It's been exactly six months since our Australian relocation, and it feels like a good time to look back and reflect on our experience so far. We've decided to have some fun and interview each other. Like we're famous celebrities, or something.
Candice: Hi partner! Thanks for being up for a little interview.
Ben: G'day partner! Of course – what would you like to know?
C: Well, for starters – what has been your favourite Australian experience so far?
B: One of my favourite things has been learning and hearing the different expressions that Australians use, such as “so easy you'll be laughing," “fair dinkum," and “rough as guts." The language feels so colourful and interesting that sometimes I forget it's still English. Do you have any favorite expressions you've learned or heard?
B: Oh man, where do I begin? I miss unlimited internet plans, functional wifi, good pizza, being able to buy ingredients to make s'mores, and especially Mexican food. I'm sure there's a lot more, but those are the first things that come to mind. I'll flip it around on you – what are some of the new things about Australia that you appreciate?
C: VEGEMITE. Haha just kidding, that stuff is horrendous. I really like Tim Tam bites. The tram system is a lot better than any other public transit I've used. And I like how tipping isn't a huge thing here – people are paid relatively well (good food service jobs start at around $20/hr.), and it's nice not having to always calculate 20% more than what you see on the menu. Tips are still given for exceptional service of course, and part of my work background is in food service so I know how it goes, but sometimes the tipping expectation can get kind of complicated. Speaking of jobs, how does your work experience compare to your previous job in Seattle?
B: Mmm...Tim Tam bites! Well I like to say that my work experience is similar enough to be comfortable, but different enough to be frustrating at times. Don't get me wrong, the people are extremely friendly and helpful, and I really am enjoying the opportunity – but the main frustration is with my expectations and especially my prior work experience, and how they differ from the reality of working in Australia. I'll try to give you an example: imagine you work for a paper company in the US and you get to relocate to Australia. When you arrive, you are told that it'll be the same work as before: you'll be manufacturing paper. Simple, right? Well on your first day you are surprised to learn that the machine you use to produce the paper looks the same, but inside there are lots of small differences and certain things have to be done in a different order than you had previously performed before. And what's really challenging is that in order to correctly operate the new machine, you have to unlearn all your old habits. But minor challenges aside, I've especially enjoyed the field work I have been performing, as it's been a great opportunity to work with lots of locals and see a lot of the country in the short time we've been here. Whew, that was a bit long-winded. So Candice, what's it been like being newly married and moving to a completely new country?
C: It's been awesome! I've moved around a lot in the past, but relocating is always overwhelming, and it's much better having you with me. Seattle was definitely a more central location for your friends and family, so it's nice having a fresh start for both of us – it evens the playing field a bit. Overall, moving to Melbourne has been a great growing opportunity for our married life – I feel a lot more connected to you, mostly because we both rely solely on each other these days. Unfortunately, I've had to put the whole name-change thing on hold, due to the timing of the move and other circumstances, but hopefully I'll have all the paperwork in order by the end of the year... or you know, by our 10th anniversary. How has the newlywed expat experience been for you?
B: It's been wonderful. It's always been this sort of romantic idea in my head, just the two of us headed into the unknown, which is pretty much what it's been like. There have been unanticipated challenges, but also unanticipated opportunities – to travel, and to experience so much of our great new home.
C: What advice would you give American expats in a similar situation? What are things about the move that you think we did well, and things that we could have been better prepared for?
B: Transferring some money and setting up the bank account ahead of time was good, and I would highly recommend that to anyone who's moving. I think that going straight to work was a mistake, and ideally would have liked to have a few days, if not a week, to get settled before working. Just because you get a place that's furnished doesn't mean you have everything you need – more than anything, I regret not bringing our mug collection.
C: So many good mugs were left behind.
B: I know! Also, for people moving to Melbourne, I would definitely recommend living in or near the city, and to take advantage of public transit. It's been a really nice way to learn the city quickly, walking and taking trams. I really appreciate the freedom of driving a car, for work purposes, but I also find that I don't miss it very much when I don't have it.
C: Have you gotten completely used to driving on the other side of the road?
C: Have you gotten completely used to driving on the other side of the road?
B: Yes! How about you, what advice would you give, and what do you think you could have been better prepared for?
C: I wish I had known ahead of time, just how hard it would be to find a job here. I'm starting to hear from a few American expats who have also had a really difficult time finding work here as well. Most employers only want Australian citizens or permanent residents, plus I don't really have a set career path or enough general experience, apparently. So for advice, I'd definitely recommend getting a job before you move here, or transferring – like you did, Ben! There are definitely people who travel the world and have no problem finding casual work, but for many of us expats, it's hard to break into the scene in Melbourne. Anyway, it's been fun chatting – happy six months down under!
B: It's been an incredible journey with you so far – I can't wait to see what the next six months will bring!
BK & CK
No comments:
Post a Comment