Scared to migrate.......?

Question

I recently got granted permanaent residency allowing me to migrate and live in oz. I am however terrified to leave my good job in my current country and start life from scratch in oz. Am an IT professional - I have searched for jobs using seek.com, careerone etc - there are plenty jobs out there - I have applied for a few but always seem to get rejections. What is your view on this - should I take the risk, drop everything and migrate?

I currently live in Africa by the way

Answer 1

G'day,

I am an immigrant and have been living in Melbourne for 16 years and never regret the move at all. I do not have Anglo-Saxon appearance, I speak English with an accent and I still feel like I am born in this country all along. My neighbors are combinations of immigrants and true blue Aussies and we are getting along very well. Racism will always be there in any countries, but I definitely do not feel it here.

Now... this is what I can say about Melbourne:
1. First of all... some people do not like the weather in Melbourne (you can have 4 seasons in one day). However, if you read the first article from The Age newspaper, you will find out that the weather is still more preferable than the other cities. Sure you can have 42C day like last month, but almost immediately you'll get a much cooler weather pretty soon afterwards. It is very rarely that you got 2 or 3 consecutive days of hot weathers (unlike Sydney, Brisbane or Perth).
2. Melbourne is a city of diversity. If you are a newcomer, and you do not look 'Anglo-Saxon', you do not feel like an 'alien', since you can find almost every race in the world walking in the city. They are both immigrants and overseas students.
3. THE FOOD!! Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai, All-you-can-eat, African, Lebanese, Mexican, Sea Food... anything else? All available and lots of them in a very-very-very affordable price
4. Pretty good public transport system. With one ticket, you can switch from train, tram and bus. They do not always come on-time, but still reliable and improving (www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au).
5. SHOPPING!!! Original branded clothing sold very cheap. There are even shopping tour, where the participants are taken to retails outlets just for shopping. Big temptations for ladies.
6. Crime rates... just read the second article on the bottom.
7. Cost of Living... I'll say it's second most expensive city after Sydney. Altho I have to say that some cities in Queensland can be more expensive to live.
8. Tourist attraction. This is the area that I think Sydney is better than Melbourne, since it has most of it's attraction within its suburbs. Most Melbourne attraction are pretty much out of Melbourne, such as the gold mines in the cities of Bendigo and Ballarat, The Great Ocean Road, Lakes Entrance, Grampians, skiing in Mt. Buller etc.

In regards to job applications, you must also contact the agent as well, so they can assist with finding you a job as well. However if your current employer has a contact in Australia, it's not a bad idea to contact them. You never know your luck. I did that when I got my PR as well. Most importantly, you have to mention that you have already got your PR, since employers will be a bit skeptical with overseas applicants with no PR.

I certainly hope this helps. Yes, there will be some time needed for adjustments, but there will be helps and supports along the way since Australia is built by immigrants (yes, this include the Anglo-Saxons and the Aborigines).

Welcome to Australia and enjoy :)

Answer 2

Hi there as u have already got the visa to oz i thinks its better u take a long leave from job and visit oz if u get a better offer in oz quit and settle off in peace and if the other way round become a non resident oz If u feel its worth the risk carry on it all depends on how u expect

Answer 3

You are possibly getting knocked back because you are not on the spot. Any employer is likely to choose a local person because there may be fewer days off looking for accommodation, moving etc. Put a bit of money aside and then bite the bullet.

Every English immigrant I have met have said they would never go back except to see family for a few weeks. I even know an American (now Australian) who says the same about his old home in Massachusetts.

Answer 4

Tell you what mate! If it was me, i'd be taking the gamble! This country is going to the dog's! I visited Oz, Sept last year! Loved it loads! Would love to go and live there, but i've no recognised trade! So not like here, wouldn't have me! Know it's quiet a strict criteria to get in. Work's off a point systems doesn't it?
End of day, nothing stopping you coming back, if you find after 6 month's, a year it's not for you!
Well good luck mate! Say, "Hi!" to Skippy for me, if you do go!

Answer 5

look, if you decide to come to oz you should leave your current job on the best possible terms as you never know, you might go back one day..?.. it is normal to be scared of such a transition and at first it will be a challenge and at times seem unbearable.. BUT i gaurentee help in any situation is only just around the corner as australia boasts one of the best support schemes for new residents in the world. also every city has what they call cultural centers where they introduce you to people of the same nationality to show you around and, you know ,make you more settled if you dont know any1 here... anywho i say take the leap it's a great life style here, and most jobs pay decent you can always hop back on the plane iif it dont work out but i reackon if you come you'll never go back home to live... :)

Answer 6

Dont be scared take the plunge, its a great place to live, but I wouldnt move to Sth East Qld at present, they are running out of water...NO RAIN... Id say it depends on your english speaking, if you are an IT pro. you shouldnt have any worries in getting a job, you should try Canberra the ACT - they do not discriminate against anybody and there are plenty of jobs in the capital of australia.... I know been there done that. You should also try jobsearch.com.au..... good luck

Answer 7

I'm in the exact same situation than you. I work at a leading construction company in Venezuela (owned by my father) and due to the tense political situation in my country (as well as financial) I decided to apply for a visa. I've recently received the approval and I'm a little nervous because of the same reason you are. But I'm going for it and will travel in June. I have to give it a chance because my children deserve a better opportunity in their lives, and we don't want to live in fear of being kidnapped or murdered anymore.

Answer 8

I had the chance to go live in Australia at 17, didn't go and have totally regretted it ever since, you have to do what your heart tells you to do, if Australia isn't what you hoped it would be then you can always come home again.

Answer 9

I turned back and regretted it for the rest of my life get up and go

Answer 10

stay where you are where full