Exactly 3 years ago today, on 12 November 2007, me and my family boarded an aeroplane and flew out to Australia to live permanently.
Now I have heard from more than one source, but probably not more than five sources, that there is a thing called the three year itch. Apparently, at around the three-year stage you start pining for “home”. After three years of living in Australia, the novelty has worn off and “old Blighty” suddenly feels quite attractive again.
So what do I think?
In the tradition of YouTube videos on Fridays posts, here’s a YouTube video. But this one is mine……
Dear Bob,
I paid $2000 to my immigration lawyer as the first installment of his charge for proceed our migration application. we paid it one month ago. but now he didn’t answer the phone. no reply for the emails. There is no branch office of his agency in my country. Now I feel that It is necessary to move another agent due to his silent. What is the refund policy of this kind of situation. What shall I do now.Please Bob, I am so much like to move Oz with my family. Tell me the next step would be?Thanks.
This doesn’t sound very good, was your migration agent MARA registered? Do you have this agents MARN number? The only person who is going to give you a refund is your agent, so you need to discuss it with them.
If your agent is MARA registered, you can register a complaint with the governing body.
Bob,
what a great site you have here, and the motivation its giving me is unparalleled.
I’ve only one qualm about coming over, I’m 21, by this time next year i will have an engineering degree and 6 years experience in industry so hopefully work shouldn’t be too much of a problem.. the only thing is i’d likely be going the distance alone. I do have an uncle that lives over near Melbourne, so i’d have some family destination to go to, but what would it be like settling in and making new friends starting from scratch?. I thought about leaving the job i’m in now to do WHV but its a big leap to leave a well payed supporting job, without any idea where i might end up
Rhys
Hi Rhys
Thanks, glad you like my website. It’s difficult to advise on this one, but I will say that I think coming here on a WHV is a great idea as it will answer all of your questions, you’ll certainly find out if Australia really is the country for you and you’ll also learn how easy/hard it might be to make new friends from scratch whilst on your own.
Under current rules, it is also possible to extend that 12 month visa for a second year providing you conform to certain conditions, so I would look into that if I were you.
What I can’t advise you to do though is give up a good job that pays well just to come here without knowing what prospects you might have. I think you just need to do some thorough research to see how likely it is you can get work here that pays just as well, and also what your chances are of getting work again back in the UK should you decide to return. Remember, the more qualifications and work experience you have, the better your chances will be in both places.
Good luck, whatever you decide I hope it goes well.
Cheers, Bob
Hi Sal
Good to hear from you and I’m glad that my blog has got you all excited about Australia again. From what you said, I reckon you need to get your application in as soon as possible! I think the rule is as long as your application is in before you are 45 years old, then they will stick by that. Even if it takes a year or 2 to process after receiving the application.
Don’t quote me on that, but I think it is the rule. So act fast! You don’t want time to run out. Go and see a migration agent now!
Good luck.
I been reading your blog for quite some time. I am so envious, in a good way, of how you are enjoying your time in Australia. We, my family and I, really wanted to move to Australia after my visa expired here in the US but we got the crisis and our lawyer told us the Australia goverment froze all the applications for skilled workers. Then al those prime minister candidates bashing against immigration got us somehow discouraged. Then we found your blog and we got excited again. Too bad I am turning 45 soon and I am not sure if my application will be accepted. I am an accountant with a systems administration certification with experience in the dairy industry. So far this has opened some doors but not sure how this would really play in Australia.
Always a joy to read your blog. Hope some day be there too.
Hi Bob,
It’s Ben again…last time you gave the advice Devon or Perth?? Perth or Devon??
Well, last week I thought “Bugger this” and flew over on a job recce with my wife and daughter hot on my heels a weeks later.
So now, while I touch base with potential employers , the whole England or Oz debate continues in my mind. The real question is ‘Will I ever make the right choice or is it a case of the making the choice turn out right?’
And so the next few weeks will unfold the folded and present the time for decision – do we stay or do we go?
There are limitation and drawbacks. We can’t study without coping the international student fee’s, until at least we are Permanent residents. Things like this need to be considered (or do they?) as we ain’t getting any younger and we would like to get ourselves into something we enjoy, hence further education.
And then there is actually finding and being sponsored in a job.
But then, as your movie shows, what a country to take a road trip in. We did 27,000 Kms this year and saw a lot, and made notes to self never to doubt the choice we should make if we get the chance.
Anyway, these are my problems to tackle and at 5pm this arvo, with a cold beer, I shall continue to do so.
Glad you still love it,
Ben
Hi Ben
Interesting comment…. ‘or is it a case of the making the choice turn out right?’ – Because I think it often is very much what you make of it. Embrace Australia, get involved, make friends, commit to Australia, and you will stay. But keep thinking about what you might miss in England, fret about old friends that you miss, dream about a nice pint of beer in your old favourite pub, and you’ll go back.
But yes, lots of big decisions, but you’re halfway there, you are all taking a good look. Good luck!
Bob just heard your comments about staying in Australia and just noticed you are starting to gain a Aussie accent has anyone said anything to you?
Con, Australian accent???? Mahahaha! You’re toying with me. I must be a mug, I rewatched my own video just to check. You had me going there…..
Hi Phil
Good to hear you are settling in to the Aussie way of life. I reckon the first 3 to 6 months are the toughest, so if you can get through these with a positive outlook and, as you say, no regrets, you will be here to stay.
I remember our first four months here, they were tough at times but also strangely exciting. You can’t beat discovering new places and glorious weather to take your mind off of other things, like… having no friends 🙂
But scorching weather at Christmas! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that, but that’s not to say I don’t love it. Christmas Day on the beach, jumping into a swimming pool on Boxing Day, no I’ll never get used to it, but I will do it. hehe!
Hi Bob, good video post. We’ve been in Melbourne for 3 months now and are starting to settle in to Australian life. It’s tough at times, not having friends and family to fall back on but overall we’re having a great time – even with the unpredictable weather in VIC. So far no regrets. Especially when I read the bbc news and hear about all the cut backs and doom and gloom in the UK. Glad to be some where more upbeat. Still think a sunny Christmas is going to take some getting used to.
Keep up the good work with the blog.
Phil