Tracey Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 Hi there,I have recently been offered employment and sponsorship and have applied for a 457 visa. When I mention to anyone that I'm making the move to Aus the first thing they ask is "Are you doing this on your own??? Are you sure you'll manage???" i.e. ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND??? . I am pretty independant and have moved so many times between cities in SA... yeah, yeah, I know full well it is not the same, but I've lived in JHB away from any family or friends and have managed.My sister & her hubbie moved to Brissie in 2000 and I have been across on about 6 trips (holidays and job hunting), so am familiar with the country and also how difficult it is settling in (I took some "lessons learnt" from them!). My sister and her family are now living in Mauritius, so no family support... and only know 1 person in Melbourne where I'm going... I would be interested to hear from others that have made this major move on their own. I guess it's because I've dreamt about this for 6 years and been ready for the move... I'm not doubting my decision, but the nerves sometimes get the better of me CheersTracey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milada (Ms Maritz) Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 You have already done everything on your own - I'm sure you will be able to cope on your own!!! And if you for whatever reason you don't cope, you always have all of us on the forum to help you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diener Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 Hi Tracey, i have come accross your post and strange thing is, we are thinking exactly alike.I am busy applying for my PR visa and should hopefully if all goes well be in Aus next year this time.I was wondering when you plan on going as i am ALSO going on my own. Maybe we should stay in touch and help one another out. who knows, maybe we could travel together and share expenses there or something. you never know.I am from Cape Town, but would like to hear from you.Shaun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springbok Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 Hi TraceyI find it very odd, that "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" bit. But maybe we are - thinking OUTSIDE the boring little box that many people live in. We have been given the whole earth to enjoy, so why should we limit ourselves to one country of which the geographical/political boundaries have been set by humans?Anyway, a lot of people have also asked me how I managed to do it on my own and they all seem to think I was very brave to emigrate solo:- applied for and received PR visa- came to Australia (Sydney) on my own- without a job- spent 3 months doing interviews and looking for a job- knew NO ONE in Sydney (except my generous hosts who gave me accomodation initially)Personally I don't see what all the fuss is about, as I'm quite independent too and have been living away from my family since I went to boarding school at age 14. For me, moving to Australia was the same as moving from Cape Town to Joburg 3 years ago - just more expensive and more paperwork involved. I think people who battle the most with this whole thing, are those who have lived close to their family all their lives and suddenly it's a shock for them to be separated by 12,000km and they can't see each other on a regular basis. This doesn't mean I don't miss my family. My parents gave me a wonderful upbringing and great opportunities, but I'm grown up now and living my own life independently. I speak to my parents once a week via phone/sms/email and if they want to see me, we hook up on Skype. Not much different from when I was in Joburg.So yes, I don't think you'll have any problems, being independent helps a lot and I don't think there's anything to be nervous about. Remember you're moving to Australia, where the people speak English, Christmas is still in summer, you have access to lovely beaches and great outdoors and you can watch rugby and cricket. Not to mention how many Saffers are in Australia these days. If you had to move to a country like Germany for example, where everything is foreign, then the uncertainties are understandable.Good luck and enjoy, it's a great adventure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted February 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Thanks for the encouragement guys! I still believe I am capable of doing this on my own, so I need to filter out the negative comments and just stick with my plan!I will definitely keep using the forum as my "crutch" and try to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 A namesake here on the Forum! I got here on my own with my 14 year old daughter to the Middle of Everywhere and I also had a few of those questions.I tried to look at it like at least one or two people cared about me! Single or otherwise, if you have coped and survived in Africa, you will cope at the end of the day with this too.Best of luck!Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kangaroo Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Hi TraceySo glad my eye caught this thread.First, congrats on the job offer and soon-to-be-granted 457 visa!Can relate to you 100%, as I'm also making the big move to Australia on my own. Yup, and it was only last week that one of my very good known-each-other-since-childhood friends asked me yet again if I was “not scared going to a new country all by myselfâ€. (This secretly irritates me so much... even though I know she meant it well. )Like you, I'm also quite independent, my sister and her hubby are also in Brisbane at the moment (have also learnt quite a few lessons from them regarding the ups & downs of settling in!) and I'm also planning to go to Melbourne when my PR visa comes through. Have visited Oz twice now, love it and am looking forward to living there just as much as you seem to be. One difference is that I have extended family in Melbourne and know quite a few South Africans living there and other Oz cities.Thing is, I think, on the one hand, emigrating solo is easier, in the sense that you have already made up your mind that this is what you truly want (no turning back), you know that you will make the (big) effort of adapting to, and integrating into, your new country with enthusiasm, and that you will make the most of the experience, seeing that you are 100% committed. As a plus, you have no-one else's attitude and expectations to keep in check; only your own. Then, the solo route might be considered more difficult, as you have no immediate emotional support structure, and there’s not a significant other or close family whom you can ‘bounce off’ ideas, feelings, impressions etc. I think making good friends in Melbourne via work, socialising and recreational activities might be the best starting point though – building up a new circle of friends that eventually becomes like family. This will require effort from our side as new immigrants of course! Dating in Australia will in all probability also be a bit of a unique experience, I believe - only time will tell what that will be like. (May the majority of Australian men be as brilliant & lovely as the country they call home ) In general, the Australians (along with other immigrants) sure seem very open, friendly and good-natured, and I think if one puts in the effort, it will only be a matter of time before good friendships are formed.I think that, as with most things, any experience is what you make of it. You’ve already decided that you WANT it to work, so in all probability, it will. Emigrating (be it on one's own or with family) is such a personal experience for each and every person, and while some would never in a million years dream of attempting this journey on their own, for others, it's a very natural (and hugely exciting) thing to do, even if the nerves (very normal for ALL emigrants!) sometimes get in the way just a teeny tiny bit.Hope your visa gets granted ASAP and see you in Melbourne hopefully a bit later this year!LizaPS: Just over the last few weeks, I’ve had quite a few friends and acquaintances contacting me to ask about information regarding Oz – they range from couples to singletons and various ages from early 20s to late 30s. Many of these people are also on their way to Melbourne, so it seems we will be a rather large group eventually (joining the large number of South Africans already there) and we’ll no doubt organise a few get-togethers when in Melbourne. Looking forward! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doortjie Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 TraceyYou are so determined and confident, I don’t see why you should not be able to “make itâ€. I know a few people in Melbourne who made the journey on their own – one now marrying an Aussie… Keep up the positive attitude and you will attract the friends and support system you need.Good luck and make contact once in Melbourne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chatterbug Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Tracey - follow your own heart girl, I somehow think it will make it much easier to integrate - no options of cocoonig yourself with just your immediate family. I think it would be a great adventure!CheersBug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted February 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 I always find weekends to be tough as it gives me too much time to think and analyse everything to death!!! Have done everything I can w.r.t. my visa application and have to play the waiting game... My 2 dogs also go into quarantine in 2 weeks... so I guess the doubts and questions are as a result of where I am in the whole process... as many of you are...Your responses have definitely put me in a great mood again! Getting off my butt to go clear out some more junk Just need to keep busy!!!I am sooooo looking forward to starting my new life in Melbourne and meeting some of you wonderful forumites! Will definitely need to get together for a drink or 2!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voortrekker Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 (edited) Tracey, I been there and done that a long time ago. Almost forgotten about it by now.Doing it independent is harder than with a family, particularly in the beginning, with making friends, homesick, etc. Just like moving to a new city by yourself. But after some time, you'll be right, no worries. And now there is this support group. You may even end up marrying one of them/us like what I have. Ps. The other thing to consider is that you your costs are higher, because a lot of things you won't share.Consider getting a room in a share house if you can. Its like a ready made social circle, and it saves money. I've done that to start with, and now 20+ years later, those people are still some of my best friends. Edited February 17, 2008 by montxsuz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maraai Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Hi there!I'm also going over alone, and yes I am a bit nervous, but it is the excited kind of nervousness! My friends haven't questioned my decision and my parents support my 100% in going. They all know it is something that I REALLY want to do. Somehow today, while chatting to my sister (who lives in Brisbane) the reality of the whole move hit me and I feel as if I'm going to get on the airplane in 2 hours time!!! (It is more like 3 months time!!! ) I think if your mind is made up that you will make this whole thing work, then you will make it work no matter what! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoot Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 I am glad to see others are doing it or have done it on their own. I am also flying solo. In some ways I think it is easier on your own, you make the decision and you make the move and you know it is up to you to make it work. I feel for those who want to move to Oz but have a spouse who is not keen. I am heading off to Adelaide where I know nobody. I am used to travelling on my own so this will be just one more trip to organise, only the duration is a lot lot longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MannyT Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 (edited) Hi Tracey and the other Lone RangersI think that in many ways it is easier on your own. Enjoy the adventure. You will all be fine.Hey Zoot/Ruth welcome to Adelaide.........soon.Enjoy!Manny Edited February 18, 2008 by MannyT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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