The average livable wage?

[Guest Rob and Clare]

All i can say is well done to the families that arrive out here, i can only imgaine how hard it is.

 

We were very lucky in the UK and are still relatively lucky here too, but we don't seem to have the exposible income we used to enjoy in the UK, for us the food shopping is slightly more than the UK, a night out is more expensive and a night in with a couple of beers and wine is certainly a lot more. One of our biggest expenses now is electricty, with the cold nights and relatively poor insulation it can be expesive to heat the house, it pays to keep the thermostat knocked down another degree.

 

I just spent 3 weeks in the USA with work and it felt like i was paying approx half of what we pay here, a good steak in in TGI fridays was just $10 in Detroit, last friday it was $24 on the menu at the local pub. The exchange rate is close to parity.

 

Australia certainly isn't a low cost option for living anymore, i think just be prepared to be more prudant with money than you thought you would be.

[Guest Deb17]

Hi,

 

We have been in Adeladie for 1 yr on the 4th July and yes the last 12 months have been a struggle, the tears, upset and regret I have had, is terrible. We are on the SIR visa.

I worked after arriving, from week 6 - I cleaned a childcare centre for 2hrs every evening for the first 6 months, something I would never consider doing in the uk because I did not have to, I now work in a cinema in the city 3 evenings per week. My husband does not do the job he did in the uk.

 

Yes younger kids are cheaper to keep and easier to make happy but with older kids it must be easier to find work, they can look after themselves after school ?

I have 1 daughter at school and the other at home full time.

 

It all depends on what you are willing to do, me, I could not leave everthing on Ian's 'toes' and hated when we had to dip into savings to live. My tiny wage does help and I share the burden.

 

No offence girls but if you want to help out and struggling to find work there is always domestic cleaning, shop work or aged care.

 

Also the 'sun' does not fill the fridge or pay the rent, gas, electric or telco bill.

And its cold at the moment.

 

We just say that it can only get better for us, I don't love Adeladie but I don't hate it either. Would we have come if we had know how hard it would be - yes we would, how could we not ?

 

Yes we are so much worse off than in the uk but are sure it will get better.

 

Tina

 

Hi Tina

I was a teacher back in the UK and believe me, if I could've got shop work here I would, but nobody will look at me for that because of my age, qualifications and the fact that I don't have any training in money handling or retail etc. They will hire youngsters and train them but apparently not some middle-aged housewife they reckon is better off doing a higher paid job I can't get. Don't think I'm too proud to scrub loos etc. either because I've done it many times before but have you seen how many cleaning firms require you to pay for police checks or sometimes have your own business number before they will hire you? And aged care homes want people with Cert III in Aged Care and on the SIR visa you've got to pay for all that training. And for what? So you can go wipe dribble off some old dear's chin?!

I hear what you're saying right enough, but who really, after all the time and trouble it takes to get here wants to have to lower themselves to that level? Isn't that exactly what I'm going on about? That you end up having to lower your sights in life to that level? Thank you Tina -- you illustrated my point for me very well. Cheers.

 

All the best.

Deb

[Guest stufi1997]

Cup half full again Deb....well done!!! I want that shiny certificate, Wiping old peoples chins is better than wiping snotty noses in my book!!!!! Go Girl lol Fiona

[Guest Tina P]

Hi

 

I don't think I have lowered my sights by cleaning or doing retail work !

Its not forever, Im sure once my kids are older and we have PR I will go back into the work I did before.

 

Like you said you have older kids so you will have much more choice in the jobs available, for me and the hours I can work the choice is limited.

 

To apply for an ABN it takes about 20 mins on line and most cleaning company's will take your UK police check, if not its not expensive. Not all age care is cleaning dribble of an old dear's chin, yes you would have to pay for the training as would a PR visa holder.

I hear what you are saying that you worked hard to be a teacher and then find there is no work for you, it is wrong and unfair.

Im just also saying to people in the uk that it is hard work, no one wants to dip into the savings to live no matter how much you have.

 

What Im saying is you have to make the best of it and for me I could not just sit at home all day every day moaning how low our income is and if that mean's me or Ian lowering our sights, well needs - must.

 

 

Good Luck

Tina

 

Hi Tina

I was a teacher back in the UK and believe me, if I could've got shop work here I would, but nobody will look at me for that because of my age, qualifications and the fact that I don't have any training in money handling or retail etc. They will hire youngsters and train them but apparently not some middle-aged housewife they reckon is better off doing a higher paid job I can't get. Don't think I'm too proud to scrub loos etc. either because I've done it many times before but have you seen how many cleaning firms require you to pay for police checks or sometimes have your own business number before they will hire you? And aged care homes want people with Cert III in Aged Care and on the SIR visa you've got to pay for all that training. And for what? So you can go wipe dribble off some old dear's chin?!

I hear what you're saying right enough, but who really, after all the time and trouble it takes to get here wants to have to lower themselves to that level? Isn't that exactly what I'm going on about? That you end up having to lower your sights in life to that level? Thank you Tina -- you illustrated my point for me very well. Cheers.

 

All the best.

Deb

[Guest stufi1997]

:chatterbox:Excuse me BUT since when was caring for the elderly in our society somehow lower down the scale than teaching snotty nosed kids.....Yes, you have to go to Uni to do it....SO:huh:.......................I may well have to help you get out of bed one day, and you... a teacher !!

Everybody needs a job to live, if you don't get state help, :arghh:But nobody will even give me a "Woolies" job....Oh woe is me....

I reckon I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and pay to get the ozzies to show me how to look after their grannies;).

Hope you get a job soon Deb xx

Fiona

[Beanbear]

Hi beanbear

Hope you don't mind me asking but what part-time work is it you are doing, in school hours. Is it easy to get work around the school hours? I am prepared to work in any field which fits around the children.

 

It's school-based tutoring under a government programme - I am a teacher. It has taken a while to get back into (that's a whole other thread!) but is working out really well. For once in my life I feel like I have the balance about right. Sadly it's only for the rest of the school year and is being discontinued next year:( but hopefully I may have made some contacts to get back into teaching.

[cormcvcr]

I am doing casual work at the moment within a child care centre, as well as trying to get my own business off the ground. I too would do any kind of work including cleaning, so good on those for doing whatever they have to for the sake of putting food on the table.

 

It is stressful, it is financially depleting, but I'm a cheery sole after all (thanks Deb) I need to look on the bright side and do whatever I can, after all I dragged my kids 12,000 miles away from their family and friends so I need to make it work at all cost.

 

Good luck to all x

[Guest guest569]

It is stressful, it is financially depleting, but I'm a cheery sole after all (thanks Deb) I need to look on the bright side and do whatever I can, after all I dragged my kids 12,000 miles away from their family and friends so I need to make it work at all cost.

 

Good luck to all x

 

Took the words right out of my mouth. It does take both husband and wife to make it work for the family unit and its good to see people getting stuck in and making it work for themselves rather than sit back and moan or give up and go back.

Well done tina and cormcvcr.

[Guest Deb17]

Hi beanbear

Hope you don't mind me asking but what part-time work is it you are doing, in school hours. Is it easy to get work around the school hours? I am prepared to work in any field which fits around the children.

 

It's school-based tutoring under a government programme - I am a teacher. It has taken a while to get back into (that's a whole other thread!) but is working out really well. For once in my life I feel like I have the balance about right. Sadly it's only for the rest of the school year and is being discontinued next year:( but hopefully I may have made some contacts to get back into teaching.

 

Hi Beanbear

Is what you're talking about that tutoring program for kids who don't meet the national standards in the LAN tests... I saw it advertised on the back of the Messenger a while back but I can't even remember the blasted name! Something like new start or catch up...I can't think! It's just I gave my name and number in at the local school and STILL nobody contacted me! Why????? Why is it always me? Is there a bl**dy conspiracy out there to keep me out of work or what?

Thanks,

Deb.

[Guest Deb17]

:chatterbox:Excuse me BUT since when was caring for the elderly in our society somehow lower down the scale than teaching snotty nosed kids.....Yes, you have to go to Uni to do it....SO:huh:.......................I may well have to help you get out of bed one day, and you... a teacher !!

Everybody needs a job to live, if you don't get state help, :arghh:But nobody will even give me a "Woolies" job....Oh woe is me....

I reckon I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and pay to get the ozzies to show me how to look after their grannies;).

Hope you get a job soon Deb xx

Fiona

 

Fiona, it's not a question of being lower down the scale - I for one could not do that sort of job - it takes someone with an inner core of steel and reserves of sympathy for people that are beyond me! So you have my eternal respect. If I get that old and infirm I promise I won't look down on you when you have to come and wipe my runny botty, (as a change from my runny nose lol.)

Deb xx

[Guest Shaggy]

 

Took the words right out of my mouth. It does take both husband and wife to make it work for the family unit and its good to see people getting stuck in and making it work for themselves rather than sit back and moan or give up and go back.

 

Wow

 

I know this is not what this thread is necessarily about, but for some, it may not be a case of just 'giving up' it may be more a case of realising that the grass isn't always greener.

 

Emma

[Guest monicadoherty]

Deb..think its called Even start or ever start...I am doing it next term on the two days I have free from my contract....still to read up about it all

[Guest guest569]

Wow

 

I know this is not what this thread is necessarily about, but for some, it may not be a case of just 'giving up' it may be more a case of realising that the grass isn't always greener.

 

Emma

The grass here is just as green in the winter but alot browner in the summer. After all it is the driest state in the driest continent in the world !!!! As long as people do all their research they will know all this.

[Guest tiggs]

Hi everyone,

 

I'd really like some help figuring this out , my husband has been offered a job (457 visa) with a basic wage of $54k and then $13k for a car allowance , this is much less than he gets in the UK (£40k GBP basic and £8k car allowance) yet everyone on here says the cost of living etc is the same roughly as the UK and this is worrying me alot!

 

Is the above wage realistic to be able to live on (i won't work as have 2 small children), or is the company trying to get him for very poor package?

 

They also aren't helping pay any relocation costs , is that normal?

 

Please reply as i'm very worried , thanks:unsure:

 

Hmmm read this thread with interest ...

I agree with all the posters who have said that you should be able to manage on that wage - assuming you are good at budgeting and of course dont mind doing it.

 

On the other hand noone seems to have compared the two wages you are looking at

... and i am telling you now that 40K GBP to $54K is going to feel like a huge drop when you actually start having to live on it.

I would be seriously considering if you are going to be happy with the difference to your lifestyle. The cost of living here is pretty similar to the uk (rents are def cheaper but if you are thinking of buying then consider the much higher interest rates here)

 

Now before anyone takes exception with my post i am def NOT saying dont do it ... after all there is more to life than money ... and as i already said families are managing on that and less quite nicely. The difference for you is that this is an average (more or less) oz wage BUT you are currently on an above average UK wage ...

 

Just think of it this way ... if someone asked you to live on 25K GBP right now could you do it? Would you be happy doing it?

 

Adele

[Guest guest569]

Just think of it this way ... if someone asked you to live on 25K GBP right now could you do it? Would you be happy doing it?

 

Adele

Add the weather and the beach to the scales and see which way the scales balance...

[Guest tiggs]

Just think of it this way ... if someone asked you to live on 25K GBP right now could you do it? Would you be happy doing it?

 

Adele

Add the weather and the beach to the scales and see which way the scales balance...

 

 

this was sort of my point tho ... i agree the weather and the beach are worth a drop in wage to me but are they worth THIS much to THIS family?

[Guest guest569]

I think this thread has been a good read and personally agree that wages here are low and can be hard on the pocket. If the main income earner is only on $40k and the wife works part time it will be livable within those means.

I think it all depends also on the visa your on aswell as on PR you will get plenty of family tax credit and rent allowance as an income for the good lady wife at home.

[Guest Deb17]

Well said.

Our combined income in the UK was 43 grand and we struggled on that!

Now in Australia we're having to live on practically that same figure in dollars!

It's nuts I tell you. The figures just don't add up.

I really like lots about Australia but no work, no money... you can't live on fresh air and scenery when it comes down to it. You can't eat the sand at the beach! Sorry to be so depressing for those people on the other side of the world but this is reality peeps!!!

[jo_marnes]

Now I'm worried! We are a family of 5 (all children under 5) and we survive here in the UK on £25k plus tax credits and child benefit. Also going on a temp visa so I know we won't get any help. Am hoping that my husband can get a similar wage in the IT field as we do here. Hope the financial striggle is short lived! Its hard for me to work with our youngest being just 4 months :-(

[Guest Deb17]

Don't stress about it. I'm sure with your OH working in IT he will find something lucrative pretty quickly and you'll all be on happy go lucky street soon enough. Good luck.

[Guest Lulujim]

Well said.

Our combined income in the UK was 43 grand and we struggled on that!

Now in Australia we're having to live on practically that same figure in dollars!

It's nuts I tell you. The figures just don't add up.

I really like lots about Australia but no work, no money... you can't live on fresh air and scenery when it comes down to it. You can't eat the sand at the beach! Sorry to be so depressing for those people on the other side of the world but this is reality peeps!!!

 

 

Hi Deb,

 

I have been reading lots of your post and understand you are trying to tell future migrants that life isn't all sunny and bbqs over in Aus. I have found it interesting reading - but I think most of us are definitely aware of this, and don't have that naiive view of Aus. Especially those of us with children, it isn't a decision you can make easily when you are making the life-changing decision for other people too.

 

However, for most of us life over here isn't that great (although not awful admittedly for lots) and that's why we're making the move. Prices in the UK at the moment for groceries, petrol and utilities are sky high. Money might be tight in Aus, but for example for a day out with the children with petrol and costs of entry somewhere as weather so pants it tends to be indoors, it's not cheap! At least in Aus the beach is free and you can play n the garden, go for walks etc too..

 

I know it's easy to think life on the other side is greener (and that's what you're trying to warn us about) but I would like to say that things may have changed here too since you left... and life here isn't greener either!! Without wishing to sound dramatic I feel that I have felt much more unsafe on the streets here, and when I think about teenagers I know going out at night etc.. it fills me with horror. For example when I was on a train not long ago a teenager, yes - teenager, was drunk and insulting most of the ladies in the carriage. Not one man said anything to defend us, and who would blame them - for fear of repercussions. I went to see a train guard who said they couldn't throw him off until he'd done something wrong?? It may be a generalisation, and I know there are many exceptions to this, but on the whole, I think youths are rude and have no respect for adults. Many teacher friends of mine say that the school system is so hung up with SATS etc.. that it has taken all the enjoyment out of teaching. The country has gone absolutely PC mad, and when a teacher friend gave a child detention for telling him to F*** off, the parents came in and said it was his word against their sons, and as he had no evidence they would take the matter to the authorities. Crazy.

 

When I was in Australia at least we felt safe, and were pleasantly surprised with the attitudes of teenagers etc. When some 14/15 year old boys stopped to let me through the door I almost had to pick James' jaw up off the floor!!

 

Although you believe the Aus government are making it difficult for Temp Residents, (we are on a temp visa too) and yes it is certainly harder on the pocket etc.. I would rather move to a country where they are strict on immigration than here where anyone can come in and claim benefits from Day 1. (Flying in to Heathrow last year it took speaking to 7 staff memebrs before I found a member of staff who could speak English. )

 

We will almost certainly struggle financially. My OH has a good job here, we live rent/mortgage free and have 2 children (2 and 6 wks) so I will not find work that will make it financially worthwhile. However, it is a choice we are making and it's important to remember no-one forces us to make this decision.

 

Good for you if you are going to make a go of it, but if you are angry with the authorities and Australia, you sound like how many of us feel about the UK and maybe it's better to cut your losses and try somewhere new? At least the costs of coming back to the Uk would be outweighed by the demand for teaching here and the guaranteed work? After all, you only have one chance at this life.

 

Sites like this are so useful for research. But in addition to this, I agree it is essential to do as much research as you can before we get out there. I know lots of people say it's impossible to find out everything before you get out there, esp with jobs like teaching etc where they won't even consider you until you're there in person, visa in hand, .. but this is the risk we take in the hope of a better life.

I don't feel it's the Aussie government's job to advertise information about housing etc..I know it's unhelpful and frustrating, but it's all there and it's our job to find it out if we want to live in their country.

 

All I really wanted to say is that it's great for the reality check about the downsides of Aus, but there are so many downsides of the UK too - and these are easy to forget when you're away from them.

 

Hope it all works out for you soon, Alexis

[Guest Deb17]

Hi Deb,

 

I have been reading lots of your post and understand you are trying to tell future migrants that life isn't all sunny and bbqs over in Aus. I have found it interesting reading - but I think most of us are definitely aware of this, and don't have that naiive view of Aus. Especially those of us with children, it isn't a decision you can make easily when you are making the life-changing decision for other people too.

 

However, for most of us life over here isn't that great (although not awful admittedly for lots) and that's why we're making the move. Prices in the UK at the moment for groceries, petrol and utilities are sky high. Money might be tight in Aus, but for example for a day out with the children with petrol and costs of entry somewhere as weather so pants it tends to be indoors, it's not cheap! At least in Aus the beach is free and you can play n the garden, go for walks etc too..

 

I know it's easy to think life on the other side is greener (and that's what you're trying to warn us about) but I would like to say that things may have changed here too since you left... and life here isn't greener either!! Without wishing to sound dramatic I feel that I have felt much more unsafe on the streets here, and when I think about teenagers I know going out at night etc.. it fills me with horror. For example when I was on a train not long ago a teenager, yes - teenager, was drunk and insulting most of the ladies in the carriage. Not one man said anything to defend us, and who would blame them - for fear of repercussions. I went to see a train guard who said they couldn't throw him off until he'd done something wrong?? It may be a generalisation, and I know there are many exceptions to this, but on the whole, I think youths are rude and have no respect for adults. Many teacher friends of mine say that the school system is so hung up with SATS etc.. that it has taken all the enjoyment out of teaching. The country has gone absolutely PC mad, and when a teacher friend gave a child detention for telling him to F*** off, the parents came in and said it was his word against their sons, and as he had no evidence they would take the matter to the authorities. Crazy.

 

When I was in Australia at least we felt safe, and were pleasantly surprised with the attitudes of teenagers etc. When some 14/15 year old boys stopped to let me through the door I almost had to pick James' jaw up off the floor!!

 

Although you believe the Aus government are making it difficult for Temp Residents, (we are on a temp visa too) and yes it is certainly harder on the pocket etc.. I would rather move to a country where they are strict on immigration than here where anyone can come in and claim benefits from Day 1. (Flying in to Heathrow last year it took speaking to 7 staff memebrs before I found a member of staff who could speak English. )

 

We will almost certainly struggle financially. My OH has a good job here, we live rent/mortgage free and have 2 children (2 and 6 wks) so I will not find work that will make it financially worthwhile. However, it is a choice we are making and it's important to remember no-one forces us to make this decision.

 

Good for you if you are going to make a go of it, but if you are angry with the authorities and Australia, you sound like how many of us feel about the UK and maybe it's better to cut your losses and try somewhere new? At least the costs of coming back to the Uk would be outweighed by the demand for teaching here and the guaranteed work? After all, you only have one chance at this life.

 

Sites like this are so useful for research. But in addition to this, I agree it is essential to do as much research as you can before we get out there. I know lots of people say it's impossible to find out everything before you get out there, esp with jobs like teaching etc where they won't even consider you until you're there in person, visa in hand, .. but this is the risk we take in the hope of a better life.

I don't feel it's the Aussie government's job to advertise information about housing etc..I know it's unhelpful and frustrating, but it's all there and it's our job to find it out if we want to live in their country.

 

All I really wanted to say is that it's great for the reality check about the downsides of Aus, but there are so many downsides of the UK too - and these are easy to forget when you're away from them.

 

Hope it all works out for you soon, Alexis

Fantastic and thoughtful post Alexis, hats off to you.

I know and understand exactly where you're coming from and it reminds me of all the reasons we wanted to come to Oz in the first place. Believe me, in spite of all the negatives I try to impress on people I still believe this is a great country --- for values like patriotism, which had been turned into a dirty word in Britain because of all its BNP hijacked connotations, for the safety aspect (living in Birmingham and getting my bag pinched off me right outside my front door was no picnic) and for other values like equality, freedom of speech etc. too. I don't actually expect my own opinions and experiences in Oz to dissuade the people who are truly determined to get here. Please accept that I only do this in the interests of presenting a more balanced picture of life in this particular city, and occasionally venting my own frustrations! Certainly if people want to get out to Australia and give it a go then I wish them every success in their new lives.

As I do to you as well.

Deb

[Guest Lulujim]

Fantastic and thoughtful post Alexis, hats off to you.

I know and understand exactly where you're coming from and it reminds me of all the reasons we wanted to come to Oz in the first place. Believe me, in spite of all the negatives I try to impress on people I still believe this is a great country --- for values like patriotism, which had been turned into a dirty word in Britain because of all its BNP hijacked connotations, for the safety aspect (living in Birmingham and getting my bag pinched off me right outside my front door was no picnic) and for other values like equality, freedom of speech etc. too. I don't actually expect my own opinions and experiences in Oz to dissuade the people who are truly determined to get here. Please accept that I only do this in the interests of presenting a more balanced picture of life in this particular city, and occasionally venting my own frustrations! Certainly if people want to get out to Australia and give it a go then I wish them every success in their new lives.

As I do to you as well.

Deb

 

Thank you Deb - am gald you saw the post in the context it was intended, and not offended in any way. Hope fully by the time we get to Aus you'll be in a job - and we can go out for a few drinks (and they'll be on you if you're working !)

 

Take care, Alexis

[Guest Ellie]

Well I am trying to be positive and have a sense of humour but we must be the poorest family on the site! Everyone is on about coping on different salaries compared to 20k plus in UK. We have had a huge kick in the teeth and as time goes on it's getting worse. My OH is a fantastic builder and can build anything, qualifications the lot. But good old England has killed the building trade and he is supposed to be on income support. Guess what because he's worked his ass off for a lifetime and self employed he doesen't qualify for a penny. We have friends losing their jobs because of the building trade and Truck drivers because of fuel prices. We are currenty trying to manage on my measly wage of 16k with no benefits whatsoever, tax credits, nothing, sweet nothing. If he has made 50 phone calls he's made 100 and out every day travelling miles to building sites and getting the same answer from them all, the trade is dire. I really am at the stage where we can't fail to be better off if he simply gets a job!! The slump in the housing market has hit us really hard. The so called health and safety lay them off even if it spits rain these days and as the weather is so flippin' wet here we don't stand a chance. We can't afford a holiday for a week in the tent let alone a reckie to OZ. Every penny we get is going to keeping our heads above water. I want to get out!!!! I work in Finance and I don't care what I do when I get out there so long as Max is working it will be far more than I can bring home. We are getting married in 16 days . Thank god it's all paid for! We have no stag night, no hen night and no honeymoon but my god come hell or high water I will enjoy my wedding day. Bring on Adelaide....I can't wait. Goodbye England you have let your people down beyond all belief! One day it will be a sad place to be because all the skilled people will have gone where they are appreciated and left sh**y Britty behind. I will miss the beautiful countryside we have but that's it and just as the sun in Adelaide doesn't pay the bills neither does the beautiful countryside here. Maybe someone could give me some good reasons to stay???

[Guest jill wright]

Hi Ellie

 

The way the building trade as gone reminds me of when it last happened round about 1991-1992. I remember it well because my then husband was a brickie and the strain of him not working plus the mortgage rate rocketing leaving us with negative equity was a real killer . Needless to say the marriage was short lived but I was a lot younger and there were other factors. I'm just trying to say I jnow how tough it must be for you and I can't see how you've anything to lose by going to Oz.

Good luck and i'm sure your wedding day is gonna be one hell of a day ( the honeymoon can wait till your in Australia anyway)

 

Jillx