James & Kara

TOTM

Hi Guys! Tell us a bit about your professional backgrounds.

Kara

I worked on reception at BMW in the UK. I met James at work. About a year ago I got itchy feet – Australia came into the equation. We applied, thinking it would take a long time. The Visas came through in July. We first travelled through Asia and arrived in October. We gave 3 months notice.

James

I started at BMW about 4 years to Senior Technician level (started at a truck dealership first). I got in touch with Gavin for 6-8 months prior to coming to Australia. Gavin talked me through the switch to Audi. He checked in with me all the time and was really supportive. We are on working holiday visas, and through Gavin, we are now going for sponsorship.

TOTM

Where are you adventurous souls from?

James

I am from Bristol. I’ve lived there my whole life.

Kara:

I was born in Derbyshire. Family bought a hotel in Bristol when I was young, so I have lived there most of my life.

TOTM

Tell us about your Techs on the Move experience.

James

It’s brilliant.

Kara

James had the most contact, as he is the technician. I didn’t think Gavin could help me. When I mentioned that I had dealership experience, he helped me to be placed too, which is amazing.

James

As soon as I sent my application, the Techs on the Move team were constantly in contact with me.
Both: Everything was easy.

TOTM

Tell us about the difference working in Sydney, in contrast to Bristol.

Kara

You work just as hard – but more it’s more laid back. On Friday night we all go down to the pub as a group and socialize. It’s nice that the weather is better. Where we work they push you to achieve, but recognize it as well.

James

It is happier and friendlier.

Kara

We live right next to work – no commute time – as opposed to 1-hour commute.

TOTM

What do you love about Sydney?

Kara

Easy to get around – we don’t have a car yet. Everything is close by. There are great bars and restaurants everywhere. And never any trouble – you feel a lot safer here than in the UK.

James

Within 20 minutes you can be at the harbor or the beach.

Kara

Yes, the beaches are great.

TOTM

Tell us about any experiences outside of Sydney.

James

We first started off with relatives in Woolongong. Last week went off to Blue Mountains, our first experience outside of Sydney. We went hiking. Borrowed a friend’s car from work.

Kara

It was really cold, but really nice.

TOTM

What Challenges have you faced?

Kara

The use of Different phrases – learning what people at work meant by what they said.

James

Miles and Kilometers – that’s a challenge!

TOTM

What phrases threw you?

Kara

The word “ta” and “Heaps” – “I’ve got heaps of thing to do”…

TOTM

Even though you are working hard, does it feel like an extended holiday?

Kara

Going to work doesn’t feel like a chore. We do a lot more on the weekend.

James

We feel at home here now.

TOTM

What advice have you got for people who are thinking about it?

Kara

Do your research about apartments and areas. How much you pay for rent.

TOTM

Why Sydney?

Kara

Sydney is our choice – we both love London in the UK and would have moved there. This feels like London but in Australia.

James

I just love it.