Career Advice - Which Job to Choose?

Cynicaloflife on 02/10/2022 - 12:16
Last edited 04/10/2022 - 09:32 by 1 other user

Hi Everyone,

I always wanted to experience a new country and hence applied for UK Roles.

After a lot of applications and hard work, I am lucky to have received a job in London with a global company offering sponsorship.

However, I have also received an Australian job offer which is 15-20% higher than the UK Role with the bonus of it being remote (but can't work from overseas alas :/).

With the pound tanking and the possibility of UK going to recession, this is making it difficult for me to come to a conclusion.

On one hand experience a new workplace and on the other better pay.

Just wondering everyone's thoughts?

Thanks!

Poll Options

  • 145
    Take the UK Position
  • 265
    Take the Australian Position.
Education & Work

Comments

        • Willy Beamish on 04/10/2022 - 23:14

          Facts don't back up anything you said regarding being "waaaay higher"

    • R4 on 04/10/2022 - 20:53

      Disagree about the cost of living. IMO they're pretty much the same with Australia probably a bit more expensive overall.

  • drfuzzy on 04/10/2022 - 18:17
    +2

    I would get out of Australia while you can.
    UK wouldn't be my first choice but give it a shot.

  • ju2au on 04/10/2022 - 18:53

    Normally, I'd say take the overseas option. However, with the ever increasing news of dire economic conditions in Europe, it's probably not a good idea right now. With past history as a guide, bad economic conditions usually lead to social unrest and that might affect your personal safety.

    Also, it can get really cold in the UK. What's your experience in living in cold climates?

  • thanatos350 on 04/10/2022 - 18:56
    +2

    I'm not even particularly old and I kind of regret not working abroad.

    You might as well give it a go. Would it be that hard to find a decent job if you tried it, didn't like it, and returned? Is there really that much to lose?

  • DiscoJango on 04/10/2022 - 19:32

    Theres no right or wrong with this decision, its just one of those life decisions that you need to make. If you do or dont, either way you will look back and think 'what if'

  • archieduh on 04/10/2022 - 20:37

    Oz is facing a skills shortage. Do the right thing for your country and serve it. That's my take.

  • R4 on 04/10/2022 - 20:42
    +5

    If money is important to you, then the Australian role is the one. But money is not everything and although London is a bit of a shithole, it's a World city with lot's to see and do and is one of the best hubs on the planet for travel.

    I lived in London and Surrey for 10 years and although I liked it there. it's not a place I'd want to grow old in. The rat race of SE England is something that you may not want to experience. It's horrible and it certainly broke me. I did travel extensively from the UK, which was great and that kind of experience is not readily available from Australia.

    IMO, Australia is probably the best place in the World to live for what I do and what I earn. I have a good income which gives me a lifestyle that I love and would be hard to replicate across much of the World. If I was younger though, I'd definitely be off working and travelling - but safe in the knowledge that I'd eventually be coming back home.

  • Cletus vandamme on 04/10/2022 - 22:36
    -1

    Definitely do it when the world economy gets back to normal. It's a very odd time and very risky to settle down in a foreign country now.

    • Cynicaloflife on 05/10/2022 - 00:30

      With the potential for Europe going into a recession this winter its probably going to take a couple more years to get back on track - time which I unfortunately don’t have to spare.

      Also, the job Market in London is on fire with Uk unemployment at record low levels (similar to Australia). Companies are sponsoring people with skills from junior to mid-level. I am not sure if the market will still be this strong next year…

      • chriise on 05/10/2022 - 19:24
        +1

        Honestly go for it dude

        I was on the other side of this coin 8 years ago. The only thing I kept coming back to is: in 5-10-20 years… which choice would I look back on and regret most? Made it easy… nothing else mattered. All I knew is I needed to take that 2 year adventure and see where it takes me. Been a long 2 years so far, though..!

    • drfuzzy on 05/10/2022 - 13:28
      +3

      Many people try to wait for the ideal time to do everything. Eventually they are old age and still waiting.

  • CurryPuff on 05/10/2022 - 04:24
    +4

    As someone who moved from Sydney to London a few years ago (working in IT), London was far better than Australia for work opportunities as well as travel. Having spent 3 and a half years in London with seeing most of Europe in that time has been awesome.
    I've now moved with work to SF and seeing the work opportunities and the lifestyle my family and I want, we don't see ourselves coming back to Australia anytime soon.
    Once you experience the world outside, you'll realise how small Australia feels.

    Highly recommend the UK role (as long as you see potential opportunities outside of your current one)
    Edit: I'm in my 30s

  • The Wololo Wombat on 05/10/2022 - 08:13
    +2

    Which one will you regret not doing later? You’ll regret not going to the UK.

  • Mistredo on 05/10/2022 - 13:51
    +1

    If you are alone without any dependents, go abroad. Money is not everything. You can come back in a year or two if you want.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2022 - 18:40

    Double check what fringe benefit UK company offers first as they don't have stupid FBT. It might actually reduce the 15-20% you are talking about.

    I used to work with a UK colleague with largely subsidised train ticket provided by the employer.

    The same employer didn't give us any apart from salary and super stating it costs too much here due to FBT.

  • j-rock on 05/10/2022 - 18:41

    Agree with R4 and Curry Puff. I did the London thing in my 20's. For me (IT) the opportunities and earning potential over there were much better at the time.

    It's hard to articulate in only a small number of sentences and to strangers on the internet. But I can honestly say it was one of the best few years of my life (thus far).
    Though I have a friend that was there at the same time who hated it. So 🤷.

  • n0u on 05/10/2022 - 19:20
    +1

    I'm someone who made a similar move when I was 26 and have since come back to Melbourne, I say go for it as the experience can't be bought - no amount of money can replace the time you'll have. A few random reflections (feel free to ask if you want to know anything specific):

    My experience wasn't always positive. I thought the travel opportunities would be amazing but the reality of weekend trips is they are quite rushed and you enter the next work week feeling tired (most times I'd fly back late Sunday night and go straight to bed). You can always take extended annual leave and travel to places you want to go to.

    Food in London is very sad and expensive compared to our amazing variety in Australia (or Melbourne, I should say - I am not sure about other places).

    Meeting new people and making friends is pretty easy if you're into sports or other group activities. I joined a soccer (football) team and got quite close to a few people on the team.

    Lastly, London is an extremely expensive city (unless you want to live on the outskirts). I would ensure that any company you're interviewing with offers a fair package. When I moved over I received a 30% pay increase for the same job (Australia pay is low!), and had my work visa, flights, moving costs and first 3 months accommodation covered. In my expat circle this seems to be standard for any company hiring abroad so don't shortchange yourself. The weakening exchange rate also doesn't help if you have an Australian mortgage to service!

  • od810 on 05/10/2022 - 19:21
    +1

    Toss a coin and make your call :). It can be a good experience but it might not be as bad as "holy shit i will regret for the rest of my life". I used to live in Germany and Italy, i will not come back to live in Europe ever again. But it was a good experience when i was young.

  • SoapyWooder on 05/10/2022 - 21:18

    How much money are we talking here?

  • Cynicaloflife on 08/10/2022 - 00:00
    +3

    Thanks for everyone’s valuable suggestions here. I have had a long and hard think and have decided to go with the UK offer.

    I only get one opportunity at this in life and I have worked really really hard to get the offer.

    Other than cash, I don’t really have anything to lose but on the other hand I would be improving personally and professionally.

    • ju2au on 08/10/2022 - 14:47

      Good luck and all the best!

  • cupcake on 12/10/2022 - 15:42

    Go for it. You keep talking about it but can't decide. Not getting any younger.

    • Yola on 12/10/2022 - 16:32

      He decided on 8 October, see comment above but one.

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