The job opportunity we've been praying for came..but it's so far from family

[MK1984]

My husband and I have been praying for him to get a better job, we’re on a very tight budget, and have 6 month old triplets. The job offer finally came Friday, we’ve done our homework, and have decided it would really be better for us. We’d be financially well off, I’d be able to stay home with our children. The thing is, the job offering is in Australia. I’ve never heard anything bad about Australia, and always have thought it would be a cool place to visit, however, we’re very family oriented people. We’re at 95% ready to go, because it’d be better for the us, and the babies. Would you go? Have you ever had to make a decision like this?

 

[Trishie]

Dear MK, speaking as an Australian, you would be most welcome!
My son lived and worked in the United States for a few years, just as some family live two to three day’s drive away…but we visit regularly each week via Skype, sharing cuppas and relaxed family chats across the miles, and yet intimately, whilst seeing each other in our environments.

Just as my son and his family didn’t remain permanently in the United States, so may you look forward to returning to your own country, with your husband having further experience to prepare him for some special employment later…as occurred for my son, if that is your wish.

Another family member is eagerly looking forward to the approval for immigration of his future spouse, who has come to see our city as ‘home’ during her visits. I hope that were you to come you will also feel at home.

Kind wishes and prayers,
Trishie

 

[dixieagle]

This is a tough call for very family-oriented couples. Sometimes, however, you simply must do what is best for your own little family; it sounds as if you have just about made up your minds.

We moved 1500 miles from family in our early 20s for my husband’s career; his profession is one in which there are only a very few jobs in any given city, so moving far from home is quite common. We are still here nearly 40 years later. I won’t say that it’s always been easy, as we missed most family holidays, weddings, etc. We sometimes only got to visit once a year, as it was such a long, frequently expensive trip. I often felt badly that our girls were growing up with no other family around, but we stayed in touch, talking on the phone often and visiting whenever possible.

Australia is certainly much farther away, but you now have the benefit of Skype, FaceTime and similar technology, which makes a world of difference. Neither of our daughters’ families is currently in town with us, so we speak and Skype quite often. It’s so much better to be able to actually see each other when talking.

When our girls were little, we always took them with us when we traveled; seeing other parts of the world gave them a broader perspective on things, and they look back fondly on those trips. We would have LOVED the opportunity to live for a time in another country.

We’ve been to Australia, especially Sydney, Melbourne and southern Victoria, and simply loved it; I cannot wait until such time as we can take an extended visit. We found it quite expensive, but I imagine that everything is relative!

You’re young, and this is the time for adventures such as this, if you decide it’s best for your family. God bless, and enjoy the opportunity!

.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I’ve been living abroad for over 10 years now so maybe my perspective will help. Moving across the world can be seriously tough, especially if this would be your 1st time living abroad and you are very close to your families. Not everybody can handle such things. Several of my expat friends here went through depression during the first year of their move, and I went through a very challenging phase last year. Yes, you meet people and make friends but it is not the same as having family nearby. Being all alone puts a massive strain on you and your spouse.

On the other hand, if you realise you don’t like it and decide that going back home is better for your family, you can always make that decision and take steps in making it happen. It might not happen over night but it will eventually. And at least you have the experience of living abroad and an understanding that home is where you should be. And that is not a bad thing.

 

[HouseArrest]

Could you agree to a short term stay in Australia, just enough to get the experience to get a similar job at home? Lets say 3 to 5 years?

 

[Musician]

We lived all over the world due to my military husband. Yes it is hard but SO worth it! Integrating into another culture is fascinating. You will have a ball. Plus you can stay home with your babies!