Not settled in at all

Britch

Hi, I hope you're all well. Was looking to get some quick advice if possible.

I am originally from Belfast, then went to university in Dublin before living for the last five years in London. As I got a bit older, I always had this burning desire to go Sydney for the year, and try something different.

I think there was potentially a bit of naivety on my part, at how difficult it would be. I arrived in November. I work in advertising in London, which I hate, and also do some journalism on the side when time allows, which I love. I was two weeks in Sydney before I got a really high pressure job, which has taken it out of me completely. I haven't had a chance to settle down and enjoy the city whatsoever. I have hated the job I am in, but equally know that I am lucky to have one.

I think Sydney is a bit like fresher's week. I absolutely want to love it. I love the weather, and have really tried to get involved in things, joining an AFL team and meeting people. However, in my heart, I am just not loving it. I cannot put my finger on it, but I just have not settled in whatsoever.

Can anyone tell me does this pass? A few people have told me to come home. I don't think that's sensible, you've got to give everything more of a chance.

If anyone has any advice at all that would be amazing.

Lisha

Sounds like your job is pretty full on . Would you consider giving yourself time to settle in to the job before you try and build a full social scene. Rome was not built in a day and all that!
Once you are settled on your job life should fall into place.
Or just bide your time in job until you get a new job.
I would not cont home too easy but really it's just up to you.

Best of luck what wver you decide

agent graves

I was the same. I landed in brisbane checked a few areas out then went to perth shortly after and started working. I found that when I was working that is all I was doing. didnt have time for anything else.. I stayed there all in all almost a year and tbh I wouldnt go back. its overhyped.. its just for some people and not others.

BabySlam

Give yourself a date by which to make a decision one way or other - say Midsummer's Day for example. Every day give the day a "mark out of ten" based on how good a day it was. Keep a spreadsheet or diary of these marks. The decision should be clear by the deadline.

pete4130

You've been pretty lucky. You landed in November, landed a job, albeit a stressful one, gone through the hassle of finding somewhere to live and then dealt with December on your own, when a lot Australians go away for 4-6 weeks with school holidays which makes it hard to socialise.
January is quiet too with kids not going back to school until after Australia Day. It's only February when things start to settle down a bit. You'll notice this in work too, people coming back off leave and things easing off probably.

Sydney can seem a bit full on. You just need to find your stride and settle in.

Out of interest where are you living? Different suburbs can totally change your experience of being here. Eastern Suburbs are close to beaches, beach lifestyle but high turnover of people, tourists, visitors and lack of trains to the city and beyond. Western suburbs are cheaper, further out from anything exciting in the city, less to do, more residential. Inner West is a good all round mix I find. It can be pricey in Newtown/Alexandria/Erskineville but its close to the city, not too far form beaches, everything you could want on your doorstep, culture, bars, live music, alternative scene, cafes, hipsters, boutique shopping, good parks etc...

tallaghtfornia

I remember going over for my year in 2002(Showing my age:P), hating it after a few weeks, then I found a job I liked and made a lot of friends, the year flew in and I remember crying to my Mother on the Phone 'I don't want to come home' ..

Anyway I have been out every 2 years since I came home to my mates, moral of the story glad I stayed the year and had a great time. And its great to go back to see my mates. But It would not be my cup of tea long term but that's just me

mandrake04

Like Pete says sometimes a change in location and a good group of friends can make the difference. I first lived in Randwick and didn't like it that much, moved to inner west Burwood/Concord along with a few other newbies into a more established group that already done 3+ years and it made the difference and I've never looked back. The whole lifestyle thing doesn't fall into your lap either, nothing wrong with working hard 5 days a week but you need a few days of doing something's you enjoy to give you the balance you need.

minzabud

Sorry to hijack, I'm new to Sydney aswel although have been in oz a year or so,just wondering what you make of the western suburbs I'm staying near bondi and it's not really my scene so looking at places out west but have been told to steer clear of the likes of Auburn etc....

mandrake04

minzabud wrote: »

Sorry to hijack, I'm new to Sydney aswel although have been in oz a year or so,just wondering what you make of the western suburbs I'm staying near bondi and it's not really my scene so looking at places out west but have been told to steer clear of the likes of Auburn etc....

Ashfield/Burwood is very Asian but there's still a few Irish around there. A lot of Irish in Concord, Breakfast point, Strathfield, Five Dock who bought in after they made their fortune during the Olympics. It's very liveable area but depends on who you live with.

Auburn towards Parramatta I would avoid, any further and it's too far out.

Places like Enmore, Newtown etc are very studenty and are more or less close enough to the city to be called central rather than the west.

The North West is very nice, but unless you work in the area or have a car could make transport difficult as there is no train line for another 4 years but it's we'll serviced by buses to the city.

also avoid anything around Bankstown, Punchbowl and Hurstville areas.

MandiT

Sorry to hear you're not enjoying your time in Sydney.

I know work can be tough to find, but have you thought about taking on a job with less responsibility, one that might let you enjoy yourself a bit more, and give you a bit more time to do other things?

If you're only going to be here for a year, or some limited time, then there's not point being chained to a desk the whole time. Surely some casual sort of work wouldn't look too bad on your CV considering you're travelling?

Britch

Thanks all for this amazing help. It's funny how things change in 2 years, I am now living with my Australian girlfriend and in a job I love. The moral of the story is, keep trying.

skippy2

Well done .............takes a few years to settle and get your feet.....homesickness will always be there in some shape or form.

Wanderlust91

Britch wrote: »

Thanks all for this amazing help. It's funny how things change in 2 years, I am now living with my Australian girlfriend and in a job I love. The moral of the story is, keep trying.

Great too hear it worked out for you. Im on the opposite side of things myself. I moved over in 2013 on a working holiday visa and loved it. Fast forward to 2015 and my visa ended and I had to leave unfortunately. Glad it worked out for you.