1 year in Australia as a family of 4. Is it time to go home? 🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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  • čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
  • Here is our thoughts on our last 12 months of living in Australia as a family of 4 and what we would do differently if we could do it all over again! We also discuss going home to Scotland and things that we would like to change living here in New South Wales.
    Please leave any questions in the comment section & we will answer them ASAP for you :)
    If you enjoy my videos and would like to see more, why not show your appreciation and buy me a wee coffee to help get me through the long editing stages- It would mean a lot and I can continue to create strong content for you to enjoy❤️ I will also be sure to give you a shout out! :)
    www.buymeacoffee.com/kimberley2a
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    Kimberley2340@hotmail.co.uk
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    / kimberleylucas_
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    Video chapters
    00:00 Intro
    00:46 Visa Recap
    01:35 Living in Sydney
    06:40 Living in the Central Coast
    11:30 Cost of living
    14:05 Childcare
    17:43 Working in NSW
    22:18 Challenges we've faced
    26:45 Do we feel settled?
    31:50 What we would do differently
    39:26 Outro
    #movetoaustralia #expatlifestyle #emigratetoaustralia #australiavlogs #newsouthwales #expats #movingtoaustralia #australiaupdate #1yearinaustralia

Komentáře • 110

  • @Me-bq4pd
    @Me-bq4pd Před 17 dny +3

    You have mentioned an issue of establishing friendships. A very great way to do this is through the kids and getting them into sports. Yes, I am aware that your little ones may be a bit young but sign them up as soon as you can. Nippers is a great way to introduce the kids to water safety and beach related activities, at the same time allowing you to meet the parents. Our kids all were members of Terrigal nippers and the wife was a volunteer official at carnivals. Check this out it may or not be suitable for you, but nippers was a great meeting place.

  • @paulinetonkin357
    @paulinetonkin357 Před měsícem +14

    Thanks for your candid review of your year. I totally understand how you're feeling, I came here 51 years ago and like you missing home and family, the best thing will be to take a trip home , that's when I realised that Australia is home for me, but it might be different for you ,but it will give you some idea as how you will feel. Meanwhile, just enjoy the moment. Whatever your decisions, just create great memories. Love you and your family.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +3

      Yes this is what I'm hoping for, that 'feeling' and right now I just need a reminder of home as well as (hopefully) a reminder of why we chose to leave in the first place. It's so hard! Australia is definitely the best place to make memories so we intend to do as much as we can 😂 I think more trips are needed! X

    • @Jeni10
      @Jeni10 Před 24 dny +3

      Contact Ross from That Johnston Life. He moved here from England during the pandemic, got work as a teacher and has gone through everything you’re experiencing. His vlogs tell their story. His second child was born here! 😍

  • @Jeni10
    @Jeni10 Před 24 dny +2

    Make a list of things you like about Scotland Vs things you like about Australia. Then do the reverse, things you don’t like about both countries. Sometimes seeing both lists helps you to see things in a different perspective. When you visit back home, many people experience reverse culture shocks and that helps them decide which country is now home.

  • @kayelle8005
    @kayelle8005 Před měsícem +14

    Your company shouldn’t be expecting you to do unpaid overtime, especially not on a contract or over 40 hours. Fair Work Australia covers visa holders if you want advice on your situation.

  • @WarrenJackson-tb2qk
    @WarrenJackson-tb2qk Před 22 dny +2

    As an Ozzie I would say making friends does take some time but there are things that make it easier , shared interests , do you play any sports , have any interests that have clubs you can join , eg in the hills , football any tip , photography , walking , etc

  • @GaryNoone-jz3mq
    @GaryNoone-jz3mq Před měsícem +14

    Australians are very friendly, but it takes time to actually become trusted enough to be a friend.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +7

      Sounds very like us Scottish 😅

    • @budawang77
      @budawang77 Před 15 dny +1

      Australians are superficially friendly but actually quite "cliquey" and reserved.

  • @roshnioriordan3767
    @roshnioriordan3767 Před měsícem +5

    I personally would recommend you guys go for a holiday in Perth. I originally am from Sydney and my husband from Ireland. I moved here 2 years ago and I can’t believe how amazing it is. We live 10 minutes from the beach and now have bought a house which is far more reasonable than what we would have gotten in NSW. Also it is closer for my husband to visit Ireland and for his family to come here. There are so many Expats and cultures here and it’s been the best move for the kids aswell. Goodluck guys

    • @jonv570
      @jonv570 Před 29 dny

      hes in the building industry, WA is a joke for that

    • @roshnioriordan3767
      @roshnioriordan3767 Před 28 dny +1

      Really? My husband is in the same industry and has now recently started his own business. There is so much work here and the industry is in desperate need of more specialised people in the building industry. I guess you need to live here to see both the cons and pros of the lifestyle you can get in Perth.

    • @jonv570
      @jonv570 Před 28 dny

      @@roshnioriordan3767 I am in perth lol

  • @simob7862
    @simob7862 Před 5 dny +1

    Sydney is the most expensive state to live in following closely is Melbourne. South coast states are less metro and more affordable and people less focused and more country friendly. The general costs of living in Australia generally have increased significantly over the last few years. Renting is high and in big demand.

  • @GaryNoone-jz3mq
    @GaryNoone-jz3mq Před měsícem +10

    I hope you settle in and find yourselves at home soon 💗 😊

  • @kayelle8005
    @kayelle8005 Před měsícem +8

    Once your children are a bit older and at primary school it becomes much easier to make friends based on the school community. The other ways are through sports and hobbies and inviting people over for a coffee. I’ve moved from Canberra to Melbourne and I’ve found it much harder to make friends in Melbourne. Canberra was a lot friendlier and open and I think that’s because it’s a city where a lot of people have moved there for work so people are much more open to welcoming you and helping you settle in. FYI I was told I’d probably not feel settled in Melbourne until I’d been here for two years and I find that deriding but it’s turned out to be true. Everything is still new and different in your first year, by the end of your second year things are more familiar. Being away from grandparents must be very difficult. Hopefully they can visit.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +2

      Thank you for this. We are really keen to try and make it to two years as so many people have said this, and we also know so many people who go home and regret it - its such a hard decision. If i could move family here then I wouldn't even consider going home! :(

    • @kayelle8005
      @kayelle8005 Před 29 dny +1

      @@kimberleylucas consider making a solid decision to give it two years in one community and then reassess at that time. This allows you to give yourself the grace to take a break from thinking about it until then.
      Your emotional and mental bandwidth are likely being drained by the compare and despair thought processes (between the UK and Australia) and the feeling that you’re in a state of limbo. You can do your pros and cons list later.
      Committing to your adventure and reminding yourself that you’re giving your children some incredible experiences and that you and your partner are learning a lot about yourselves and each other, irrespective of whether this ends up being your forever home or not.
      You’ve done an incredibly brave thing and I see by other videos that you’re appreciative of your blessings and you’re being vulnerable and honest sharing your conflicting thoughts and emotions in this one. You’re both amazing and it will get easier. Wishing you all the best

  • @bingo000
    @bingo000 Před měsícem +8

    I recommend you consider a trip to the UK to gauge your feelings. A decade ago, I did the same, hoping to rekindle my connection with the UK, but instead, I found myself longing for Australia throughout the journey. Living in the coastal town of Geelong, Victoria, resonates more with my lifestyle. Perhaps exploring various cities and states within Australia would help you determine if New South Wales aligns better with your preferences.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +5

      Home is definitely next on the cards, i think we need to do that to work out where we want to be. But I would also love to visit Perth, as i'm keen to see if another state may suit us better..

    • @paulrichardson5892
      @paulrichardson5892 Před 28 dny

      @@kimberleylucas each state is pretty much the same. As always , (if it is going to be ,its up to me. )

  • @aye70aye
    @aye70aye Před měsícem +5

    Can't believe it's been a year! I started following your journey right at the start when you were applying for Visas, I'm not even sure how I stumbled across you but so glad I did! I've really enjoyed all your vlogs and the progress you have all made as a family. Keep going Kim, you will find your tribe, anyone would be happy to call you a friend, Love Jessie x

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +1

      This is honestly so lovely of you to say, thank you. And thank you for sticking with us! x

  • @onthetrailweblaze
    @onthetrailweblaze Před měsícem +5

    Thanks Kimberley and Euan (don’t know if that spellings correct). Your vlogs have helped me and my husband during the waiting phase sooo much ❤ we really appreciate the time and effort you take to make them. 🎉 Alright, I’m settling in to watch now 🙏🏻😃

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +4

      Love this so much! I'm glad you are finding them helpful. It's good to know what to expect other than sunshine and beaches! Please feel free to ask us anything at all, we are more than happy to help 😊

  • @dangermouse3619
    @dangermouse3619 Před měsícem +3

    The ponds area 10yrs ago was all rural area and had a lot of land filling to bring it up to a level for development. Years ago I went out there doing inspections for work seeing constructors doing all sewer and water infrastructure.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +1

      I seen a video of it before and gathered that that may be why it was named 'the ponds' its a shame that they were all filled in for houses! lovely area, just not for us unfortunately. 😊

  • @katecain1300
    @katecain1300 Před měsícem +1

    Thanks guys ❤ such a helpful video and you should be so proud of what you have achieved

  • @louisaklimentos7583
    @louisaklimentos7583 Před měsícem +6

    If it is any consolation to you , it takes about 5 years to adjust to the climate and life style of a new country . Best of luck with what ever you do ! It is hard to make friends in every country . People tend to mix with their childhood friends and locals .

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +1

      Thank you for this, i've been looking into the 'moving curve' and it seems 2-4 years is teh average time. Definitely not easy :(

    • @louisaklimentos7583
      @louisaklimentos7583 Před měsícem

      @@kimberleylucas We adore you here in OZ . We follow your vlogs all the time . Remember we are hear to support you !

  • @krisjames4276
    @krisjames4276 Před měsícem +5

    Great informative video again Kimberly. Love ❤

  • @annawasser7724
    @annawasser7724 Před 26 dny +1

    We are considering moving to Australia, so your video is very helpful, thank you!

  • @oliviacastilo977
    @oliviacastilo977 Před 9 dny +1

    Regarding visas, it's actually not a simple case of thinking "I wish we chose getting PR straight away" - while people often say "why don't you just apply for PR?"... well each year there are over 5x as many applications (EOIs) than the actual quota. So unless you work in health or teaching, it's extremely difficult to "just get PR".
    Most migrates impatiently scramble to apply for PR directly without appreciating that the 482 visa actually provides a near-guaranteed pathway to PR. I know 2 people who got PR directly without having ever set foot in Australian, but upon arrival they struggled to find work and they didn't truly appreciate how fortunate they were to have PR.
    Side note: the current visa situation in Australia is so much better/lenient than it was even 5 years ago. During Covid most of us temporary visa holders were made redundant, and the ones who managed to stay and/or find new sponsors had no pathway to PR as the 482 visa was strictly 2-4 years back then.
    I moved here back in 2017 and only just got my PR thanks to the new visa system, so don't beat yourselves up - you're on a fantastic trajectory! 😊

  • @user-zm6kj4gn4v
    @user-zm6kj4gn4v Před měsícem +4

    I think it’s best to focus on your priorities. List them down then work from there.
    1st is work opportunities (obviously).
    Then expected lifestyle. You prefer beachside but obviously many others do so can be expensive. Work out what you can afford.
    So many want to live in or near Sydney as it has so much to offer. That comes with cost as you’ve found. There are a lot more affordable suburbs only 15 to 20 minutes from beaches in the southern capitals.
    I suggest looking at other locations such as the Gold Coast or Brisbane (no beaches) but subtropical warm to hot climate most of the year.
    The other cities to try are Adelaide and Perth. Both much more affordable than Sydney but cooler. People are typically nicer in smaller cities but that’s a wide generalisation. All depends where you live in those cities.
    Good idea is to spent a long weekend (3 or 4 days) and look at each location and talk with locals to see if it feels the right location for you. Do a lot of research first then visit to be efficient as possible.
    You seem a great couple and I’d be surprised if you didn’t form a good group network of friends in some part of the country.
    Main thing is make a list of your objectives, requirements and where the best opportunities for all of your family lies in the future.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem

      This is really helpful, thank you. We definitely thought about moving back to Sydney however we have met so many people here in the CC who have had to move out of Sydney because of the cost which is making us wary. Also thought about trying Perth, i don't mind it being a little cooler if i'm honest and I also quite like the fact that its smaller with a lot of UK expats (which i know is crazy but it's also good to be around your own people - especially as they too may be looking for friends!)

    • @user-zm6kj4gn4v
      @user-zm6kj4gn4v Před měsícem +1

      @@kimberleylucas That’s fine Kimberley. Should have probably clarified the climate bit about Perth. It’s a warm temperate Mediterranean climate ( like south Greece or Italy) and often is 40C for weeks in summer and early Autumn where Sydney is very moderate like a mild subtropical climate. More humid like the whole east coast while the southern capitals have cool wet winters and warm to hot dry summers. South of Perth might an option. You’ll find Adelaide quite cool by Australian standards in winter (8C mins to 16C maxs) but the rest of the year really pleasant except for a week or 2 of very hot weather in summer, not as bad as Perth). The other aspect is Perth is quite isolated. A 5 hour flight from the east coast. The beaches in both south capital cities are great calm ones not like the surf beaches on the east coast with rips. Excellent for young children. I left out Melbourne as the weather is very variable (4 seasons in a day!) and the winters will remind you of home and I’m sure that’s something you would like to leave at home!!
      Great for work though.
      Hope that helps.

  • @Jeni10
    @Jeni10 Před 24 dny +1

    Moving twice in a year, hasn’t helped your efforts to find friends. Perhaps think of it as networking. Look amongst the people you see most often. If you’re parishioners of a local church, that’s a great way to get to know people with the same beliefs as you. Make yourselves regulars at as many local businesses as you can, eg butcher’s, fruit and veg shop, and definitely explore the local cafe culture! You can invite someone to meet you there and chat over your preferred coffee style - get talking to the Barista and let them help you discern your favourite! 😋 Some cafes have special spaces for toddlers. When you see a Mum on the street, ask her about that. The locals always know about things like that. An added bonus to introducing yourself to shopkeepers, is that you become a familiar regular face and they want to keep you coming back so you will get great service. Don’t be afraid to quietly tell them when something is wrong with your order. That really matters to them and they will gladly fix it for you. Same with your barista! I have three local restaurants I go to where the chef and the staff know me and my dietary limits, so that’s been great for me. If you discover a place where the staff are rude to you, don’t go back there. Each of these things can make you feel comfortable in a community. My elderly Mum used to chat to shoppers in the supermarket. I’d be sitting in the car waiting for her - she liked to shop for two hours so I would pick her up two hours after I had dropped her off. And if I was still waiting for her an hour later, I would go in and walk along the aisles trying to find her. Sometimes she was just still shopping, but occasionally she would be involved in a long conversation with another lady and they didn’t want to finish shopping! LOL! Mum was very Irish in her ways, learned from her Irish parents even though she was born here. My Dad’s parents were also migrants who met and married here as well. Be patient, take a deep breath and just keep going. When you save up for a trip back to Scotland, you’ll be going with open minds and hearts, looking for confirmation. It will come, in God’s time. 😍🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

  • @popliveing6476
    @popliveing6476 Před měsícem +3

    I think you would be better either in Qld or WA not Sydney/NSW

  • @RJS4287
    @RJS4287 Před 13 dny +1

    I'm dual Australian/UK citizen lived on & off in both countries. Accept family ties can be a major factor but leaving that aside, I would not settle in UK - sadly economy stuffed & as a result poor & declining public services. Do not think any change of Government will help as no money. Last 3 year contract in UK decade ago but even then shocked at NHS compared to Medicare. As a temporary visa holder you are probably influenced by having to pay more for health/education but when you are citizens/PR you will realise how comparatively good they are - I can get a GP appointment in 24 hours, just spent 3 days in hospital, ambulance came in 30 minutes (they apologised) scanned within 60 minutes at small cottage hospital so they found out not appendicitis but a clot, saw consultant hematologist at larger hospital that day. Paid nothing. We are a long way from any where - but you get used to it. Visited my UK mother twice per year sometimes for just a week. Now always split for day or so journey in Singapore or Bangkok. OK difficult with kids but tho Singapore at least as pricey as Australia very safe with excellent facilities like great public transport. Good luck to you and yours.

  • @Smart_Tamaha
    @Smart_Tamaha Před 29 dny +3

    The immigrants from South Asia love Australia because we see a lot of similarities between Australian suburbs culture and South Asian culture, and Australians' attitude is also same.

  • @daisyp5186
    @daisyp5186 Před měsícem +2

    Another great update how has that been a year already! Always good to hear Euan’s perspective as well. We done the same as you regarding moving to the suburbs and it just wasn’t the life we emigrated for. However it was closer to work for my partner. Also had the same idea about a bigger house where as I would have settled more I believe had we stayed closer to the city and beaches. My partner wasn’t keen on apartment living though. Out of interest you haven’t mentioned what kind of work you are looking for. Fortunately we kept our house and rented it out so we had a home to return to. Take care and keep posting 😊

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +1

      I think thats why we did rush so much, as we wanted to get that 'australian lifestyle' that we visioned before coming out, but you are absolutely right, you also have to be close to work otherwise you just have added pressures. Its difficult trying to figure it all out! Is that why you returned home, if you don't mind me asking, did you just not feel settled? x

    • @daisyp5186
      @daisyp5186 Před měsícem

      It was partly the reason for sure we did consider another move to be coastal but work was going well for my partner so we didn’t get that far. Our circumstances are different from yours in that I have two grown up sons who didn’t come over with us so that really did break my heart. They are both thriving in life and I rarely see them as both don’t live local to me. I used to fly home twice a year so was lucky in that aspect but I feel that unsettled me more. Really I had the best of both worlds but couldn’t see it at the time. Looking back maybe we should have tried another move but I recall constantly weighing up the pros and cons which was just so draining! Also once being a home owner we found renting a drag I can relate to how invasive the house inspections from the agents are and also how the photographs are nothing like the property up for inspection! The journey has changed us both in many ways we still have PR so are considering a move back before the end of this year for a few years. I cared for my mum who developed Alzheimer’s she passed away last year she’s at peace now so I wouldn’t be worrying about her I couldn’t have left her being so vulnerable. We do however have her elderly little dog living with us so she’s an obstacle as she’s too old and anxious for the move. My partner loved every minute he really did thrive out there for sure. We did extended our PR visa which do expire this year so I believe they can’t be renewed again as we’ve been off shore for 7 years now. So it’s definitely make our minds up time!

  • @Jeni10
    @Jeni10 Před 24 dny +1

    Contact Ross from That Johnston Life. He moved here from England during the pandemic, got work as a teacher and has gone through everything you’re experiencing. His vlogs tell their story. His second child was born here! 😍

  • @jenniferharrison8915
    @jenniferharrison8915 Před měsícem +2

    You have done really well trying to set up a new family life and lifestyle, the other issues can be resolved in time and with experience! You are more likely to make more friends in common interest activities, rather than with neighbours, they tend to be more wary! When Ewen possibly feels more comfortable in his employment, the hours may become more regular! If you are looking for work, you need to phone the employer directly! Your children are fine, and you are settled for now! It's only a year, take a deep breath and enjoy the day! Do apply for PR, you won't regret it! 🏖️ PS My family regularly go to Scottish Festivals in NSW, like Bundanoon, and love hearing the local pipe bands, check them out! 👍

  • @Ergo-ji8dn
    @Ergo-ji8dn Před měsícem +2

    I totally understand about the type of Visa making a big difference to your choices when trying to settle from overseas including work options and flexibility to financial support with child care and schools, to buying a property. From those I have spoken to, the families with PR have found it easier to settle overall. I think a temporary Visa does not affect singles or couples without children nearly as much unless they have an unhappy experience with their employer.
    I just wondered if your parents or family of origin want to or can visit while you are here as that can really help with missing your loved ones. Also, it is cheaper for one or two to fly than a family of four. Sadly, in general, Airfares have been much higher than they used to be prior to Covid and the general inflation we have all experienced in the last few years.
    Thank you so much for sharing your yearly update and best wishes for the future, including making friends.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +2

      Thank you for your kind words, absolutely agree that our visa type is more suited to a couple than a family - we have both said this many times. Can see how much easier it would be to settle if you are not a young family. My mum is due to visit in October of this year, which is definitely keeping me going at the minute! As for the airfares - YES! i used to book these frequently for my customers when i worked in travel and I was SHOCKED to see how much they had increased. Its crazy, especially when you have 4 seats to pay for! Thank you for your comments and yes, hopefully friendships will come our way :)

  • @garthwaters5756
    @garthwaters5756 Před měsícem +6

    my ex boss and good friend that has been in Australia for nearly 30 years from Edinburgh had to come and translate Ewan for me lol , love you both , hope you stay ❤❤

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +6

      Haha he was expecting this 😅 maybe subtitles next time 😂

  • @paulrichardson5892
    @paulrichardson5892 Před 28 dny +1

    it is never easy to make friends . the best options are, get to join a club of shared interests., you will certainly meet people when the kids go to school.
    . make an effort to talk to some neighbours.

  • @captbaz45
    @captbaz45 Před měsícem +2

    I know it’s hard to save for a deposit on a home when you are paying rent but I don’t think you will feel really settled until you do more into your own home. Try and pay off the mortgage before retiring age. As your children start school and play weekend sports try to get involved in running of the sport. You will make many friends for life. I’m speaking from experience. It will be a struggle but worth it in the long run. Good Luck, you would make wonderful Aussies ❤

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +1

      we have our deposit as we sold our house in the UK, its just waiting for PR before we make that kind of commitment - hoping by then we have a confirmed decision on where we want to stay (whether that be here, Perth, home or somewhere else!)

    • @captbaz45
      @captbaz45 Před měsícem +2

      @@kimberleylucas that’s great news, I have lived in western Sydney all my life and we still get goosebumps seeing Sydney Harbour on weekend trips, with the new motorways it only takes 40 minutes. We can’t imagine living anywhere else although we still fly to Broadbeach for our annual holidays… Life’s Good ❤️

  • @alijames1876
    @alijames1876 Před 26 dny

    We took a while to decide where to live too, it’s so funny. We looked at a townhouse with a view from the kitchen into the garage and saw a young family choose not to look upstairs. I wonder if it was you all?

  • @cyclops92
    @cyclops92 Před měsícem +4

    Hubby sounds just like my grandfather, I was getting flashbacks of meeting him for the first time when I was ten, we both struggled to understand one another with our different accents.😂

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +2

      Haha yes it takes a while to understand the scottish accent 😅

    • @jenniferharrison8915
      @jenniferharrison8915 Před měsícem +3

      I adopted a young Scotsman at work in Sydney once because he was so quiet and didn't really socialise, and his jokes took a while for the multicultural office to appreciate! My mother's family kept their Scottish heritage strong so it wasn't difficult for me, and not long before we were great pals and mum was cooking for him! 🤗

    • @tugdumbly1927
      @tugdumbly1927 Před 22 dny +1

      Interesting. Serious question. Do you really know what you want? It’s unlikely you’ll find the perfect solution in only 12mths. Also your memory of the old country is understandably almost perfect/wondserful/ideal….. Going back to uk on a visit will jarringly clarify it for you. Especially given Brexit and the apparent decline of the uk.

  • @kenmcewan9811
    @kenmcewan9811 Před 29 dny +1

    thx for the vid, I can understand your situation we came to AU 1990, not sure a trip back would help maybe get yourselves PR and citizenship and a home first, then go. Best of luck

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před 26 dny

      thank you for this - a few people have said this - think you may be right! Thank you :)

  • @allords1
    @allords1 Před 12 dny +1

    Australia could benefit from more people like you. It would be better for the powers that be to make it easier for you to settle in and stay. We welcome you.

  • @vickygibson6186
    @vickygibson6186 Před měsícem +1

    Been in NZ for 2 years and all my friends are expats from the UK. I find that people largely have their own childhood friends and there isn’t ‘room’ for another friend….acquantainces yes, but not those true friendships

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před měsícem +1

      absolutely agree with this, its hard to start a brand new friendship!

  • @paulrichardson5892
    @paulrichardson5892 Před 28 dny +1

    i will give you a tip. you are here now, hang on to the reins and ride it out.its never easy , your kids will reap the benefit and so will you. it will get better and better , if you go back you
    you have given up and lost. never give up. A scot should know that. good luck. by the way you can face book or messenger your family back in scot any time you like. hang in no matter what for your kids.

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před 26 dny +2

      Thank you for this - i do agree it's much better for them here - just need to try and get over this slump!

  • @naturalexplorer
    @naturalexplorer Před 26 dny +1

    Australia needs and in the past has needed to have a reciprocal arrangement with the UK relative to visas and living in the respective countries. Something similar to what exists between Australia and NZ. Where the regulations are much more relaxed to make it far easier for those with similar values, culture and ancestry to settle into the place. The bureaucracy and cost associated with immigration is absurd - criminal. You pay outrageous fees for the privilege to obey Government enforced rules and regulations to have yourself controlled. Good luck settling yourselves in.
    You do very well with the cost of living - $200.00 per week groceries for a family of 4 is very well organised.

    • @paulsz6194
      @paulsz6194 Před 6 dny

      That’s like never shopping beyond Aldi & local farmers markets

  • @user-ps8gu3fr7i
    @user-ps8gu3fr7i Před 26 dny

    I've lived in The Hills District most of my life and love it. I wonder if you moved out of the city so soon in because you wanted to live in Erinsborough? I wonder how many folks from the UK think that's what life in AU is?

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před 26 dny

      i think most people in the Hills have lived there most of their lives - which is why we struggled to fit in :) it was lovely, just not what we moved for :)

  • @thereseelizabethries1083
    @thereseelizabethries1083 Před měsícem +2

    Look for work where you think you might like to live guys . Use seek, LinkedIn etc. catchment areas for school 🏫 and childcare for your beautiful kids

  • @dangermouse3619
    @dangermouse3619 Před měsícem +3

    We have a guess appearance 😜

  • @JohnEdwardBerry
    @JohnEdwardBerry Před měsícem

    Ive been here since May 1986, Ive never been back to England, if you are feeling homesick, my advice is ride it out, don't move back to Scotland on a whim, your kids will be much healthier, better people if they grow up here, i wish i had grown up here, ie gone to an Aussie school, the confidence within Australians is just amazing, something British people just haven't got, good luck anyway I hope things work out for you.

  • @WalkingandTalkingAussieGirl

    Your husband works in private so your hours will be longer, in the government sector engineers usually less hours. Also coming from a European household I find people are more sociable overseas than here. Everyone is very friendly and chatty but it won't go further. You mentioned homesickness, giver serious consideration to how far you are away from Europe/UK or anywhere for that matter. My relatives travel back home rarely because its very expensive, multiple flights etc and with kids you can only travel in the expensive school holiday times. Wish we could push Australia further up so its just a three hour flight like it is when you country hop in the northern hemispehere in general. Everyone has to make peace and be comfortable being away from their family but if you asked my mother now after 40 years in Aus she would have stayed in her home country because for her missing her family and all the celebrations, birthdays, weddings was excruciating as you can't fly back for every occasion.

  • @danielwly1703
    @danielwly1703 Před 28 dny

    I lived in Scotland for 4 years thinking I might settle down there. Alas, it just felt too far from family in southeast Asia. So definitely empathize with your homesickness.
    Twist in the story, we're moving to Perth soon. 😂

    • @kimberleylucas
      @kimberleylucas  Před 26 dny

      haha - you go where makes you happy :) best of luck!

  • @jaye6450
    @jaye6450 Před 12 dny +2

    good luck to anyone trying to live in sydney on a minimum wage….

  • @user-qz1jl5zc4n
    @user-qz1jl5zc4n Před 27 dny

    Can you move to regional area? QLD

  • @decentboy_008
    @decentboy_008 Před 24 dny

    I'm used to the American accent, sadly I failed to understand some of the sentences.

  • @margivanaardt6079
    @margivanaardt6079 Před dnem

    Have you taken a trip to Newcastle, near to you. We moved here from AFRICA AND LOVE it. If you do come here you will be welcome to pop in for a cuppa anytime. . We have been here 30 odd years.

  • @billy77511
    @billy77511 Před měsícem +5

    Why in Gods name, would you ever go back to the UK after living here.

    • @hereandthere6001
      @hereandthere6001 Před 28 dny

      and the rentals arent as up to date as uk? i find that a bit unbelievable, plantation shutters do not make a home.

    • @paulsz6194
      @paulsz6194 Před 6 dny

      Exactly, why retreat from the sunshine, beaches,bush & National Parks..

  • @quazmodic
    @quazmodic Před 14 dny +1

    Yes. Go "home". Oz is obviously not "home" in your minds. A big obstacle to settling anywhere.

  • @anitacohen8753
    @anitacohen8753 Před 26 dny

    Watch the departure rate.....

  • @shannondasilva3711
    @shannondasilva3711 Před 26 dny

    Im.Aussie and you couldnt have said it better about "making friends" Used to be very different but these days people are too self absorded to take connections beyond the intitisl meeting

  • @user-xs9kt1xb4d
    @user-xs9kt1xb4d Před 26 dny

    Should have made friends through children's friends parents etc. Sports clubs . It's weird they think North Sydney is worthwhile (full of complete snobs) and completely opposite to most of the central coast (standard Aussie).

  • @jfffff14
    @jfffff14 Před měsícem +1

    Should move to a smaller city or town. Sydney is absolutely the worst place to live

  • @JohnEdwardBerry
    @JohnEdwardBerry Před měsícem +2

    Im a Pom from way back, have you visited the Hunter valley, I've been living here since 2006, I moved from Gosford, it much nicer than the central coast, the coast is full of druggoes., the Hunter is predomanatly English, Irish, Scottish descendants and migrants'..

  • @erniesulovic4734
    @erniesulovic4734 Před 12 dny

    I live in Australia and cannot wait to leave. I am moving to Europe (non EU country) to be with my Mrs and can't wait for the day I get on that plane. Getting things organised as I type. What this country has become is a disgrace and keeps getting worse. As soon as I get my Super, I am canceling my citizenship....that is how much I disdain I have for this country now

    • @paulsz6194
      @paulsz6194 Před 6 dny +1

      So why are you afraid of letting us know about this " Great" European country you are moving to? Cancelling your Citizenship? 🤣🤣

  • @dragons6764
    @dragons6764 Před 13 dny

    truth is, you have to apply for atlease 200 jobs to even get close, secondly there's a popular trend to leave Australia right now lol. keep in mind that born Australians cant make it so the odds of you pulling it off is very low.

  • @tednicholls5615
    @tednicholls5615 Před 27 dny

    Hard to understand what the male is saying!

  • @jonv570
    @jonv570 Před 29 dny

    dont come to WA if you are building trade, its a shit show and the lowest quality work you would ever see in a western country

    • @paulsz6194
      @paulsz6194 Před 6 dny

      Sounds like you’re a Plumber, then?

  • @katecain1300
    @katecain1300 Před měsícem +1

    Thanks guys ❤ such a helpful video and you should be so proud of what you have achieved