Moving To Australia 8 Months On | How We Feel About It All

[@kathrynhee8155]

Love you guys. You’re so positive. When I was young I lived in Britain for 4 years so I absolutely understand that feeling of not being totally settled. Even though one speaks the same language you don’t really understand all the unwritten societal rules. I’m really impressed by you open mindedness and willingness to embrace a new culture. We absolutely embrace and love people like you who want to become Australian. This doesn’t mean you don’t miss family and friends but ultimately it’s your attitude which will help you feel at home. Can’t wait until you become Australian citizens. You’re amazing. Welcome to Australia.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks for all the kind words Kathryn. We can't wait to become citizens too

[@suku420]

Another quality update. Had it not been for Covid, we would already be in Brisbane as well. Like you Ross, I've had the same 20 year calling to move down under. Love how casually you put it "you could always move back". Spot on - you're stronger for the experience. Well done both.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks. Gotta scratch that itch or it'll just get worse

[@johnmceleney1408]

My parents left the UK for Australia when I was 2 and my sister was 4 and never looked back - we had /have no family in Australia. (I’m now 50yo) I’ve been back to the UK several times - but thank my parents all the time for making that big decision to leave family and friends and move to Australia - I’m Aussie through and through (despite my place of birth) - best place on earth in my opinion. Brissy is my city too 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Freespeech141]

Thanks for your honest video. We came to Aus from Liverpool 30 years ago. I fully relate to your feelings about family and feeling at home. We were so busy at first then had two children, we didn’t pay much attention to our feelings, actually. But after the kids were born I got very homesick, because I longed for my family to meet them. We planned a trip back but serious illness and trying to renovate a very old house caused a delay. We eventually did it and saw family 🙏 lovely. But…..we were glad to get back to our little house! Then I knew we were at home here. Since then we’ve had many visits from family from uk. They were great! Showing people around and my sister adores Aus! She won’t hear a bad word, we had some lovely times here, so I see that as sharing a new experience with them. They were glad and had the benefit of us setting the path. This is a migrant country, millions of people from all over the world have settled and had same experience, we are not alone! It’s the nature of this “sunburnt country” You’ll settle ok, I can tell. Have some people visit from uk. You’ll see your home differently. Aus is your home. But…..I actually feel I love both countries, I’m lucky, I have two homes. I got sick of people asking me which I prefer, I now say I love both. That’s normal! Cheers 🥂

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Such an interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing

[@Freespeech141]

@@ThatJohnstonLife PS - our eldest son went back to uk with his girlfriend and worked for 6 months in Stoke, they both had dual citizenship, they had a great time, so that’s a benefit for your kids that you can’t see yet.

[@Sydneysider1310]

Hi Ross & Samantha - Really enjoyed your chat with us. You both seem really relaxed & settled even though you still have a few reservations. I think you'll feel like this is home after your first visit back to the UK, but I'm sure you'll always call UK home, it's only natural. Like the Peter Allen song that Aussie expats all love "I Still Call Australia Home". If you live somewhere for the first 20 years of your life, that holds all those lifetime memories that stay with us no matter what. You'll enjoy exploring Australia when you eventually can, you'll also realise the vastness of it too.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Great way of putting it. May have to Google the song

[@Sydneysider1310]

@@ThatJohnstonLife Qantas took the song & turned it into many ads from the 90s till recently. Australian children's choir features in many with one of the best versions starting with a young first nations boy singing in an aboriginal language. Australians can't hear it without a tear in their eye. Lots of version on KZbin. Peter Allen wrote it when he was living o'seas

[@paulafowler9865]

I'm sure you guys are such an inspiration to other young couples. Awesome info!!

[@ohmydavis7485]

Your videos are so interesting and informative! Love them! I am a disability support worker in the Uk and coming to Brisbane so nice to hear there are jobs in Australia.

[@miajohnson2467]

Hey guys thats a really helpful and awesome video. As I mentioned on another comment in a previous video. We lived in Australia for 7/8 years and loved it and moved home with our 12 week year old to be close to family knowing we may come back to Australia as we are citizens. However coming back with a toddler (3 years old) is like going to Australia with new eyes.. in some ways and I found it useful hearing your comments on living over there as a family with a little one. Our little one is also a girl, first grandchild and I know it will be for me gut wrenching moving away from grandparents.... but also like you guys mentioned you have to live your own life etc. Also ha ha your right your little girl can live a great outdoor life instead of being stuck inside for 8 months of the year. You know what... I thought I would enjoy the seasons again... but its horrid how long the UK winter lasts..... that alone is enough for me to move back. Enjoy guys. Great videos. Keeps me inspired in this world world of covid lol.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Mia. One of the main reasons we left was to escape the darkness too. Seems like you end up just waiting for the summer all the time

[@brilliantbutblue]

Heads up to anyone outside of Oz watching this, NOT EVERY STATE is the same. Ross and Sam are talking about their experiences in Brisbane/Queensland. The traffic in Melbourne is HORRENDOUS with a 26mile trip taking 1.5hrs plus in peek time, the job situation in Melbourne is terrible with mostly casual/short term jobs only and it's been like that for years. On the upside l can see 4 pubs from my backyard which is different to what Ross has in Brisbane🍻🍺. And then there is the C word!! Sam my Father cries daily that he can't see us and he only lives on the other side of Melbourne!!! The endless lockdowns are certainly having a huge impact on mental health , constant state of anxiety, can relate to your family back home in the UK😕. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. 👍

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Stay safe down in Melbourne guys, if not for covid and lockdowns but also the traffic! Sounds horrible

[@peterbreis5407]

You've convinced me. I'm moving to England just so I can migrate to Australia!

[@kiayacarterbrace]

Oh Maz, I love you. You're soo real and genuine. Honestly, listening to you talk, you truly talk like you're talking to a mate. Thank you soo much for always being so open and honest. It's a lovely way to be 🤍

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Aww thanks, but who's Maz lol

[@kiayacarterbrace]

Oh ffs, sorry. Manfs/Manths not Maz, is that what you call Samantha? Am I hearing it wrong 😅😂🤦🏼‍♀️

[@kiayacarterbrace]

I'm just watching another UK family I follow who's in oz and the wife on there is Maz so now I am mortified because I've clearly got your name wrong. So sorry xoxo what is your wife's name? Anyway, I love her xx

[@kayelle8005]

@@kiayacarterbrace think that must be the Bam Famalam

[@suebroderick5145]

I’m so pleased that your enjoying the Australian lifestyle & mateship. I moved from Victoria to Far North Queensland 8 years ago by myself. I didn’t know anyone here at first, but now I have some lovely friends. If you would like a holiday, come up to Cairns.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

So pleased for you on your move too. We've been to Cairns before. Love it up there

[@MiseryDesigns]

My dad came over to australia from New Zealand in 86, his mum couldn’t get use to the change and left back to nz a year later but my dad refused to fly back and stayed so that I could have a better way of life. I’m so lucky to call Australia home.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Best country in the world

[@freakstraw8452]

Yeah covid is still really bad here in England, we now have the Indian variant going around. I so can't wait to move to Australia it sounds so much better then England in so many different ways

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Stay safe

[@nicolamc3581]

There will always be a variant for the plandemic

[@Rottnwoman]

Have you noticed that you both look YEARS younger than in your UK video? Fascinating!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Must be all the fresh air!

[@helenmarysouthall]

Sam refers to the UK as “back home” several times. Australia has a better lifestyle, but whether it feels like home is another matter. Have dual citizenship and love both countries for different reasons. The flora and fauna of the UK feels like my natural habitat and more like “home”. Australia feels so free and expansive. I also appreciate the more relaxed attitude of the people and the stunning nature - just a lot feels very alien, as I grew up in the UK. Wish the two places weren’t so far apart and expensive to travel between.

[@robertthomson1587]

Yes, the traffic in Brisbane is much lighter than that in Sydney.

[@johntyson8932]

Moving at different ages is certainly something to think about. I moved here full time when I was 46 and that was an experiance.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Wow. Big life change. I hope it went well for you

[@johntyson8932]

@@ThatJohnstonLife Thank you - I had a good job from day 1 with a company apartment and car for the first 9 months so that was a big help.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

@@johntyson8932 fantastic! Every little helps!

[@Britstralian]

Great video guys. Fortnightly pay 🙌 and Australian coffee ☕👌 You forgot to mention the mushrooms like you did on the podcast 😂

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

It's been so long since I bought them I've literally forgot they exist

[@carolfleming9715]

I think you’ve both done amazingly well

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Carol

[@markway8208]

Two things you mentioned that I as an Australian do understand that being the Pub difference, I find in the cities it's more about modern, fast, high turnover which is where the most revenue comes from so the true old pub style does not fit this scenario, however, the small country town do which has that cozy family-friendly feeling with great service fantastic home-cooked meals and of course a great selection of beer on tap. So when you do start to venture out and about this great country you will at least get a great country-friendly pub with a variety of ice-cold beer on tap. 🍺🍺🍺

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

We need to visit more country towns!

[@mushy111]

You are very lucky to be around Brisbane area. The people are much friendlier and traffic isn't as congested. Sydney and Melbourne tend to be much more congested and pretentious being vastly larger cities.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Yeah, we're very fortunate being here. Even if we could afford it, I think we'd stay away from the bigger cities. Can't wait to visit them though

[@ginni2244]

Only just discovered your videos. We are at the very beginning of the Visa process. Also hoping to move to Brisbane or Gold Coast. I’m in a very weird mind set where I’m bloody frightened of missing family and taking me 2 year old away from his grandparents. But your video has help settle those thoughts (: thank you. Will watch your other videos (:

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Ginni, really glad that we were able to help you out

[@evaadams8298]

Hi Ginny I did it the other way around and lived in the UK for 11 years. I LOVED it!, It took a good 12 months to settle in and then it got better. Eventually I moved back to Australia though.

[@Hairbyben]

Love your videos guys. Keep them coming Makes me want to come to aus so much more just wish my visa would hurry up. Been 3 years now. So hard for my fiancée not being able to see her family and they haven’t met our daughter.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

3 years waiting for a visa? Ouch. Hope it all happens for you soon

[@peterosy]

Perhaps the real test and your best feeling of where "home" is, is when you finally get to meet up with family (either in Aus or UK).

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

A lot of people say it's the flight back to Aus from the UK after your first visit. It's either, "i'm going home now" or "I want to stay in the UK as this feels like home"

[@judythomas2345]

Or maybe you will never be Australian and the uk will always be your home ?

[@fbchan6560]

What a real, no frills, video. Felt the sincerity. 👊

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I appreciate that Francis

[@kim_o_the_concrete_jungle]

Before Covid, I used to travel all up the east coast for work, and I can say that Sydney is the absolute worst for traffic. True, Melbourne is busy, but they have the M1 that at least keeps the traffic moving. Brisbane is generally pretty good, but the worst traffic jam I've ever been caught in was Brisbane to Coolangatta during the holiday season.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Sometimes it seems like the Bruce turns into a car park for no other reason than volume of traffic

[@fionahammond3437]

So glad to see it's working out well for you, we emigrated a few months before you both and have had so many similar experiences; we're so pleased we made the move and yes it's been cold, we've never felt so cold in our home! I was so pleased I'd packed hot water bottles 🤣

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

It's hard to heat a home without central heating! Weird feeling eh? Glad the move has been good for you too

[@newbris]

@@ThatJohnstonLife I’ve helped on immigration forums for years (in the past). Top two comments from British people were how cold they were inside their house (warmer outside) and the chocolate :). It’s a negative for open plan btw, much harder for reverse cycle aircon to heat huge spaces. The Qld way was always blankets on the knees growing up :)

[@wendyelainedonald]

Deciding to move to the other side of the world is a big decision. On the other hand, as you say, you can always go back again. I lived and worked in the UK (London) for a decade and loved it. I still go back each year for several months (with the exception of past 2 years). Practically I had to return to Melbourne, but it doesn't mean I didn't love every moment in London nor does it mean I have not held on to friends. Something does not have to be for ever.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I think that's a good way of thinking of it, nothing has to be forever. People today can be very polarised with their views about things, nationality and identity can be a very sensitive and devisive issue

[@newbris]

@@ThatJohnstonLife Exactly. Heard a few immigrants in the past say the “doesn’t have to be for ever” mindset helped them settle.

[@charliesaustralianadventur6711]

Loved this!, thank you guys. (Not so sure on the sparkling Shiraz though 🤔😆)Really helpful and honest. We are emigrating to Queensland in September and really taken with the Redcliffe Bay Area. I’m sure I saw you mention it on a previous video?. If you do happen to take a day trip, let us know what you think :). We have a 5 year old (despite Quarantine, loved your video on that too) we cannot wait to start our Australia adventure and give our little one the outdoor lifestyle too. Keep up the great videos 👍

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Don't knock the sparkling shiraz until you try it. I work on the peninsula. It's a lovely area. When things warm up we will do one on Redcliffe lagoon for sure but that's be a little late if you arrive in September. Good luck with your move!

[@charliesaustralianadventur6711]

@@ThatJohnstonLife I’m looking forward to trying it 🍷. Great, heard nothing but good things on the peninsula and the schools look great too. Thanks guys, have a lovely day 🦘.

[@ashleyross5701]

We moved to Newport on the redcliffe peninsula with our 5 year old 4 months ago. Great community, lots of ex pats and schools are great too!

[@charliesaustralianadventur6711]

@@ashleyross5701 Thank you so much! 🤗👍

[@kayelle8005]

How are you enjoying Qld? Tough time to arrive.

[@suehenderson2598]

Glad your loving Oz! 🇦🇺😊 Just wanted to ask what made you settle on QLD?

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Weather, pay for teachers, next largest city (opportunities)

[@Rottnwoman]

@@ThatJohnstonLife WEATHER? I was born in Brisbane (Clayfield)) and stayed there 30 years. I much prefer the Canberra region weather.

[@seanmmonaghan]

G’day Mate! I’m planning my move to Aus from the USA… have a few years until I can but your videos are very helpful. Hopefully my job is still in demand when I can make the move.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Best of luck Sean 👍

[@sarahtaylor2488]

Our chocolate is different from other countries because of our temperatures. Our chocolate has to withstand higher temps.

[@clmm7418]

Not sure which part of Bris you guys live in, i live at Bris Bayside (Manly/Wynnum) And i have a choice of 4 local pubs, my local is a proper pub too :) Go to the country for a good pub crawl lol My mum (Rest her Soul) grew up in Roma and had a pub of every corner! She did used to comment that half of them have shut over the years though. I think we are big home drinkers and we have so many non pub licenced venues. Just discovered you guys, loving it!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Will have to try the Bayside area out

[@kooltom4]

I'm Aussie, but will shoutout NZ for chocolate & dairy products generally, they are so good.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Will look out for it Sheila

[@paulrichardson5892]

great to watch your vids. glad you came over ,try to get some more of your relos and their kids to come over. can you search your experiences here and tell me the things that we could do better. im sure we drop the ball on some things but your new eyes would pick these things up easier than ours. ps . wait til you get a cyclone or a mouse /fly plague. it happens . boy oh boy. !

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@kashkab1336]

Your are a really nice couple and your chanell is very informative. Big THANK YOU for what you do as wer planning a move and we don't know where to start. We r originally from Poland but lived in the UK for last 11 years. With 2 small kids (4 and 2) this move seems quite overwhelming. Also after founding out that in Au there are only max 15 funded hours if eligible!! Omg! I bet we would never regret it when finally materialised. If you could share more of your experiences reg working in school, how you would compare the levels of education/curriculum? What are GPs like in terms of accessibility/assessment? Access to the dentist and how much it cost to pay for checks, are kids free like in the Uk? After school clubs, how much it cost at school? Swimming lessons, surfing or gymnasticks, judo, scouts or any other classes available in comparison to the uk. Many thanks and looking forward to see more of your movies as you do have a quite detailed insights. Appreciate it! Subscribed and Liked.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Whilst we're still working on creating this kind of content for the channel, we regularly post stuff like this and answer questions on our instagram

[@albertmorrisontheaustralianyrs]

welcome to Australia guys the comments regards no COVID here has certainly changed. Good to hear how your settling in and well done to you both and your little girl. Understand missing family back home and your daughter not seeing her grandparents. Like you guys say you have to make your own life. I migrated to Australia from Scotland back in 1990 and it's one of the best decisions I made. Came with my wife and son who was 12 years old at the time. It was very challenging at this time and there were lots of problems to overcome. takes a while to settle, get to know people and establish new friends. Comparing prices is typical of new migrants but that won't last. I would hate monthly pay, fortnightly is the best. Just came across your channel and watched a few. So will keep looking in. thanks for the content.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Albert

[@murbella7]

In Sydney and Melb the traffic is horrendous, especially at peak hours. But turn up the radio and relax, with eyes open of course.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Don't relax too much!

[@nicolel3041]

I really enjoyed this video, thanks guys. Im so glad ur happy here. Im sorry covids making it harder thou with family visiting. I personally think that's why you still feel in limbo and not yet 'home', is that you moved during covid, and the uncertainty of covid just has us all thinking a lil differently. I hope you feel like your Home soon I can't imagine how it must feel to move from your home country and just weeks later your watching your home country all over the news in lockdown and record highs daily ect. Makes you appreciate where we are right now. Your families sounds wonderful and loving. Cant wait to see them in future vlogs one day soon hopefully.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Aww thanks for the comment, it really helps to put things into perspective. I know that Covid has put a lot of people's lives on hold right now and we're really fortunate to be where we are and the position we're in

[@newbris]

@@ThatJohnstonLife yeah with almost 1 in 3 Australians being born someone else and close to 50% of families having an overseas born parent a lot of Australians are missing family at the moment. So many world connections severed, it’s hard. Hope the rest of the vaccine rollout goes faster. Harder for you guys being new. In normal times we have family coming twice a year as do British friends of ours.

[@lynettemahoney1710]

Housecoat and slippers thats my go in the winter.The heater comes on when it gets really really cold though.

[@jamiekirkpatrick3634]

You all seem great and yes traffic is a lot worse in the 2 bigger cities during the rush hours (note the use of plural lol). But looking forward to you experiencing more of Oz once Anna opens the borders as I find your take refreshing.

[@bricksinoz6697]

Maybe Adelaide is where you can call home. Heaps of brits consider South Australia over other states. We got the proper 4 seasons in a year down here. Best wineries. Life is slower than the bigger cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Having had a brief taste of the warm, I can safely say I could live without 4 seasons if I had to

[@TheHaymeadow]

We also have a number of Gin distilleries in SA.

[@coraliemoller3896]

Regarding the highs and lows of pricing, some food items do not attract the current 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) if they are not processed. Fresh produce is in this category. I’m not sure about a cup of coffee.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Didn't know that. Thanks Coralie

[@lynettemahoney1710]

As I’ve told you before we have been here 53 years.When we go back to Wales .We always say we’re going home to see family.

[@BrainSlug91]

Y'all need to check out the other major cities when it opens up! Melbourne has proper pubs ;)

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

It's on the list!

[@krystle2312]

Pay frequency really depends on where you work, I’ve been paid weekly, fortnightly and monthly. Just depends on what you do and where you work. I’ve found most casual jobs pay weekLy, most government,NGO and primary industry jobs fortnightly, corporate jobs monthly.

[@leahhaines5713]

I grew up in gawler south Australia we had 11 pubs, so it was great for a pub crawl. Not sure where you are? But Adelaide has plenty of pubs.

[@noway5347]

Very well put together informative vid....pragmatic and to the point....hard to be so far from the family & friends....hopefully when the covid thing lifts....you get some reuniting...goodluck for you...nice people....

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks bud. 😊

[@seeyayannapon6968]

big move like that will take you at least 3 years to feel like home. you will get there : ) best spot in aus x

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Hopefully we will feel settled earlier than that

[@simbacat5173]

When I was in School we had an SSO (school support officer) pretty much like Teacher Aids. She was full time in my high school she was the loveliest lady she helped me heaps through my depression more than a counsellor at the school, I stayed friends with her after I finished year 12, but she sadly passed away from cancer. There is full time job in, It's just not common a job will come up.

[@bethaimee881]

1000000% just a Brisbane thing haha I’m from Sydney the people are rude it’s fast paced the traffic is crazy everyone is for themselves (I work in the CBD) can’t wait to move to the Gold Coast one day (hopefully soon)

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

🤞 you can make the move soon

[@shaybie6814]

Pubs are different in country towns, you can definitely do pub crawls outside of the city. Every small town has at least 3 or 4 pubs ... county Australia is completely different to city’s like Brisbane.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Sounds like I need to find myself a little country town

[@shaybie6814]

@@ThatJohnstonLife well you need to visit some for sure! Completely different culture than the suburbs 😄, but you may need to prepare for the culture shock 🤣. Happy travels 😊

[@sashjayd3062]

🤣😂 I remember living in QLD and thinking it was cold. Now I live down South, we can see snow on the mountains behind us and I laugh about it.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Snowy mountains do look beautiful, but it's nicer to visit and return to the warm for me!

[@sashjayd3062]

@@ThatJohnstonLife Totally agree

[@tom241278]

We can’t wait for our visas to be approved. We’ve got a life waiting for us in WA!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Good luck 👍

[@tom241278]

@@ThatJohnstonLife my wife is a qualified accountant and I have worked in sales as an account manager for years. My wife should be fine for work but what are the chances of me getting a similar role in Australia in sales/account management?

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

@@tom241278 sorry bud, wouldn't have a clue. Try looking on seek.com.au for jobs. Everyone seems to advertise on there

[@marieravening927]

You will love W.A.. It's a great life style, very relaxed and very friendly. There is so much to see and discover although sometimes the distance between places is quite big. Still there's a lot of variety around Perth.

[@albertmorrisontheaustralianyrs]

Gin is popular now especially towards Sydney and chocolate is great when it's a Tim Tam

[@rafakao9577]

Hey guys thanks for the great content 💪 Would you mind to tell me how did you guys got the exemption to fly straight to Aussie and do the quarantine there? Thanks in advance 👍

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Hi Rafa. We didn't need exemption as we are permanent residents on a 189 visa

[@petercharles8306]

Have you met the wonderful BAM family from the UK on the Sunshine Coast and seen their videos?

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Not yet but maybe soon! Their channel is great

[@albertmorrisontheaustralianyrs]

Just a note regards Acknowledgement of Country the Turrbal Aboriginal Nation who I think are the Original Custodians of the Land you now live (Brisbane). I suggest if you get a chance learn about Our First Nation People and I hope you get the chance to see a Smoke Ceremony and a Welcome to Country (maybe you already have. Keep up the great content guys.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I believe it's Gubbi Gubbi where we are. Had a welcome to country by the original custodians at the school I work at to introduce the culture to the kids as well as me!

[@michelle-wf4mt]

Where about sim Brisbane are you? As traffic in northlakes is horrendous 🥺

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Yeah, we've had to sit through that before, but still not as bad as the UK

[@lido6457]

Both my kids live in Oz. Perth and Queensland 🇦🇺

[@Sydneysider1310]

Could they be any further apart?

[@TheLyds01]

Take a trip to Vic when we're back open. Lots of pubs.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

🍻

[@Dan-kb9vr]

This is just confirmed that I want to do my life long dream. I’m only 20 atm and single but the job I do would not be fun in that heat. So it’s just a lot to way up. Brisbane or Birmingham 🤔no brainer I think haha

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Get that WHV application in

[@the_jallohfamily]

Congrats on the sponsorship guys. ❤️❤️❤️ Have you filled in the form from the Settling Team yet? We did our final one in February.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Settling team?

[@the_jallohfamily]

@@ThatJohnstonLife Might just be a Canberra thing. A team dedicated to support the transition into new life!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

@@the_jallohfamily yeah, nothing like that here

[@ianbrook7793]

it's hard the first year or two with the hot weather but after that it's not bad as your blood thins a little

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Yeah, I think we're already starting to acclimatise

[@peterjames83]

Go to larger cities, Sydney/Melbourne and you will find the traffic horrendous (by local standards) however, smaller places, Hobart/Adelaide/Perth and things are easier and slower

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Need to get the right mix of traffic

[@Christopher-on9ck]

Hope you don’t mind if I ask you a question, but I’d love your thoughts on this. Having visited Australia when you were younger and then returning later in life with a family, how has it lived up to your expectations and memories? I’ve always loved Australia and I’ve been lucky enough to visit for a holiday in 2017 and then for a year starting in 2019. I have a family now and I’m desperate to emigrate to Australia in the future, but I don’t know how it would live up to my expectations; seeing as I last visited as a single bachelor! I want the lifestyle and I want my son to have a better life, but I’m worried it would be too much of an upheaval.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I visited when was 10, and then be both came over about 4 years ago. I would say so far it has exceeded my expectations. Other than not having family close, this is the best place for my daughter to grow up

[@brettevill9055]

I’m glad to see you enjoying the bubbling blood.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

It's great stuff!!

[@DebbieSun-wr2jk]

With grandparents you could find adoptive grandparents here good idea

[@davidfrisken1617]

Re pub comment. Brisbane is the only city that doesn't have pubs on every other corner(and they don't open on Sundays and close early on other days - think USA bible belt = QLD Australian style). Country towns have lost the crazy number of pubs they used to have but even now a town of 10000 will still have at least 5 pubs(down from 8+) and at least one of or all of, an RSL, bowling club and golf club.

[@michaelpiotr8674]

Nice 👍 overview guys ...keep going

[@krystle2312]

Maybe Brisbane is different to Sydney, but I’ve driven all over the world and I find Sydney drivers to be the rudest. Traffic is a lot less since COVID hit, I would say Sydney is at about 75% of normal now, so expect more traffic if people stop working from home.

[@HeathWP]

Lots these videos seem to be really QLD centric. You can literally drive 1 hour west of sydney or north of melbourne and experience the same climate as the UK. The record low for the entire continent is -23. The capital of Australia recives 3 x more days of frost than London. Australia has a thriving ski industry, the UK doesn’t. Break the stereotypes.

[@daveydaves9361]

Exactly!

[@DebbieSun-wr2jk]

And you've got eachother and if you are missing family go back for quick holiday

[@dashtyATG]

i am really happy for you guys good job

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Cheers Dashty

[@HairByJamesAnnabel]

You’ve only lived here during the pandemic, traffic may change a little when life gets back to normal

[@richardsingh5827]

Sydney was a fun place when I was last there in 2009

[@welshknight1456]

8 months, your still in holiday mode, I reckon it takes at least 2 years to adjust or even longer.

[@blacksheepev4519]

How long did it take you to feel at home over there in the end?

[@abdoaiman]

Can i just travel to Australia & look for a job there the get a visa according to that job? If you can help me with this query plz.. As for me as electrician its going to cost me a fortune before getting the visa!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Depending on your age, you could travel on a working holiday visa first

[@abdoaiman]

38 YO electrician & to make my qualifications accepted in AU it will cost £3000! So after paying all the expenses mentioned in your video it will cost me around £8000 for myself only? Need another option actually

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

@abdoaiman yeah, a working holiday visa isn't really an option then, unfortunately for you the choice may be either pay, or don't go

[@abdoaiman]

Thanks for your time ROSS

[@carolinecarter5703]

Can I ask at what point did you put your house up for sale when moving to oz ??

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

It all went on the market and sold before we got to Aus. We spent the last few months living with Sam's parents before we moved

[@carolinecarter5703]

@@ThatJohnstonLife my worry is if we sell everything and then don't get visas 😱🙈 do they OK the visas in principle and then you just wait for then to be processed??

[@ashleyross5701]

Get down to Malt n Bay brewing supplies in Margate for the gin!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I've googled and I want to go!!

[@victorwilks88]

what does the spouse have to do when they coming over with a spouses visa (main applicant )

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Mine didn't have to do anything. Everyone is part of my visa

[@victorwilks88]

@@ThatJohnstonLife perfect 👌thanks

[@emmabrown8906]

How did you get your teaching job? Did you apply once you landed in Australia?

[@foodleveling]

Thank you for sharing I food Leveling

[@Ironz89]

Hi mate me and the mrs are looking at moving to Perth anytime can I take my pension with me from the uk? How Does it work

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

To my knowledge the pensions don't transfer, but I'm a while off that yet

[@Ironz89]

@@ThatJohnstonLife thanks for all your replies mate 😀

[@juniordunkley2751]

These guys are pretty good but I feel they need to engage more with the local people and environment in Queens land

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Agreed. We have plans to get out more and show you

[@evaadams8298]

The wages are generally higher in Australia though so it is all relative....

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Definitely

[@thompsonnicki]

Has Sam had the COVID vaccine yet? Maybe share the experience in having it?

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Not yet, but trying to get it

[@krystle2312]

I think we have national shortage of disability support and aged care workers, so Sam came over with the right qualifications and experience.

[@Cruelaid]

24:21 awesome ❤👍

[@chrisrosie0584]

Now I want to know what you guys were drinking? I used to love my deep reds until my sister made me try a sweet sparkling red and now I mostly drink those haha. Brown Brothers Dolcetta and Syrah is a consistant go to, not as sweet as some of the other brands.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Sparkling Shiraz is the one

[@iskytimur4390]

Keren video nya kawan 👍

[@kayelle8005]

Spend some time in Canberra during winter so you won’t feel so cold when you go home for a visit 🤣🤣

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I've also been told to find a walk in freezer

[@kayelle8005]

@@ThatJohnstonLife there should be one in Dan’s 😆

[@wandpj]

I take it neither of you drive into the city for work. Bruce Highway/Gympie Road is a glacial carpark during peak times.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

We've done it a few times, but it's not a regular one. I think if we had to, we'd take the train

[@barrymcdonald9868]

Aurora Australis?

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Borealis technically

[@MauzyCreations]

Sydney traffic is horrible!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Will remember not to drive jn Sydney

[@samrogers7302]

Which state are you in

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

QLD

[@jakep3299]

Are you laughing at how Australians complain about our version of cold winter?

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I think I've already acclimatised and I'm feeling it too!

[@nicolerobertson817]

You need to get out of Queensland see explore rest of the country amazing how different all States are

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I can't wait to do that. Still apprehensive though with the threat of snap lockdowns!

[@nicolerobertson817]

@@ThatJohnstonLife yes its so hard right now just don't go to Victoria lol come to South Australia I see u like ur wines and we have some of the best wine regions here we lived in Redcliffe for 3 years then moved back here and yes it's freezing here right now too

[@brilliantbutblue]

@@ThatJohnstonLife : Just avoid Melbourne like it's got the plague😆, yeah we are living the dream here in Melbourne 👍