To relocate to Australia?

[sadandconfused23]

I've been offered a role in my company in Australia (I'm in north east England now) - same company, nearly double what I'm on now. I've just come out of (or at least tried to - it's been hard) a difficult relationship with addiction involved. I'm utterly broken by it. I have a son whose other parent is 50/50 but has said he's happy for me to go for a fixed period (between 1-2 years). I've stayed in his home town since we split to allow easy co parenting but I never meant to stay here long term.

Can I leave? All I want to do is run away and the job offer and quality of life would be amazing but I'm not sure if it's fair on my son. Everything I've seen says children have a fantastic life there. The job move is fantastic and will set me up for a much better one when I come back.

@User93993993 sounds more realistic to me. I have family in Sydney. They don't love it.

OP ..just do it .Absolutely nothing ventured as the saying goes.Just make sure that accommodation is secured because the rental in Sydney is like gold dust.
Great opportunity for you and your son and fair play to Dad for being so reasonable about this,

OP, I moved countries at the age of 8. Did me the world of good.

Go! It’s the perfect time for this adventure!! Go go! You will regret not going x

Have you ever been there before? (Tried looking at all your posts so not sure I'd I've missed it). I think no matter where, you should at least go somewhere for a holiday first before deciding to move there. Some places may seem great on paper, or to other people but you might not feel the same, you might not like the 'vibe' or feeling of a place

I've been out twice before so know the area I want, and assume I'll be in an Airbnb for a while.... the rental market terrifies me because apparently it's impossible. I'm in such a 'get through the next day' mentality at the moment that I can't think objectively. As you say if it goes wrong it will just be an (expensive) move back

Oh my god do it!!! I used to live in Sydney. Best time of my life. Amazing city and lifestyle. You will always wonder 'what if' if you don't do it. I wish I didn't come back. And although I did find cost of living a bit more expensive, not crazily so. This was pre-covid though so I guess everything has changed since then. But still - you really should go for it. How amazing.

Go go go!

You're right, the rental market is insane currently. So long as you are aware of this, all other things considered, do it!

I'd go. Running away and separating yourself, and giving space from a situation isn't a bad thing. You're miserable, your son is miserable, why not go? Only thing would be is there an option to extend if you're both loving it? What kind of hours will you be doing? Wrap around care here usually starts at 7 and finishes by 6

Go for it. 100% !!! Sounds like an incredible opportunity for you and your son. Best of luck op

I’d go for it at primary age. What an adventure!

Probably in the office 2 days a week and wfh 3 days a week (though more likely 4 and 1). Will definitely need wrap around care occasionally though and some sort of overnight nanny as I may need to go to Melbourne / NZ / Singapore for work. Surely can't be the first single parent to do that though..

I think the prices for everyday items in AUS has come down over the last few years and there isn’t the price difference between the UK and AUS that there was 10 years ago.

It doesn’t sound like you need to be quibbling over the cost if shopping but that your real issue might be housing. Can your employer help sort this out for you? The rental market is really bad at the moment.

Otherwise I reckon you and your Ds will have a great time for a couple of years and would 100% go for it.

I'd absolutely go! What an amazing experience for you both.

With technology these days he'd be able to Facetime, Whatsapp, Voicenote & send photos dad regularly. Plus if dad is willing to come out for a month long holiday then they'll get to make some great memories there too.

I think you'd regret it if you didn't.

Go and have a great time but be aware you or your Son may not want to come back. Don't regret not grabbing the chance, bet you both love it.

Given what you've said already about your circumstances, go for it.

Though Melbourne is nicer. 😉

Go for it! Just be prepared that you may not want to come back.

As for the eternal debate of living expenses, yes some things are expensive here but in my opinion the gap is closing and wages here are much higher, our quality of life is much better here in Oz. I am in Perth though where housing prices aren't so crazy. I have solar panels so my power bills for a four bedroomed detached house with pool is $30 a week, petrol is a lot cheaper, and I don't see much difference now in food prices (my family are in the UK we talk about this stuff a lot). But really its comparing apples and oranges and there are so many factors to it, Sydney is obviously going to be expensive, just as London would be, so you will need to be earning a serious wedge. And rentals are bloody hard to get, so if you do come ask your firm to help you with that.

But if you decide to do it good luck, you will have a ball! My son was a little older when we moved but made friends easily, as did we.

I’m in Sydney. I’d 100% do it, you have the support of your ex and it’s only short term.
Your son is the perfect age and Sydney schools are very sports orientated.
The rental market is crazy but what is your timescale? It gets easier in Winter and totally depends on the area you are looking at.
PM me if you want to ask me anything, I live on the Northern Beaches and have 3 kids ranging from 5 to 14 so I know a bit about school and childcare!

This
we’ve had 2 lads from work go and come back ( uk not as shit as we think lol)

too expensive salaries higher but cost of living lot higher

It sounds like a great opportunity and I'm sure you would both have an amazing time.
The obvious thing I want to point out is are you realistically going to come back after 2 years? Is your son's dad aware that there's a possibility you will decide to stay permanently? When you are a couple of years into working with double your current salary, enjoying Sydney life, son settled into school and enjoying the outdoor style of life that Australia is known for. Then you're offered a contract extension or another permanent job. I think it's fair to make it clear to your son's dad that if you enjoy it out there you could decide to stay - would he still agree to you taking your son if it becomes permanent?

Do it
Granted im bias, i was born here lol
in nsw rugby is pretty big, as is soccer and cricket
your a quick flight from the theme parks in qld, plus plenty to do in nsw
rental market is tight but only the 2 of you will be a bit easier
you will both love the change

No I wouldn’t.

I visited my Dad, step-mum and three siblings for three weeks back in 2019, stayed at their house, was usually always one of them around. I felt so disconnected and far away from the rest of my family at home the entire time I was out there. As much as I enjoyed myself, I was very glad it was a holiday and not my life if that makes sense?

It’s just such a long way from everything he knows and of course his dad. Some people adapt better to this than others and the only way to truly find out is by doing it, which is great if it works out but could go completely the other way.

I would go without a second thought but keep a savings fund in case you want to começando x