Beginning Stages

[ClaireR]

Hi Everyone!

I'm not quite sure where to start as everything seems to be happening so quickly and I have more questions every day!

Just a bit of background...we're a family of 4 (two kiddiees of 6 and almost 4) still in Jo'burg. My husband is a project manager (mechanical engineering) who's been searching for a new job in SA (Jo'burg and CT) and surprise surprise he first struggled to actually get an interview and when he finally did either the company hired less qualified people or they took forever to get back to him. Anyway, we decided to TRY sending his CV to agents in Aus even though we were told its next to impossible to secure any job outside of the country. Well 2 days later he received an email from an agent and a company in Perth who wanted more detail, etc. etc. He sent it through, one week later had an interview with the GM and they're flying him out to Perth in 2 weeks to get a feel for the company, country and final interview.

The package would include our flights, 457 visas, all shipping costs and assistance for the first few weeks after we land. After my hours of research I understand this is extremely fortunate!

There are so many conflicting stories on cost of living which I totally understand as it really depends on what lifestyle you have but does anyone have a ball park figure of what a project manager/engineering would earn in Perth as they've asked him to research and let them know what type of package he is looking for. They have said that they pay the salary + super + medical aid (again we're very fortunate) but with those benefits what would the actually average salary be for a PM/Eng. I think I'm looking more for what his worth is rather than would it cover our cost of living (this can be altered anyway, salary not so much!). They mentioned $120k +

On to the next question. My son is in grade 1 at the moment so if my husband has to go before December I'll be staying here with the kids until the school year is finished and then join him. What are the schools like over there? Cost for government schools and uniforms? I also read the schools start in Feb. Any advice or info would be soooo appreciated. How important is "school" before grade 1 there. Here my son learned to do basic reading and writing in grade R so do I send my daughter to a grade R equivalent or before.

I will be on a 457 dependent visa. Here in Jo'burg I own my own cake decorating business (specialized weddings, novelty, etc.). I wanted to know if I would be able to start my own business in Perth doing the same or does the visa only allow me to work for someone else. I will probably only start the business after 6 months/year just to get the kids settled in. If not I have work experience to fall back on as a PA/Secretary and I have one year left of my law degree (not as exciting as making cakes and models from fondant though )

And lastly a big thank you to all of you for such amazing help and information! It's been so great reading through the posts and knowing that we're not alone in this adventure.

Claire

x

[AlBrough]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your adventure

[OubaasDik]

Well done, Claire.

Hope hubby gets the job.

I doubt anyone said it was impossible to get a job, just that it was very difficult.

WA doesn't charge foreign student fees for schools - so you'll be paying what the locals pay - round about %$50/year plus uniforms and some stationery.

You should be fairly well off on $120,000 - not well off enough for Ferrarris but doing fine.

Unless they've changed it, the dependents on a 457 can do what they want as far as work goes. Goodness knows if you'll be allowed to cater from your kitchen, though. Australia can be very overprotective and overregulated.

Wish you luck.

[Alida]

Wow, you've certainly hit the jackpot ! So happy for you, you are surely blessed. It seems like you've got everything that you'll need for a good start down under. Enjoy the ride !

[Gizmo]

$120k plus is pretty standard in the market here for project managers. Its a very decent salary. In general, professional (degreed) salaries for experienced people (ie not graduates) start at around $70-80k going upwards - to give you an idea. Project managers with experience start from about $90k upwards.

Remember - you only need to stick the job out until you get your Permanent Residence (2 years), then you can accept whatever job you want. Project Managers with Engineering degrees are generally high in demand.

Re schools - it all depends on whether you are going to go private or government. Government is not a problem - school golf shirts cost about $18 each (but you can buy the non-crested ones from Target for $10 - as long as it is in the school colours). I am not sure on the bottoms - I buy the school t-shirts from the school uniform shop, but the bottoms I get from Target or Best and Less or Big W in the school colours (the colours are all standardised here). School trakkie pants cost $10 from Target/Big W. Skirts/shorts are similar pricing. School hats are about $10. Shoes and socks - no uniform for government schools - they just wear trainers (takkies) and whatever socks. School zip up jumper costs about $30.

Of course, this is if you buy new. Our school has a second hand area. You just go and pick what you want and put a gold coin in the box on the wall (ie $1) for each item you take. Nobody checks - its an honour system.

Private schools - different story. My neighbour was complaining about the cost of her high school sons shirts the other day - $90 per pop. I nearly fainted - sheesh. I didn't even want to ask what blazers, shoes etc cost.

Government schools have very "relaxed" uniforms - tracksuits, golf shirts, etc. Private schools are shirts, ties, blazers etc (formal school wear).

I am not sure on the cost of schools as you get subsidised if you are on PR or a citizen. We arrived on PR - our school is $70 fees per year and its a voluntary payment. The local private schools in our area cost about $12 000 per year (quite a heck of a lot more).

Hope this helps.