Moving to Perth, Australia??

[Sarahlouise86]

I've seen a job in Perth, Australia that I'm pretty sure I will get if I apply for it. Visas wouldn't be a problem as on short skills list and it's actually part of a big company I work for in the UK. My husband is in trades so again shouldn't be an issue. Mid 30's.

We travelled in Australia when we were younger and loved it but returned after a year as I was home sick. But so much has changed since then. We have two young children and while we are doing 'well' in the UK I just can't help but feel we could give the children a different kind of life.

But 1) we haven't been to Perth and my husband seems to think it's boring?! I did point out our needs are not the same as they were as young backpackers. 2) we have free childcare in the Uk from parents in law. 3) we wouldn't want to sell our house here until we were certain we want to settle there and there doesn't seem much option to rent in or near Perth.

Does anyone have any experience of childcare and rental market in Australia? Are we being crazy considering this 🙈 thanks for any help.

[Flatandhappy]

I’m in Sydney but as nobody has replied to you I will add my two pennies worth.

We emigrated with three kids 16 years ago, best thing we ever did. We keep in touch with families we knew in the Uk and my kids have had what I consider a much nicer childhood/lifestyle. Childhood seems to last longer for a start and if you like space and being outdoors you really can’t beat Aus. We could also afford private schooling here which was particularly important with two dyslexic kids.

Yes, Perth is a long way from the UK but you can now get a direct 17 hour flight. You are also super close to places like Bali for holidays, we flew Bali-Sydney via Perth for the first a few weeks back and I was so jealous that it is doable for a weekend (3 1/2 hour flight rather than our 6 1/2). I know quite a few families in Perth and most are really happy there, I think accommodation is an issue like anywhere in Aus at the moment with a shortage of rentals but maybe you could get some help from your company?

The one word of caution I would sound is just because your husband is a tradie in the UK does not mean he will be able to land and work in his trade straightaway. The Aussies just love their bits of paper and you need licences for everything. It can take quite a while and cost a lot of money for any trade
ie to get what they need to work here. Not to say it can’t be done, we are crying out for tradies, but they haven’t relaxed the rules for having your qualifications recognised. Best of luck whatever you decide (and get ready for the Aus bashers, any thread about Aus on MN brings them out in droves).

[wisbech]

Was in Perth for 2-3 years recently. It’s certainly not boring, especially if you like outdoor life. Rentals are a problem - no point pretending they aren’t. But feasible for certain.

childcare - depends how old they are. If you target a suburb with younger families, lots of after school/ preschool clubs. But if your husband is a tradie, his hours can likely be arranged around their needs.

yes - second the point that he may have to go to a TAFE to get recertified. Especially if he is an electrician / plumber - don’t think he will be allowed to sign things off for the first year.

one thing - the state / private school divide is quite a thing in Australia- don’t believe the guff about being egalitarian. So if you want to be here long term, you may want to factor that in for your kids (giving them a leg up in life by sending them to one of the better private schools, assuming they can get in)

[TheSandgroper]

Get it into your contract that your company will organise your rental or you will have no hope of accommodation. Rental vacancies are at lowest rate ever currently.

Perth isn’t boring but life is always what you make it. Schools are good, lots of things to do after school, beaches and local parks have free bbq’s for an easy day out.

[coodawoodashooda]

I lived overseas when I was younger. I'm so grateful now my parents are older that I'm close by.

[PinkShoelaces]

I will preface this by saying I have not lived there, just stayed for a few weeks years ago so this is probably not at all relevant now
But I'd want to be aware of this if I was going to move there.
What really struck me about it is how far away it is from other cities, quite isolated - the most isolated state capital in the world? Could be wrong. Also there were very clearly significant problems with drugs and poverty, but again I'd hope that had changed in the intervening years, but something to think about nonetheless. Beautiful though. Didn't notice these things to the same degree in any of the other major cities I stayed in at the same time in Aus.

[Molly4411]

Hi

Im just curious to find out what you decided? My husband and I are also considering this with our 2 toddlers but it all seems so daunting. He is an engineer but doesnt have a degree in this field