22nd July 2008, 05:05 AM
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Expat Member
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 16
Rep Power: 0
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Hi Tiffani,
That it so nice to know about work-life. It is so fast paced here and stressful most of the time. We have been talking about moving there off and on for 3 years. I have been weight the pros and cons and I think it would be a wise decision if we did. It is so nice of all you to have this forum for people who need advice. It also great to talk to a fellow American who is acutally there. Would you say that houses are really expensive there? My husband and I want to move to Pakenham. I dont know if you know where that is. It is between Narre Warren and Tynong. By the way I am from Nevada. It is nice to know the people are nice and helpful there. How long have you lived there if you dont mind me asking? What is the food like there? Is it different from here? My husband tells me that they have little markets that sell fresh fruit and vegetables. Like little farmer stands I guess you would say. What about utilities and water are they cheaper. I know you said the cost of living is less than here. In Nevada we have some of the highest utility rates in the country. Well I hope I havent overwhelmed you with questions. Thanks for being a good listener.
Ronda 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiffani
Hi Ronda,
I am from the US (North Carolina) and there are things I prefer about here and things I prefer about the US -- nowhere is perfect, of course!
Things I prefer about Melbourne: much better work-life balance, higher salaries, laid-back but helpful and friendly people. You will have to adjust your expectations of when things get done. The work-life balance means that people tend to work less than in the US so sometimes and immediate response isn't possible. You get used to that because they're not slackers by any means. Their honesty also means that you can get saved from a screwing because people who work at a shop will tell you "you can get it in the shop downstairs for cheaper" LOL That is much appreciated after you get over the shock that it's actually happened.
Things I prefer about NC: the weather (Melbourne is colder than I had anticipated, and wetter, actually), being able to get what I want when I want it (again, the work-life balance is affected here though), and lower prices for pretty much everything.
Our quality of life is much better here, but we can't afford a house. That's the only real downside.
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