Is Adelaide that bad??

[Guest thekeans]

Right long story!!

 

My DH is a graphic designer we can get the full points for the SIR provisional visa to SA.

Initially we loved the look of Adelaide and all it has to offer as a young family. Here is where I need some reassurance... Reading some posts today not sure what board I was on either PIO or Brits in Adelaide they said that graphic design jobs are hard to come by that recruitment agencies only use Australians, that Adelaide is 20 years behind the times and that my OH would have to start at the bottom and work up.

 

Is there any truth in any of this as we are now a bit disheartened by it all and not sure what to do. Hubby is a talented designer with 6 years experience and his own agency here in the UK, going backwards is not an option but we really want to move to OZ to have the better family life for our kids.

 

Help or advice please.

[Guest Guest75]

Well I know nothing about graphic design but I do know that UK'ers are just as welcome in the jobs here if they have the qualifications.

 

In parts Adelaide is behind the times ,but in some quaint ways.In others she is starting to lead the world.

 

It's still a great environment to bring young kids up.

 

Costs are up - but they are everywhere.

[Ranger]

Right long story!!

 

My DH is a graphic designer we can get the full points for the SIR provisional visa to SA.

Initially we loved the look of Adelaide and all it has to offer as a young family. Here is where I need some reassurance... Reading some posts today not sure what board I was on either PIO or Brits in Adelaide they said that graphic design jobs are hard to come by that recruitment agencies only use Australians, that Adelaide is 20 years behind the times and that my OH would have to start at the bottom and work up.

 

Is there any truth in any of this as we are now a bit disheartened by it all and not sure what to do. Hubby is a talented designer with 6 years experience and his own agency here in the UK, going backwards is not an option but we really want to move to OZ to have the better family life for our kids.

 

Help or advice please.

 

Lived there for 3 1/2 years, work can be hard to get. Don't forget there is in effect a captive employment market, the next nearest place for work is Melbourne which is a 9 hour drive, so not commutable. It is more than likely that your lifestyle will go backwards, it is false that the Aussie lifestyle is laid back and easy going, this is promoted by them. You will have to follow the work, as graphic designer there would only be one place for you, Sydney. There it's expensive, traffic and commuting are problematic. If you go don't say you are going forever, just aim to get your citizenship, then you are free to return!:v_SPIN:

[Guest dave&jacky]

you are a ray of sunshine ranger where are you living now?

[Ranger]

you are a ray of sunshine ranger where are you living now?

 

Living in South Wales, used to live in W-S-M before moving to Adelaide, lived in Melbourne and Brissie, if you've got to go Brissie is best:o

[Guest soggy]

Living in South Wales, used to live in W-S-M before moving to Adelaide, lived in Melbourne and Brissie, if you've got to go Brissie is best:o

 

How long did you stay in Adelaide for??

 

Simon

[Guest dave&jacky]

Hi Ranger,I have only been to Adelaide once last nov for a interveiw and to have a look around, how you can think South wales is better than SA i just dont know, i have worked all over wales and even had a house in newport for 2 years which we rented out so i have spent quite a lot of time there and give me adelaide any time.But i know every ones opinion differs and you have the experiance of living in Adelaide but i just cant see it myself,also i have never been to a place that the locals are more hostile to English visitors :arghh:than Wales.Cheers for now, how do you like the Brains beer light or dark?

[suzer]

Ok I'm an outsider in a way as I'm not a Brit but having lived in Australia, NZ and the UK (different locations and countries in the UK) Australia isn't behind the times, if you are coming from the UK. And...they are keen to have and need immigrants so don't worry about the job situation as far as that goes.

[Guest Vonne9]

I have lived in Adelaide for the last 6 years it is a small city with a small population compared to other cities in Aussie, therefore employment opportunities are limited as one does not have the choices that you would have in a city of some millions. it is not easy to find work if you are in a specialised field. Melbourne or Sydney would be a better option. The biggest attraction with Adelaide is the low cost of housing and rent compared to every other city in Aus but this is rapidly changing and house prices are moving up rapidly, there is also a shortage of rental accom. Adelaide is a pleasant city to live in with nice beaches and a few good places to eat, however I feel it is more for people approaching retirement or retired. Anyone who is contemplating moving halfway across the world needs to be very sure that that is what they really want, once you have moved your life is changed forever in many many ways and it is not always for the better.

[likesshopping]

I am no where near retirement age and I love Adelaide. It has lots to offer to any age. My 2 daughters are always on the go. There are lots of festivals on at various times of the year - theres always lots of freebie places to go.....lots of bands/shows to see.

 

I do feel that there arent as many design jobs here though, I was looking for work in the textile design industry and nothing ever seems to come up on the job searches - lots of nice things I can do in Melbourne and Sydney though. I will end up doing freelance work from home - and will see what happens.

 

 

sarahx

[Ranger]

How long did you stay in Adelaide for??

 

Simon

3 1/2 years, then a year in Melbourne and another in Brissie

[Ranger]

Hi Ranger,I have only been to Adelaide once last nov for a interveiw and to have a look around, how you can think South wales is better than SA i just dont know, i have worked all over wales and even had a house in newport for 2 years which we rented out so i have spent quite a lot of time there and give me adelaide any time.But i know every ones opinion differs and you have the experiance of living in Adelaide but i just cant see it myself,also i have never been to a place that the locals are more hostile to English visitors :arghh:than Wales.Cheers for now, how do you like the Brains beer light or dark?

 

Don’t get me wrong I like, and still do like, Adelaide as a city and I didn’t say that South Wales is better than Adelaide, it’s purely that when you return you don’t have many options of where you go, you have to find work and somewhere to live, you can only put on relatives and friends so much before problems materialise. Imagine having no home of your own, no car and all your belongings in suitcases! No matter how pretty or idyllic a place is you have to live your day to day life and in Aus it can be a tough grind, why do you think they call them ‘battlers’. Nearly all the families that were there the same time as us have returned and we were of the same opinion as you before we arrived there. Adelaide is a nice city and the environment and beaches are clean, but when you don’t have work, no money coming, and your savings are rapidly disappearing, the heat and the mossies are driving you batty, these become secondary to say the least. I know people who have been there for over 30 years and would love to come back to the UK but can’t because their families now live over there. Basically until you have done it yourself you can’t and won’t know what it’s actually like and once you have you’ll be different to people back here who haven’t done it, it’s a life changing experience for good or bad!

:v_SPIN:

[Guest soggy]

Don’t get me wrong I like, and still do like, Adelaide as a city and I didn’t say that South Wales is better than Adelaide, it’s purely that when you return you don’t have many options of where you go, you have to find work and somewhere to live, you can only put on relatives and friends so much before problems materialise. Imagine having no home of your own, no car and all your belongings in suitcases! No matter how pretty or idyllic a place is you have to live your day to day life and in Aus it can be a tough grind, why do you think they call them ‘battlers’. Nearly all the families that were there the same time as us have returned and we were of the same opinion as you before we arrived there. Adelaide is a nice city and the environment and beaches are clean, but when you don’t have work, no money coming, and your savings are rapidly disappearing, the heat and the mossies are driving you batty, these become secondary to say the least. I know people who have been there for over 30 years and would love to come back to the UK but can’t because their families now live over there. Basically until you have done it yourself you can’t and won’t know what it’s actually like and once you have you’ll be different to people back here who haven’t done it, it’s a life changing experience for good or bad!

:v_SPIN:

I guess it comes down to do we want to change our life, if we did not I don't think we would be moving across the world, if we don't make the move we will never know, and that may be the biggest mistake in the long run, anyway I will let you all know in a few years if I change my mind:).

 

Simon

[Guest The Pottertons]

Hi there, I also read that post you are describing and felt exactly the same as you guys. Some of the comments were really worrying and i had a crisis of confidence which was boosted back up by the people on here. I guess what ive learnt is that these forums are for everyone to offload and sometimes the people in oz need to have a moan and are going through the difficult adaption period and need support. Im sure i'll need to do the same when i arrive. And just like some of our worries are irrational and unfounded so are some of theirs. I dont feel its a negative thing that we are getting info on the place not being perfect, im trying to see it more as a way to begin adapting before we even get there. The first few years will be tough enough without going in completely blind. Forewarned is forearmed so they say.:wubclub:x

[Ranger]

The line between "Realistic" and "Negative" can be very fine, sometimes people interpret what someone says has happend as that person trying to be negative when that is not necessarily the case, all they might be trying to do is forewarn others that certain things happen over which you have little or no control. OK that could well be the case here in the UK, but the likelyhood is that you have a network of friends, relatives, neighbours work contacts etc who can help and provide support . So when I say that finding work can be hard I'm not saying you won't get any, merely that it might take a lot longer than anticipated. You might think that you will have more time to spend with the family, this is possibly unlikely, in fact it may well be the opposite and you could well find yourself working longer hours. Again this is not intended to be negative but a realistic scenario. Some tips - rent close to the beach preferably within the city suburbs (you can feel isolated once you leave the city limits), don't say you're not coming back (better to say you're going for a few years, maybe get your citizenship, and take it from there), keep your UK credit cards and bank accounts (if you're out out of the country more than 3 years you no longer have a credit rating here!), make sure that wherever you rent has both heating and aircon, Brighton high school has a very good reputation. Take out an international driving licence, you have to sit a driving test to get a SA driving licence, if you fail it twice you revert to being a learner. Make sure you car has aircon. Try and be close to a station or the tram. Visit the dentist before you go and sort out any work that needs to be done.

[Guest Rov]

. Take out an international driving licence, you have to sit a driving test to get a SA driving licence, if you fail it twice you revert to being a learner.

 

There is no longer a requirement for poms with a full UK driving license to sit a test in SA.

You get a license which enables you to drive the same kind of vehicles that your UK license allows. There may be extra requirements for large commercial vehicles, I'm not sure on that.

You give them a copy of your UK license and they give you an SA license. However the cost is much more than in the UK: its an annual fee which you can pay a few years in advance.

[Rachiegarlo]

It used to be that UK drivers only needed to sit the written road rules test and if you passed that then you got your SA licence straight away.

[Guest LOCO IN OZ]

I am no where near retirement age and I love Adelaide. It has lots to offer to any age. My 2 daughters are always on the go. There are lots of festivals on at various times of the year - theres always lots of freebie places to go.....lots of bands/shows to see.

 

I do feel that there arent as many design jobs here though, I was looking for work in the textile design industry and nothing ever seems to come up on the job searches - lots of nice things I can do in Melbourne and Sydney though. I will end up doing freelance work from home - and will see what happens.

 

 

sarahx

Hi Sarah, nice to hear you're sticking up for Adelaide, I was getting a bit worried then with other comments. My boyfriend and I plan to apply in Aug for Indep. skilled visa following advice from the SA Gov at the skills expo this weekend, Wayne is a self employed electrician but won't have 12 months exp. till then.

 

I am a graphic designer but hope to work from home as I now do in the UK. I have started a small business in hand made invitations, table plans, favours etc. I am also training in Reiki at the moment too. Do you think the Ausie's and ex-pats would go for Reiki treatment?

 

We were looking at Seaford as a possible area to buy a house and settle, maybe have kids, is it a good area then? Seaford Meadows appealed too. We have friends in Noarlunga South, they love it too.

 

Do you think there would be plenty of domestic electric work to be had if my boyfriend works for himself over there? i.e. household maintenance, re-fits, re-wiring etc etc. We would both prefer to work for ourselves if possible.

 

The events/outdoor gigs etc. also appeal to us, I have a big book on Adelaide and we think it would be just up our street, we're only 8 miles from the centre of Manchester so we like to get out and about a bit if we can, we're similar ages to you and your husband so perhaps we'd feel the same as you do about Adelaide, well we're gonna give it a good go if we get there anyway.

 

Good for you, hope everything carries on well for you all.

[Guest LOCO IN OZ]

I agree, I have also had my confidence battered and fried, I suppose it's wise to realise that everyone has a different opinion, likes, dislikes, reasons for moving in the first place etc. All I can say is that sometimes I think would I miss the UK? Then I think well it's worth a shot, not much can be worse than living in a grey, dismal place, where the politics are getting out of control, the health service isn't that great and waiting lists are huge, I don't see my family and friends that much now so what's the problem there, I don't have a fantastic house with a garden, I have a terraced house with a yard and drive a P reg car, mmmmm let me think, maybe I might have a better lifestyle in Oz? And if not, then I've tried to improve things, at least I won't regret not having the balls to try something new.

 

It's scary but also exciting, life's for living and you make your own destiny. I'd rather swap sitting inside watching TV keeping warm and dry on a Saturday afternoon with getting into scuba gear and going off for a 30 minute dive any day, bring it on I say!

[Guest kenmcfadyen]

Hi all. I am hoping to move to Adelaide in October, so have been checking out websites such as this for hints and tips to make the move easier. My brother made the move 4 years ago and spends 1 nanosecond thinking about the reply to a question about regrets - "Absolutely none!"

 

The way I see it (and I frequently do...I work as a Clinical Psychologist) is that we try to shoe-horn ourselves into jobs, houses, cars, etc. and often the 'fit' is just not there. Making a decision to move halfway across the world is a very personal decision and requires making sure that Adelaide has to offer the lifestyle that you hope it does, and making sure that it matches what you want out of life. Moving to Adelaide will not change your personality so try not to be fooled into thinking you will suddenly become an outdoor adventurer when you never did that in the UK.

 

We have visited Adelaide 3 times in the last 3 years. It offers us the opportunity to do more of what we already do in the UK - that makes it right for us, but it certainly wouldn't be everyones choice!

 

Oh, and Seaford is a great place. It is 45 mins from the CBD and a stone throw from the beautiful Moana Beach. With snow forecast for much of the UK this weekend, I know where my thoughts will turning to!

[Guest Libby1971]

The last two posts have made great reading and I hope it goes well for you here.

 

I would like to say that I have absolutely no intention of leaving Adelaide in the foreseeable future. My children have had to change schools several times and I don't like that. We won't be changing their schools again if I have any say in it.

 

For a family this is the best place to be IMO.

 

Libby

[Guest LOCO IN OZ]

The last two posts have made great reading and I hope it goes well for you here.

 

I would like to say that I have absolutely no intention of leaving Adelaide in the foreseeable future. My children have had to change schools several times and I don't like that. We won't be changing their schools again if I have any say in it.

 

For a family this is the best place to be IMO.

 

Libby

Hi Libby, I take it that means you like Adelaide then? Do you without doubt know you've made the right decision?

 

Any reason why you've moved your kids schools a few times? Area? Work? Quality of school?

[Guest LOCO IN OZ]

I guess it comes down to do we want to change our life, if we did not I don't think we would be moving across the world, if we don't make the move we will never know, and that may be the biggest mistake in the long run, anyway I will let you all know in a few years if I change my mind:).

 

Simon

Hi, can I just ask, the SA sponsorship you applied for and received, what are the advantages? Are you now committed to living and working in SA for a certain length of time?

 

We are debating whether to go for the skilled independent 175 or SIR495, my other half Wayne has to wait till August when he'll have 12 months experience. Then it's the Vetassess we think.

[Guest soggy]

Hi, can I just ask, the SA sponsorship you applied for and received, what are the advantages? Are you now committed to living and working in SA for a certain length of time?

 

We are debating whether to go for the skilled independent 175 or SIR495, my other half Wayne has to wait till August when he'll have 12 months experience. Then it's the Vetassess we think.

 

Hi,

if you can go for the 175 visa, it is a permanant residency visa, this means you can go anywhere in Aus from day one, get full medicare, some child benifits, get access to other benifits sooner if you need them, you are treated almost as a citizen. The SIR 495 is now called somthing else but the reason I went for this is I did not have enough points to go for a permanant residency visa like the 175, getting sponsorship from a state is a requirement of this kind of visa, it only lasts for 3 years, although there is a process to become permanant, you have to stay in the state that sponsors you and then in a part of the state that is classed as regional, all south australia including adelaide is, for 2 years I could go on but the 175 is the best option, im happy with my 495 because I now live in Adelaide, if I could have I would have gone for a PR visa.

 

Simon:D

[Guest Libby1971]

Hi Libby, I take it that means you like Adelaide then? Do you without doubt know you've made the right decision?

 

Any reason why you've moved your kids schools a few times? Area? Work? Quality of school?

 

Sorry I should have made myself clear!

 

Kids changed schools once here when we moved from the rental to our house.

 

Schools were changed in the UK prior to that - issues concerning bullying not being resolved to our satisfaction, poor teaching, more practical location etc etc.

 

Here the kids are fine in the school they started in Sept. All going very well!

 

Without doubt...I don't deny that there have been moments when I have wondered if I have done the wrong thing. But then I calm down, stop panicking and things are fine. In the news it said today that Australia is one of the worst places to try to own a house because in comparison to the wages, the prices are high. As migrants, most people try to take advantage of the equity and the exchange rate - we did no different and have a lifestyle which means one of us can be home with the kids when they come back from school. In the UK, that was a dream. It isn't much but to the girls, it means a lot. That is an example of why for us it is right.

 

Libby