My relocation experience

My own relocation was part of a corporate relocation. I had just turned 30 and was itching for a change. I had been fortunate to have travelled a bit but that was always only for a couple of weeks at a time. Then the opportunity came up with my job to move to Australia. Maybe a bit naively or maybe because my head was turned at the prospect of what I perceived to be a four year holiday, I jumped at the chance telling my family it was a 4 year visa and I would be back at the end of it.

Working in the corporate world I was given the option of a relocation agent, or I could take the budgeted money and manage it myself. No surprise I took the second option. That wasn’t necessarily a mistake, I moved by myself so I didn't have to worry about anyone else but in hindsight, I could have done without the stress.

So, with a lump sum of cash, I went to work booking my flights and arranging my own shipping. I did use the corporate agent to help with my visa application. While that was helpful, I still felt like I had to do all the work and all they did was review my application before submitting it. Once that way submitted, I never really heard from them There I was anxiously waiting to hear if my application was approved and there were no updates along the way. I ended up finding out myself and I finally got to the stage where I would check the website every day. My takeaway was getting the right agent is crucial, especially given the fees that they charge, mine was at a corporate rate and I couldn’t believe how much it cost.

Next was booking the flights - that was the easy part. Once that was done, I had to arrange for my belongings to get shipped. Even that wasn’t too bad although it did eat up a lot of time, firstly in researching the right shipping company to use, then looking into what fees and taxes I might have to pay and then getting on with packing up all my belongings. And to think all of that, even the packing up of my things could have been taken care of for me.

Once I got to Australia I was lucky to have some short term accommodation arranged for me and was also given an agent that would help me find my own accommodation. That was probably the most disappointing part of my experience. I remember them turning up to my serviced apartment, handing me a bunch of leaflets and then taking me to see 3 apartments that they had decided would be a good fit for me. I was given more prior information about the different areas for me to assess. The rental market in Australia is very competitive, Ilearnt that most viewings would have 40-50 people attend and typically an agent will get 10-20 application. Needless to say,I didn’t get any of those apartments, which in the end I was grateful for as I was able to take a bit more time to explore different areas and find a place that suited my needs.

One thing to note is that apartments in Australia come unfurnished - typically the only appliance that comes with an apartment is a dryer. So, in addition to buying all your own furniture you’ll also need to get a fridge and a washing machine.

Overcoming the challenges of the migration process, I now feel incredibly fortunate to call this place my new home. Rather than a burden, the experience has become a second chance for a brighter future. Although my partner is originally from Ireland, we met over here and without a doubt, the decision to start a new life in Australia has been the best I/we have ever made.