ClareH Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 Hi PerthPoms I recently received a job offer from a Perth Uni for a postdoctoral position. Myself and my husband are currently living in LA (from the UK originally and I did my PhD there) - we love LA but my post doc is coming to an end and I need a more senior role. The job offer is $80,000 with a salary package that means only $63,000 is taxed. We would start on 457 visas - I know my husband is eligible to work on this visa - and they would seek to move us to better visas in time. The job offer is for 2.5-3 years with chance of progression into a permanent role after. The salary offered for me is considerably higher than my US post doc (but the US pay their post docs terribly) - my concerns are two fold: 1 - My husband is an architect - he has luckily been in constant employment since we arrived in LA 18 months ago. from what we can tell Perth has zero architect posts - or those that do require local experience. Does anyone have any advice on this area? 2 - We know the cost of living in Perth is HIGH! If my husband was to struggle to get a job for a few months - would $80,000 be enough for a good quality of life? We don't have children yet and we are pretty thrifty but I am aware of the expense. Any advice is really appreciated! Clare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozzachino Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 I would say as a couple you can easily live on 80k. I would jump at the chance of emigrating with a job lined up! I dont think the cost of living is too much more than the uk except for rent, and maybe not even that if you are used to london prices. Dont know much about architect jobs except that a friends husband is one and they had a lot of redundancies last year and were considering going to 4 days a week to save money, and this was a big company in the city. Generally you cant get a look in here without wa experience but all it takes is one chance and you are in. Thousands do it every year and manage to get work, yes its hard going but if you are committed it can be done. good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClareH Posted April 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 A lot of people are telling me to jump at the opportunity - waiting to hear about a relocation package at the moment. We moved ourselves to the USA so savings are limited and we want to keep as much in savings as poss if my husband is unable to work. I'm hoping something comes up - he volunteered here in LA at a firm and that led to a job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 The income would be tight, but if there is a relocation package then it is doable. You would need to be careful with money until your partner found work, but you could live on it. I dont know the job situation for his proffession, but even if it takes a while to find work, you have your income. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 ClareH it sounds a good offer to me, but just remember that a 457 visa is a temporary visa and if your employer ended your employment, you would have 90 days to find another employer or leave Australia. Having said that, as your husband is an Architect, if he gets a job with an employer who wants to sponsor him for Permanent Residency, all would be OK. Really admire the pair of you by the way for going out into the world and doing what you are doing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClareH Posted April 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 Thanks Rossmoyne! We've got used to the sunshine in LA - so the thought of returning back to London isn't as appealing…. We are keen to live centrally - currently we live in a very vibrant area with bars and restaurants. Are there any areas that would stand out? My work will be in Subiaco so I'd like to be able to walk/get public transport to work (a luxury I don't have in LA!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozzachino Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 Subiaco would be great if you are looking for somewhere vibey. Walking to work is the best option here as traffic is mental! Subi has nice cafes, bars, quirky shops, close to the city and the beaches. You could do far worse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Suni is a great place to live, but as a result can be expensive for rentals. have a look at realestate.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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