======= Date Modified 04 Jun 2012 21:07:47 =======
Did Wally move to Australia or not? I'd love to know and no-one is responding to my PM's!!!

Since no-one responded to my PM's I've closed down the system again.

Hi there, Delta - thank you for your kind thoughts! It has taken me a little longer to progress with the move the Australia than I originally anticipated for one thing and another. The visa has now almost been approved and I'll be moving this month. It is, to put it mildly, the craziest thing I've ever done and I am absolutely bricking it. No friends, no family are going with me. I'm effectively going to be starting again. I'm lucky in that having been in current new job since finishing my PhD, I've come out of my shell a lot and am a fair bit more confident and will hopefully be okay. There are just two simple words spurring me on: 'what if?'
Truth be known, I've actually been thinking about the good people of this forum quite a bit who I effectively spend 3 years studying with. How are things at your end, Delta? Have you made any inroads career-wise? PM me if you can.
I'm actually going to start a thread as I'm in desperate need of some advice...

No problems. I really wanted to know and I knew it had been 6 months so a decision would have to have been made. I'm not surprised you're bricking it - I would be to - what you are doing is not easy but I hope it proves to be worthwhile. If it helps, I've applied for 4 jobs in Australia, written to about 30 universities in Australia but with no success. If I could get something in Australia I would go, but with a heavy heart, because I think the limitations here are too great. My take on it is to go and throw yourself into it as I would. I've never moved anywhere near that far but I have moved hundreds of miles away from all my friends and family before a couple of times and my experience has been people will look out for you and try to help you settle in. Some really did go out of their way for me, even though they didn't know me. That said, you will also have to put yourself out there and venture outside your comfort zone as many of the people around you will have their own lives. Expect to feel anxious and worried, you will feel very lonely at times out there and like a fish out of water but accept you will experience these feelings. Go with a positive frame of mind and a determination to make it work but remember you'll always have a place called home to come back to, if things don't go to plan. I honestly believe given ALL you've said over time you have more to gain than lose by doing this. I envy and admire you.

I'll send you a PM but all the very best(up)

How exciting! :-) You'll be fine!

As I'm getting closer to the end (not that I actually believe I will ever finish...) I am beginning to wonder what I will do afterwards. I hadn't really thought about that at all before I started. :$