6 Things To Consider Before Moving Down Under

Hi Folks - First off, thanks to those who have taken the time to subscribe to our newsletter. We are blown away that over 10,000 of you chose to sign up within the first seven days, and we're excited to share this edition of our newsletter with you.

What's in store?

For our second edition, we thought we'd write about what you might want to consider before removing to Australia.

Don't get us wrong, Australia is an absolutely fantastic place; however, starting this journey with your eyes wide open is extremely important!

Given that we are at the start of this journey with our newsletter, and many of you are starting your journey towards a new life in Australia, it would be a great topic to get us started.

Have suggestions for future newsletter topics? Please share them in our comments

My Journey?

For me, my journey started all the way back in 2002. My wife and I had always fancied a holiday in Australia, and when my brother-in-law got a job out there as a chef in Sydney, we decided to go and check the place out.

Despite the 24-hour journey. It was worth it! We were blown away by the place. The weather (compared to the UK) was terrific, everyone was friendly, and with English as a first language for the majority, it was easy to get around.

Fast forward a few years, I was made redundant from my job. Still fresh with fond memories of Australia, I was left thinking.

If I'm going to look for a new job. Why not look for a new job in Australia?

By this point, we'd welcomed our first child (A little boy who was now two years old), and the places I grew up as a child in the UK weren't the same any longer.

We are seeking a better life for our family.

The streams I caught fish in were polluted. The parks I played in were covered in broken bottles and needles. It just wasn't where I wanted to spend the next 18 years raising our son.

Fast forward another six months, and we were fortunate to go on a second family holiday in Australia. This time for four weeks. This holiday settled it! We were in love with everything Australia had to offer us!

We used the holiday to make some connections with recruitment agencies. We looked at several different areas where we could live and decided to commence applying for an Australian visa when we got home.

Heading down under

December 2006. We caught a one-way flight to our new home. It was a strange feeling leaving our old home and handing back the keys. I don't think I've ever left somewhere without taking a key before. It felt weird to be keyless but symbolic of the start of our new life. An amazingly exciting life!

If only it were that easy!

Fair to say the journey from the UK to Australia was a lot more complex than that. We had visas to apply for, skills assessments and medicals to complete, but every ounce of energy we spent getting here was worth it.

That was my journey, and your journey may be very different. What will be similar is that a move to Australia is likely to be a big deal, both for you and potentially your family.

Things you should consider before moving to Australia

So let's get into the main topic of today's newsletter. Here are the six factors to consider when thinking about moving to Australia:

Visas

To move to Australia, you will need to obtain a visa. Several types of visas are available, including work visas, study visas, and family visas. Here at Sponsored Jobs Australia, we focus on the 482 Sponsored visas.

It is essential to research the requirements and application process for the specific visa you are interested in. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, employment history, and qualifications and undergo health and character checks. The process can take several months, so it is essential to start the application process well before your planned move.

Read our guides: For the 482 Sponsored Visa, we have created a number of guides which you can access for free by clicking here.

Cost of living

Australia has a high cost of living, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. You will need to budget for housing, food, transportation, and healthcare expenses.

It may be helpful to research the cost of living in different parts of the country to find a location that fits your budget. Rent and groceries are the most expensive expenses, but you may also need to budget for utilities, household goods, and entertainment.

If you are moving here without a job, It is a good idea to save up enough money before moving to cover your initial expenses and provide a cushion until you earn an income. Consider giving yourself at least three months (although securing a job with sponsorship before moving to Australia helps mitigate this issue).

Climate

Australia has a warm climate, but the weather can vary significantly depending on where you live. Do you prefer it to be cooler? Could you handle it being nearly 30 Celsius at 7 am in the morning? (Noting, we do, of course, have air-con in Australia)

Coastal areas in Australia tend to have a more temperate climate, while inland areas can be extremely hot and dry.

You will need to consider factors such as temperature, humidity, and natural disasters when deciding where to live. For example, areas in the tropics are prone to cyclones, while areas in the bush are at risk of bushfires.

Make sure to research the weather patterns and natural hazards of the areas you might be considering moving to.

Job opportunities

Australia has a strong economy, and many job opportunities are available, especially in industries such as mining, agriculture, and healthcare.

It can still be competitive to find work, however, and you may need to consider factors such as your experience and education.

It may be helpful to research the job market and employment opportunities in various parts of the country before moving.

It is also a good idea to update your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience and to consider networking with people in your industry.

Search Our Current Jobs Offering Sponsorship In Australia: Use the search form on our home page at 482jobs.com

Cultural differences

Australia has a diverse population and culture, but it may still be different from your home country. You must consider how you will adapt to these differences and whether you are comfortable living in a new country.

It may be helpful to research the culture and customs of Australia before making a move.

This can include learning about social norms, communication styles, and cultural expectations. Consider joining cultural groups or organizations to help you meet people and adjust to your new surroundings.

Distance from home

For many people, Australia is a long way from many other countries, and you may need to consider the impact of being so far away from your family and friends.

You will also need to budget for the cost of international travel if you want to visit home, so as a consideration, you can research the availability and price of flights to and from your home country.

Consider staying in touch with loved ones through phone calls, video calls, and social media. It can also help to build a support network in your new location, such as making friends or joining a community group.

Summary

To summarise, moving to Australia is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of several factors.

These include obtaining a visa, budgeting for the cost of living, researching the climate and job opportunities in different parts of the country, adjusting to cultural differences, and considering the distance from home.

By taking the time to research and plan, you can make the transition to living in Australia smoother and more successful.

Please share your thoughts and comments.

Is there anything else we might have missed? Do you have any questions about making a move? What would you like to see us cover in future newsletters?

Let us know in our comments. We'd love to hear your thoughts.