As some of you might know, unlike Singapore, when you move from Woodlands to Tampines, in big angmoh countries, you can move from one state to another. For example in Australia, moving from Perth to Melbourne, or Brisbane to Canberra, is quite a big deal even though you're within the same country.
Similarly, for that cousin you have in the U.S., moving from San Francisco to New York is quite a big deal, and you can't just commute from one place to another - it's a complete change in lifestyle, etc. Same for the U.K., Canada, China, etc. etc. even Malaysia, living in Sarawak = tak ada = living in KL.
A disclaimer, unfortunately, that most of the people back home you hao lian to about living in said angmoh country don't really give a shit. Even the people who live in other angmoh countries don't have any idea (e.g. your secondary school friend living in the U.S. has no fucking idea what the difference between Perth and Melbourne is, just like you have no idea what the difference between New York or Donald Trump is).
Unless, of course, they are Australia experts, having been on the Chan Brothers tour once. Just like I am an expert on Germany having been to Munich once and supporting die mannschaft!!!
When I say different, I also mean that practically, the job market in each state can be very different, which is what those pollies mean when they say "two speed economy". One economy could have high unemployment, low prices and housing (e.g. Adelaide) when at the same time, another economy within the same country is booming, prices are rising, but unemployment is low (e.g. Sydney) - in Australia this is especially relevant and evident when you do the favourite Singaporean "chicken rice test" - compare the prices of a plate of chicken rice / starting government graduate salary / 2 bedroom rental in each state and that should give you a good indication where the economy is at.
Without getting into too much technicalities because everybody's an expert economist these days having read the Financial Times once, when an economy is booming, jobs are growing, unemployment is low, prices and wages will be higher, and vice versa - so don't be too happy that prices for a two bedroom are significantly lower in Adelaide than in Sydney.
The best thing about getting permanent residency is that there are no barriers to moving (unless you're on certain visas - again, ask the expert immigration lawyers who have a friend who knows a friend who did it once), so unless your visa is restricted, if you can't get a job in Perth, nobody is stopping you from moving to Darwin, and vice versa, and this applies for all the permutations, including the regional cities!
2. Job hunting in different states
In previous posts, we talked about skype interviews, phone interviews etc. from Singapore. Similarly, the good thing about already being in Australia is that big companies are much more open to dealing with interstate candidates than international especially if you have relevant experience. Just make sure you do your due diligence, and if possible, fly down for recce trip etc.
I won't talk too much about job hunting in other states and leave it to a more detailed thread, but generally the process is the same - apply on Seek / LinkedIn etc., through professional networks, etc. and go for interview, come up with a good story about how you have relatives in the city you want to move to, or why you really want to move (that won't make the interviewer have a giggling fit), add that to why you really want to work for them, etc. etc. - the usual.
If you are lucky enough to be offered a job interstate, some companies will even pay for your relocation - generally it costs about $2,000 - 5,000 (ballpark) to move the furniture for a two bedroom across the country, but don't forget to include accommodation and travel costs which can add up.
I won't go into too much detail because everybody's circumstances are different and frankly its boring, but these are generally the things you think about.
3. Practicalities of moving interstate
As mentioned above, think about a few things when moving interstate:
Removalists / Movers:
The people who put all your things (sofa, fridge, washing machine etc.) in a truck and drive them across the country for you. Unless you're doing it yourself.
Accommodation short term:
Where you're going to stay while you look for longer term accommodation in the new city. Consider whether you can wash clothes, cook, etc. as you can't possibly eat out all the time - try AirBnB.
Accommodation long term:
For completeness - rentals, etc. can vary greatly among states, the supply and demand are also very different. It would be useful to find out whether its generally a renter's or landlord's market in the state you're in (as long as you don't ask a real estate agent who's going to tell you how lucky you are to be able to rent their dingy old shithouse)
How you are getting there
Being in the same country, unless you're moving to / from Tasmania (even then you can take the ferry), besides flying and worrying about luggage allowances, you can always drive and put your luggage in the back of the car. Obviously it helps if you have a bigger car but if you are using this as an excuse to get a large SUV don't blame me...
After all, it is only a pleasant 4 day drive from, say, Perth to Melbourne across the continent through remote roads where you can't get fuel, and a great way to see the country and the changing landscapes.
Most importantly, it will make for very good Instagram photos and get you those Facebook likes!
Again, all this should be stuff you would already be familiar with when moving from Singapore so we don't really need to think too long about this.
Best thing is - don't have to change your telephone number but don't forget to change your electricity, water and internet etc. This is boring stuff which you can find out on their websites, just ring up the company and they'll tell you what to do.
Anyway, the best deal is to get a high paying job in an economy that's doing poorly (high wages, low prices) - but:
Similarly, for that cousin you have in the U.S., moving from San Francisco to New York is quite a big deal, and you can't just commute from one place to another - it's a complete change in lifestyle, etc. Same for the U.K., Canada, China, etc. etc. even Malaysia, living in Sarawak = tak ada = living in KL.
Bo sio siang
A disclaimer, unfortunately, that most of the people back home you hao lian to about living in said angmoh country don't really give a shit. Even the people who live in other angmoh countries don't have any idea (e.g. your secondary school friend living in the U.S. has no fucking idea what the difference between Perth and Melbourne is, just like you have no idea what the difference between New York or Donald Trump is).
Unless, of course, they are Australia experts, having been on the Chan Brothers tour once. Just like I am an expert on Germany having been to Munich once and supporting die mannschaft!!!
I sappork die mannschaft
Okay, sarcastic rant finished, here is a handy guide on moving interstate within Australia (principles should apply to any angmoh country) should you ever need to. A lot of point 2 and 3 are probably applicable to moving internationally from Singapore anyway.
1. Every state is very different
For starters, if you don't like the first city you moved to in Australia, it doesn't mean the whole of Australia sucks and you need to pack your bags and go back to Singapore and that Singapore is lumber one. Of course, if that's your preferred option then by all means, but every state is different and are almost like different countries. Even the bogans in different states drink different beers.
Of course there are similarities, but for example, life in Alice Springs is going to be very different to life in Sydney.
(EXHIBIT A)
(EXHIBIT B)
The hipsta is more likely to be found in the native lands of Sydney or Melbourne sipping their natural diet of chai lattes (Exhibit B) while the bogan is more likely to be found in the burbs or regional areas, with preferred diet of VB (Exhibit A)
Without getting into too much technicalities because everybody's an expert economist these days having read the Financial Times once, when an economy is booming, jobs are growing, unemployment is low, prices and wages will be higher, and vice versa - so don't be too happy that prices for a two bedroom are significantly lower in Adelaide than in Sydney.
The best thing about getting permanent residency is that there are no barriers to moving (unless you're on certain visas - again, ask the expert immigration lawyers who have a friend who knows a friend who did it once), so unless your visa is restricted, if you can't get a job in Perth, nobody is stopping you from moving to Darwin, and vice versa, and this applies for all the permutations, including the regional cities!
2. Job hunting in different states
In previous posts, we talked about skype interviews, phone interviews etc. from Singapore. Similarly, the good thing about already being in Australia is that big companies are much more open to dealing with interstate candidates than international especially if you have relevant experience. Just make sure you do your due diligence, and if possible, fly down for recce trip etc.
I won't talk too much about job hunting in other states and leave it to a more detailed thread, but generally the process is the same - apply on Seek / LinkedIn etc., through professional networks, etc. and go for interview, come up with a good story about how you have relatives in the city you want to move to, or why you really want to move (that won't make the interviewer have a giggling fit), add that to why you really want to work for them, etc. etc. - the usual.
If you are lucky enough to be offered a job interstate, some companies will even pay for your relocation - generally it costs about $2,000 - 5,000 (ballpark) to move the furniture for a two bedroom across the country, but don't forget to include accommodation and travel costs which can add up.
I won't go into too much detail because everybody's circumstances are different and frankly its boring, but these are generally the things you think about.
This is the part someone says "but but but my circumstances are like totally different so it won't be accurate"...
3. Practicalities of moving interstate
As mentioned above, think about a few things when moving interstate:
Removalists / Movers:
The people who put all your things (sofa, fridge, washing machine etc.) in a truck and drive them across the country for you. Unless you're doing it yourself.
Accommodation short term:
Where you're going to stay while you look for longer term accommodation in the new city. Consider whether you can wash clothes, cook, etc. as you can't possibly eat out all the time - try AirBnB.
Accommodation long term:
For completeness - rentals, etc. can vary greatly among states, the supply and demand are also very different. It would be useful to find out whether its generally a renter's or landlord's market in the state you're in (as long as you don't ask a real estate agent who's going to tell you how lucky you are to be able to rent their dingy old shithouse)
How you are getting there
Being in the same country, unless you're moving to / from Tasmania (even then you can take the ferry), besides flying and worrying about luggage allowances, you can always drive and put your luggage in the back of the car. Obviously it helps if you have a bigger car but if you are using this as an excuse to get a large SUV don't blame me...
After all, it is only a pleasant 4 day drive from, say, Perth to Melbourne across the continent through remote roads where you can't get fuel, and a great way to see the country and the changing landscapes.
Most importantly, it will make for very good Instagram photos and get you those Facebook likes!
You will be as happy as this chiobu and yandao if you drive in a 4WD across Australia.
Again, all this should be stuff you would already be familiar with when moving from Singapore so we don't really need to think too long about this.
Best thing is - don't have to change your telephone number but don't forget to change your electricity, water and internet etc. This is boring stuff which you can find out on their websites, just ring up the company and they'll tell you what to do.
Anyway, the best deal is to get a high paying job in an economy that's doing poorly (high wages, low prices) - but:
Not soooo easy
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