Struggling in Paradise: The Unexpected Hardships an Expat Faced Moving from Canada to Australia
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Making the move from one country to another comes with its fair share of unique thrills and experiences.
But if you’re planning to migrate—or, perhaps more aptly, retire—to another country, know that it comes with its own set of real challenges.
Kirsty Feely, a Canadian expat living in Australia, can attest to this.
Kirsty Feely shared some of her struggles moving from Canada to Australia. Image source: TikTok/@kirstyfeely.
After making the big move earlier this year, Kirsty has taken to social media to warn others of the cost of living crisis Down Under, as well as the often gruelling quest for employment and rental availability.
'I want to hit you guys with a couple of truths about moving to Australia. Yes, it is so amazing, and yes, all these videos showing all the amazing content in Australia is true. But there are some harder aspects as well,' Kirsty said.
When renting a home, the situation can get particularly stressful, as availability and affordability levels have reached crisis levels in some parts of the country, like Sydney where more than a third of renters are allotting more than 30 per cent of their monthly income on housing.
'The housing and the job search is very difficult,' she continued.
'I guess this depends on where you're looking. But if you're coming here for about a year to have some fun and meet some friends, the housing situation is a mild crisis for sure. And that's applicable to all the hot spots—Byron Bay, Bondi, Gold Coast, you name it.'
'The job hunt can be very difficult too, especially if you're living in a smaller beach town. If you're looking in a bigger city, you're going to have a lot better luck.'
She also reminded would-be migrants that moving overseas also means bringing your problems with you.
'So many people expect that their life will just change once they're in a new place, but it's still you. You're still living the same life, you're just in a new place,' Kirsty said.
Kirsty suggested that visitors try taking on a backpacker lifestyle when first arriving here to keep costs low until the terrain levels.
'I'm still stuck in that [backpacker] scene a bit, which isn't a bad thing at all, I've had some of my best moments and met some amazing people,' she said.
'But ultimately, it's not the life I'm trying to be living here.'
She also said picking up some farm work may be required for some visas.
'If you're Canadian, you're going to have to do three months on a farm in order to extend your visa another two years. There's no way around it unless you get sponsored by a company,' Kirsty explained.
You can watch Kirsty’s full video below:
What are your thoughts on Kirsty’s realisations? And are you a migrant too? What were some struggles you experienced moving to Australia? Share them with us in the comments below!
But if you’re planning to migrate—or, perhaps more aptly, retire—to another country, know that it comes with its own set of real challenges.
Kirsty Feely, a Canadian expat living in Australia, can attest to this.
Kirsty Feely shared some of her struggles moving from Canada to Australia. Image source: TikTok/@kirstyfeely.
After making the big move earlier this year, Kirsty has taken to social media to warn others of the cost of living crisis Down Under, as well as the often gruelling quest for employment and rental availability.
'I want to hit you guys with a couple of truths about moving to Australia. Yes, it is so amazing, and yes, all these videos showing all the amazing content in Australia is true. But there are some harder aspects as well,' Kirsty said.
When renting a home, the situation can get particularly stressful, as availability and affordability levels have reached crisis levels in some parts of the country, like Sydney where more than a third of renters are allotting more than 30 per cent of their monthly income on housing.
'The housing and the job search is very difficult,' she continued.
'I guess this depends on where you're looking. But if you're coming here for about a year to have some fun and meet some friends, the housing situation is a mild crisis for sure. And that's applicable to all the hot spots—Byron Bay, Bondi, Gold Coast, you name it.'
'The job hunt can be very difficult too, especially if you're living in a smaller beach town. If you're looking in a bigger city, you're going to have a lot better luck.'
She also reminded would-be migrants that moving overseas also means bringing your problems with you.
'So many people expect that their life will just change once they're in a new place, but it's still you. You're still living the same life, you're just in a new place,' Kirsty said.
Kirsty suggested that visitors try taking on a backpacker lifestyle when first arriving here to keep costs low until the terrain levels.
'I'm still stuck in that [backpacker] scene a bit, which isn't a bad thing at all, I've had some of my best moments and met some amazing people,' she said.
'But ultimately, it's not the life I'm trying to be living here.'
She also said picking up some farm work may be required for some visas.
'If you're Canadian, you're going to have to do three months on a farm in order to extend your visa another two years. There's no way around it unless you get sponsored by a company,' Kirsty explained.
You can watch Kirsty’s full video below:
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