Is Australia worth it?

mr_righttt

Good day.

I'm a 28 year old, Civil Engineer, single.

Last October 2022, I got invited sa 189 visa, professional civil engineer, and I paid the 4k AUD, all DIY. And now im just waiting for CO contact.

The main reason I went for the said opportunity is first, to follow love and also, for a better future for myself and future family. Australia is one hell of a country.

That being said, we all know covid happened, and they stopped inviting people for working visa in aussie. Then, 2 months before the expiration of my PTE, I got invited.

The problem is, during the 2 year waiting time, I have developed a lot of things in terms of career. I started a construction business in Bohol (tropical paradise island), self-made and no inheritance and help from parents and it can earn 5-10M, net, a year. Much higher than average salaty in australia.

Tho, I still wana pursue australia, I've been there in 2019 and I quickly fell inlove with the country. I want to try international experinece in my career, live in a 1st world, rich and beautiful country, filled with opportunities. But its hard when you also have this opportunity in the PH, in the beautiful island of Bohol pa.

I would only like to ask for opinion and advice. I'm 60-40. 60% for aussie and 40% to stay in the PH. If I go to australia, i may never be able to go back to my construction business if things dont come my way there, and if i stay in the PH, i may lose my chance while im young to try a new life in a different beautiful country. Tho im becoming more inclined to follow money, the 60-40 may change very soon.

Just a casual conversation/question from a casual person. 🙂

mr_righttt

@mr_righttt said:
Good day.

I'm a 28 year old, Civil Engineer, single.
Last October 2022, I got invited sa 189 visa, professional civil engineer, and I paid the 4k AUD, all DIY. And now im just waiting for CO contact.
The main reason I went for the said opportunity is first, to follow love and also, for a better future for myself and future family. Australia is one hell of a country.
That being said, we all know covid happened, and they stopped inviting people for working visa in aussie. Then, 2 months before the expiration of my PTE, I got invited.
The problem is, during the 2 year waiting time, I have developed a lot of things in terms of career. I started a construction business in Bohol (tropical paradise island), self-made and no inheritance and help from parents and it can earn 5-10M, net, a year. Much higher than average salaty in australia.
Tho, I still wana pursue australia, I've been there in 2019 and I quickly fell inlove with the country. I want to try international experinece in my career, live in a 1st world, rich and beautiful country, filled with opportunities. But its hard when you also have this opportunity in the PH, in the beautiful island of Bohol pa.
I would only like to ask for opinion and advice. I'm 60-40. 60% for aussie and 40% to stay in the PH. If I go to australia, i may never be able to go back to my construction business if things dont come my way there, and if i stay in the PH, i may lose my chance while im young to try a new life in a different beautiful country. Tho im becoming more inclined to follow money, the 60-40 may change very soon.
Just a casual conversation/question from a casual person. 🙂

btw nag break din kami ng jowa ko na nasa australia. kaya you know, shit happens

whimpee

Have you considered starting your own construction business in Australia?

mr_righttt

@whimpee said:
Have you considered starting your own construction business in Australia?

Is that possible? Lets face it, we're 2nd class citizen sa australia. Something na most people doesn't talk about dito is, austrlian's tendency to look at other races as inferior. I read it in quora and reddit.

ispidprik

@mr_righttt said:
Good day.

I'm a 28 year old, Civil Engineer, single.
Last October 2022, I got invited sa 189 visa, professional civil engineer, and I paid the 4k AUD, all DIY. And now im just waiting for CO contact.
The main reason I went for the said opportunity is first, to follow love and also, for a better future for myself and future family. Australia is one hell of a country.
That being said, we all know covid happened, and they stopped inviting people for working visa in aussie. Then, 2 months before the expiration of my PTE, I got invited.
The problem is, during the 2 year waiting time, I have developed a lot of things in terms of career. I started a construction business in Bohol (tropical paradise island), self-made and no inheritance and help from parents and it can earn 5-10M, net, a year. Much higher than average salaty in australia.
Tho, I still wana pursue australia, I've been there in 2019 and I quickly fell inlove with the country. I want to try international experinece in my career, live in a 1st world, rich and beautiful country, filled with opportunities. But its hard when you also have this opportunity in the PH, in the beautiful island of Bohol pa.
I would only like to ask for opinion and advice. I'm 60-40. 60% for aussie and 40% to stay in the PH. If I go to australia, i may never be able to go back to my construction business if things dont come my way there, and if i stay in the PH, i may lose my chance while im young to try a new life in a different beautiful country. Tho im becoming more inclined to follow money, the 60-40 may change very soon.
Just a casual conversation/question from a casual person. 🙂

All of these are valid. I was also in a similar situation as you. Im a mech engineer in a construction business as well with other side businesses. Im older though with family 1 kid and another on the way. Yeah true money is good in construction if things go well. Originally i don’t have plans to go abroad sabi ko stable job and good business would be enough but what pushed me to go thru this migration is security. Pandemic wiped out all of our businesses and even our construction business without much support from the gov’t we were really struggling while trying to help our workers as much as we can. Advantage lang with going to australia is i can have a peace of mind na whatever happens to me my wife and kids can survive. they would have access to school and a better healthcare system which is lacking dito sa pinas. This pandemic is an eye opener sa akin na kung wala kang pera mamatay ka na lang talaga. As of the moment done na kmi sa medical antay na lang ng results and hopefully ng grant.

era222

@mr_righttt said:
Good day.

I'm a 28 year old, Civil Engineer, single.
Last October 2022, I got invited sa 189 visa, professional civil engineer, and I paid the 4k AUD, all DIY. And now im just waiting for CO contact.
The main reason I went for the said opportunity is first, to follow love and also, for a better future for myself and future family. Australia is one hell of a country.
That being said, we all know covid happened, and they stopped inviting people for working visa in aussie. Then, 2 months before the expiration of my PTE, I got invited.
The problem is, during the 2 year waiting time, I have developed a lot of things in terms of career. I started a construction business in Bohol (tropical paradise island), self-made and no inheritance and help from parents and it can earn 5-10M, net, a year. Much higher than average salaty in australia.
Tho, I still wana pursue australia, I've been there in 2019 and I quickly fell inlove with the country. I want to try international experinece in my career, live in a 1st world, rich and beautiful country, filled with opportunities. But its hard when you also have this opportunity in the PH, in the beautiful island of Bohol pa.
I would only like to ask for opinion and advice. I'm 60-40. 60% for aussie and 40% to stay in the PH. If I go to australia, i may never be able to go back to my construction business if things dont come my way there, and if i stay in the PH, i may lose my chance while im young to try a new life in a different beautiful country. Tho im becoming more inclined to follow money, the 60-40 may change very soon.
Just a casual conversation/question from a casual person. 🙂

I'm a 60-40 applicant as well! I've dreamed of going abroad my whole life but ako naman I love home. My family is here and sila ang sentro ng buhay ko, plus I live rather comfortably here. I've developed my career na rin and earn relatively higher than the average corporate professional in the PH. So I feel you. But the biggest influence for me is long-term gains—all of which lead to Australia.

I'd advise na think about what you want and what you think you have the capacity to do at certain points of your life. Do you think you'll get to move abroad later on in your life, realistically speaking? And what are your priorities? Do you think you'd be able to manage both? I think what's great about Australia is if afford mo, you can easily go back and forth between PH and AU kasi hindi kasing layo ng, say, Canada. And with a 189 visa, it gets even easier since you're traveling "visa-free" while your 189 is active. Maybe you can manage the business remotely?

If you can't choose, think about how you can do both. And if you can't do both, think about which of the two can you afford to lose. Yung kahit di mag-materialize, kaya mo pagdaanan. "What ifs" will always be there—you just have to make the choice you can commit to. At least that's what I personally believe 🙂

Kung ako lang, I'd say go for AU and figure out a way to shape the PH dream around that—privilege that comes with a business is one thing; privilege that comes from where you live and which country you are a citizen of is another in my view!

_sebodemacho

@era222 said:

@mr_righttt said:
Good day.

I'm a 28 year old, Civil Engineer, single.

Last October 2022, I got invited sa 189 visa, professional civil engineer, and I paid the 4k AUD, all DIY. And now im just waiting for CO contact.

The main reason I went for the said opportunity is first, to follow love and also, for a better future for myself and future family. Australia is one hell of a country.

That being said, we all know covid happened, and they stopped inviting people for working visa in aussie. Then, 2 months before the expiration of my PTE, I got invited.

The problem is, during the 2 year waiting time, I have developed a lot of things in terms of career. I started a construction business in Bohol (tropical paradise island), self-made and no inheritance and help from parents and it can earn 5-10M, net, a year. Much higher than average salaty in australia.

Tho, I still wana pursue australia, I've been there in 2019 and I quickly fell inlove with the country. I want to try international experinece in my career, live in a 1st world, rich and beautiful country, filled with opportunities. But its hard when you also have this opportunity in the PH, in the beautiful island of Bohol pa.

I would only like to ask for opinion and advice. I'm 60-40. 60% for aussie and 40% to stay in the PH. If I go to australia, i may never be able to go back to my construction business if things dont come my way there, and if i stay in the PH, i may lose my chance while im young to try a new life in a different beautiful country. Tho im becoming more inclined to follow money, the 60-40 may change very soon.

Just a casual conversation/question from a casual person. 🙂
I'm a 60-40 applicant as well! I've dreamed of going abroad my whole life but ako naman I love home. My family is here and sila ang sentro ng buhay ko, plus I live rather comfortably here. I've developed my career na rin and earn relatively higher than the average corporate professional in the PH. So I feel you. But the biggest influence for me is long-term gains—all of which lead to Australia.
I'd advise na think about what you want and what you think you have the capacity to do at certain points of your life. Do you think you'll get to move abroad later on in your life, realistically speaking? And what are your priorities? Do you think you'd be able to manage both? I think what's great about Australia is if afford mo, you can easily go back and forth between PH and AU kasi hindi kasing layo ng, say, Canada. And with a 189 visa, it gets even easier since you're traveling "visa-free" while your 189 is active. Maybe you can manage the business remotely?
If you can't choose, think about how you can do both. And if you can't do both, think about which of the two can you afford to lose. Yung kahit di mag-materialize, kaya mo pagdaanan. "What ifs" will always be there—you just have to make the choice you can commit to. At least that's what I personally believe 🙂
Kung ako lang, I'd say go for AU and figure out a way to shape the PH dream around that—privilege that comes with a business is one thing; privilege that comes from where you live and which country you are a citizen of is another in my view!

Sobrang agree ako dito! Imagine all the potential that will open up when you are in AU at the same time, starting that business you are eyeing for in the PH.

Wala namang madali sa buhay in general. It's a puzzle, as they say. No one comes out of it alive haha. Just make the most of your time, lalo kung nasa AU ka, mas marami yung motivation and inspiration na makukuha mo kesa based ka sa PH. I feel like it's better to have that security in where you are, mas productive and conducive for you to grow holistically. Dun naman nagsisimula yun, sa inspirasyon. Samahan mo pa ng lakas ng loob at aksyon.

Now, kung tingin mo sa PH mo mahahanap yung inspirasyon na yun, edi go. Haha. Pero strong advocate pa rin ako na ituloy mo lang yung pag PR sa Oz. Fallback lang kumbaga. It's best that you tried it, at least later on, you wont have regrets for the things you did not take. 😉

P.S. You are in a very good situation, man! People would do everything to get to where you are now.

athelene

There are always opportunity costs when faced with making decisions. It's really up to you to weigh in what your priorities are in life, and whether you are willing to let go of one opportunity to pursue another.

As far as I know, once you get your PR, you don't have to move to Australia right away. You just need to activate your PR visa by entering the country, and just do the big move once you're ready. So you can still pursue the construction business for a few years, then move to Australia. Give Australia a fair go, maybe for a year or so, just to see if you like it. Maybe hire someone trustworthy and skilled to handle your construction business back home while you're overseas. Then once you've experienced what Australia is like, you can make a more informed decision on whether to stay or return to PH for good.

@mr_righttt said:
Is that possible? Lets face it, we're 2nd class citizen sa australia. Something na most people doesn't talk about dito is, austrlian's tendency to look at other races as inferior. I read it in quora and reddit.

Setting up a construction business in Australia is a lot different from PH, considering you do need a license/registration and insurance. The license you need will depend on the state/territory where you will set up the business, and the type of license you have will restrict you on what you can build. And of course, you need to have knowledge on and some experience with Australian construction practices (which can differ across states/territory), in addition to access/connections to different skilled tradies (sparkies, plasterer, carpenter/joiner, painter, etc.).

Reading things from crowdsourcing websites doesn't automatically make it true and applicable all across the country. Your statement about "2nd class citizen" depends on who you ask and in what context. If you are talking about racism, yes, racism still exists (find me a country wherein there is zero racism) and I don't think it will change anytime soon. Australia's diversity is growing though, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. However, discrimination (based on age, race/ethnicity, genre, religion, etc.) is not tolerated within the Australian workplace. You get hired based on your skills and how well you can fit into a company's work culture.

maguero

So far I have never experienced racism here. Australia is very multicultural, so they are quite tolerant of differences. Ang napansin ko, mas racist pa nga ang mga Pinoy and other Asians. I think it's because a lot of Asian countries are quite homogeneous and conservative. I've noticed people who grew up in Western cultures tend to be less rigid, so they aren't bothered if people don't conform, if they even notice. Having said that, you do have to assimilate to the way of life here, and particularly in the work place, the inability to assimilate will be a problem. The reality is that there are immigrants who find it challenging to assimilate.

One thing to consider is that you only need to live here for 4 years on your PR visa to be able to apply for citizenship. You may want to consider aiming for that before you decide if you want to live in the Philippines long-term. Once you have citizenship you can go home with the knowledge that if you ever want to move here when you're older, that door will remain open for you. Additionally, you can pass on citizenship to your future kids as well and that may also open doors for them.

jakibantiles

You still have time to think about it. You're not required to move agad once you receive your PR visa. You only need to live here for 2yrs sa loob ng 5yrs after ng grant date to keep your visa active. Say add ka ng 1yr allowance, may 2yrs ka pa to really contemplate jan sa Pinas. May colleague ako na nakakuha ng PR visa dito pero never nagstay at nag expire na lang yung visa niya. Nakareceive kasi siya ng magandang offer sa US.

whimpee

@mr_righttt said:

@whimpee said:
Have you considered starting your own construction business in Australia?
Is that possible? Lets face it, we're 2nd class citizen sa australia. Something na most people doesn't talk about dito is, austrlian's tendency to look at other races as inferior. I read it in quora and reddit.

Possible? Yes. Difficult? Yes also. But that is what's going to make it more fulfilling.

xiaolico

@mr_righttt said:

@whimpee said:
Have you considered starting your own construction business in Australia?
Is that possible? Lets face it, we're 2nd class citizen sa australia. Something na most people doesn't talk about dito is, austrlian's tendency to look at other races as inferior. I read it in quora and reddit.

Let me just comment here. I can only speak of melbourne and sydney, not sure sa regional and other states. It is no longer a white australia, it is a multi cultural australia. At least in my experience ha. Mag work ka sa city, I assure you, the trains wont have majority na puti na pasahero. Pag pasok mo sa office, ganun din. halong halo na. Also with the rules in place, if may mga tao pa din na ganun, i don't think mararamdaman mo. takot lang nila paramdam sa yo. again sydney and melbourne to ha. dun pa lang naman ako nakapag work. To add as well, if you feel na magiging 2nd class citizen ka dito and tingin ng tao dito sa yo is inferior. weigh that in din. baka hindi sulit sa yo lumipat. it will all depend talaga sa iniiwan mo na buhay sa pinas. and this is my opinion and my opinion alone ha. au is a move para sa kids, if single ako, di ako aalis ng pinas. all the best and good luck.

athelene

Having lived in Sydney and visited Melbourne several times (for several weeks), those metro cities are indeed multicultural. In Brisbane, it's still multicultural to a certain extent, but it's not overrun by Asians unlike Sydney and Melb. Here the population is predominantly white, and it is even more so in regional areas. A Filipino friend who moved to Brisbane from Townsville said there were only a few Asians there, and while she was working there, she felt excluded from her Caucasian colleagues.

I haven't encountered all-out racist attack (like bad enough to be on TV or viral on the internet), but I have encountered racial microaggressions (a Caucasian customer choosing to speak with a Caucasian colleague even though I'm the first person to speak to them; people asking me where I'm from and why I don't have an Australian accent). It only happened a few times so I've ignored it so far, but if you're a sensitive type of person, cities aside from Sydney and Melbourne might not be for you.

Jacraye

@mr_righttt said:

@whimpee said:
Have you considered starting your own construction business in Australia?
Is that possible? Lets face it, we're 2nd class citizen sa australia. Something na most people doesn't talk about dito is, austrlian's tendency to look at other races as inferior. I read it in quora and reddit.

I disagree that we are 2nd class citizens and about Australians tendency to look at other races as inferior is not true.

The reality is Australia is not a perfect country. Same as other countries including our motherland, Australia and some of its people have imperfections. Kahit san ka magpuntang bansa may discrimination na nangyayare. Australia is just one of the better countries in my opinion.

RheaMARN1171933

@mr_righttt said:

@whimpee said:
Have you considered starting your own construction business in Australia?
Is that possible? Lets face it, we're 2nd class citizen sa australia. Something na most people doesn't talk about dito is, austrlian's tendency to look at other races as inferior. I read it in quora and reddit.

I’ve lived outside Philippines more than half of my life - Australia, Germany, Switzerland and now the UK…..I don’t think it’s a 2nd class citizen syndrome but more a stereotype thing. It’s the same as if you come from any country - there could be that prejudgememt , but not a matter of being second class. You get the same rights and opportunities as anyone else. I think if there’s that 2nd class treatment, that would be more like in Singapore or the Middle East where for example a child will never get the same level if education as a child who’s a citizen of the country, or you’ll never ever have equal rights as the natives of those countries. There’s nothing like that in western countries. I even have more western friends I can relate with vs Filipinos.

In the countries I’ve lived in, I’ve always enjoyed the same rights and privileges like anyone else. I’ve worked through to management level, educated myself further, bought a house, run my own company, utilised the health system, etc - just like anyone of any race.

To be perfectly honest, the 2nd class thing is sadly more prominent in the Philippines where there is that great divide between the rich and the poor. Only the affluents have the voice in society and the under dogs have got no choice but to follow and shut their mouths up. The upper class are entitled and the lower class are oppressed. This system was something I ran away from in the Philippines. I felt boxed up, limited and sheltered because of a certain social status people expect you to maintain. First time I stepped into Australian soil, all of a sudden I felt liberated from that social stigma. Everyone is if equal footing, everyone has to work hard to create a life they want for themselve. The irony of this experience is that one has to step out of the Philippines to embrace simplicity and being grounded.

Being a 2nd class citizen, it’s a matter of perception. If you put yourself lower their level then you’ll feel that way but if you put yourself in the same level as them then you’ll feel you’ll be treated as equal. The key at the end of the day is once you move abroad, make an effort to adjust to their culture, adapt the set of ways they do things. Assimilate yourself within the local community. Don’t even think you’re anyway different and lower than them because of your race…once you’ve done this, you’ll find that this second class treatment is just all in your mind 😉

wandergorl

I'm almost in the same situation though I'm an ofw in Dubai. My annual salary will be greater in Dubai and my boss just gave me a tip when I handed in my resignation that our bonus will be doubled next year. But to me, it's not just about the money. Super demanding and high-stress kasi ng work ko. My value is also freedom in the long-term as I like to travel a lot so the best decision is to get to Oz as soon as I can to get citizenship in four years.

RheaMARN1171933

@mr_righttt said:
Good day.

I'm a 28 year old, Civil Engineer, single.
Last October 2022, I got invited sa 189 visa, professional civil engineer, and I paid the 4k AUD, all DIY. And now im just waiting for CO contact.
The main reason I went for the said opportunity is first, to follow love and also, for a better future for myself and future family. Australia is one hell of a country.
That being said, we all know covid happened, and they stopped inviting people for working visa in aussie. Then, 2 months before the expiration of my PTE, I got invited.
The problem is, during the 2 year waiting time, I have developed a lot of things in terms of career. I started a construction business in Bohol (tropical paradise island), self-made and no inheritance and help from parents and it can earn 5-10M, net, a year. Much higher than average salaty in australia.
Tho, I still wana pursue australia, I've been there in 2019 and I quickly fell inlove with the country. I want to try international experinece in my career, live in a 1st world, rich and beautiful country, filled with opportunities. But its hard when you also have this opportunity in the PH, in the beautiful island of Bohol pa.
I would only like to ask for opinion and advice. I'm 60-40. 60% for aussie and 40% to stay in the PH. If I go to australia, i may never be able to go back to my construction business if things dont come my way there, and if i stay in the PH, i may lose my chance while im young to try a new life in a different beautiful country. Tho im becoming more inclined to follow money, the 60-40 may change very soon.
Just a casual conversation/question from a casual person. 🙂

Is it worth it - of course it is! The initial struggles are real - the uncertainty and adjustments of making it there, no joke but once you made it through and get settled, you won’t even imagine going back. Been there done that….I had the same questions myself. It was much easier to stay and enjoy a comfortable life which my parents have provided but then I thought life wasn’t just about that. You need to make it yourself. Yes, life can be much comfortable in the Philippines. Until now at times it’s still evident in me but the amount of growth and learning I gained by living abroad which I would have not experienced otherwise by staying in the Philippines is so much valuable as I look back now. I do think it made me a better person.

There was a point in my journey where I was tempted to stay in the Philippines but then I thought to myself, I have more to lose if I don’t pursue Australia. I had to give it a try so one day I won’t have this what if question. I knew Philippines will always be there in case things didn’t work out for me. True enough, when I look back, I consider my decision to leave as a turning point in my life. It opened a lot of opportunities not just for me but for my children. I would have not done things any other way. Also, in the years I’ve been working as a migration agent, I’ve not known if anyone who regretted moving to Australia.

At times, my husband and I find ourselves confused of options where to live - Germany, Switzerland, UK, Australia, NZ….my husband (not Filipino) and I would at times complain how crappy the system here in the UK is…then I had to remind myself, these are luxury problems we have. I’m kept grounded knowing that there are actually a lot out there who would want to be in my place - I had to remind my husband this since as we all know, growing up in Philippines, you see poverty right in front of our eyes - western people didn’t….so with just fine tuning the perspective, I am then reminded of gratitude, and then we stop complaining and start appreciating what life has to offer for us.

If you’ve got the opportunity to make it to Australia just think of those who will do anything to get that opportunity then you’ll start valuing it. Unfortunately, I’m sure everyone here will agree - getting the best education and having the most comfortable life in the Philippines are not enough to secure a better future for you and your future children. This life time decision isn’t just for you but the family you will create in your future.

jcrdream

Sir, 28 ka pa lang—that's so young! If there's a better time to take a big risk, it's at this point in life where you have no commitments and responsibilities besides yourself. And if ang root ng fear mo is the possibility of failure, take comfort in the fact na the earlier you fail, the earlier you can find out what's right for you, pivot, and stand back up.

Sobrang totoo ng "I knew Philippines will always be there in case things didn’t work out for me" ni Ma'am. If things don't come your way in Australia, you can always go back to familiar terrain sa PH. You'll probably even get good standing dahil sa kultura natin, international experience of any kind is viewed quite highly. Even just having been able to live in Australia is already something valuable dito. So sa tingin ko, even if you end up "failing" in Australia, you will have gained something you can bring back to gain advantage in the PH.

When I get trapped in my comfortable bubble thinking I'll stay here na lang kasi I live a life that's more comfortable than most of my peers, I try to view overseas opportunities from the POV of those peers. It gets me out of that bubble right away. It works for me kasi madalas ang source of hesitation ko lang naman talaga ay I'm scared to go out of my comfort zone.

And personal opinion: Money as an end is pointless. Chances are, once you get that money, you'll seek something more. I think money is always better as a means to an end. Sabi nga ni Lisa ng Blackpink, "Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant". 😃

Sir, I would pay hundreds of thousands to get to the stage you are in now! A 189 visa nearing grant! 189 pa man din ang top-tier visa, malaya ka sa Australia—not tied to a state or a region. Good luck!!!

jcrdream

Isipin mo na rin sir, kung may maganap sa mundo in x years' time (knock on wood), having two countries to legally stay/live/work in is always better than one—lalo na if one of those is a Western country that's closely tied to big political players! Hehe. Yun ang motivator ko talaga 😃

lunarcat

You have this opportunity in your hands that some people have been wanting to have. All blood and sweat pero di parin makuha2. Saken nalang yong visa mo kase gusto ko talaga mag stay dito!! Hahahahaha!! Kidding aside, you are very lucky 😊 Anyway, follow your heart really depende na din sa purpose mo sa Life 😊