Oftentimes, when you move somewhere new you
have a grace period before starting your new job. In the meantime, you’re
trying to settle in and acclimate to your new surroundings.
I’m dealing with this now; I arrived in
Melbourne three months ago and I’m looking for my next job, so I totally
understand your dilemma! The worst thing is to sit in your room and stress
about all the things you have to do, or that you don’t have anything to do. The
best remedy for this anxiety is to get moving and involved in interesting
events and classes in your area as well as finding positive creative outlets
for yourself.
Here are some ideas, for newcomers of all
ages, on keeping busy and finding your grounding during the first few weeks in
your new home!
Finding a job:
This task can feel most overwhelming of
all, especially when you move somewhere with no personal connections. Fear no
more! There are a number of very helpful websites to get you started on a clear
and active job search. You can do a highly specific search on jobs in your
area, in your field of expertise and the type of contract or hours you prefer.
Here’s a list of great job-finding websites:
Ps. Here are two more ways to make an
income before work starts:
Uber: becoming an Uber driver is a great way to make some money
until your new job is settled. For more details visit www.uber.com
Grants:
Have an amazing new business idea? You can now apply
for grants for innovative business ideas. Check out this article for more information: http://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/roy/media-releases/46m-aussie-companies-storm-new-markets
What to do until work begins:
You have so many options! Read on…
Activities:
If you choose so, you will never be bored
in Australia. No matter where you live, there are countless activities for
kids, teens and adults. I live in Melbourne, and I haven’t had one quiet
weekend since I moved in! Here are some ideas to keep you busy no matter where
you’re living, then I’ll give you a list of some adventures and events
throughout Australia.
Volunteer
work: great for all ages; a way to give back and connect
to your new community and make friends https://govolunteer.com.au/
Babysitting: teens! this is a great
way for you to make some money and keep busy when you first arrive. It could
also be a good way to meet people and new friends in your neighbourhood
Tutoring: this is a great job
opportunity for teens and allows them to give back to the community and make
new connections
Blogs: writing a blog about
your experiences is a great creative outlet and allows you to connect with
friends back home. You can include photos, cafes and bars you enjoyed and
stories about your first impressions of your new home.
Social
groups/Meetup.com: joining
meetup.com and other local social groups is a fantastic way to make friends and
connections. Events in practically every category are available (arts, sports,
hiking, film, writing, etc.) http://www.meetup.com/
Workshops: Signing up for a
workshop is a great creative outlet and a perfect way to meet other likeminded
people. You can easily find workshops in writing, art, and more. http://www.work-shop.com.au/
Short
courses: Your little pocket of free time could be the perfect
time to take a course in something you’ve always wanted to learn more about. Many of the universities throughout Australia
offer short or single courses in a wide variety of subjects. Here are just a
few options:
Arts and
crafts: Another fun activity is to get involved with arts
and crafts. You can find local classes, art groups and great art stores. Check
out meetup.com for art groups and workshops
Shopping: for your new home (and maybe a
little something for yourself...)
You just moved into your new place, so I’m
assuming you’ll need to pick up a few things to make your new home feel like
home. And perhaps you need to do a little bit of shopping before you start your
new job. Here are some great sites for incredible deals:
1.
Trade Secret – you can find this store all throughout Australia. It offers
incredible deals on clothing, home décor and more. http://www.tradesecret.com.au/category/blog/
2.
50 Best Online Shopping Sites – perfect for when you’re too busy (or exhausted!) to
leave your couch to go shopping. Tons of brands just a click away. http://www.finder.com.au/online-shopping
3.
Mydeal.com.au – shop for everything from furniture to clothing to electronics. Its
all here and you can be sure you’ll find some great deals. http://www.mydeal.com.au/
4.
IKEA – you can pretty
much never go wrong with IKEA. I’ve furnished full apartments with IKEA
furniture and it looks great. Affordable and beautiful. Plus, you can buy
lovely wine glasses for under $10...
Relax and browse: http://www.ikea.com/au/en/
5.
My Furniture Store – great discount prices on every type of furniture. http://www.myfurniturestore.com.au/
6.
Buy furniture online – 17 places to buy furniture online: http://www.finder.com.au/furniture-homewares
7.
Sell Buy Swap – this is a great site to sell, buy and swap furniture and more.
Definitely worth a look! http://www.sellbuyswap.com.au/
Events for you… and the Kids!
Don’t forget about the
kids while you’re enjoying your online shopping and catching up on long
forgotten art courses! There are tons of activities you can do with your kids
before starting work. Here are some awesome events and activities for
everyone:
Melbourne:
Events:
Kids
Activities and Classes:
Trampoline
Park:
200 Things for Kids and Families to do in Melbourne: http://www.melbourneplaygrounds.com.au/melbourneplaygrounds-info.php?id=24192
20
Things to do in Melbourne with Kids:
Sydney:
Events:
Daily Ideas for Sydney Mums:
Kids events and classes:
Brisbane:
Events:
Kids Events and Classes:
Perth:
Events:
Kids Events and Classes:
·
http://www.bubhub.com.au/directory/find/kids-gym-drama-yoga-music-cooking-classes-perth-wa/ -- drama, yoga,
cooking and music for kids!
Adelaide:
Events:
Kids Events and Classes:
·
http://www.bubhub.com.au/directory/find/kids-gym-drama-yoga-music-cooking-classes-adelaide-sa/ -- drama, yoga,
cooking and music for kids!
Darwin:
Events:
Kids Events and Classes:
· http://www.bubhub.com.au/directory/find/kids-gym-drama-yoga-music-cooking-classes-darwin-nt/ -- cooking and yoga
for kids
Canberra:
Events:
Kids Events and Classes:
Hobart:
Events:
Kids Events and Classes:
I hope these tips help you fill your newfound free time, keep you
thinking positive and allow you to enjoy your new home. I wish you the best of
luck on settling in, exploring the city, and of course, finding the perfect
furniture. Adventure on!
Elite Cultural Discovery assists you with
every aspect of your move to a different country where you will live like a
local with all the support or as little support as you need to fit right
in. www.eliteculturaldiscovery.com
As a world traveler from
birth, Rahel has been sharing her experiences through photography, creative
writing, poetry and film. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Rahel has moved to
three countries on her own and hopes to inspire others to travel and learn about
themselves and others in the process. Rahel currently lives in Melbourne,
Australia.
