the same opportunity in Oz. We would know a couple of families in Perth - people I used to work with who moved out a few years ago, so that would be a comfort, but my wife wouldn't have her close friends. What would you both say is the biggest plus for living there? Lots to think about... Cheers. Hi Kinetic, I would have to say on the plus side for us living here is the general quality of life (standard of living is pretty much the same as we had in the UK) but being able to spend time outside with the family, more socialising with other families and our own extended family, being able to plan things weeks in advance, having the pool in the back yard ( I know thats expensive and hard work for some and the novelty wears off but for us its great). Space, having space around us, less people, open air concerts, free community things to do, enjoying the river, picnics by it, less of the 'keeping up with everyone', where we live that just doesnt exist! There are lots of people with money, but its not the bee all....IMO perhaps we live too far in the sticks for it to be of any interest. I guess at the end of the day, its whats important to you and your family, if you value time together as a family, enjoying each others company, doing things that are free and enjoyable, then you could potentially have a great life here. On a personal level, a plus side for me is being here for my mum, as she is in her twilight years, and getting more vunerable, we are here to help her. We are a successful 457 Visa applicant, we came on one, got PR as soon as we could, and are now citizens. I know things have changed on that score... It is what it is, and its what you make of it, I think we were lucky that we up sticks and sold up in the UK, I think if we had had a property there still, ties, then things may have been different for us, but luckily we had a clean slate. pea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 For us ... very clichéd (but true) ... the quality of time we've spent together as a family. Despite working the same hours, we have found that we've spent more time together, not necessarily going out (although we do that too), but just having dinner outside at a weekend, we'll sit for hours chatting with the kids, playing silly games .. in winter we light the fire pit and have a dinner we can just eat around the fire - the simple things have been our gain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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