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Should You Move Overseas for Work? The Pros and Cons of Becoming an Expat
Australia regularly ranks high on the list of destinations people most want to move to for work from abroad.
Considering its sunny weather, strong job market, and much-admired work/life balance, it’s not surprising that so many professionals consider relocating to the Lucky Country.
But before you hop on a plane and try to settle in places like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, it’s worth taking a closer look at the pros and cons of becoming an expat in Australia.
From career growth opportunities to relocation challenges, there are many factors to consider. This post outlines some of the most important things you should know.
The Pros of Moving to Australia for Work
If you are considering moving to Australia for work, here are some of the key advantages of doing so.
1. Great Career Opportunities
Australia offers a range of international job opportunities in many fields, but particularly healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and construction. If you’re seeking career growth overseas, the country’s growing economy and shortage of skilled workers can be a golden ticket.
It’s also an excellent way to gain global work experience, which looks great on any résumé and can boost your career prospects in the long term. Of course, you’ll need to open a Westpac bank account, or one from another institution, if you want to get paid.
2. High Quality of Life
Australia is known for having a good balance between work and lifestyle. While you might expect this in the coastal areas, even the bigger cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth all offer vibrant culture, top-tier healthcare, and clean, green spaces.
For many people, the expat lifestyle in Australia is a big drawcard because it is a multicultural society, with friendly locals, and an emphasis on enjoying the outdoors. It is not uncommon for people to hit the beach or go for a walk in nature after work.
3. Solid Worker Rights and Benefits
Workers in Australia enjoy strong labour protections, which include minimum wage laws, standard working hours, and four weeks of paid annual leave.
Depending on your visa and terms of employment, you may also be entitled to superannuation (Australia’s retirement fund).
4. Safe, Stable, and Beautiful
Australia is generally considered a safe place to live. The political system is stable, the air is clean, and the crime rate is moderate compared to other countries.
In addition, its cities are well-planned and the natural beauty of its landscape, including its coastline, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, are hard to beat.
The Cons of Moving to Australia for Work
Despite everything it has going for it, Australia can present expats with plenty of challenges that might make people think twice about relocating there.
They include
1. Visa and Relocation Challenges
Moving to Australia can be a very stressful, frustrating and difficult process. From securing the right visa to finding a place to live, the process can be slow and bureaucratic.
Before you send off any applications, be sure to review the work visa requirements carefully, as the eligibility for one may vary by industry and job type.
To help you navigate this process, it’s a good idea to work with a migration agent or employer who can help guide you through the red tape.
2. High Cost of Living in Some Cities
Australia is an amazing place to live. But it’s not cheap. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the cost of living abroad can be much higher than you are used to back home.
According to Canstar, the median weekly rent in Australia is $644 a week. When you add in the cost of groceries, private health insurance, petrol, and socialising, the amount you need to maintain a decent standard of lifestyle might come as a rude shock.
3. Culture Shock and Language Barriers
Australia may seem culturally familiar, especially if you speak English. But there are still some differences that you might not anticipate. The slang, for instance, can be confusing, the sense of humour is dry, and some people have no filter!
In addition, some local customs may surprise you, such as referring to people as “you guys”, even if they are women. And some older Australians might have archaic attitudes towards what they consider to be “woke”.
This is something you will need to navigate and adapt to if you want to settle in the country, particularly in rural areas.
4. It’s Far From… Everything
Depending on where you’re coming from, Australia is literally on the other side of the world. Flights there are long and expensive (it typically takes 24 hours of transit to get there from the UK), which makes it harder to see family and friends in person if you are feeling homesick.
Homesickness and social isolation can be a real issue for expats, especially around holidays or special occasions. It is likely that most people will experience it at some point. Therefore, you’ll need to have a plan in place to counter it.
Is Moving to Australia for Work the Right Thing for You?
Moving to Australia for work is a big decision. Therefore, to determine whether it is right thing for you to do, take the time to consider your career goals, your personal situation, and how ready you are to adapt to a new environment.
You should also weigh up the potential benefits of relocating, such as professional growth and a better work/life balance, and anticipate challenges such as gaining a visa, managing the cost of living, and missing loved ones.
At the end of the day, whether you decide to move Down Under or not is entirely up too you. However, the most important thing is to be 100% sure of what you want to do. That way, you won’t have any regrets.
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Should You Move Overseas for Work? The Pros and Cons of Becoming an Expat
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
