So, we've been here a year yesterday. I can't believe how the year has gone since we stepped off the plane at 8.05am and its was pouring with rain and very, very cold.

Its been an interesting year, full of emotional termoil, difficult decisions and the usual, "what have we done" moments, though they were quite few and far between.

Steve has found it the most challenging, we thought it would be very easy to come here and set up a carpentry business much the same as we had at home. We soon realised that wouldn't be the case and after many nights at the Federation of Master Builders and around $4,500 in course fees, Steve is now Licenced up to the eyeballs and we are almost ready to take the next step in his career plan. He is working for Hickinbotham Homes at the moment as a site supervisor and after he's been there a few months will be able to get his domestic builders licence from OCBA. Be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up again if need be. Here in Australia employers don't really care what you've been doing in the Uk. After running a business for 12 years and being self employed for 20, Steve was still turned down for a licence because he didn't have enough "Australian" business experience. It can be a frustrating and difficult time but my advice when dealing with the OCBA is listen to what they say, never get annoyed and shout at them, they are only following guidelines, it won't help you in the long run. Go away do as they ask and return. Then things will happen.

the kids have settled well, the older girls have found school here very easy, Natalie (Year 5) bought home some work she'd covered in Year 2 in the Uk not long ago. I find it easier not to compare. Schooling here is based on many different values and not having a crammed in curriculum is one of them. They do an hours fitness of some description every day. Homework is less but I'm assuming things will increase for Danielle when she starts High School next year.

There are lots of things to do for the under 5's and I'm grateful I have Hayley (age 2) as she's made me get out and do things, otherwise I may have gone insane. Having her has put me in contact with lots of great people I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting otherwise. People I now go to playgroup with and kindergym with and after a year I now have a settled social circle of friends I'm happy to be with. Elaine often says its often the stay at home mum who has the most difficult time and I can see how easily you could become isolated. My recommendation, get yourself out and about, go to every playgroup and kids event you can find, then sort out which ones you'd like to continue with. Accept every invitation that comes your way, you never know where it might lead. And start using the local slang, its no good calling it playtime, when here they call it recess. Lorries are trucks, Arctics are semi trailers. etc etc. It all helps the fitting in process.


Coming here for me was a chance for Steve to relax, well he did for the first 3 months while he found the right job. Now he works longer hours and for less money. But we have little debt and there's money left over at the end of the month. Even though we were pretty well off in the Uk, we were always chasing money. My relationship with my brother has strengthened and it makes me so happy to see the way the girls love having him around. Especially Hayley, she loves her Uncle and he's got so much out of us all being here. To give the girls opportunity in life. Its a better way to start your life off, living in Adelaide.

So.......to me, am I happy........yes I am. I don't think you ever get over the pain of leaving your family and friends behind but you do tuck it away and box it up. In order to progress in Australia you have to. Webcams help and phone calls are pretty cheap. I spoke to my sister in law for 98 minutes and the bill was $6.80
Thats not bad.

Come with your eyes open, don't expect to find Marmite, Walkers Crisps and Bisto Gravy, Just because the language is the same and we drive on the left doesn't mean its little Britain. Its far better than that.

Jo

Unless you really want to..... ;)

Great post. Really interesting to read.

P

Congratulations on your anniversary .. :yeehah: We'll be there too soonish ..

Great post, great advice .. a lot of it is down to attitude.

Nikki
xx

Fab post Jo, can't believe you been here 12 month already, onwards & upwards you go. :D

Must meet up with you as I owe you one for the Highway code book :D

What a great post! thanks for taking the time to write it, very positive and just what we need to hear :rolleyes:



tracy

Great post - congratulations on your first year and it is good to read that you are happy with your life even though you have had obstacles to face. Nice to read such a positive and down to earth post. Hope to be there ourselves next year!! :D

I enjoyed reading that Jo and pretty much agree with it (except for the gravy of course).

Congratulations - your second year will be here before you know it.


Jo

Congratulations Jo and Steve,

I hope this inspires a lot of people, you seem to have had the lows and highs, I only hope , everything goes well for you, its a long way from the UK, but keep working at it you`ll get there, and what I always say, with families, work together and it will bring rewards

Wishing you all the very best

Sheila

And Fosterclan

The motto

HOW SO VERY TRUE

Fab post.....It's nice to hear the good and bad side of emigrating......here's to the next year......'Remember each day is different!' C x :dance:

Hi Jo, congrats on your first year and glad to see on the whole it has been a positive experience for you all, thanks for your help to us previously
Claire

reaky enjoyed your post .
what well rounded people you seem to be :sign61:
i hope you next year runs smoothly. (i learnt alot from that post )
jen

If you want to buy Marmite, have a look at the Adelaide Market. There is a little Indian\South African supermarket place that has it. I can't remember it's name but it is in the aisle where the toilets are on the Gouger Street side.
Good luck with the crisps and gravy. ;)

Everything you say is so very true, that was a great read....summed it all up really.

Thanks for taking the time and congratulations on your first anniversary :D

Jan

Great post Jo
"Happy Anniversary" was a nice read, hope year no 2 goes a bit smoother and less expensive for you all, thanks for taking the time to post.

Keith ;) :chuckle: :D

Hey Jo

I love reading posts like this....happy anniversary!!!. Glad its not been all bad for you. Your so right on alot of what you said. I still think about your rental and what it would have been like if we had it...sometimes wish we did!!.

I want to know how you get such cheap calls to uk please?.

Heres to another happy year!.

Tan.x

Happy 1st Birthday
What a great post, thanks for sharing,
Kerry :D :D

Great post! Congratulations on your "anniversary"!

Mandy :bouncy: