Australia, should I go or stay?!

SeanSSS

Hi,

I have been thinking of going down under for quite a while, but I can't decide if I just want to go because everyone keeps going on about it, or that I actually want to go! it seems like there is almost social pressure to go! Been living in London and my contract finishes around march so can't decided if I'll stay here and look for a new contract or take the plunge and try Australia (Melbourne) for a while.

I have recently started getting somewhere with a passion of mine in London (writing music with friends, and looks promising) and don't want to throw it all away for what might be a mirage, but on the flip side I am still young (29) and perhaps should go and enjoy life and sunshine while I'm young!

Could someone please be honest about their experiences there?

Are there good opportunities in areas that are not construction etc?

Is it tough to get on your feet when you arrive?

Is it that great a place to potentially damage your career prospects for what may end up a extended holiday?

Is it that good that you could throw away a chance at developing your passion into something you are proud of?

What did you like/dislike about the place?

I would like to hear anyones experiences of being over there in a similar situation?

Cheers!

S

catbear

If there's scope for travel to be part of your future work then i wouldn't bother giving up on something that shows potential.

dr.kenneth noisewater

You can only get the WHV until your 31 so now is probably be the best time. I believe you also need to be under 31 if you want the 2nd year visa.

SeanSSS

Thing is I have some friends there now, so would be a good time but typical that things would start taking off where I am at the same time when its the perfect time to go. Maybe a holiday over there for a few weeks is the way to go just to see if it floats my boat, although quite expensive.....

skeg16

Just do it!!! Nike

Im 22 and have a good IT job but Im planning on booking flights for the end of Sept '14

I feel that if I don't go know I will never go. Yes I will be mad throwing away a good job/family/friends/GAA etc. but I think that if I don't go I will look back on it in 10/15yrs and regret it.

You are much older than me so you may be in a different situation but at the end of the day would you not like to see the world??

Ireland is not going anywhere!!!

I have family in Sydney, my brother says there is plenty of construction work and there is always hospitality work to be got. They are always telling me that Melbourne is supposed to be even better for work and the cost of living there is cheaper!!

Good luck with your decision!!!!

bestleftfull3

skeg16 wrote: »

Just do it!!! Nike

Im 22 and have a good IT job but Im planning on booking flights for the end of Sept '14

I feel that if I don't go know I will never go. Yes I will be mad throwing away a good job/family/friends/GAA etc. but I think that if I don't go I will look back on it in 10/15yrs and regret it.

You are much older than me so you may be in a different situation but at the end of the day would you not like to see the world??

Ireland is not going anywhere!!!

I have family in Sydney, my brother says there is plenty of construction work and there is always hospitality work to be got. They are always telling me that Melbourne is supposed to be even better for work and the cost of living there is cheaper!!

Good luck with your decision!!!!

I'll echo Skeg16 currently in a very well paid permanent job in Dublin at the minute but need to get out of ireland for a while I'm 23 and I think been this age is a good time to go for life's experiences myself and the girlfriend will be booking flights in October as she will be just finished college and graduated. Going to initially holiday in dubai for four days and then onto sydney she has an uncle there and I have a number of my friends who have been there the last 6 months! obviously it will be yough at first getting an apartment etc but that's always going to happen no matter where you go.

Work won't be easy but apply everywhere and get to all the agencies.

I honestly cant wait to go I love a challenge !!

SeanSSS

I wanted to go when I was your age 23-24 but none of mates were up for it and wasn't willing to go by myself. I have since done some travelling by myself in china, vietnam and thailand and I think it is over-rated, you find you are just bored by yourself a lot of the time. That's why I want to be practical about this decision, because I'm 29 career is FINALLY gaining momentum and don't want to throw it away etc for nothing, to be honest if it wasn't for this chance to develop my passion (music) I would def go! It's the conundrum between, staying, plugging away at developing something that will last or just say carpe diem and take a roll of the dice, I guess when you are pushing 30 you get a different take on it!

skeg16

bestleftfull3 wrote: »

I'll echo Skeg16 currently in a very well paid permanent job in Dublin at the minute but need to get out of ireland for a while I'm 23 and I think been this age is a good time to go for life's experiences myself and the girlfriend will be booking flights in October as she will be just finished college and graduated. Going to initially holiday in dubai for four days and then onto sydney she has an uncle there and I have a number of my friends who have been there the last 6 months! obviously it will be yough at first getting an apartment etc but that's always going to happen no matter where you go.

Work won't be easy but apply everywhere and get to all the agencies.

I honestly cant wait to go I love a challenge !!

You sound like my twin....22/23, working in dublin, looking to travel, heading end off Sept/Oct and your bringing the ball and chain too (the woman)

Dubai also sounds good....you may have planted a seed ya fecker

bestleftfull3

skeg16 wrote: »

You sound like my twin....22/23, working in dublin, looking to travel, heading end off Sept/Oct and your bringing the ball and chain too (the woman)

Dubai also sounds good....you may have planted a seed ya fecker

Yeah i just really need to go I commute to Dublin everyday from the midlands its absolute torture but if I lived up here I wouldn't have the funds to be going, yeah shes coming with me took a lot of convincing 6 months to be precise then in the space of a week she came around to the idea and now she never shuts up about it !!

I've always been an admirer of Dubai just looks like paradise a place you see in films and to have the opportunity to go there to chill out and relax will be the perfect tonic for sydney!

I'm going to book my visa in March and then the flights in April (hopefully)

Have a calendar in work already marking off the the days !!

jackbhoy

SeanSSS wrote: »

Could someone please be honest about their experiences there?

Are there good opportunities in areas that are not construction etc?

Is it tough to get on your feet when you arrive?

Is it that great a place to potentially damage your career prospects for what may end up a extended holiday?

Is it that good that you could throw away a chance at developing your passion into something you are proud of?

What did you like/dislike about the place?

You seem very focussed on negative outcomes, which makes me think that maybe deep down you don't want to go?

No one on here is going to be able to reassure you that everything will be fantastic, you have really got to try it for yourself. To that end I would really go with an extended visit/holiday and see how you like the place, maybe get a break from work or some extended leave?

I came to Australia 5 years ago as part of a longer trip. We just packed in jobs in Ireland and started travelling (indefinitely). We applied for whv but had no set intention on staying here, as had NZ, US, and even S America/Asia as viable options.

I was a bit sceptical about Aus tbh as was sick of everyone at home raving about it. Mostly these were people who came for 12 months, got p1ssed/laid, lived with other Irish people in Bondi/St Kilda etc and then came home saying it was time of their lives but "i don't like the Aussies". Nothing wrong with that but it's not what I was looking for when leaving Ireland.

I travelled from NT, through WA and SA and saw some amazing stuff but nothing about the cities (where relevant work was) that would make me want to live there. Again, Adelaide & Perth have huge amount to offer but just weren't for us at the time.

When we got to Melbourne we just felt at home so quickly. Just so many interesting things to do, nice people and beautiful parks etc, all round just a much more varied and active lifestyle than we had at home.

Having been here a while now it's so hard to see us leaving. At the same time I miss a lot of Ireland and probably will head back there for an extended period (to see if resettling would work) after we get citizenship here.

In terms of your concerns about career etc. Australia has lots of skilled and professional jobs, not everyone works in construction or mining by any strectch.
Almost every mate I have has done a gap year, so having a year long gap in CV (if that happens) is not a big deal if you are good at your job anyway. I interview people here and wouldn't give a second look at someone taking a year out.
It can be tough to get on your feet. It is very expensive, even by London standards and you will burn through savings pretty quickly until you get a job.

At the end of the day you need to make and be comfortable with the decision. For us, packing in "good" jobs in Ireland at start of financial crisis was seen as madness by most friends and family, but it was our decision and doubts aside, we were comfortable making it at the time. After all these were same friends and family who were telling us how mad we were not to "get on the ladder" and stop spending "dead money" on rent, so I suppose the old adage "be careful who you take advice from" is spot on really...:)

GerryQuattro

Hi there,
Which occupation are you in? You can always have a look at what the market is like on seek.com.au - that will give you an idea of what you're talking about, in terms of your finances.

I jacked in a job myself in Dublin (reasonably well paid, permanent etc.), and came down to Melbourne about a year and a half ago. Best decision I've ever made. I'm not down here in Irish bars Friday-Sunday and have very little interaction with the Irish community really - it's definitely not a requirement in order for you to settle in.
In comparison to your current situation, I wouldn't have to think too long about it. Yes you'll be the other side of the planet from your family and friends, but you get over that pretty quickly
With the ratio of the price of living/wages, you'll most certainly be better off down here, with many many multiples of the opportunities that would be available at home.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Do it. You'll only regret the things you didn't do. If it doesn't work out for you, it's only a year out of your life, in one of the most liveable cities on the planet - Not exactly a bad place to be!

Best of luck anyway
GQ

lufties

SeanSSS wrote: »

Hi,

I have been thinking of going down under for quite a while, but I can't decide if I just want to go because everyone keeps going on about it, or that I actually want to go! it seems like there is almost social pressure to go! Been living in London and my contract finishes around march so can't decided if I'll stay here and look for a new contract or take the plunge and try Australia (Melbourne) for a while.

I have recently started getting somewhere with a passion of mine in London (writing music with friends, and looks promising) and don't want to throw it all away for what might be a mirage, but on the flip side I am still young (29) and perhaps should go and enjoy life and sunshine while I'm young!

Could someone please be honest about their experiences there?

Are there good opportunities in areas that are not construction etc?

I went to Oz when I was 27, stayed for a year and a half. To be honest I got quite bored, and became homesick and negative about the place. I was looking for a proper life experience but ended up stuck in the partying lifestyle, which I was trying to get away from. Lived in cairns, gold coast, newcastle, brisbane and perth. Perth was the best imo. I went to live in Asia after that and haven't really looked back since.

Its a shame to say I got the PR visa while in Oz and still have a year to go back but the place just wasn't really my thing. My advice would be give it a go for a year, you are still young. I can't understand though to this day why people rave about the place so much. irish people come home after a year and never shut up about it!

denismc

I travelled to Australia about 13 years ago when I was 26.I was like many others undecided for a long time but I took the leap and went eventually.What I liked about it was the outdoor lifestyle, what I didn't like about it was the amount of drunken Irish yahoos in places like Bondi so I quickly moved away from that scene.
A lot of the Irish over there are early to mid-twenties and are there just for the piss-up but that doesn't sound like your scene.
What Australia is great for is the outdoors and the wide open spaces which I personally loved but it may not be your thing.
Culturally it doesn't compare with Europe as you have a population of 20 million spread over an area the size of the U.S.
Looking back I was glad I went as it give me a chance to look at life in Ireland from the outside in and was great for personal growth. Would I regret it now if i hadn't gone? probably not.
Sounds to me like you have a pretty good thing going on in London and London is a place I would have loved to live for a year or 2 but I didn't.
I think you will probably have a richer experience in London than you would have in any of the Australian cities.
Also you are a young guy and will most likely have plenty of opportunity to travel in your life.
Life doesn't end at 30, it's just beginning.:)

denismc

I think part of the reason people rave about Australia so much is because they have a year of life with no cares or responsibility. Basically they are on holiday for a year.
I think if the same people had to live there full time and work full time, paying bills, raise a family etc. they would find they have to deal with much of the same crap we have here.

jacksie66

This post has been deleted.

lufties

denismc wrote: »

I think part of the reason people rave about Australia so much is because they have a year of life with no cares or responsibility. Basically they are on holiday for a year.
I think if the same people had to live there full time and work full time, paying bills, raise a family etc. they would find they have to deal with much of the same crap we have here.

Thats quite true, I was living with another Irish lad who was just there for the party while I was actually trying to make an honest go of it, Super annoying i must say.

catbear

Although it might be costly i think a holiday rather than a whv might be the right thing. If you find you want to switch to whv then pop out, apply and reenter.

I came through on a holiday and i was so glad i didn't bother with a whv, saw as much in three weeks as holiday workers had in a year.

I knew then that if i never saw australia again that would be fine. I'm only here now because the money's so easy although the tide is definitely turning in some sectors.

If what you love doing can take you places then wouldn't it be more sensible not to drop it.

Cooperspale

To be honest if you really really wanted to travel to Oz, you wouldn't be asking this question and have gone already.
I know that you're just looking for re assurance but your experience of any country is going to be completely different to ours. You say that you've been bored travelling solo previously, do you have a companion this time?
As for music writing, most Australians leave here for cities like NYC & London to get the exposure and experience they feel they need.
How much do you really want to travel here, are you spending your spare time looking at what you will do in Australia or are you following your music passion?
Just because everyone and their granny is here doesn't mean it's the place to be. And you might like the sound of sunshine but the reality of summer here (for most people) is working in AC and returning home to same or worse still working out in it all day & having a measly fan or nothing at home. Australian and Kiwi sun burns like no other.
Jackbhoy makes some great points, come for a holiday and see how what you think
I initially came solo on WHV & spent a year working in 3 states/territory; NSW NT & QLD (far north QLD) and travelled most of the country. Backpackers can seem to live in a bubble somewhat; work, save, party, travel which involves scrimping, saving & blow outs. And you seem to mostly hang out with fellow travelers or transients as people don't settle for long. There is a bit of a change in this now with quite a few Irish using it as the foot in the door to sponsorship. But you will still get the Irish man in his GAA jersey swigging umpteen pints, going to see the Wolfe Tones with a great big red sunburnt face on him....mostly found in the backpacker ghettoes of St kilda/Bondi/Northbridge
I then went on 2 separate holidays, the first I still stayed at hostels and by the second I'd had enough of that rubbish (sharing a sweaty dorm room while the bunk underneath you is getting the ride of its life, is crap) Holidays; you are out of the backpacker scene and tend to go see what the locals are doing & you pay for it all when you see your credit card bill.
Then I got residency (left the Celtic Tiger as I was over the hysteria) arrived knowing no one but a friend of a friend and had to figure it all out. The first 12-18mths were the toughest but 8 years and a passport later I'm still here. I still encounter backpackers through work and that's enough for me.
It's very expensive here, no joke. I can think of nothing that is cheaper here than Europe. There is a much greater choice of live music to see in Europe, a lot of acts do not travel here. You can drive for days and you're still here, there aren't hugely different cultures between states, though give me Melbourne over Coober Pedy any day of the week. Time differences suck trying to follow any European sport.
Saying that, you are outdoors an awful lot more, even it involves a hat & sunscreen, so you read the papers less. There are much less papers; 3 nationals. You become accustomed to big spiders & know that the little ones are more dangerous. The health system is really good. The big cities are melting pots of different cultures like London. The restaurant & cafe choices in Melbourne are fantastic. People (singles, familes, couples) go out for breakfast.
In essence, people enjoy living.

bestleftfull3

I don't understand where people are getting the perception that the majority of irish people that go there just o for a holiday or a piss up for a year !

If that's the case a young person would need roughly a salary going out there which would be 25000-30000€ which is obviously money they don't have!

young people go out there to work and when they do earn the money of course there going to party of course there going to enjoy themselves, especially with the climate too they will be drinking on the beach having bbq's it's something that simply cannot be done in Ireland so why give out about doing it in Oz

catbear

@bestleftfull, WHV = working holiday visa. You know, fun etc...

I don't think they could have worded it any clearer.

bestleftfull3

I'm just saying some people have a perception that irish go to holiday, take the piss and be drunk all the time !!

I will be enjoying myself when i get out there but will also be working to !!
Work hard play hard !

pete4130

The outdoor lifestyle is good. You aren't stuck indoors with bad weather with the only option being the pub.

It is expensive here but the wages reflect that. I've struggled at times for work in the last 3 years being here, the worst being out of work for 2 months which isn't that bad.

The music scene is pretty big here. I would say its not as progressive as the UK or Ireland though.

My 3 years here I haven't traveled or seen as much as I'd like. I'm somewhat settled in Sydney and my work is fly in/fly out which eats into your lifestyle. The money is good, the work is hard, the weather is hot so it's not something I can see myself doing for more than another year or so.

Lots of Irish that come over get stuck in the trap of partying, living/socialising with other irish people and its no different to being back home but with more sunshine. Some hit the road and do their farm work, get a taste for it and spend their whole year traveling around, working different jobs, having adventures.

It's what you make of it really. Initially after landing it can be tough. Finding work, the expense of Australia for day to day living, looking for somewhere to live.

Moomat

SeanSSS wrote: »

I have recently started getting somewhere with a passion of mine in London (writing music with friends, and looks promising)

Passion and good friends can be hard to find in life. Personally I think you'd be mad to walk away from something you say is promising. Plenty of time for traveling and careers in the future, give what you have now a chance to blossom.

browne_rob5

jacksie66 wrote: »

Ever considered New Zealand? Weather very similar to home(minus all the rain). Im in Christchurch at the moment and the amount of work here is unbelievable. Wages are just going up and up..

Is that in construction or across the board?

jacksie66

This post has been deleted.

SeanSSS

Moomat wrote: »

Passion and good friends can be hard to find in life. Personally I think you'd be mad to walk away from something you say is promising. Plenty of time for traveling and careers in the future, give what you have now a chance to blossom.

Deep down I think you may be right, but I also have friends in Melbourne and every so often get overcome with this feeling that I am missing out and should be over there enjoying myself rather than being in London which is a hard grind at times...although it would be great to see the Music thing blossom as we are working on something that could be promising but if something happened like my friend moving away etc I'd feel a fool for not going to Melbourne while I had the chance! Could be a case of the grass is always greener though! Could be my just my desire to escape and shake things up but not necessarily a solution to improving anything tangible in my life!...Just thinking out loud here! and probably overthinking things!

lufties

SeanSSS wrote: »

Deep down I think you may be right, but I also have friends in Melbourne and every so often get overcome with this feeling that I am missing out and should be over there enjoying myself rather than being in London which is a hard grind at times...although it would be great to see the Music thing blossom as we are working on something that could be promising but if something happened like my friend moving away etc I'd feel a fool for not going to Melbourne while I had the chance! Could be a case of the grass is always greener though! Could be my just my desire to escape and shake things up but not necessarily a solution to improving anything tangible in my life!...Just thinking out loud here! and probably overthinking things!

If you go, is it possible to get your job back in london?

SeanSSS

My contract is finishing in a few months and wondering what the best course of action is? To find another contract in london or take a chance at melbourne!

lufties

SeanSSS wrote: »

My contract is finishing in a few months and wondering what the best course of action is? To find another contract in london or take a chance at melbourne!

Ah I see, in that case give Oz a go..if you don't like it you are free to return to jolly old

SeanSSS

Its not the career holding me back it would be missing the chance to develop something with music which I have begun working on with a friend of mine which seems to have promise...so either stay here keep working on that and find another contract in london or go to melbourne and start fresh! Either way I will have to make my mind up in the coming months. Still on the fence....

bestleftfull3

well your the only one that can make the decision I doubt anyone on here will swing it for you

SeanSSS

True but its good to hear others experience of moving etc helps weigh it all up!

SamAK

Just do it do it do it. Experience the world. Broaden your horizons.

Who cares if you end up coming back because you don't like it or couldn't find work.

Do you really want to spend the rest of your life with that niggling little 'What If' voice in the back of your head, wondering what could have been? Nah!!!!


“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

danotroy

SamAK wrote: »

Just do it do it do it. Experience the world. Broaden your horizons.

Who cares if you end up coming back because you don't like it or couldn't find work.

Do you really want to spend the rest of your life with that niggling little 'What If' voice in the back of your head, wondering what could have been? Nah!!!!


“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Are you high?

SamAK

danotroy wrote: »

Are you high?

What on earth made you think that?

SeanSSS

SamAK wrote: »

What on earth made you think that?

Probably because you just rattled off a load of overused cliches about 'live your dream', 'live life to the max' etc that don't necessarily have any bearing on the reality of peoples lives.

That niggling feeling your talking about could be applied to any decision you make depending on whether things work out for the decision you made. I'm sure a lot of immigrants have a niggling feeling "maybe I should have tried developing my life at home etc" There's more to living a rich life than just buying a plane ticket to somewhere else.

Not trying to be negative but I think its more constructive to talk about the realities and myths about emigrating and travelling, good and bad rather than rattling off a load of hackneyed rubbish.

SamAK

SeanSSS wrote: »

I have been thinking of going down under for quite a while, but I can't decide if I just want to go because everyone keeps going on about it, or that I actually want to go!

Could someone please be honest about their experiences there?

Are there good opportunities in areas that are not construction etc?

Is it tough to get on your feet when you arrive?

Is it that great a place to potentially damage your career prospects for what may end up a extended holiday?

Is it that good that you could throw away a chance at developing your passion into something you are proud of?

What did you like/dislike about the place?

I would like to hear anyone's experiences of being over there in a similar situation?

Cheers!

The honest answer is that you can sit here and ask 'reality' questions all day but you're not going to learn a damn thing from everyone else's personal experience. Your experience will be a unique one. So someone went down there and found that there was no 'good opportunity' in areas that are not construction? Does that mean that it's gonna be the same for you? No. And the same goes for the rest of your concerns. I gave you my perspective, and you threw it back in my face.

You think anyone can 100% sum up the experience of travelling to a different country here on an internet forum? No. But that's what you seem to want. Your questions are extremely broad, and vague. And none are answerable, because every person's experience is unique.

You MIGHT not find a good job opportunity. You MIGHT not find it easy to get on your feel when you arrive. You MIGHT not damage your career prospects for what may end up an extended holiday. But at least you'll know, because you did it yourself. Might, maybe, possibly, perhaps, what if.

But by all means focus on the negatives and not the positives, if you like. Renew your contract, sit in London and daydream forever, if you like. Or, as you said yourself, take the plunge and find out first hand, and don't take a bunch of opinions from anonymous people on the internet as some sort of crystal ball analysis.

SeanSSS wrote: »

Probably because you just rattled off a load of overused cliches about 'live your dream', 'live life to the max' etc that don't necessarily have any bearing on the reality of peoples lives.

Not trying to be negative but I think its more constructive to talk about the realities and myths about emigrating and travelling, good and bad rather than rattling off a load of hackneyed rubbish.

Not trying to be negative but.....definitely being negative.

That bolded bit at the bottom of my post was a quote, a very well known one. Something wrong with taking inspiration from a quote is there?

Here's another one -

Before enlightenment - Chop wood, carry water.

After enlightenment - Chop wood, carry water.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

SeanSSS

I am well aware it is up to me to find out but the reason I started this thread is to get a realistic viewpoint of living there without rose-tinted glasses. That is why your comment annoyed me because it seemed like a throw-away reply but if it genuinely was that positive a experience for you then I am happy for you but from my experience a lot of people tend to exaggerate their experiences as positive ones no matter what, as some kind of social posturing which unfortunately travelling and living abroad seems to be about for a lot of people of my generation....

I would say later in the year I probably will try out Melbourne depending on what happens with my music project but the more I think of it I can't see myself living so far away for an extended period of time, bit of a home bird I reckon when it comes down to it...If I do go I may have regrets about not seeing the music project to fruition, If I stay I may regret missing out on a fresh and exciting experience with some friends in Melbourne...such is life....don't make me quote Robert Frost!

seachto7

@SeanSSS

You're involved in a musical project in Ireland right? I've been there, really really wanted to go to Aus but stuck it out for a musical project which didn't end well. I missed out on the WHV. In hindsight, maybe I should have gone to Aus, and jacked in the music, but at the same time, everything that has happened since then has me in a good place now, so I won't say I'll regret anything. I could have been in a job I hated in Aus.

I did get to go to Aus but only for about 2.5 months.

If your gut is telling you to travel, that's not going to go away, and there's a certain amount of waiting around for things to happen when it comes to music. Again, I've been there, twice. But it's only for you to decide. I know the travel bug will not leave you. Is there anyway you could take a time out from the music and come back to it sometime? Could you take the musical project on the road with you to Aus?

Do you feel that if you go now, you'll be letting others down? Maybe set some goals about what you want the music to do this year, and if it doesn't work out, go.

AngryHippie

SamAK wrote: »

The honest answer is that ......

.......After enlightenment - Chop wood, carry water.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Long story short....YOLO:pac::pac::pac::pac:


On a more serious note, The chances of this musical collaboration or whatever it is working out and being a great success story.....look a the odds of making it (or even making some reasonable money) in that industry. IF you are doing that for the love of it, or as your major artistic outlet, then you've got to put your own value on it, but if it is even a remotely financial decision, you must have rocks in your head. Success rates are low, the industry is paying less than ever unless you want to relentlessly tour and promote just to put bread on the table. (Or sell out to the Pop brigade, if you are that marketable, but if thats the case, stop pretending its music, or art)

On the other hand, you will definitely run out of time on the WHV, there is no real second chance there, this forum is littered with, "so I'm 32 and want to go to Oz" threads, and the only way is to from then on, is to go on a 3 month holiday and have enough cash for such.
I would recommend you do some more research on what you want to do in Australia, form some sort of a plan for where you want to go, cost it out, then if its workable, get your visa, save some cash and go for it.

It probably won't go to plan, and won't be anything like you expected, so take it a a challenge, chase the opportunities for work (follow up on resumes and job applications) say YES and have fun !

At worst, it will be 6-8 months of meeting new interesting people, seeing new places and learning a bit more about yourself

seachto7

Angryhippie making sense.

I was one of those who applied for the WHV at 31, was involved in music, and never used it. I probably should have gone for the year, but at the same time, things happened here in other areas that I am glad of, so I can't really moan.

But, the travel bug is still there with me, so much so, I quit playing in "bands", and will only put myself down as a "hired hand" now,and break even!!

Why not chance your arm with the music in Aus for a year. No better place than Melbourne or Sydney or wherever.

Sounds like you're kind of burned out and considering your options? If you really wanted to stick it out, you would? One of my main gripes with music down the years was I loved to travel, and though music would be my way of doing both at once - playing and travelling.

I love music, but sacrificed lots of potential travel opportunities which I am kind of bitter about. I should be a world class surfer now!! lol. So many times I spent the weekends recovering from late night gigs, I missed out on trips away and going down to the sea.

Off topic, but I think you should make a plan, and stick with it. Come up with a deadline. If you're thinking about Aus, at the very least go over on a 3 month holiday. Get it out of the system.

I'd be looking at coming over to Aus and gettign stuck into the music scene if I were you. The change of scene could be good for the year or two and who knows what could happen....

At the same time, if music is your passion, Australia isn't the be all and end all. There are loads of other places you can go to. Music has given me some fantastic experiences I wouldn't have gotten if I went to Aus when I had the WHV. But it hasn't given me lots of groupies.

I know the feeling!!! Original music is sometimes a hard thing to explain to folk as to why we do it and get no money in return.

SamAK

Interesting that the topic should come around to music. I went down to NNSW and by sheer chance ended up living and working with a guy who had his own lighting/event production company.

Thus, I worked at a load of amazing gigs, music festivals big and small, bush raves, weddings....and everything in between. I got exposed to music in a way I never had before. Since I came home, i've embarked on a personal mission to learn as much as I could about music related stuff.

I've learned so much, and the catalyst that sparked this passion was my decision to go to Australia. Once there, I was like a dead fish - I just went with the flow. And I ended up leaving the big cities, and landed down in NSW with some amazingly wacky people that showed me the way.

Like the last line of AngryHippie's post - At worst, it will be 6-8 months of meeting new interesting people, seeing new places and learning a bit more about yourself

Nothing could be more true. That's exactly what happened to me. Being so far out of your comfort zone really is character building. I used to be a useless layabout recluse with zero confidence who smoked far too much weed. I never went out, I didn't have a dang clue what I was doing or where I was going with life.

Going to Aus, in that respect, was the best thing I could have done. I came back a different person. And before you say it, no....this is not some 'rose tinted glasses' recollection.

Now, i'm working at getting some qualifications, and seeing as radio is a big industry in Oz, that's what i've been studying, alongside music production and related stuff.
I want to go back down under with something on my C.V, something that could get me sponsored by an employer and possibly lead to some sort of long term visa. That is the dream, anyway. I loved the pace of life down there. I loved how something simple like good weather can make it so much easier to get out of bed in the morning.

So I discovered music down there, and brought that passion home. I just have to build on it now, so I can go back, earn a few quid and get myself a little house in the rain-forest somewhere, preferably a ten minute drive from the Pacific.....there's nothing like a swim in the ocean to cool you off after a long blue-sky day


Just go down there, even for just a month on a tourist visa, so you have the option of getting your first W.H.V if you want to stay longer. It might be the best think you ever did, and if not, well...you get a tan and a bit of experience, and you can come home again. No problem.

I don't think I could ever live in the city down there though.....I was in Brisbane for a while and for me it was....unremarkable. Not sure about Melbs or Sydney, didn't make it there...I much preferred the small town vibes of the regional areas, only an hour or so south of Brissy..

So, there's my opinion. Just watch out for the brown snakes!

seachto7

Good post SamAK. I was only there a short while, but I did latch on to a really nice musical vibe in Fremantle. But again, I was only there for a short while.

Have you heard of a guy called Ash Grunwald? He has some road trip videos of himself online where he basically went on tour around Aus, and surfed during the day. Now, THAT is the life!

But regardless of what people in London might tell the OP, there's a lot of music going on in Aus. Lots of good bands there.

SamAK

Freo, near Perth? Long way from the east coast!!

Yeah heard of Grunwald, not familiar with the vids though......

....hang on......*runs to wall and checks poster*.....

...yeah, I was working at Bluesfest 2011 (Byron Bay) and Ash played there, can't remember if I caught him though (so many acts playing!). I saw feckin B.B King LIVE!!! What an experience.

As regards music, I think there's plenty going on, you just have to scout around. It'll find you in the end. There are musicians all over the world. In Byron, loads of drummers used to turn up to the beach just before sundown and have a good old rhythm session. Loads of backpackers there though, not a bad thing per se but I wasn't really one of them

One thing I will say about Straya - sometimes, in some places, you'd find more culture in a lump of mouldy cheese. It's a relatively young place (colonization wise)....I almost forgot what a church looked like when I was there....so few old buildings like we're used to at home!

Just got my external hard-drive out and am looking back through photos......oh how I miss it.

Frank Lee Midere

I'd believe people were going more out of their comfort zone if they emigrated to a non English speaking country.

OP you already have left Ireland and are living in one of the few World Cities. Australia is parochial by comparison, you will find plenty of Aussies pursuing a career in the UK. I personally didn't like London when I was there but for a music career it's pretty much the place to be. Perth isn't.

seachto7

If it's just better weather you're looking for, what about Italy, France, or Germany. I know they would be cold in winter, but get better springs and summers.

Berlin for example.

SeanSSS

seachto7 wrote: »

@SeanSSS

You're involved in a musical project in Ireland right? I've been there, really really wanted to go to Aus but stuck it out for a musical project which didn't end well. I missed out on the WHV. In hindsight, maybe I should have gone to Aus, and jacked in the music, but at the same time, everything that has happened since then has me in a good place now, so I won't say I'll regret anything. I could have been in a job I hated in Aus.

I did get to go to Aus but only for about 2.5 months.

If your gut is telling you to travel, that's not going to go away, and there's a certain amount of waiting around for things to happen when it comes to music. Again, I've been there, twice. But it's only for you to decide. I know the travel bug will not leave you. Is there anyway you could take a time out from the music and come back to it sometime? Could you take the musical project on the road with you to Aus?

Do you feel that if you go now, you'll be letting others down? Maybe set some goals about what you want the music to do this year, and if it doesn't work out, go.

That describes my situation pretty much! I have been waiting around for some music projects to go somewhere and never did, and now I am involved in something that seems it can develop into something I can be really proud of (not necessarily financial) but it is also coming up to the perfect time for me to do the WHV if I am going to do it ie I'm 29, been in London for 3 years working on my career etc, my contract will be finishing in a few months and I have friends in Melbourne who will be there until the end of this year. It so typical that everything happens at once!

The only reason for me to stay in London now is to see out the music project to fruition but I am also kinda sick of London and dying for a change....I think you are right I should give it a couple of months and I will have a better idea of where this project is going...

I agree with you as regard the 'music dream', a lot of waiting around and it I don't want to miss out on other life experiences for something that as you said may end badly or not go anywhere. I love music and want to make this EP/Album work and not for the money but if it goes tits up then I'd feel like a clown for missing out on other things.

Best thing would be to finish it before I go in a few months which is unlikely or go in april until the end of the year and come back christmas and pick it up next year though can't expect the rest of the guys to wait around for me!! Strange how dreams seem to hold you back from living sometimes!!

seachto7

Now you said it. I held back on the travelling for the best part of 10 years because I was involved in various musical projects, all of which had potential, but some of them crashed and burned.

There were stages during them that I was very very unhappy, not because I didn't like playing music, but I knew I could be out seeing the world, and would definitely have done the whole WHV thing.

At the same time, I loved playing music, so stuck it out for that. However, eventually, the travel bug rears its head again. I was also playing with guys who didn't want to go travelling or had no interest at the time, which meant I didn't really confide in them, when I should have. I should have gone to Aus when it presented itself way back, but to be honest, I don't have any major regrets. I do wonder what path my life could have taken if I did go. Would I still be there? Who knows.

My feeling was that, with music, you were nearly placing your destiny in someone else's hands. As in, a publishing company or promoter would come in, put you on a high profile bill, and then things would get better and I'd feel happier. If you want to stick at an artistic project, you have to sacrifice things like travel and the the likes, but if the music pays off, the benefits are better than any job could ever offer, so it's worth sticking it out for that.

However, the motives should not be financial now. Even if you get signed etc, the odds of making any money for a few years are slim, so I think you need to be enjoying the other parts of your life. That was my mistake.

I suppose it's going to come to a stage where you'll have to make a call. If it were me, and hindsight is always a great thing, I would have a meeting with the lads you're playing with, and tell them you would really like to travel. They could throw the toys out of the pram and throw you out. So be it. They might not, but the important thing is to not feel like you should accommodate them. That was another mistake I made, I felt like I'd be letting everyone down if I left. Whereas in the long run, you need to put you first.

But set some deadlines, and either make them public or stick to them yourself. I'd tell the guys you're feeling a bit burned out with London. Throw it out there, and see what they say.

Australia could be a great place for you to try something new, and meet new musicians etc.

John Denver

Stay where you are. And if you are coming over dont come to Perth

irishmover

John Denver wrote: »

Stay where you are. And if you are coming over dont come to Perth

John Denver wrote: »

I have 21 points on my license, I got banned off the road for 6 months but I am on a good behaviour period of a year since last May, so cant get any points for a year or I'll be banned for a year then. I got the points for drink driving, speeding, going through red lights etc...

No offence intended, I haven't lived in Perth (partly due to wanting to avoid all the Irish) but considering that above quote I personally would take your opinion on Australia with a pinch of salt!