Some advice for a desperate Aussie!

[TrevorCito]

Aus90

I'm an Aussie and have been here for over 7 years. It was easier 7 years ago, much easier. Things were cheaper and people were different... hell, even the beef tasted better back then. These days things are much more expensive and it's only getting worse.

My advice to you is this. If after you have explored all avenues, enjoy the international experience while you can, grow from it and then go home. You can always come back if you really want to. Living overseas is the most amazing experience and it is something you have done so you can quite easily hold your head up high as a person who has done it.

I wish you all the best.

 

[AuS90]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the feedback, has been englightening to hear everyones different thoughts or experiences, even if some of them aren't so positive (in a realistic sense of the circumstances here).

I'm not worried about getting my residency here as I've been told about all of the documentation/protocol that I need to take in order to obtain it. I actually did an unpaid internship for Buenos Aires Delivery last year since I couldn't seem to find any paid jobs at that time (or had problems with the ones I did find), which was really good and it is now a part of my CV as experience.. Have been trying to think out of the box with my boyfriend of ideas that we could start here, exactly for that reason Starlucia, to play by our own rules.. Maybe something creative will come of it, but for now, with my savings going down.. I need something solid, or regardless of the fact that I want to make it work here, I will have to go home anyway..
MorganF.. your comment certainly does not surprise me. Things definitely work differently in terms of work-ethic/output here.. I'm not critising it, but the value of work/the employee is definitely placed in very different areas here than back home.. though I haven't quite figured out where yet..

TrevorCito.. I can appreciate where you come from as well. It's definitely been a thought on my mind - I'm not going to lie. But I don't feel comfortable leaving yet. As some people have advised me, sometimes it is not giving up if the opportunites just don't present themselves and 'you' have to realise that.. But I don't want to give up.. Despite having had the opportunity to live overseas which yes, is definitely amazing.. I came over this year with the objective to succeed in making a life here for a certain amount of time.. and to an extent I'll feel like I've failed myself, and my boyfriend if I go home early. How are you enjoying living in Buenos Aires 7 years later?

ElQueso, I can't even begin to sympathise for your wifes families situation as it is obviously far more extreme than my own, as the alternative 'of going home' is not really an option if you can help it. I'm not convinced that it is solely a foreigner problem, as from what I have gathered, many Argentineans experience the same struggles with finding work although as a foreigner, we are definitely an easier target as we are not initially aware of how things work here - I can definitely relate to how your sister-in-law must have felt.

Rihornos, I've considered doing that in the past but threw away the idea because I didn't think something like that would work here, but if you think it would.. would definitely be worth a try as well.. thanks.

Thanks again to everyone for your feedback.. has been interesting and helpful to hear some other expats points of views.. am looking forward to any further comments/ideas if there are any.

 

[citygirl]

Just wanted to point out that if you have been back to Australia since you first did your criminal background report, it is no longer valid. (just something to consider if you do find a job).

I would agree - you may be well-served by reaching out to expat businesses (many of whom may already have registration to employ foreigners I would also come up with a list of your most marketable skills and highlight them when contacting potential employers. And network, network, network. You've already gotten a lead here about IBM - great place to start.

 

[trennod]

Just wanted to point out that if you have been back to Australia since you first did your criminal background report, it is no longer valid. (just something to consider if you do find a job).

I would agree - you may be well-served by reaching out to expat businesses (many of whom may already have registration to employ foreigners I would also come up with a list of your most marketable skills and highlight them when contacting potential employers. And network, network, network. You've already gotten a lead here about IBM - great place to start.

Adding to citygirls comment regarding the criminal background report / police check, I am fairly certain they are only valid for 3 months (thats from the effective date on the actual document, ie the date they did the check). Something my companies immigration lawyers had not told me or then noticed when I passed my documentation through.

If you do need another police check from Australia, you can still get it from here (without returning to Aust) through the Aust Federal Police. All the information is on their web site (need to fill in an application form and send it through). Having said that, you may need the help of family or friends (someone) back home to help out with the logistics as you will also need to get it Apostilled (in Australia). If you would like more specific info PM me, happy to help out.

Keep your chin up, I am sure things will work out for you, and all the best.