In Sydney, Work Does Not Eat Up Life
Set in a unique position on a breath-taking bay, Sydney is one of world's most beautiful and livable cities. After living for two years here, I can bear witness to this! With its pleasantly warm climate, a dazzling coastline home of many natural parks interspersed with over 120 beachs, not to mention the Sydneysiders' welcoming attidute, it is hard not to be charmed by Australia's biggest city. Those who move here find an open and cosmopolitan society, and an economy still full of opportunities for those who want to invest their talents.
Not even the horrific December attack at Martin Place managed to put the inclusive nature of Australian society in question. The people's reaction was firm and dignified. In the hours of siege of the café, the population showed self-discipline and cooperation, and, afterwards, impressive solidarity for the victims of its deadly outcome.
Since I live at mid-point between the beaches and the financial neighborhood, I do without having a car without regretting it, because when it is really indispensable (it seldom is) I can easily use the city's carsharing services.
In Sydney, life starts very early in the morning, usually by doing sports. From surf to running, from biking to yoga, the choices are really many. It's here I decided to devote my spare time to trail running and bushwalking. What I initially considered waking up at an ungodly hour soon became a healthy habit that has enabled me to live what the city has to offer to the full. It's sports, in addition to work, the great socializing activity in Australia.
The Australians I have met share a genuine interest and curiosity for all things European, cultural and otherwise. They tend to be direct and transparent, and have a strong sense of ethics. Work is taken very seriously, but it's usually confined to business hours, to leave room for personal life, and a more balanced lifestyle. Lunch breaks are short and people are efficient and productive during work hours, but you have time for yourself at the end of the workday.
It's no wonder that Australia is one of the favorite destinations of young Italians seeking work abroad. In 2013, 22,000 were visas given to Italians entering Australia (16,000 to people aged 18-30), thus breaking the 1950 immigration record, and early data for 2014 suggest an additional increase.
However this is a country where you should come prepared, especially if you want make the leap from "tourist" to "resident". It's best to start planning early, and establish contacts before moving here, having well clear in mind the objective one wants to achieve. The job market is very competitive, but offers good opportunities of professional development and immigration rules are more flexible, allowing extra reflection time to aspiring expats.
The most common way to migrate to Australia is the working holiday visa, which lasts 12 months, is reserved to those under 31, and is renewable for another year under certain conditions. This can be followed by a sponsorship – i.e. a permanency at the explicit request of company– and a permanent residency, the last step before being able to acquire full citizenship.
In order for the move to Australia to be successful, it must be adequately planned. Whoever has a specific professional experience or profile has an advantage, but there are opportunities for everybody and a European background is often considered a plus. You also must have an ear for it: Australian English is spoken with a heavy accent and comes with its own slang – if they call a meeting for this arvo, remember to show up in the afternoon!