To go or not to go to Australia?

dorksider · February 2013

Hi Guys,

I am being offered a 457 visa for Australia(Brisbane).
The work is for a Programmer.

The package I am being offered is :
55,000 per annum. That is already minus the super annuation.

In your opinion would it be worth it to go?
I am currently working as Programmer here in the Philippines. I receive around 75,000 per month gross here.

Do you think moving to Australia is a good option or should I just stay here?

Thanks!

olrac183 · February 2013

What are your long term plans? I believe your long term plans will determine whether go or no go ang offer but if you don't have a family pa and at a relatively young age I suggest you to go and explore. The opportunity might not be there anymorr after some time.

By the way, what is your capability as a programmer?

LittleBoyBlue · February 2013

yes, it'll give you international exposure & will widen your perspective, better for your career.

TasBurrfoot · February 2013

Hi Guys,

I am being offered a 457 visa for Australia(Brisbane).
The work is for a Programmer.

The package I am being offered is :
55,000 per annum. That is already minus the super annuation.

In your opinion would it be worth it to go?
I am currently working as Programmer here in the Philippines. I receive around 75,000 per month gross here.

Do you think moving to Australia is a good option or should I just stay here?

Thanks!

Looks good but I would be wary about the salary though...

In peso term this is a lot but if you live in Australia, this is around A$865 net of tax - depending on your gastos, this may be tight considering the very high cost of living in Australia.

But personally, I will give it a go...

raiden14 · February 2013

Im earning 6 digits net monthly, but im still applying for australia, why? Basically i have a family. In max of 10-15 years, my skills might not be that in the demand list anymore.

sydneyblued · February 2013

If you're single, no doubts, grab the opportunity! If you have family na & dependents, in my opinion better grab it pa din, this opportunity will open more doors for you in the future.

scorcher · February 2013

Just look at it as your starting point in oz if you decide to migrate permanently. Just manage your expenses accordingly and should be alright. Ang mabigat is the accommodation so I suggest to have a shared flat with other pinoys. Then at some point maybe after few years, you'll apply for PR which will eventually allow you to look for better options

Nadine · February 2013

Para po sa akin, go for it. For 2 main reasons:

1. You may have a job offer right now. But that may not be the case down the line. In fact, policies are getting stricter, and I've only been here well over a month. I think I've read somewhere they're updating their 457 requirements. Kasi nga, madami namang locals na walang work, so they're tightening the 457. Tingin ko, now would be a good time to come in, rather than later.

2. The salary may not be that attractive initially. But once you get Aussie experience (or maybe do some courses later on), your earnings will not stay the same. It's only bound to get better.

And that's not even talking about the forced savings that your employer has to pay for you (in the form of super), free education for kids, clean tap water ready to drink (hehe), and Brissy is really nice too!

lock_code2004 · February 2013

its not only about what you earn now..
its about what you can earn in the future.. what you can do after, what your family can get/experience in AU..

most of the people here are earning lots of money now, but its not just about money in the end.. sabi ni kumpareng Maslow... una lang ang Physiological needs.. after ma satisfy yan.. kasunod na yan may higher level of needs/motivation pa...

In Summary (parang Ielts lang lol)... compare your short term vs long term benefits...
you will know the answer..

LokiJr · February 2013

The superannuation benefit you get in Australia alone is something you can't match in the Philippines hehe....there's just too many perks in living in a developed country.

Most of my clients who are working as programmers can earn around $100,000 annually....So relative to your offer, medyo mababa pa yan...but since wala ka namang 'local experience', it's a good offer already. Magkaroon kalang ng 1 year local exp you can bargain for a better package

TotoyOZresident · February 2013

Hi Guys,

I am being offered a 457 visa for Australia(Brisbane).
The work is for a Programmer.

The package I am being offered is :
55,000 per annum. That is already minus the super annuation.

In your opinion would it be worth it to go?
I am currently working as Programmer here in the Philippines. I receive around 75,000 per month gross here.

Do you think moving to Australia is a good option or should I just stay here?

Thanks!

Hi mate, I advise you to read carefully your contract.

1. Hi how old are you?

2 . Single ka pa ba?

3. Di ba kasama ang superannuation? Superannuation is 9% minimum of your salary.

4. Saan state ka? kung regional mas maganda.

5. Nakalagay ba sa contract na sila ang mag sho-shoulder ng Private health?

6. Kapag mag o-ot ka may bayad?

7. Kapag ni relocate ka may allowance?

8. Sagot ba nila ang May minimum 2 weeks relocating from phil to australia? like hotel to stay for minimum two weeks.

9. Entitled ka ba sa Public holiday, leave, sick leave, bonuses?

Ask your employer the following:

A) if theres sallary increment after 6 months and every year if your performance is very good?

do the company offer study or short training courses for their employee?

C) may plano ba sila sayo para mag improve ang skills mo?

D) After one or two year your planning to apply for Permanent resident. Are they willing to Sponsor you in PR Visa?

Ask to have your contract draft and read carefully.

Yung $55 annual. sapat na yun sa Single person kung nasa late 20s ka maayus pa yun. Back to zero ka ulit kapag ganun sahod mo i mean mag sisismula ka ulit dito. Mas okay kung hindi kasama ang supperannuation parang nasa 60 annual ang sahod mo.

You said nasa 75 thou ka sa pinas. Malaki talaga ang level yun compare sa sahod mo dito. Parang ang sahod mo dito ay nasa pagitan ng entry at mid level na position. Ask mo kung puede gawin ng 65 thou because ang level ng sahod mo sa pinas is senior level. Kung 60 okay na rin its up to you.

Check mo rin profile at status ng company sa web site nila. Kung malaking company. I search mo rin sa google kung may comment or testimony tungkol sa company na lilipatan mo.

Ang pinaka importante are they willing to sponsor you in PR after one or two years. check mo rin kung regional ang place ng company. Kasi kung regional after a year puede ka mag apply ng PR visa.

Ako kasi 457 for two years nagsimula sa entry level ang sahod baba talaga l. Pero nakaraos din Ako sa gabay ni God. Ngayun Approved na Australian citizenship ko after 4 years. every year naman tumataas ang sahod dipende sa performance. May choices ka din naman kung aalis ka sa company after 4 or 5 years.

Hindi madali mag settle dito sa oz sikap at tyaga at faith ang kailangan. Dapat handa ka sa pag titis at harapin ang mga trials pero dapat maging positive thinker din. You can also sponsor your wife alowed din sya na makapag work. Mas maganda kung PR visa puede mo isama sa visa form at madala siya dito.

Goodluck and God bless.

Pinoy_vegemite · March 2013

For life changing decisions like this, I highly recommend that you come up with a Grid Analysis. If you are not familiar with this decision making tool yet, you can check it from www.mindtools.com. This tool will allow you to jot down all those things that are important, assign weights, and decide objectively.

TotoyOZresident's comment above is pretty comprehensive. If you have all those information, you would be able to come up withe a pretty reliable Grid Analysis.

Before coming over to Australia, I was earning 100k a month. As a PR, I came here without a job offer and had to endure the stress of looking for a job for over a month. My first job had a salary lower than what you have been offered. Got my second job after a year and a half with the salary that I have been hoping to get.

My situation is entirely different from yours but my point is, ships are not made to stay in the wharf. They are made to sail. Sure, there are risks involved, but is it not what life is all about? Look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself why you entertained the thought of coming over to Australia. The answer to your question might just be there.

peach17 · March 2013

Hi Guys,

I am being offered a 457 visa for Australia(Brisbane).
The work is for a Programmer.

The package I am being offered is :
55,000 per annum. That is already minus the super annuation.

In your opinion would it be worth it to go?
I am currently working as Programmer here in the Philippines. I receive around 75,000 per month gross here.

Do you think moving to Australia is a good option or should I just stay here?

Thanks!
Hi mate, I advise you to read carefully your contract.

1. Hi how old are you?

2 . Single ka pa ba?

3. Di ba kasama ang superannuation? Superannuation is 9% minimum of your salary.

4. Saan state ka? kung regional mas maganda.

5. Nakalagay ba sa contract na sila ang mag sho-shoulder ng Private health?

6. Kapag mag o-ot ka may bayad?

7. Kapag ni relocate ka may allowance?

8. Sagot ba nila ang May minimum 2 weeks relocating from phil to australia? like hotel to stay for minimum two weeks.

9. Entitled ka ba sa Public holiday, leave, sick leave, bonuses?

Ask your employer the following:

A) if theres sallary increment after 6 months and every year if your performance is very good?

do the company offer study or short training courses for their employee?

C) may plano ba sila sayo para mag improve ang skills mo?

D) After one or two year your planning to apply for Permanent resident. Are they willing to Sponsor you in PR Visa?

Ask to have your contract draft and read carefully.

Yung $55 annual. sapat na yun sa Single person kung nasa late 20s ka maayus pa yun. Back to zero ka ulit kapag ganun sahod mo i mean mag sisismula ka ulit dito. Mas okay kung hindi kasama ang supperannuation parang nasa 60 annual ang sahod mo.

You said nasa 75 thou ka sa pinas. Malaki talaga ang level yun compare sa sahod mo dito. Parang ang sahod mo dito ay nasa pagitan ng entry at mid level na position. Ask mo kung puede gawin ng 65 thou because ang level ng sahod mo sa pinas is senior level. Kung 60 okay na rin its up to you.

Check mo rin profile at status ng company sa web site nila. Kung malaking company. I search mo rin sa google kung may comment or testimony tungkol sa company na lilipatan mo.

Ang pinaka importante are they willing to sponsor you in PR after one or two years. check mo rin kung regional ang place ng company. Kasi kung regional after a year puede ka mag apply ng PR visa.

Ako kasi 457 for two years nagsimula sa entry level ang sahod baba talaga l. Pero nakaraos din Ako sa gabay ni God. Ngayun Approved na Australian citizenship ko after 4 years. every year naman tumataas ang sahod dipende sa performance. May choices ka din naman kung aalis ka sa company after 4 or 5 years.

Hindi madali mag settle dito sa oz sikap at tyaga at faith ang kailangan. Dapat handa ka sa pag titis at harapin ang mga trials pero dapat maging positive thinker din. You can also sponsor your wife alowed din sya na makapag work. Mas maganda kung PR visa puede mo isama sa visa form at madala siya dito.

Goodluck and God bless.

Hello po, ano po meaning ng superannuation?

peach17 · March 2013

Hmmm.... May thread na rin kaya on why we chose Australia over Canada or New Zealand?

TasBurrfoot · March 2013

@peach17 - google helped me find your answer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superannuation_in_Australia

LokiJr · March 2013

@peach17 retirement fund po sa Australia yun...taxed at 15% kaya lahat ng pinapasok na pera dun e mas malaki ang ilalaki niya in the long run

So kung $55,000 yung offer sa inyo, $4,950 yung additional retirement fund itatabi

countess · March 2013

Go for it! you're lucky to be offered a job whilst overseas. That's a decent salary if you know how to manage your finances. ung iba, andito na sa Au, nahihirapan maghanap ng work. not much of a risk for you kasi my sandalan ka na..

raiden14 · March 2013

i agree! with @countess

peach17 · March 2013

@peach17 retirement fund po sa Australia yun...taxed at 15% kaya lahat ng pinapasok na pera dun e mas malaki ang ilalaki niya in the long run

So kung $55,000 yung offer sa inyo, $4,950 yung additional retirement fund itatabi

Thanks Sir @LokiJr for the explanation

Nadine · March 2013

@peach17: Hi! Alam mo, natutunan ko na rin super nung nag-umpisa nako mag-work. Although, I read up on it prior to coming, naramdaman ko siya nung nakita ko na payslip. Also, yung employer ko encouraged us to talk to an in-house financial adviser so we can clarify stuff.

It's like SSS, except 100x better. For as long as you are employed, may obligation ang employer to contribute minimum of 9% of your salary to YOUR savings. 9% is the lower end. Some companies reach up to 12%!

Usually, hindi kasali ang super sa pay mo talaga. Over and above your base salary. Sinasabi naman sa contract what the base is and what the guaranteed annual is.

Ang super pwede natin "withdraw" if you plan to leave the country later on. Kasi pera natin to. But you will be taxed accordingly pag withdraw mo prematurely. Kung hindi naman and you stay permanently, makukuha mo as retirement savings. Sa tingin ko, kahit na mahirap din work and busy always, ok tong ganito na alam ko may pera ako later on. Ni hindi mo need mag contribute, ang employer ang mag contribute for you.

Believe it or not, the financial adviser said that kahit 2% lang ng salary natin ay mag contribute tayo sa sarili nating super.

P.S. Totally agree with @countess.

LokiJr · March 2013

@Nadine, so ano arrangement mo ngayon sa employer? 2% of own salary plus SG?

Nadine · March 2013

@LokiJr: hello po. Yep, I went with the 2% personal contribution. And yung employer matched it with additional 10.2%

.

If I go with 5%, employer contribution goes up to almost 13%. Pero di ko pa kasi kaya hehe. I'm ok na muna with the 2%. Pwede din zero contribution and yung employer contributes 9% pa rin naman as their law requires. Also, I am salary packaging and sinali ko ang superannuation sa packaging. Plus, I claimed tax-threshold as well. So in essence, bumaba talaga ang tax bracket.

Tax in Australia is the pits!

Grabe ang tax dito. Pero sabi nga ng nanay ko, 30% din naman ang tax sa Pinas, na hindi mo nakikita kung saan napupunta. So, tax in Australia seems fair.

TasBurrfoot · March 2013

@LokiJr: hello po. Yep, I went with the 2% personal contribution. And yung employer matched it with additional 10.2% .

If I go with 5%, employer contribution goes up to almost 13%. Pero di ko pa kasi kaya hehe. I'm ok na muna with the 2%. Pwede din zero contribution and yung employer contributes 9% pa rin naman as their law requires. Also, I am salary packaging and sinali ko ang superannuation sa packaging. Plus, I claimed tax-threshold as well. So in essence, bumaba talaga ang tax bracket.

Tax in Australia is the pits!

Grabe ang tax dito. Pero sabi nga ng nanay ko, 30% din naman ang tax sa Pinas, na hindi mo nakikita kung saan napupunta. So, tax in Australia seems fair.

Okey lang yan @Nadine - tax is not too bad in Australia pa rin, compare mo na rin sa situation sa taxation in the Philippines... Think definitely you are better off there!

LokiJr · March 2013

@Nadine sa superannuation at tax deductions ka bumawi ng tax sa Australia....mukha lang mataas tax nila kasi iniisip mo yung value in pesos hehe pero in comparison to what you're earning there...bawing bawi ka dyan hehe

alexamae · March 2013

Go for it.

D ka na kelangan gumastos to get a visa at gumastos to look for a job

peach17 · March 2013

@peach17: Hi! Alam mo, natutunan ko na rin super nung nag-umpisa nako mag-work. Although, I read up on it prior to coming, naramdaman ko siya nung nakita ko na payslip. Also, yung employer ko encouraged us to talk to an in-house financial adviser so we can clarify stuff.

It's like SSS, except 100x better. For as long as you are employed, may obligation ang employer to contribute minimum of 9% of your salary to YOUR savings. 9% is the lower end. Some companies reach up to 12%!

Usually, hindi kasali ang super sa pay mo talaga. Over and above your base salary. Sinasabi naman sa contract what the base is and what the guaranteed annual is.

Ang super pwede natin "withdraw" if you plan to leave the country later on. Kasi pera natin to. But you will be taxed accordingly pag withdraw mo prematurely. Kung hindi naman and you stay permanently, makukuha mo as retirement savings. Sa tingin ko, kahit na mahirap din work and busy always, ok tong ganito na alam ko may pera ako later on. Ni hindi mo need mag contribute, ang employer ang mag contribute for you.

Believe it or not, the financial adviser said that kahit 2% lang ng salary natin ay mag contribute tayo sa sarili nating super.

P.S. Totally agree with @countess.

Thank you sis @Nadine for this sharing.

Ilang months ka na nag wwork sis?
sang area ka po sa Australia?

Nadine · March 2013

@peach17: naka 2 paycheck pa lang, hehehe! I'm in Brissy.

peach17 · March 2013

@peach17: naka 2 paycheck pa lang, hehehe! I'm in Brissy.

wow, that's cool sis @Nadine

single ka po ba dyan? or you're with your family?

LokiJr · March 2013

Masakit yung pre-retirement tax ng super a hehe...What some people do is they leave Australia, then pag umabot ka na sa preservation age, puwede mo na balikan yung naiwan mo sa super

Nadine · March 2013

Masakit yung pre-retirement tax ng super a hehe...What some people do is they leave Australia, then pag umabot ka na sa preservation age, puwede mo na balikan yung naiwan mo sa super

@LokiJr: totoo yan. Yan ang sabi sakin nung financial adviser. If I have it pre-taxed in my salary packaging, that's additional 35% tax if I withdraw pre-retirement, over and above the 15% tax now (15% lang because it's being salary packaged). More than a 3rd of the entire amount!! On the other hand, if it's after tax, it's taxed as per bracket now. And if taken out prematurely, no additional tax will be levied. Magulo noh? Hehe. But I sort of understand that it is a way to not abuse the system.