But Australia is so far away...

Almost every time I mention Australia to someone, his/her reaction is: So far way? My parents have mentioned that I should try to go somewhere closer (Europe preferably). I didn't argue with them, but I didn't agree. I told them that many things can change in 1 year and a half (that's when I plan to leave) and that we'll see.

I realise this is a big change for all my family. And I'm willing to let them get used to the idea first and then tell them that I did my best to make the idea to become real. No reason to upset them if I don't have anything settled.

But I digress... The answer to the above question is that I feel that I would be happy there. And I believe that happiness is a very important aspect of life.

Why would I be happy? This is such a more interesting question and I'll answer it in a future post.

Solving point 2 on the TODO list

With the current economical situation (this so called crisis) it got really hard a find a cool job (meaning a job that would bring material and profesional satisfaction; meaning a job that would make you happy).

The important this is (and I'm going to write it uppercase): DO NOT GIVE UP!
Yeah, I know it sounds silly and all that. But it sounds silly because everyone says it, but few do it effectively.
It's so much easier to let go.

I can't even begin to think how many people told me that there aren't any cool jobs available and that I should stay put yada...yada...yada... It was easy not to listen to them, I had viable sources that stated otherwise. And I was so confident about my competence and experience that I couldn't give up.

So, after some time, 3 months to be more specific, I landed in a small company, as an application developer (occupation present on the MODL list), with a hefty increase in salary and in a cool team by my side.

I guess the next period will be a little bit harder for me, but I'll handle it.

TO DO LIST

There are a couple of things that must be done before emigrating to Oz.
This is going to be a checklist that will help me keep track of my objectives (not necessarily in order).

1) Obtain a passport.
2) Make 1 year of experience in a MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List) occupation.
I've chosen Computing Professional [specialising in Java]. CRITICAL
3) Take the General IELTS Exam. CRITICAL
4) Save 2050 euros for covering 2 months expenses once I get there.
5) Find out the best price for a one way airplane ticket. CRITICAL
6) Decide in what city I'll start my Australian adventure.

to be continued...

Cost of living in Australia

How much money would one need to get settled in Australia and not worry about anything for 2 months?

Friends in Australia would be a great thing to have, but at the time I wrote this article I wasn't that well connected so I just googled variations of the following words: australia/melbourne/sydney living costs/cost of living. And I'm resume what I found to be relevant.

According to Taylor's College (last updated in Nov 2006) the Total monthly rounded costs are:
Melbourne: 1700 AUD; Sydney: 2000 AUD

According to Australian Catholic University (last updated in May 2009) the Total monthly rounded costs are:
Melbourne: 1300 AUD; Sydney: 1400 AUD


I will consider the money objective accomplished when I have 1700*2 = 3400 AUD spare money. That's around 2050 euros.

These would add to the other costs (plane ticket, visa costs, exams that I'll have to take etc.)