Any single parents emigrated with a 12yr old?

[GinaG9475]

I have an opportunity to move to Melbourne (company sponsored visa) where I have family. At first my son and I were super excited and wanted to go but now I’m wondering if it’s the wrong time for him? The job is a big step up so lots of pressure not to mention a 50min commute. I’m worried that I won’t be able to do the job and parent my son, settling him into a new life. I have supportive family and the father has given consent (which will be captured in an order this week) so no major hurdles. Just fear of the unknown I guess? If my son rebels and is a handful I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold everything together. On the other hand it’s an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.. and will get us away from a complicated situation here with his father.
Can anyone offer advice?

It does sound like an amazing opportunity!

honestly - go.

you can always come back.

My niece went to Sydney with her daughter 6, her brother lives there who is married with a daughter similar age.
The company put her up in an apartment paid for a month, till she found something herself. She stayed 2 weeks there, as it was too far from brothers to drop daughter off then go to work, then pick up end off day and home again.

I was very hard at first, bit better now.
But she still as child care issues, both her daughter and niece go to the same school but it’s holidays that’s the problem.
Her mum as been over twice, once Xmas time for 6 weeks and she’s there now for 9 weeks as her brother is away for 4 weeks.
It cost a lot for after school club and holidays.
Another thing is, it’s very expensive in Sydney (don’t know if Melbourne is cheaper) I know her wages are money but private school, rent is twice as much per month and food is.

I’ve asked does she think it’s been financially worth it, at the moment no. She’s paying back her brother.

I personally can’t see it, from what she tells me. Her mum is 64, how long can she keep paying for her to fly over there to child mind
Also how long can mum carry on, doing a 24 hr flight.

This isn’t the problem you’ve got though, with your family over there.

Thanks for the comments

@granadagirl
You’re right, it is very expensive in Melbourne. I’ll have a higher salary to compensate and aunt and 2 cousins in their 20s to help with childcare but am unsure if the potential improvement is worth the risk. I’m sorry to hear your niece is finding it hard and hope things improve for her soon.

If his father has PR you need to make sure you gave his permission or obtain a court order. If he doesn't give permission and you don't have a court order you could be pursued for child abduction.

Go for it.

@Lonecatwithkitten he’s given permission to be drawn up formally

Based on your opening post @GinaG9475 I would go.

@Ginlinessisnexttogodliness thank you I missed that on the ap a lack of paragraphs can cause you to miss lines.

Go for it. It's a great place to bring up a family...