[Guest_Study Mummy_*]

DH and I might have the opportunity to move to a remote town in outback Australia.

He has applied for a job there, and if he gets it not only would it be a step up the ladder for him, but he would earn about $20,000 or more than he gets now, accomodation is subsidised as well as relocation costs.

We would be committing to 2 - 3 years with the plan of moving back after that.

Things this would mean for us:

I would no longer have to work, for that period of time anyway.
We could rent our house out while we're gone then come back to it.
I could continue studying as I'm an off campus student.
We would be moving away from my parents and our friends, this is the main downfall.
On returning DH would have greater job opportunities and earning potential.

Part of it sounds really exciting and I'd love to experience something like that, and so would DH. The other part of me wonders if I could handle being isolated, and being so far away from my parents, who would be understandably upset about us moving DD away. We also might have another baby within that time.

WDYT?

This post has been edited by Study Mummy: 17/04/2011, 08:33 AM

[IVF Baby]

My sister lives in Kalgoorlie and LOVES it. Yes, there are down sides, shopping is terrible, no fresh flowers, fresh fruit and veg is very expensive, petrol more expensive and she is not near any of her family based in Melbourne. But she loves it. It's not for me, 2 days there and I am going insane. Everything closes at 5pm, shops still shut at 12noon on Saturday and nothing, I mean nothing is open on a Sunday. She has 4 small children and luckily a great support network of friends through creches, schools, breastfeeding association etc, so is lucky in that regard. $20,000 more is nothing if you are going to spend 2-3 years miserable. You can't make the money the only factor for going. A tough decision! Good luck

[la di dah]

I'd do it in a minute but I must disclose I also moved roughly 14500 kilometers away from all my family and all my friends last year. 20 grand on top of what you make now sounds worth it to me! That and the money you could make renting your current home could really set you guys up.

[Citizen V]

Yes.

[~Jassie~]

Absolutely! We moved 3000km to a relatively remote area away from family and friends, earned more money and met some of the best people I have ever known.
Go for it!

[LittleSparrow]

We did it.


I would do it again.


Where are you going?

[Bluie]

I guess it depends on your definition of outback but we moved to a Regional WA town just on a year ago. I had the same reservations as you but we love it. Moving with a young family was a concern but becuase of the kids I have joined playgroup and made friends, also through school and the gym and generally jsut being out and about.

You find most people are in the same situation and we look after each other. Shopping is adequate but not exciting but there is online shopping and trips home or to Perth.

I am so glad we did it, we have the chance to get ahead financially (house rented out at home and higher salary with allowances for remote living). Our family unit is stronger for it and I get to stay at home with the kids. I have made some amazing friends and still manage to keep in touch with the ones back home - facebook and skype are awesome for this.

We have got ourselves involved in the community and also go 4WDing and camping on weekends so we can explore this part of the country.

I say do it but you need to work out the pros and cons and be happy with the decision. Also remember there is an adjustment period and that can be tough.

PM me if you would like to talk about anything.

[heidi's mum]

sounds fantastic - i think my kids would love it. Yes they'd miss their grandparents...but it's not forever.

[SeaKitten]

I have and am still living there.

Cost of living will eat into that $20000 and by cost of living I mean food, petrol, power, having to buy things online because there are no shops, eating out is also more expensive - A weekend away in the general area and so on.

Its also depends where you consider the outback to be. Kalgoorlie to me is not the outback (its more regional) its got all the major shops there - its way flash and its only(only ) 6 hours away from Perth Newman - now thats the outback

I would give it a go. You have a plan you and seem to know what you are getting yourself into - so I'd do it

[Beth E]

I would do it for sure.

My (English) DH is fascinated by the Outback, and I would love a change from the big city.

I am sure it would have its challenges, but would be great I think. And it isn't forever anyway..

Good luck!