Working Holiday/Traveling?

[Matt]

Anyone done it?

I'm stuck between doing it or not, I'm fed up of looking for work that quite clearly isn't there in this country at the moment, and my mate who is in a similar posistion has said he'd consider it.

I'm not saying there will be work in the country I do a working holiday or travel in (Probably Australia, stopping at a few countries on the way there or back) but I do believe Australia is one of the countries in less shit than others, and besides I know for a fact they have more of my type of work over there - Although I understand it has now been took of the 'Critical List'.

It's just such a big decision and such a far distance, I'm looking out more for a my mum (awwwww) she only really has me, My Dad's died, My Grandma and Grandad have died, There is still my Dad's side of the family but we're not that close (TBH we're closer to our family in Australia), She has many friends who are almost 'extended family' and are close but I just feel i'd be leaving her on her own, on the other hand I've got to live my own life, and i've been told by many people (Older people) they had the opportunity and didn't do it and now regret it.

And then there is always not being able to watch LCFC

I'm asking this question and I probably won't even do it, but just feeling abit down and frustrated this afternoon after getting set back, after set back when phoning companies and getting no's, then I read and see how depressing England is - Not that hard to see and realise is it? Then again 'The grass is always greener on the other side' is a quote many people say, and once you live in another country/place for a while no doubt that gets just as frustrating and annoying as here.

[Monk]

It's ironic that you posted this today, as I am currently faced with a similar decision. It looks like my girlfriend will not be allowed to work in the UK (pending what the home office decide) and it is very difficult for me to move to the states because of health insurance reasons.

We've decided to look into teaching in Japan for a year. There are many schools and agencies that will hire, pay for your flights and organise training - you don't need to be qualified, and the jobs earn about £25k. Hopefully that would allow us 12 months of having fun in Japan and several months encompassing asia afterwards. They also have a national health scheme which should pay for my medication.

I'm giving it some serious thought. As I've had a kidney transplant I have to take every opportunity I have to live life to the full - but is it a risk too far. I guess I can't see myself regretting it. I've been to Japan before and loved it - also taught an evening class while I was there and it was pretty fun.

If you're planning to do it on your own you need to consider the loneliness of it all - just moving to Australia doesn't integrate you socially. Have you looked at maybe doing a work placement through BUNAC? They will place you in work in Canada, NZ, Australia and a few other places too. Plus you would meet loads of people.

I don't know how much cash you have behind you but if you are going to that end of the world you could travel on the way there as you suggest - I would reccommend South America, very cheap to get around and some amazing experiences.

I say go for it - now you have the idea in your head, if you don't do it you'll always be bitter that you never gave it a try.

[Alexikokopops]

It's ironic that you posted this today, as I am currently faced with a similar decision. It looks like my girlfriend will not be allowed to work in the UK (pending what the home office decide) and it is very difficult for me to move to the states because of health insurance reasons.

That's no irony, it's just coincidence!

As an aside one of my sister's friends from Uni (who I also know to some degree) went out to Japan to teach for a year. He's been there for four years now and has married a local, you might end up staying there longer than you think (although probably not marrying a local)! I'll see if I can get some information on which company he originally did his teaching through.

[Monk]

Blackadder: Baldrick, have you no idea what irony is?

Baldrick: Yes, it's like goldy and bronzy only it's made out of iron.

[Monk]

That's no irony, it's just coincidence!

As an aside one of my sister's friends from Uni (who I also know to some degree) went out to Japan to teach for a year. He's been there for four years now and has married a local, you might end up staying there longer than you think (although probably not marrying a local)! I'll see if I can get some information on which company he originally did his teaching through.

Thanks, that would be a big help - just trying to get as much info as I can at the moment

[Webbo]

Anyone done it?

I'm stuck between doing it or not, I'm fed up of looking for work that quite clearly isn't there in this country at the moment, and my mate who is in a similar posistion has said he'd consider it.

I'm not saying there will be work in the country I do a working holiday or travel in (Probably Australia, stopping at a few countries on the way there or back) but I do believe Australia is one of the countries in less shit than others, and besides I know for a fact they have more of my type of work over there - Although I understand it has now been took of the 'Critical List'.

It's just such a big decision and such a far distance, I'm looking out more for a my mum (awwwww) she only really has me, My Dad's died, My Grandma and Grandad have died, There is still my Dad's side of the family but we're not that close (TBH we're closer to our family in Australia), She has many friends who are almost 'extended family' and are close but I just feel i'd be leaving her on her own, on the other hand I've got to live my own life, and i've been told by many people (Older people) they had the opportunity and didn't do it and now regret it.

And then there is always not being able to watch LCFC

I'm asking this question and I probably won't even do it, but just feeling abit down and frustrated this afternoon after getting set back, after set back when phoning companies and getting no's, then I read and see how depressing England is - Not that hard to see and realise is it? Then again 'The grass is always greener on the other side' is a quote many people say, and once you live in another country/place for a while no doubt that gets just as frustrating and annoying as here.

I don't know anything about the subject of this thread but I think it's a great idea. If I was your age/in your situation I'd like to think I'd do the same (though I'd probably chicken out).

I'm sure your mother wouldn't want to hold you back, especially if it's only for a year. Hopefully when you get back the work situation will be better. Go for it, I'm sure you won't regret it.

[Matt]

I don't know anything about the subject of this thread but I think it's a great idea. If I was your age/in your situation I'd like to think I'd do the same (though I'd probably chicken out).

I'm sure your mother wouldn't want to hold you back, especially if it's only for a year. Hopefully when you get back the work situation will be better. Go for it, I'm sure you won't regret it.

Yep, This is my thoughts.

I've contemplated this, I've always mentioned it and had plans to do it, sometime, but when is sometime? Is that just an excuse to keep putting it off, I think so.

I'm just looking into things on the net for now, Looking into a working visa, eligabilty, job availiablity, quality of lifestyle, how much it would cost, e.t.c

[Darkzzz_]

I would love to do something like this too. I would be more than happy with moving to London first of all, this is something I want to do very soon. Then I will take it from there. It is just being able to get a job in London for me, I wouldn't say I am skilled in anything as I was a college drop out and obviously a skill behind you is important....

Oh and good luck to you guys what ever you decide to do...

[welck12]

Anyone done it?

I'm stuck between doing it or not, I'm fed up of looking for work that quite clearly isn't there in this country at the moment, and my mate who is in a similar posistion has said he'd consider it.

I'm not saying there will be work in the country I do a working holiday or travel in (Probably Australia, stopping at a few countries on the way there or back) but I do believe Australia is one of the countries in less shit than others, and besides I know for a fact they have more of my type of work over there - Although I understand it has now been took of the 'Critical List'.

It's just such a big decision and such a far distance, I'm looking out more for a my mum (awwwww) she only really has me, My Dad's died, My Grandma and Grandad have died, There is still my Dad's side of the family but we're not that close (TBH we're closer to our family in Australia), She has many friends who are almost 'extended family' and are close but I just feel i'd be leaving her on her own, on the other hand I've got to live my own life, and i've been told by many people (Older people) they had the opportunity and didn't do it and now regret it.

And then there is always not being able to watch LCFC

I'm asking this question and I probably won't even do it, but just feeling abit down and frustrated this afternoon after getting set back, after set back when phoning companies and getting no's, then I read and see how depressing England is - Not that hard to see and realise is it? Then again 'The grass is always greener on the other side' is a quote many people say, and once you live in another country/place for a while no doubt that gets just as frustrating and annoying as here.

I've been traveling numerous times, about to head off again very soon as well. Last place i actually did was australia as well. Work wise over there, there is work as long as you aint fussy on what you do. Iworked in 2 factories; one being make-up cabinets and the other concrete paving slabs. There is a lot of places that are happy to take on travellers as they know you will work for a few months then move on, which often suits them as they have to let staff go if it goes quiet anyway. Even if you do go on your own (i go on my own all the time) dont worry about that, the people you will meet in hostels are always in the exact same situation. A lot of the times you'll meet people who will be going in the same direction as you and you just go together. Plus i found that anyone who goes with 1 other person tends to usually not meet as many people as when you go out you talk to each other, where as on your own you just talk to whatever person is sat next to you at the time!

I always feel the same when i come back to england, get bit depressed about being stuck here and knowing that there's so much more out there. You have the rest of your life to be stuck in a full time job with a house and mortgage etc. Realisticly you only really have the chance to travel when your young; unless you retire early with a big pension, but then who's to say that your actually going to live that long anyway?

If you need any help with things like visas etc or anything else i'm more than happy to help if i can

[Leicfox]

Fruit picking in Europe was something i was considering years ago, but i never went through with it.

If you go down your local job centre there should be loads of these kind of jobs in this time of year. You start off at one place and there is always other travellers that are doing the same, you just tag along with them to the next place. Money is not great but you earn enough to get by.

[Darkzzz_]

I've been traveling numerous times, about to head off again very soon as well. Last place i actually did was australia as well. Work wise over there, there is work as long as you aint fussy on what you do. Iworked in 2 factories; one being make-up cabinets and the other concrete paving slabs. There is a lot of places that are happy to take on travellers as they know you will work for a few months then move on, which often suits them as they have to let staff go if it goes quiet anyway. Even if you do go on your own (i go on my own all the time) dont worry about that, the people you will meet in hostels are always in the exact same situation. A lot of the times you'll meet people who will be going in the same direction as you and you just go together. Plus i found that anyone who goes with 1 other person tends to usually not meet as many people as when you go out you talk to each other, where as on your own you just talk to whatever person is sat next to you at the time!

I always feel the same when i come back to england, get bit depressed about being stuck here and knowing that there's so much more out there. You have the rest of your life to be stuck in a full time job with a house and mortgage etc. Realisticly you only really have the chance to travel when your young; unless you retire early with a big pension, but then who's to say that your actually going to live that long anyway?

If you need any help with things like visas etc or anything else i'm more than happy to help if i can

Powerful...

So so true...

I wish I had the balls, my missus wouldn't do it. I often wonder do I stop myself from doing things I want to do because of others....

[ozleicester]

DO IT !

Your young....got nothing to lose, life is for living.

Australia is still suffering the reccesion, however its certainly not as bad as most of the world. Fruit picking etc is reasonably easy to get work.

Just suck everything out of life that you can...you only get one shot.