Advice Needed

[JohnB1]

Hi there

I could do with some help. I am considering moving to OZ. I am a qualified electrician. I have three kids, a five year old and one year old twin girls. I do like the idea of taking my babies away from this stinking country. From what I have read and been told is that family life and times in OZ is extremely better than here.

I am really torn at the moment over my five year old. I know she would miss family and friends. The twins would be ok becaused they wouldn`t understand.

I would like to know some of your experiences. Have you and your kids found it easy to settle? Has it been easy or difficult to make new friends and be accepted in your community?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[northern mover]

Hi Raymond,

in my experience, and believe me 10 years in Alder Hey qualifies me, 5 year olds are savvy little folk.

Yes, of course she would miss home etc, but tbh, she will adapt quicker than you and your missus! Keep her familiar toys, photos etc when you move. For now, show her books, mags, etc about australia ( I have left a ton of information lying around for my 10,12 and 14 yr olds), let her explore the place from a safe distance; she will get into it!!

I wish you well with your move

Jane

[JONCAZ]

Hi John,
We are in a similar position as you an 8 and 6 yr old, although our skill ass has just been submitted. The way we have looked at it is you can only give it a go and if it isn't what you thought it would be you can always come home then you will never have that "wish I'd have done it" situation. Your children will soon settle in and you have to think what is best for them as there is nothing in this country and it's getting worse. Go on give it a go!!

[JohnB1]

Originally Posted by northern mover

Hi Raymond,

in my experience, and believe me 10 years in Alder Hey qualifies me, 5 year olds are savvy little folk.

Yes, of course she would miss home etc, but tbh, she will adapt quicker than you and your missus! Keep her familiar toys, photos etc when you move. For now, show her books, mags, etc about australia ( I have left a ton of information lying around for my 10,12 and 14 yr olds), let her explore the place from a safe distance; she will get into it!!

I wish you well with your move

Jane

Hi Jane

Thanks for the info. I think your right about the little one. I know she`d adapt
( and lets face it, in the long run it can only be for the better), I just don`t like the thought of many tears! I`m from Liverpool myself. Currently live in Mossley Hill. Have you moved to OZ or are you in the process of moving?

John

ps Why did you call me Raymond ?!

[JohnB1]

Originally Posted by JONCAZ

Hi John,
We are in a similar position as you an 8 and 6 yr old, although our skill ass has just been submitted. The way we have looked at it is you can only give it a go and if it isn't what you thought it would be you can always come home then you will never have that "wish I'd have done it" situation. Your children will soon settle in and you have to think what is best for them as there is nothing in this country and it's getting worse. Go on give it a go!!

Cheers Joncaz

I do feel that way about just going for it, it`s just such a massive decision to make. Your right about this country , I really need to get my kids away from it. It`s knocks me sick when you pick the paper up every day and read another disgusting story. The kids that are coming through these days have got a big fat zero in morals!

Anyway good luck with the application

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by JohnB1

Hi there

Hi John (and not Raymond ),

Originally Posted by JohnB1

I could do with some help. I am considering moving to OZ. I am a qualified electrician. I have three kids, a five year old and one year old twin girls. I do like the idea of taking my babies away from this stinking country. From what I have read and been told is that family life and times in OZ is extremely better than here.

We don't have kids but we (me and my husband in our 40's) moved over to Oz from the UK in July 2007. Our life is much better than it was in the UK. No more long traffic jams, clean air, sunshine (even occasionally in winter!) and being part of a community.

Originally Posted by JohnB1

I am really torn at the moment over my five year old. I know she would miss family and friends. The twins would be ok becaused they wouldn`t understand.

Some of the other members are moving with children so they would be better to help you with that one. I know that children adapt well.

Originally Posted by JohnB1

I would like to know some of your experiences. Have you and your kids found it easy to settle? Has it been easy or difficult to make new friends and be accepted in your community?

We chose somewhere that we knew had clubs that we could join (by searching the internet). We were better known here within 6 months than we had been after 10 years in Borehamwood because here we have time. You have to make the effort to get out there - it won't come to you. We both joined Rotary, and I joined Toastmasters, local skilled migrants group (it's helpful sometimes to be with people who know what you're going through!) and the local Home Based Business group. I haven't replaced the friends of 30+ years that are still in the UK but I have made some new friends.

It's the best move we ever made even though it was tough leaving family and friends behind.

Regards,
Karen

[northern mover]

SORRY!!!!!!, having a senior moment

Hi JOHN,

We are in the process, still........ hopefully getting closer to the off. The process has taken it's toll over the last 4 months, i am knackered!

House is sold, and the packing is underway; car boot sales are becoming a way of life!! The bank account is sorted; i have quit work; sorting the school and doctors reports next week;all i need is my registration to come through and the visa to be processed( fingers x'd it will be within the next few weeks)

We are aiming for a november arrival in Adelaide; wish it were sooner, but heyho!

I agree, the best we can do for our kids is to get them out of the (y)UK.
I have the ubiquitous pictures of the POOL to remind me; amazing how serene it looks in a photo!!!

Many apologies again for re naming you, grovel grovel.....

Good Luck
Jane

[JONCAZ]

Hi John and Jane,
I think it must be a North West thing, you are both from Liverpool and I am from Widnes.
What part of Adelaide are you going to Jane? Do you know what school your kids will be going to as we have an 8 and 6 year old so any info would be helpful. Cheers

[northern mover]

Hi JonCaz

we are hopefully going to either West Beach, Henley Beach or Fulham! The three schools are Fulham Primary, Henley Beach Primary and Henley high school.
Another option is Flagstaff Hill; and i have only checked out Aberfoyle High there!

Hallett Cove has been recommended; rental and purchase is a bit cheaper; it's about 30 mins from the CBD.......not checked out schools there yet.

The DECS (dept of education and childrens services) website is very useful; and i got a response that was personal and helpful from them. The schools are listed there, if you want to have a good nosey at it

recently read that Liverpool, London and Glasgow have the highest number of people looking to leave the (y)UK; so you might be right about the north west thing

Where are you headed? When do you go? What are you/ the missus etc gonna do when you get there?

TC
Jane

[JONCAZ]

Hi Jane,

Not sure where we will be heading, my sister-in-law lives in NSW so we were thinking of there or Adelaide, basically wherever the best job oppertunities lie. I am a chef and my husband a joiner. I would ideally like a job with school friendly hours maybe in a school or nursery, what about you, do you have a job lined up? Are the kids excited?