Penny Dropped - Get out of Ireland -

Icountblocks

Hello all,

My first post and first thread so go easy on me!

I was out last night for a few beers and was getting taxi home in the Cork area. Ended up having long chat with taxi driver about state of country and how he was struggling to live from day to day and that if he ever regretted anything in life it was that he never got out of this country and lived a little.

So I'm a Quantity Surveyor with circa 3 years experience in PQS role and currently working in PM role (client side) with a view to getting chartered in November. I'm just wondering is there anyone out in Aus / Canada / New Zealand etc working in that line and what is the money / life like out there and would they advise me to get out of here.

I'm glad to have job but my money is poor and I want be able to save for car / house etc and I wont do that here!!

I'll stop talking - I would appreciate any comments.

breffni666

Oz, NZ and Canada expo this weekend in the RDS I think. Get there and you'll see what's on offer. I'm going but I've no f**king trade!!! The tradesmen are getting away handy. I'm nearly 40 with 3 kids but want to get the f**k out of this country for once and for all. I left in 97 returned in 99 and regretted it ever since! Terrible terrible country to live in. If there is a God he will get me out!

irishmover

Surveyor here (not quantity).

Living/working in Australia for 5 months now. Money is great, but prices out here sort of offset that. 3 years experience will land you alot of money out here. I'm easily able to save alot of cash and I'm not even a third into my potential earnings. Sort of starting at the bottom but expecting to be bumped up by a decent amount of pay soon.

You have one big problem. That is its harder to get sponsored while still in Ireland. I got sponsored while back home but had been searching for a long time. Funnily once I got out here I had offers coming at me from everywhere. Where were they when I was back home? This company paid my way so deserve for me to stick with them for a while! Perth companies have been trying to poach me for a month now. Seems WA is where it's at. I'm over in QLD been doing work in SA/NT but company based in QLD. For QS my best bet would be to start searching for companies in WA. AS QLD hasnt really caught up to the workforce of WA yet.

I dont see it any different for QS. Get yourself out to Australia and you'll make your pot of gold easily. Thats all I can tell you mate! I've heard mates in Canada telling me their about to jump ship as it's on a downwards spiral out there. But who knows. Also have seen some people join my company from NZ, all telling me my line of work is difficult to find a job in NZ. All hearsay though!

HenryAt

Hello,
I am in the same boat need to get out of here before I lose my mind.
I have a wife & kids and I don’t see how I will be able to support them shortly with nearly non-existent work.



I have worked all my life and I have 16yrs as a qualified builder/carpenter (I hold a City & guilds & advanced national trade certificate).

I don’t want to lose everything that I have worked so hard for.


So both my wife & I are looking at emigrating to N.Z, Oz, or Canada to work & rear our kids.

I must say at this point that I don’t hold any visas.

I have sent out CV’s to potential employers & recruitment companies in hope that one of them bites.


Relatives have told me that there is a massive housing bubble in Oz and the cost of living is very dear. It is very similar to Ireland two years prior to the collapse. The property pull-out sections are bigger than the newspapers.


In Canada most of the jobs I believe that are on offer are up north. It’s a deep-freeze in the winter months and frostbite is no joke. I would considerate it if I could secure work closer to the sea where it’s milder.



In New Zealand the rebuild has not really taken off yet and very similar to Oz is very expensive to live in relation to wages/salaries.


New Zealand would be my no.1 choice as I love being close to the sea and to fish whenever I get a chance.



I am really groping in the dark here at the moment. So I am heading to the Jobs expo at the RDS Saturday to gather as much information on getting out of here.


It would be great to get a few views from people on the ground/ working over in these countries.
Always positive where there is a will there is a way!

iamthe43

Surveyor here (quantity)

Living and working in England at the moment, have been for over a year now. There is work here, but by all accounts, it is slowing down here, so best get ta f**k...Canadian visa submitted 2 hours ago:)

There is a lot of work in Australia. I have a good few mates who are working out there, similar level of experience as yourself, and although I don’t have their exact figures, it seems they are on very good money. Don’t know if you have been, but the lifestyle is Australia is fantastic...

Over the next two years in Canada(in BC and AB alone), there will be approx. 305,000 construction jobs, which they are hoping to fill with Irish workers. I don’t know what the money is like over there, but I would think it is good.

NZ...Christchurch was levelled and needs to be re-built so there is quite a lot of work there too. NZ also has a fantastic lifestyle; Its very similar to Ireland, but just...nicer. There are two disadvantages i can see with NZ. 1-It is miles away...for me, too far.
2-The salaries are ****e.

There are pros and cons for each country really to be honest.

I would suggest either Australia or Canada.

irishmover

Australia is not expensive to live in, in relation to wages/salaries. If you come here for a holiday it will feel very expensive. If you work here for a living you wont.

HenryAt

Great feedback Lads, I wish you both the best in your new lives!

kleefarr

Icountblocks wrote: »

Hello all,

My first post and first thread so go easy on me!

I was out last night for a few beers and was getting taxi home in the Cork area. Ended up having long chat with taxi driver about state of country and how he was struggling to live from day to day and that if he ever regretted anything in life it was that he never got out of this country and lived a little.

So I'm a Quantity Surveyor with circa 3 years experience in PQS role and currently working in PM role (client side) with a view to getting chartered in November. I'm just wondering is there anyone out in Aus / Canada / New Zealand etc working in that line and what is the money / life like out there and would they advise me to get out of here.

I'm glad to have job but my money is poor and I want be able to save for car / house etc and I wont do that here!!

I'll stop talking - I would appreciate any comments.

Go for it and all the best.
You're lucky. I would go somewhere else at the drop of a hat, but unfortunately my wife is determined to stay here. It would break my heart to leave her and the kids behind because I would never come back.

Good luck to anyone that decides to move on.

markymark21

Icountblocks wrote: »

Hello all,

My first post and first thread so go easy on me!

I was out last night for a few beers and was getting taxi home in the Cork area. Ended up having long chat with taxi driver about state of country and how he was struggling to live from day to day and that if he ever regretted anything in life it was that he never got out of this country and lived a little.

So I'm a Quantity Surveyor with circa 3 years experience in PQS role and currently working in PM role (client side) with a view to getting chartered in November. I'm just wondering is there anyone out in Aus / Canada / New Zealand etc working in that line and what is the money / life like out there and would they advise me to get out of here.

I'm glad to have job but my money is poor and I want be able to save for car / house etc and I wont do that here!!

I'll stop talking - I would appreciate any comments.

Read up on this link to give yourself more info on the types of Visas in Oz and what may the suitable for yourself

http://www.immi.gov.au/visawizard/

The majority come to Oz on a working holiday visa (that's the back packer route). Although it is still very much possible to make money on this visa. This visa lasts a year however it has stipulations whereby you cannot work for more then one employer for more then two months.

Many people use this visa as means to impressing employers, which can then lead to a more long term employer sponsored visa

Different types of Visas: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/_pdf/overseas-options.pdf

Anyway my opinion on Australia? Its an amazing place to live/work. If you are professional and have a strong work ethic you will have an amazing time.. And the money if awesome! Me and girlfriend have been here three months and by the time we leave Melbourne in April we would have enough money to put a deposit on a house back home


..and its all in my account!

Father Damo

irishmover wrote: »

Australia is not expensive to live in, in relation to wages/salaries. If you come here for a holiday it will feel very expensive. If you work here for a living you wont.

Finally :pac: Australia is by no means cheap but compare living here and the wages the average Joe gets to the level of wages and the cost of living in Ireland during the boom years, Australia is way more affordable.

linola_c

I am sorry to put a bit of negativity on this thread but I feel it has to be done.

I have been living in Brisbane for over a year with my boyfriend who is sponsored on a 457. The reality is that I believe Australia is exactly the same as Ireland 2 years prior to it's collapse. People who have their heads screwed on here know that, other people are completely clueless. A large majority of Australians have absolutely no idea of the extent of the hardship the GFC has caused in Europe, the States etc. Countless times I have been quizzed on why I would leave everything to come out here - they are completely clueless!!

Don't get me wrong Australia is a fab place to live. To put things in perspective, the average wage of a receptionist is around $700.00 p/w so wages are very high. The cost of living is similarly as high, we live in a 1 bedroom flat around 10 mins from the city and it costs $400.00 p/w (furnished). Another point worth nothing in this regard is that most places come unfurnished.

Australian Immigration are increasing their prices and they are milking the entire process, but we have no other choice but to accept it. I know a lot of people here in Brisbane and anyone I know who is sponsored paid high for the privilege. Companies are certainly exploiting the fact that we need them more than they need us. I admit that there are a small number of legit companies out there who need workers in specialised trades but they have their pick of them and certain industries hold no shortage.

I know a Building Surveyor who is earning around $1000 with about 2/3 years PQE. QS work is hard to come by in QLD here, I have a few good mates here who are finding it very difficult. Although i cannot be certain that they have invested the time in looking for work that they could be. You need to be seriously serious about looking for a job and as soon as you land be on the hunt. It takes a few weeks to find something especially if you are holding out for a certain type of work.

In regards to Brisbane, certainly work is drying up. Airport link is now finished and the port is well under way. There are future projects but these are only now in the planning stages. Surfers Paradise has work coming too but not for a while. A huge project in Byron Bay is also in the pipeline. I believe there is a lot of work in Adelaide and South Australia.

Formwork/building work is generally casual labour and they pick and chose who they want when they want. They lay off lads and bring new guys on just as quick. There are a huge number of Irish formwork companies throughout Australia.

I feel that people in Ireland judge those who come out here as living the 'dream'. It is far from that and we all work very hard. The hours are long..my boyfriend leaves the house at 4am and is not back to 6pm in the evening and works saturdays.

On the plus side, the weather is fabulous - the landscape is to die for and there is a lot to do. It is expensive but when your earning a lot - you can afford to spend a lot. It is very difficult to make contacts from home, and with the QS/BS work I would be googling to see if you can find any specialist recruiters in those areas. A lot of them here are out to make a quick buck on who has the most experience etc and don't generally give a toss if you don't.

WA has real potential to earn big cash though so invest time in researching it!

LAFTHA has now been taken away from us, although there is a medicare agreement - health insurance is very expensive. Visas are another issue. Although most of above seem to have a lot of experience. If I were you I would be pushing for an 856 - this is where an employer sponsors you for permanent residency, you effectively have no attachments to them as you would with the 457 and you get PR. You must have three years PQE for this visa. It does seem like the perfect package though!

Skilled visas are expensive and are changing where you will have to apply and then they invite who they want to come forward to proceed with the application. These visas take a long to come through and can require you to be off shore throughout the application process.

Good luck to you all and if anyone has any specific questions re lifestyle etc i'll do my best to answer for you!!

padrepio

LAFHA isnt gone yet. I dont think the ATO has thought it through yet. I can see it being phased out over a few years. LAFHA is very popular for residents moving temporarily to the likes of Adelaide and Canberra for work. So it isnt just for emigrants.

Friend of mine is a QS in Sydney. His company went bust overnight a couple of weeks ago. But he got a few job offers pretty quickly and is sorted already.

Not sure of the wages though the seek website has a good few positions - http://www.seek.com.au/JobSearch?DateRange=31&SearchFrom=quickupper&SearchType=search+again&Keywords=quantity+surveyor&location=1000&industry=1206

Cost of living is expensive in Sydney. No getting away from that

It is a big move Icountblocks but it has worked out well for me anyway. Life is for living and all that.

teepee

Yes for me its time to go no work in construction now or into the futher , and what a great life is on offer of one that really wants to work hard , the thing is if or when the down turn hit OZ wounldnt you be still be better off been there than been here . As people conplain about getting work most are on WHV so they might seem as sort term employess . AS for the people going out on the Skills visa would have a great chance with there years of experience to add to oz . Personily im sorry to go but its for the best nothing but cuts and slashing for the forseeable futher . But we will all return one day as Ireland is home and a far distance land we would love to live in with great memorys and loved ones that we would love to be with , ireland will always be with us .

HenryAt

linola_c = makes for good read looks like its true. Went to RDS early Sat. It's good. I'd safely say you'll click with some in there tomorrow, if you have a construction background definitely. Might be worth a trip. The people/exhibitors are very friendly/approachable. Go early or before 3. Good Luck.

Solair

I think to be honest, if you've got construction-sector related skills or qualifications and you are not really too keen on changing industry entirely, emigration to somewhere else with a building boom is probably the only realistic option.

Ireland's building boom was a huge bubble, and there's absolutely no way that those levels of construction employment will ever return. It was an absolutely freak situation and totally abnormal.

All I would say though, is keep your eyes WIDE open. I seriously think Australia's going through a similar bubble to Ireland a few years ago. Although, perhaps it won't have quite such a hard landing as it's being driven by natural resources but, at the same time there's a huge property bubble too which could come crashing down.

I would honestly think that if at all possible, it might be worth looking trying to angle yourselves away from construction as it tends to be a very cyclical industry. Or, just follow the building booms from country to country. It's not the worst lifestyle and you will get to experience different places at the peaks of booms, which are always fun times to be there!

mandrake04

LAFHA was not invented for 457 holders, it was originally for people who maybe had to temporarily work away from their usual place of residence and used it as a form of compensation for having to work away from home. Ironically politicians and such were (and will continue to be) the biggest claimers of LAFHA.

Since LAFHA is a living away from home allowance once you apply for PR it's dropped, that's because the intention of being a PR means that you consider Australia to be your home. Since most people coming on 457 as a non-direct route to gaining PR their intention is making Australia their home anyway.

jank

padrepio wrote: »

LAFHA isnt gone yet. I dont think the ATO has thought it through yet. I can see it being phased out over a few years. LAFHA is very popular for residents moving temporarily to the likes of Adelaide and Canberra for work. So it isnt just for emigrants.

Friend of mine is a QS in Sydney. His company went bust overnight a couple of weeks ago. But he got a few job offers pretty quickly and is sorted already.

Not sure of the wages though the seek website has a good few positions - http://www.seek.com.au/JobSearch?DateRange=31&SearchFrom=quickupper&SearchType=search+again&Keywords=quantity+surveyor&location=1000&industry=1206

Cost of living is expensive in Sydney. No getting away from that

It is a big move Icountblocks but it has worked out well for me anyway. Life is for living and all that.

Lafha is gone gone gone for 457 visa holders unless Wayne Swan says other wise.

Icountblocks

linola_c wrote: »

I am sorry to put a bit of negativity on this thread but I feel it has to be done.

I have been living in Brisbane for over a year with my boyfriend who is sponsored on a 457. The reality is that I believe Australia is exactly the same as Ireland 2 years prior to it's collapse. People who have their heads screwed on here know that, other people are completely clueless. A large majority of Australians have absolutely no idea of the extent of the hardship the GFC has caused in Europe, the States etc. Countless times I have been quizzed on why I would leave everything to come out here - they are completely clueless!!

Don't get me wrong Australia is a fab place to live. To put things in perspective, the average wage of a receptionist is around $700.00 p/w so wages are very high. The cost of living is similarly as high, we live in a 1 bedroom flat around 10 mins from the city and it costs $400.00 p/w (furnished). Another point worth nothing in this regard is that most places come unfurnished.

Australian Immigration are increasing their prices and they are milking the entire process, but we have no other choice but to accept it. I know a lot of people here in Brisbane and anyone I know who is sponsored paid high for the privilege. Companies are certainly exploiting the fact that we need them more than they need us. I admit that there are a small number of legit companies out there who need workers in specialised trades but they have their pick of them and certain industries hold no shortage.

I know a Building Surveyor who is earning around $1000 with about 2/3 years PQE. QS work is hard to come by in QLD here, I have a few good mates here who are finding it very difficult. Although i cannot be certain that they have invested the time in looking for work that they could be. You need to be seriously serious about looking for a job and as soon as you land be on the hunt. It takes a few weeks to find something especially if you are holding out for a certain type of work.

In regards to Brisbane, certainly work is drying up. Airport link is now finished and the port is well under way. There are future projects but these are only now in the planning stages. Surfers Paradise has work coming too but not for a while. A huge project in Byron Bay is also in the pipeline. I believe there is a lot of work in Adelaide and South Australia.

Formwork/building work is generally casual labour and they pick and chose who they want when they want. They lay off lads and bring new guys on just as quick. There are a huge number of Irish formwork companies throughout Australia.

I feel that people in Ireland judge those who come out here as living the 'dream'. It is far from that and we all work very hard. The hours are long..my boyfriend leaves the house at 4am and is not back to 6pm in the evening and works saturdays.

On the plus side, the weather is fabulous - the landscape is to die for and there is a lot to do. It is expensive but when your earning a lot - you can afford to spend a lot. It is very difficult to make contacts from home, and with the QS/BS work I would be googling to see if you can find any specialist recruiters in those areas. A lot of them here are out to make a quick buck on who has the most experience etc and don't generally give a toss if you don't.

WA has real potential to earn big cash though so invest time in researching it!

LAFTHA has now been taken away from us, although there is a medicare agreement - health insurance is very expensive. Visas are another issue. Although most of above seem to have a lot of experience. If I were you I would be pushing for an 856 - this is where an employer sponsors you for permanent residency, you effectively have no attachments to them as you would with the 457 and you get PR. You must have three years PQE for this visa. It does seem like the perfect package though!

Skilled visas are expensive and are changing where you will have to apply and then they invite who they want to come forward to proceed with the application. These visas take a long to come through and can require you to be off shore throughout the application process.

Good luck to you all and if anyone has any specific questions re lifestyle etc i'll do my best to answer for you!!

Thanks all for your views and advice - much appreciated!

I think linola c your right putting a bit of perspective on it! there is this view out there that oz is this paradise where you will live it up for the rest of your life! as you say you still have to put the hard work in to get the rewards!

I think it can be said that if you can get sponsored before you go over it will be a lot easier and your not just landing in a different country with knowhere to go and pressure on to get something sorted!!

The company I work with is worldwide with offices in Australia so If i could organise it through that it would be great but I want to get chartered in November first - just hope there is no crash by then!!!!:D:D

I know some people hate this country and want out but i must say if I leave i will miss it! the family, sessions in the local pub, the gaa, characters from home, the crack really! maybe its the same overthere but sher whats a few years in a different country! you can always come home!

Working abroad thing on Wednesday in Cork so might head to that for a look!

jank

Icountblocks wrote: »

I know some people hate this country and want out but i must say if I leave i will miss it! the family, sessions in the local pub, the gaa, characters from home, the crack really! maybe its the same overthere but sher whats a few years in a different country! you can always come home!

The people who hate the country dont know what they are talking about and have probably never lived or travelled elsewhere. Ireland is a great country, going through a rough patch now but we will get there.

The Aussie

jank wrote: »

Ireland is a great country, going through a rough patch now but we will get there.

+1

I dont know about anyone else on this forum who has lived in Oz and is now living back in Ireland, but gee im sick to death of people thinking Australia is a place paved with Gold, the "Go to Oz for a few years and come back and pay for a house" mentality, in Cork at the moment i get the dreamers story at least once a week, everyone is on over 120K a year working in the mines is the dream but working an average job* for average wage is the reality.

But in saying that it is funny that when the penny drops that they need Australia more than Australia need them, it is pretty priceless on here, you can see the difference in the posts over a couple of weeks.

* and no there is nothing wrong with working an average job.

jank

If you are focused, skilled, ambitious and most of all positive, then certainly you can do the above, but 95% of people who come to Australia from Ireland are not that.

mandrake04

jank wrote: »

If you are focused, skilled, ambitious and most of all positive, then certainly you can do the above, but 95% of people who come to Australia from Ireland are not that.

Yeah but they think they are and god forbid anyone tell them otherwise.

dealdish

hi all my family are hoping to move to canada on skilled worker program during summer.i have done magor research on cost of living for track machine drivers with experience and i must say wages even after tax are fantastic and rent similar to here.esb half.food cheap.no car tax .free schools and health ,doc visit 30 cad.yes a house tax exists but this pays for school transport and bin