How do you know it's right?

[zozo03]

Hi everyone, I'm new to PP and have been reading so much already. The information and experience here is really fantastic. I am considering starting this journey with my OH and 3 kids (8,6 and 3). I've wanted to live in Perth ever since visiting 16 yrs ago and have friends who moved last year as well as friends who moved when we were kids. Very daunting for OH as he has never been. We are visiting next Easter but shortly after that he turns 40 (would be his skills getting the 189) and we lose 10 points. So having to make the call to spend all this money without knowing if he will like it enough to leave all our family and friends behind, give up 2 successful careers and hope it all works out! Or waste the better part of £10k if we go ahead and then he doesn't like it. Did anyone else make this move never having been? How did you know it was right? How did you balance the life in Australia versus removing the influence, love and help of family? Thanks everyone!

[ali]

We had visited the East Coast for a holiday but hadn't had the intention of migrating - until we got home, then my hubby said "I could live in Australia" ... We hadn't visited Perth.

 

We didn't see a lot of family and didn't really get a lot of assistance from them (despite living in the same town), my dad lived 50 miles away and we saw him every couple of months for a long weekend, we'd always had to work around school holidays etc., I do think that if extended family are an big influence/involvement in your daily life then it can be tough at the start as it's quite isolating in the initial stages and everyday life continues, with work, chores, school etc., only this time you don't (initially) have the luxery of popping to friends for a cuppa etc.

[rpakey]

Wow! Sounds almost identical to our circumstances!

I guess you will never know if it is right, one thing is for sure though, do you continue life thinking about it (as we have done for the last 20 years) or, do you give it a go to find out, knowing one of the options might be that it is a 'life experience' and nothing more

The mind boggles...

[zozo03]

Wow! Sounds almost identical to our circumstances!

I guess you will never know if it is right, one thing is for sure though, do you continue life thinking about it (as we have done for the last 20 years) or, do you give it a go to find out, knowing one of the options might be that it is a 'life experience' and nothing more

The mind boggles...

 

That's what I feel. Every time I hear someone saying they are migrating I get that twinge of jealousy and urge to take action. Then life carries on and what do you know, it's another 2 years down the road. It is hard when you are financially stable, in good jobs - and not unhappy - to take the plunge. But my 'migration clock' is ticking very loudly now.

Have you moved or still going through process? Are you happy?

[rpakey]

That's what I feel. Every time I hear someone saying they are migrating I get that twinge of jealousy and urge to take action. Then life carries on and what do you know, it's another 2 years down the road. It is hard when you are financially stable, in good jobs - and not unhappy - to take the plunge. But my 'migration clock' is ticking very loudly now.

Have you moved or still going through process? Are you happy?

We are in the migration process, although I have a life decision meeting on Sunday that might just get us there much more quickly, I suppose we are a bit different in that we spent 20 years visiting WA every couple of years and found that 'something' kept pulling us back, cannot describe it any more than that

I was forced into further action when I found out about my points being worth less next year when I turn 40 too, so now I am very happy we have made the decision and would almost give anything to be there quickly...

[zozo03]

We are in the migration process, although I have a life decision meeting on Sunday that might just get us there much more quickly, I suppose we are a bit different in that we spent 20 years visiting WA every couple of years and found that 'something' kept pulling us back, cannot describe it any more than that

I was forced into further action when I found out about my points being worth less next year when I turn 40 too, so now I am very happy we have made the decision and would almost give anything to be there quickly...

 

What's a life decision meeting? How does it get you moving more quickly? Please forgive me if it's a reference to something very personal.

The ticking clock does mean the luxury of research and visiting for OH is not an option. As you say in your first comment though, it could be viewed as a life experience if nothing else. Taking the kids away from their grandparents is a tough call but seeing how much they light up when it's sunny and they can play outdoors all day is really a selling point all on it's own.

I hope everything goes well for you and you get to make the move ASAP. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with me.

[rpakey]

Nothing too personal, just a role for an employed position, which I hadnt ever considered, but one that they are looking to organise within a couple of months to get me out there quickly

I had only considered self-employment and I am currently applying for an independent visa, this will yet take another several months!

[OnOurWay]

To answer the original post...... You don't know its right.

I think most of us take a huge leap of faith. We've been in Perth now for five months, and what I can say is that moving to the other side of the world is nowhere near as big a deal as we thought it was before we did it.

Will we stay forever......I don't know.

For us, the risk of not giving it a go was bigger than the risk of trying. If it doesn't work out, we'll move home. All very simple really!

One thing I would say is that moving over he's has been a very empowering experience. We've done it, and now we feel like we could do anything.

Do we miss family.....yes of course we do. We also miss our friends.

However, I have learned to kayak, I live amongst the vineyards and we go camping under the stars.

I am not in a position to give you any advice, but I think that too many people accept their lot, and don't step outside their comfort zone.

Is Australia for you........i have no idea. However, you are interested enough to post on a forum like this so ask yourself this........whats the worst that can happen?

You get here, don't like it and go home. Yes it will cost a small fortune, but its only money.

WA is an amazing place, and I can honestly say, that no matter what happens from here we did the right thing trying it.

The bottom line is that you will never know whether its for you or not, without actually coming here. Thinking about doing something is one thing, but doing it is another. It takes a leap of faith, and you are taking a risk. To me the risk feels quite small now we are here. Coming here was the hard bit, moving home would be easy. Buy plane tickets and tomorrow we are home.

[GaznSal]

Hi, we've been here since beginning of feb. We moved having never visited Australia and everyone told us we were mad, what if we didn't like it etc.

However what's not to like? There is so much here and it is stunningly beautiful. Our kids (10 & 8) did not want to come, but they are settled in school and having a great time.

I have had a little wobble since we've been here, thinking what on earth have we done leaving our good life, jobs, house, and great family and friends, but a leisurely walk beside the ocean with my husband was enough to remind me of our reasons!

My husband hasn't got a job yet and has found it frustrating having to do courses to get a license to enable him to work.

We speak to our friends and family on FaceTime and Skype.

[Lou8670]

Couldn't agree more ^^^

[zozo03]

Hi, we've been here since beginning of feb. We moved having never visited Australia and everyone told us we were mad, what if we didn't like it etc.

However what's not to like? There is so much here and it is stunningly beautiful. Our kids (10 & 8) did not want to come, but they are settled in school and having a great time.

I have had a little wobble since we've been here, thinking what on earth have we done leaving our good life, jobs, house, and great family and friends, but a leisurely walk beside the ocean with my husband was enough to remind me of our reasons!

My husband hasn't got a job yet and has found it frustrating having to do courses to get a license to enable him to work.

We speak to our friends and family on FaceTime and Skype.

 

This is really helpful thanks! My eldest loves the idea but dotes on her grandparents so reality would be tough. The jobs part scares me most as we are pretty secure there with good salaries and prospects so it's a scary thought to be fighting it out in the jobs market again but the thought of walking on the beach everyday with the kids is a different story! [emoji4] It is a leap of faith and yes it is only money and you only get one life.... That's what I keep coming back to.

[OnOurWay]

We were the same. Jobs was the big worry, and to a point still is. My wife is a midwife and is earning much more than she was back in the UK. Me on the hand, I've had to take a huge drop in salary. Our total family income has nearly halved, as I was earning good money in the UK. Yo a point I've had to start again. Its not ideal by any means, and hopefully I will work my way back up fairly quickly.

I didn't move half the way round the world to be rich, I moved for a change of lifestyle.

Money is pretty tight, and there's a lot going out, plus the initial costs of getting here and setting up.

That said, the things we love doing here are free. Walks in the hills, body boarding, kayaking, camping in the middle of nowhere etc.

Another thing that we realised when we got here was how much we called on family and friends for childcare etc. You have none of that here.

We'd thought about moving for years and done nothing about it. Now we have, I'm glad we did. Hopefully in a couple of years my wage will go up to where it was in the UK and we'll have an amazing lifestyle. Up until then, we are happy and skint!

[LoopyLauren]

Were taking some big risks going for it, But hey ho, were only on this planet once. We figure, we lose some time, money and effort trying it out, but I certainly don't want to live with regret.

[Starjumper]

We moved out in October. My husband had visited Perth for 3 days and I had never set foot in Australia. Everyone's situation is different, but we were up against it timewise. We decided that holidaying wouldn't be the same as day to day living, and basically that we'd just give it a go. I was petrified on the second leg of our journey! When we left Singpore I just kept thinking, what if I hate it? But that was just last minute nerves. I knew my husband and I would want to give it at least a couple of years to adjust, even if first impressions weren't favourable. We've been here six months now and so far, so good! We're all glad to be here.

[zozo03]

We moved out in October. My husband had visited Perth for 3 days and I had never set foot in Australia. Everyone's situation is different, but we were up against it timewise. We decided that holidaying wouldn't be the same as day to day living, and basically that we'd just give it a go. I was petrified on the second leg of our journey! When we left Singpore I just kept thinking, what if I hate it? But that was just last minute nerves. I knew my husband and I would want to give it at least a couple of years to adjust, even if first impressions weren't favourable. We've been here six months now and so far, so good! We're all glad to be here.

 

Wow. That's so great. Well done and fab you are all loving it. Kids too? Did you find getting jobs ok? I know everyone's situation is different but OH is worried we uproot kids, sell house and then can't get jobs and have spent our money renting so even if we did want to come back we would have no deposit to buy another house. Tbh I would probably move tomorrow as nothing ventured nothing gained, and as I've said in a previous post, I would hate to have regrets. He is far more cautious, not one to gamble lightly and I understand his concerns - they are all valid. I'm just hoping all your experiences will reassure him enough to take the leap of faith and at the very least get the visa to give us the 5 year option.

[ali]

If you get your visa, you'll have to validate it anyway, which can prove to be a very expensive holiday if you then go back and move again later (although for some it unavoidable). One of the things you can consider (depending on your jobs) is if you are allowed to take a career break from your employer .. in the NHS it used to be (not sure if it still is) that for a year you were guarenteed your job, 2 years it was a job of same grade (may not be the same job you left), after that you were guarenteed 'a job' with the service. Another safety net is to rent rather than sell your home so that you have something to return to. I think the longer that people leave it the more difficult it is to make a move, because your life moves on, you get promotions, the kids get older etc., which makes the decision to go even more difficult.

[zozo03]

If you get your visa, you'll have to validate it anyway, which can prove to be a very expensive holiday if you then go back and move again later (although for some it unavoidable). One of the things you can consider (depending on your jobs) is if you are allowed to take a career break from your employer .. in the NHS it used to be (not sure if it still is) that for a year you were guarenteed your job, 2 years it was a job of same grade (may not be the same job you left), after that you were guarenteed 'a job' with the service. Another safety net is to rent rather than sell your home so that you have something to return to. I think the longer that people leave it the more difficult it is to make a move, because your life moves on, you get promotions, the kids get older etc., which makes the decision to go even more difficult.

 

We actually discussed that last night. Renting house is good compromise in short to medium term either that or ring fence any profits so don't spend it and if savings run out before getting job then we move back without spending the house money. We both work in private sector jobs but my employer has allowed 6 month career breaks in the past. We are actually booked to come out next Easter for 3 weeks so depending on timescales that could work out as validation trip although would need to move quickly to get all the tests and checks out the way and hope for a speedy and supportive CO. May not happen though!

[susanbro]

If you're gonna do it before your OH turns 40 then you need to get on it straight away. We started the whole process last June and it's taken longer than we ever anticipated.

If things now run to timescales that other people have been getting then we won't get our visas till June/July - a lovely 12-13 months after we started looking into the process.

Granted other people have gotten theirs quicker, all depends on personal circumstances. My OH has never been to Aus - I lived in Melbourne for 7 months and loved it but we're loking to move to Perth. Life is a gamble but we're looking on this as an adventure. I'm sure your kids will love it Good luck and I hope you make the right decision for you and your family xx

[OnOurWay]

I can't offer any advice as to whether you should move out here or not.

What I can say is that if you spend too long deciding, the decision will be made for you. Time will pass and you'll end up not coming. Deciding that it is best you and your family to stay in the UK is making a decision. Deciding to give it a go is making a decision. Spending so long deciding what to do the the opportunity is taken from you is a crime, with regret being the punishment.

I've been here not very long and have managed to find work. It pays considerably less (a quarter) Tha I was earning back home. I spent 10 years in Edinburgh working my way up the ladder, and you cant really expect to walk into the same salary in your first job.

Financially things are tight for us right now, yet back home we lived well.

We've swapped nice cars for an old 4x4, and we cant really afford to eat out. But again, its about setting your expectations. We moved for a change of lifestyle, and believe me we certainly got that! As the months go on I hope to earn more and we will be able to afford more material things.

I don't want to sound like an old hippy, but money cant buy some of the things I have now. The other day me and my son were kayaking Dow the Swan River and two dolphins came, on either side of the kayak and just seemed to play with us for a while. The first time you take the kids surfing.....the first time you drive into the middle of nowhere with a tent......all of these things are impossible to put a price on.

I guess what I'm trying to say is decide, don't let time pass by so quickly that the decision is no longer yours to make.

This is an amazing country and I you do come, please prepare yourself for a period of transition. Me and my wife always remind ourselves Tha we've done the hard bit.....we are here.

For what its worth (this is perhaps directed at your husband) I didn't really want to leave the uk. I was worried about all the same stuff Tha your husband is worried about. Now I'm here, I just think Tha I worried too much. If we go home in a couple of years because it didn't work out, so be it. I'm really glad I gave it a go.

[OnOurWay]

Sod it......

Toss a coin, heads to move, tails you don't!!!

[zozo03]

Best of 3...?! [emoji1]

[zozo03]

I can't offer any advice as to whether you should move out here or not.

What I can say is that if you spend too long deciding, the decision will be made for you. Time will pass and you'll end up not coming. Deciding that it is best you and your family to stay in the UK is making a decision. Deciding to give it a go is making a decision. Spending so long deciding what to do the the opportunity is taken from you is a crime, with regret being the punishment.

I've been here not very long and have managed to find work. It pays considerably less (a quarter) Tha I was earning back home. I spent 10 years in Edinburgh working my way up the ladder, and you cant really expect to walk into the same salary in your first job.

Financially things are tight for us right now, yet back home we lived well.

We've swapped nice cars for an old 4x4, and we cant really afford to eat out. But again, its about setting your expectations. We moved for a change of lifestyle, and believe me we certainly got that! As the months go on I hope to earn more and we will be able to afford more material things.

I don't want to sound like an old hippy, but money cant buy some of the things I have now. The other day me and my son were kayaking Dow the Swan River and two dolphins came, on either side of the kayak and just seemed to play with us for a while. The first time you take the kids surfing.....the first time you drive into the middle of nowhere with a tent......all of these things are impossible to put a price on.

I guess what I'm trying to say is decide, don't let time pass by so quickly that the decision is no longer yours to make.

This is an amazing country and I you do come, please prepare yourself for a period of transition. Me and my wife always remind ourselves Tha we've done the hard bit.....we are here.

For what its worth (this is perhaps directed at your husband) I didn't really want to leave the uk. I was worried about all the same stuff Tha your husband is worried about. Now I'm here, I just think Tha I worried too much. If we go home in a couple of years because it didn't work out, so be it. I'm really glad I gave it a go.

 

Out of interest what did you do in Edinburgh/are you doing now? I'm working in marketing/advertising in Edinburgh for an asset manager. Hubby is a Director of engineering (audio/electronics)

[Starjumper]

Hi zozo03,

 

in answer to your question, we have brought 2 kids aged 6 and 8 when we came out, and my husband already had a job which he started a couple of weeks after we landed. If you think you want to make the leap, don't wait too long. My hubby didn't think of coming to Oz until he had just passed the age 45 cut off for independent visa points. This means we've had to come on on a 457 visa, which as everyone on this site will tell you can be very risky! We are both ok with the choices we've made and accept the risk. Everyone's attitude to risk is different, but with these types of decisions I think both partners must be singing from the same hymn sheet!

[LB1978]

zozo03 your post is actually what made me register here as I was desperate to reply!

 

I'm also in Edinburgh and going through EXACTLY the same thing...hubby and I have been in touch with a Migration Agent and been told we have a good chance of getting the 189 visa (based on husband applying) and we're now going through the will we, won't we debate...

 

I've had a thing about moving to Oz for years (been 4 times) and husband has visited once, when we went in 2012 to visit his uni friends who are all living in Perth. We chatted about moving there on the flight home but decided it wasn't the right time. We got engaged in Oz and knew we wanted to get married here and have a child here too. So, wind on 3.5 years...we're married and have a 7 month old son (I'm on mat leave).

 

We chatted about it again a few months ago and decided if we're going to go, now is the time. We're still in my flat which could easily rent or sell so haven't invested in a family home and hubbies' work is coming to a point where he'd gladly leave. I work in banking and have done for 14 years, I don't love my job enough to care about resigning! In a few years time, he'll be 40 and we won't have the points to go.

 

Like you, we have a nice life here. My mum is on hand to babysit whenever, great friends, good jobs, could buy a nice family home tomorrow. So I can't decide whether the opportunity in Perth is greater than the life we have here. Husband is a bit more chilled but I'm the worrier and the one that goes into all the finer detail about everything. It's driving me insane.

Although one way of looking at it which is helping us come round is viewing it as a 2 year move rather than emigrating. You need to settle for 2 years to be able to renew your residency (if you don't go for citizenship) and so we think maybe if we 'move' for 2 years then decide at the end of that. It doesn't sound so permanent. Spoke to my mum today who was all for us going but not sure whether that made it harder or easier....hmmm

[zozo03]

zozo03 your post is actually what made me register here as I was desperate to reply!

 

I'm also in Edinburgh and going through EXACTLY the same thing...hubby and I have been in touch with a Migration Agent and been told we have a good chance of getting the 189 visa (based on husband applying) and we're now going through the will we, won't we debate...

 

I've had a thing about moving to Oz for years (been 4 times) and husband has visited once, when we went in 2012 to visit his uni friends who are all living in Perth. We chatted about moving there on the flight home but decided it wasn't the right time. We got engaged in Oz and knew we wanted to get married here and have a child here too. So, wind on 3.5 years...we're married and have a 7 month old son (I'm on mat leave).

 

We chatted about it again a few months ago and decided if we're going to go, now is the time. We're still in my flat which could easily rent or sell so haven't invested in a family home and hubbies' work is coming to a point where he'd gladly leave. I work in banking and have done for 14 years, I don't love my job enough to care about resigning! In a few years time, he'll be 40 and we won't have the points to go.

 

Like you, we have a nice life here. My mum is on hand to babysit whenever, great friends, good jobs, could buy a nice family home tomorrow. So I can't decide whether the opportunity in Perth is greater than the life we have here. Husband is a bit more chilled but I'm the worrier and the one that goes into all the finer detail about everything. It's driving me insane.

Although one way of looking at it which is helping us come round is viewing it as a 2 year move rather than emigrating. You need to settle for 2 years to be able to renew your residency (if you don't go for citizenship) and so we think maybe if we 'move' for 2 years then decide at the end of that. It doesn't sound so permanent. Spoke to my mum today who was all for us going but not sure whether that made it harder or easier....hmmm

 

Welcome to PP! I registered just to ask the question as it has been driving me insane too. It's not easy, is it! I know my mum would be devastated, she looks after our 3 kids 2 days per week and dotes on them. Our prospects career wise are great here and it's the gamble of the unknown which is tough to make a call on. What if we don't get good jobs, what if we can't afford the great lifestyle we would be seeking (house with pool etc) and then what if we hate it want to come home and have trouble getting jobs again. Personally I would like to get the visa, validate it and have OH visit next year so he knows exactly what the opportunities are, can talk to recruitment consultants and get a feel for the risk/reward. It's a £10k risk if we decided to stay but the alternative of going next yr loving it and knowing we have lost our chance is a horrible thought.