Maintaining a happy relationship when moving abroad

However strong your relationship is, moving abroad can put a strain on even the most solid partnership. And if Australia is your destination - halfway around the world no less - then understandably tensions will rise during the relocation process.

The most common reasons for moving abroad often involve one partner being offered a job, or an opportunity they can't turn down. This means that the other person is often left feeling as though they have no say, or are losing out by making the move. Coupled with this the fact that during the relocation process there is so much going on in a short space of time, it's not surprising there will be a lot of stress. Factors such as where to live, working out a budget, putting the children into new schools and leaving behind friends and family - along with fear, tiredness, stress and excitement - all combine together to equal a potentially rocky time ahead.

So how do you make sure that your relationship survives the move?

First things first: it’s important to talk about how you are both feeling. It’s much better to talk it through before you leave home. Once you're on the way, and when you arrive in your new destination, there will be such a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences that any lingering doubts and issues will quickly spiral into something much worse. Talk through the things which worry each of you, and make a plan for how you will both help each other to deal with this. By regularly checking in with each other, you can make sure any potential issues are dealt with as they arise; not when it's too late to do anything.

It also goes without saying to research your new destination thoroughly before you arrive. By knowing a little bit about the local culture and the types of activities there are in the area, you can arrive with a clearer idea of how you'll settle in and make friends. If one of you is starting a new job, there may be the opportunity to talk to someone else who works in the same place, so you will automatically know someone as soon as you arrive.

Try to immerse yourself in the local culture, and become involved in it as soon as possible after you arrive. This will not only help you to adapt, but you will be accepted into your community much more quickly. Have a barbecue and invite your neighbours for example - everyone loves a chance to socialise!

Make sure that you look after each other and are aware of how you're both coping. If one partner is at work all day, surrounded by new colleagues, it can be easy to forget that the other person at home can be feeling socially isolated. Invite them along to work events or after-hours drinks, and try and do things together as much as possible outside of working hours.

Moving abroad with your partner can and will be a stressful time for everyone involved. But as long as you maintain communication and talk through any problems before they escalate then you'll be ready to start a new life in the sun together.

Helen Lock

Acorn Global and Bis Industries: Recruiting for Australia

Australia’s mining boom has been well-documented over the past few months, which has gone on to have a direct effect on the demand for skilled workers. Australia itself is currently suffering from a severe lack of these workers: out of the 20 million people currently living there, far too few are trained in the skills needed to work in the mining industry. Obviously these skills can be taught, but this takes time, and with all the resources readily available to begin the mining process it makes sense that the country has begun to look overseas for the right workforce.

One company currently looking to recruit UK employees is Bis Industries. Working with the world’s biggest mining and resource companies, Bis process, handle, haul and support millions of tonnes of material across Australia. Built on the back of over 120 years of history and experience, in the past two years the company has grown exponentially, and is now looking for employees to help build an iconic Australian brand.

After approaching the company for help, Acorn Global joined forces with Bis, and initially agreed to provide in excess of 100 workers to attend interviews for the chance to fill 50 available positions. Out of the 102 candidates invited, 102 turned up to the interviews, proving the interest and workforce is definitely out there. Candidates were invited to bring along close family, in order for any issues to be addressed, and any questions on the emigration process to be answered. After an initial registration period and an introduction to the Acorn Global company, a presentation by Bis - including real life stories from those who have made the trip abroad - was made. Following this, a range of online tests took place, ranging from health and safety and cognitive behavioural tests to a series of technical questions. This rather extensive interview process ensured that the company were able to build up proper relationships with the candidates and provide them with as much information as possible.

Of the interview process itself, the candidates described Acorn Global as “absolutely fantastic”, a “brilliant support” and “with you at every step of the application process”. Ensuring the candidates are fully aware of all the factors involved in the emigration process means that Acorn Global know exactly what they will go through - good and bad – and won’t make a decision that they may later regret.

Rick Briant, Director of People and Organisation at Bis Industries, said of the interview process, “I’ve seen a fantastic group of people over the past few days”. So fantastic in fact, that Bis decided to increase the number of candidates selected, from 50 to 73.

Summing up Acorn’s recruiting event and candidate assessing, Mark Kobulniczky, General Manager of Resourcing at Bis stated “I don’t believe any other companies are doing it to this degree and this professionally”.

If you're interested in our opportunities in Australia, take a look at the jobs page on the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Packing for the big move

Packing up your life into several hundred boxes is often one of the most stressful aspects of the relocation process. Making that initial decision to move is one thing, but putting the process in motion can make you question why you would want to move in the first place.

But packing up your home and life doesn't have to be the total nightmare you imagine. If you plan well in advance and schedule a to-do list of the most important factors to consider, you will arrive in your new destination less stressed and able to find that tin opener with the minimum of fuss.

Minimize moving damage and stress by preparing a strategy for planning. Whether moving a few miles down the road or internationally; if you have decided to pack your stuff without seeking a professional help from local removalists, then you must devise a good plan.

Getting started with packing is the most difficult task in the whole moving process. Make a list of the items to be packed, which eliminates the things that you don’t intend to carry with you to your new home, and saves you shipping them halfway around the world only to be dumped when you get there. Some people want to start a new life at a new home, with new things: it can be costly but will reduce stress in the moving process. Dispose of unwanted articles by either donating them or putting them up for sale. After getting rid of the extra household articles, prepare a list of the items to be packed. Below are a few packing tips to ensure the move goes as smoothly as possible

Invest in good quality packaging material

You can either buy boxes and packing material from a local removal company or save money by asking family and friends to donate or asking in local supermarkets. Things like tape, pens, rubbish bags, and a pair of scissors are also important to have on hand. Don’t buy same size boxes, as you will need different packing cartons for different things. Electronic appliances benefit from being packed in their original boxes, which has the added benefit of being easier to identify when you get to your new home.

Packing fragile items

Lamps, glassware and china should be packed with extra care. Bubble wrap is the best way to ensure that these fragile items will reach the destination unharmed. If in doubt, double wrap items and make sure boxes are tightly packed.

Label your boxes clearly

After packing the boxes, clearly label them with a permanent marker. While labelling, write in detail about the contents: for example, write ‘fragile kitchenware’ on the box which contains china and glassware.

Pack articles one room at one time

Pack items one room at one time. Take regular breaks during the packing process to stop things becoming overwhelming. It's also useful to pack a move-in kit for all the members of your family containing things like a towel and a toothbrush, toiletries etc.

The more carefully you pack things before the move, the more relaxed you will feel at the time of unpacking in your new home. It also means less damage and fewer arguments when it comes to settling in and starting a new life.

Helen Lock

Surprising benefits of moving abroad

Moving abroad is a learning experience in itself; dealing with the move, packing and all the paperwork involved teaches you just how resilient you really are. But it's not until you've settled into your new surroundings that the real lessons begin, and you realise there are more benefits to moving than a pay rise and year round sun.

- Shyness is a hurdle you will need to jump over quickly. As an ex-pat, you have to get used to meeting and socialising with strangers, unless you're OK with being lonely. Accept any invitation you receive in your new home, and go from there. You’ll have loads of choice if you just reach out.

- Being an ex-pat is an excellent opportunity to explore any interests and talents you've always had but have never got around to exploring. This not only helps you gain independence by branching out on your own, but it also keeps you busy and meeting new people.

- Being the partner of the person who's the reason for your move adds a lot more complexity to a relationship, making essential values such as flexibility and patience more important than ever. Both partners need to be committed to being open minded about the challenges they will face when one or both are moving to a new country. Once in a new environment you should try to be a bit more open to trying new things, and those who are already in their home country need to accept that some things they take for granted may not be (at least immediately) considered normal to their immigrant partner. Stubbornness and resistance to change can cause roadblocks and unhappiness in any relationship, but can be the downfall of an ex-pat relationship. If you can handle the first tricky months together, then you can handle almost anything!

- Culture shock is not something that may happen, but something that will happen. This may come as a surprise, but English speaking people do not all share the same culture! The differences in cultural values and norms can be even more confusing because our expectations don’t always allow for this, and we arrive unprepared.

- Being an ex-pat is something you never really get used to 100%. It is true, in a sense, that ‘you can’t go home again’. Don’t underestimate the profound change becoming an ex-pat will have on your life and you as an person. It is often hard work - not to mention challenging - but overall, it’s fun! 

For more advice and information, and lots of exciting overseas job opportunities, have a look at the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Australian mining is still going strong

You might have noticed recently that there has been a lot of press regarding the Australian mining 'boom' coming to an end. If you have been considering a career in this industry (and who wouldn't, with a salary of up to £100,000 per year and an incredible lifestyle Down Under), you may be slightly worried about all this. After all, it's natural to have concerns about giving up your current life and moving halfway around the world only to find yourself out of work within the first six months, with nowhere to go.

But is this news really something to be concerned about? Should we really believe everything we read in the press? With all the conflicting information around at the moment, it's easy to be confused. Martin Ferguson, the Australian Federal Resources Minister caused the initial uproar by stating that the "resources boom is over". However, since making that comment, he has backtracked somewhat, instead saying that "the mining boom, in terms of construction, is not over. It speaks for itself; $270 billion in committed capital investment. Gorgon is $43 billion alone, Gladstone is $55 billion, Icthys in Darwin is $34 billion, 12,000 jobs at Gladstone in the Hinterland, 4,000 on Barrow Island"

His comments now echo those of Federal Finance Minister Penny Wong, who had earlier disagreed with him, stating that "I think the mining boom has got a long way to run."

It does seem that the the boom in commodity prices may be over, but in terms of construction, the resources industry is still moving ahead. It's also worth taking into account that there are four different stages in the life cycle of a mine. Mining exploration (7-10 years), mine development (5-10 years), mine operation (2-20 years), and mine closure (2-10 years); which can mean that the life of one mine alone may last up to 40 years. Each cycle requires different skills and jobs, so if you are concerned about the longevity of the Australian mining industry, you can be rest assured that there are plenty of years left yet.


Helen lock


For more information on mining jobs and career opportunities in Australia, head over to the Acorn Global website.

Making new friends in an unfamiliar place

Missing family and friends is the number one reason that causes people to return home within six months of moving abroad. It goes without saying that you will miss people, but the question is less about whether you will get homesick, and more about how you will cope.

When you move abroad, you are making a conscious decision to do so. No doubt you will have weighed up the pros and cons of such a big commitment, so regularly reminding yourself of the reasons you chose to move in the first place (better quality of life, amazing new job etc.) may help reassure yourself that you've done the right thing.

Relocating to another country doesn't mean you will never see your friends and family again; if anything it gives them the incentive to come and visit you on a regular basis. Time spent with them will be much more appreciated, and will make you value those people even more.

One way to make the sadness of missing friends and family easier to deal with is by making friends in your new home. But firstly you need to make the decision that you actually want to make friends. This may seem obvious; however without having made this conscious decision, finding friends will feel like a chore. Below is some advice on how to make that initial connection.

- Join an exercise group, sports club or walking group; you will meet people and improve your health at the same time.

- If you are in a foreign speaking country, join a group to learn the language. This gives you the opportunity to meet others who may be new to the area and also to engage yourself in the local community.

- Find a hobby or class that you are keen on. You will find classes listed in your local paper or on the internet. These are a great way to meet people and give you an instant topic of conversation and common interest.

- Arrange an event such as a barbecue and invite your new neighbours. It’s always good to know the people who live close by, and you may be surprised how many others are also wanting to make new friends.

- If you have children, get to know some of the other parents at your new school. Often schools will have social events for parents,but striking up conversation at the school gates is a tried and tested option.

Whenever you are feeling lonely or missing friends from home remember: you are not alone. There are many others who feel exactly the same the way you do. There will always be people in the same position as you, also looking for new friends, so go on, get out there and socialise!

Helen lock

The pros and cons of emigrating

So you’ve spotted an advert for the job you want, applied, and won the interviewer over with your amazing personality. Then comes the phone call: you’ve got the job! There’s one tiny thing bothering you though. The job is abroad. As in, halfway-around-the-world abroad.

Securing a job and new life in Australia may seem like the perfect opportunity: with year-round sun, beaches everywhere you look and a huge pay increase, you’d be mad to turn it down right? But before you pack your bags and jump on the plane without a second look back, there are several factors you need to take into consideration. Below, we weigh up the pros and cons of making that big move abroad.

Pros

When people decide to emigrate, most do it for the change of lifestyle. This can mean a number of different things; from a different culture or climate to a new career or family. And as obvious as it sounds, there are usually more positives than negatives for considering the move, or you wouldn’t be considering it in the first place! Emigrating can mean a fresh start: a completely new opportunity to really start your life over again. The chance to get a different job, new friends and a completely new lifestyle is often very appealing.

If the place you’re planning on moving to is in a warmer climate than the UK (and to be honest, where isn't?), it means a chance to spend more time outdoors and take up new hobbies that you perhaps hadn’t considered before. The warmer climate also means friends and family may be keen to visit you often: free accommodation? Sounds good! When you emigrate, phone calls, letters and emails will become the new normal, and those visits you do get will be truly appreciated. Being in a new environment means a chance to explore and find new places to call your own, and for the first few months can make it seem like you’re on an extended holiday.

Cons

The initial decision to move abroad might seem like the most obvious choice in the world, but you should take time to reconsider the cons. The biggest downside of living in another country is definitely leaving friends and family behind. It will never be an easy thing to do, but arranging a date for them to visit you in your new home can make saying goodbye that little bit easier. And with the easy availability of Skype and the internet, talking everyday with loved ones will become the easiest thing in the world. It’s important to keep reminding yourself of the reasons why you’re moving in the first place. It can be difficult in a new environment with no familiarity, but rather than thinking of this as a negative, try and turn it into something positive.

If you become frustrated with not being able to quickly adapt into your new surroundings, there are many ways to overcome this. Look upon each problem as a challenge: if you’re having trouble meeting people, look into local clubs or visit coffee shops and strike up conversation. If you’ve emigrated somewhere that has a completely different culture to the UK, try and learn the local language as soon as possible (and possibly meet people in the same situation as you while you’re doing it), and consider joining some local groups that will help you get to know the natives. These small steps will help you remove some of the main cons of emigrating; hopefully meaning the pros will definitely outweigh the cons.

Helen Lock

Opportunities in Australia: start a new life in the sun

Leaving the UK to move halfway around the world and start a new life is never going to be an easy decision to make. Saying goodbye to friends and family, a familiar lifestyle and home comforts takes much careful thought and consideration, but can bring huge rewards. A better quality of life, pay rise and year-round sunshine: wouldn’t we all want that?

Each year, around 190,000 people are searched for by the Australian Immigration Policy to leave behind their 9-5 lives and head to the sunny shores of Australia. One of the companies currently looking to recruit British employees is Bis Industries. Working with the world’s biggest mining and resource companies, Bis process, handle, haul and support millions of tonnes of material across Australia. Built on the back of over 120 years of history and experience, in the past two years the company has grown exponentially, and is now looking for employees to help build an iconic Australian brand.

                                                     Bis Industries (Newport)

British ex-forces member Dave Ramsey first heard about Bis after leaving his position in the army following over 22 years of service. With a background in vehicle mechanics and managing teams, a role with Bis seemed like the perfect fit for him.

Leaving the UK and relocating to another continent is a big decision to make, but for Ramsey and his wife it seems to be a logical choice. “I love my country, but there’s not a lot here anymore. I want to move to Australia: it’s the land of opportunity.”

The prospect of a move doesn’t worry his wife either. “It’s a big move, but we’re used to it, coming from an army background”, she says. “We want to give our kids the best life possible, and believe Australia is the best place to do that.”

Ramsey adds, “You’re only ever a Skype phone call away from friends and family.”

Joining the five million people born overseas who now live in Australia, the Ramsey’s certainly won’t be alone. And with the mining lifestyle suiting those who enjoy working outside as part of a team, Bis look set to attract many more UK-based job searchers over the next few years.

Acorn Global ensures that it works with only the most committed and high-quality employers, and are proud to be in partnership with Bis. The company is currently offering some incredibly exciting job opportunities in the stunning surroundings of Australia, so if you're interested take a look at the website for more information.

Helen Lock

Considering moving? Why not go Down Under?

The Olympics may have lifted everyone’s spirits and united the country with a sense of national pride, but now it’s all over, it seems that the country is in a bit of a slump. It’s not just a national feeling though: despite the massive success London 2012 proved to be, the city itself only managed to reach number 55 in a list of the best cities in the world to live in, out of a total of 140.

The survey, conducted by the Economist Intelligence unit, rated cities on issues such as political and social stability, crime, education and access to health care, which explains why London is perhaps so far down (last year’s riots had an effect on the ranking).

Jon Copestake, the survey's editor, said: 'UK cities have seen a slight downgrade in liveability due to the mass outbreaks of civil unrest that took place last year. Although hosting the Olympics has subsequently provided a definite boost for London's profile, it was already among the world's most vibrant cities, with plenty to see and do, so has had no impact on overall lifestyle.'

However, coming out top of the survey was Melbourne, which scored 97.5% - almost a perfect score - only losing points for climate, culture and petty crime. Australia itself achieved remarkable results, with four cities in the top ten: Adelaide and Sydney were sixth and seventh and Perth was ninth.

So what is it about Australia that makes it such a great place to live? The world’s largest island and smallest continent covers an area over seven million square kilometres, with nearly 60,000 kilometres of coastline. Although it’s 25 times the size of the UK, the population stands at just 22 million: a third of the number of people living here.

Australia really does have something for everyone. It goes from tropical to chilly, transforms from stunning islands to arid deserts, and ensures you never get bored with everything from lively nightlife to magical stories of Aboriginal culture. All this combined means a lifestyle that is laid back and relaxed whilst still bringing excitement and something completely different to what you’re used to.

Stepping off the plane into the Australian heat of one of the major cities is reassuringly familiar however. The comforts of home seem to be there: transport, legislation and public services are all familiar; meaning the transition from one continent to another isn’t as difficult as you might think. Australians commute to work on the decks of boats, go surfing after work and cook their Christmas dinners on the barbeque. Who wouldn’t want that when you consider that us Brits go to work on the bus, sit and watch rubbish television after work, and eat our Christmas dinner inside, while it rains outside?

Acorn Global want to give you the best career opportunities possible. If you’re at that stage of considering a new job, why not contemplate a move abroad? With a better quality of life, year-round sun and often much better wages, Australia could be the place to start a new life and the career you’ve always dreamed of. Why not take a look at our job listings and see if there’s something for you Down Under?

Helen Lock

The world's top 10 most liveable cities:  

1. Melbourne, Australia.
2. Vienna, Austria.
3. Vancouver, Canada.
4. Toronto, Canada.
5. Calgary, Canada.
5. (Equal) Adelaide, Australia.
7. Sydney, Australia.
8. Helsinki, Finland.
9. Perth, Australia.
10. Auckland, New Zealand.

Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Survey 2012.The survey measures cities across five categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. It surveyed 140 cities worldwide.

Welcome to the Acorn Global Blog!

This is the official blog of Acorn Global, and the place where we'll provide you with more information on what we do, the benefits of working abroad and in-depth information on the jobs we offer. It's a chance for us to connect with you, the job-seeker, and provide answers to some of the questions you may have.

Moving abroad is a huge commitment to make, and here at Acorn Global we want to make the decision as clear and easy as possible. We will offer advice on locations, different lifestyles and all the little things involved in moving and working abroad, as well as in-depth explorations of certain careers.

In the meantime, if you need any further information, or your interest has been spiked, then head over to our website where you can learn more about the jobs we offer and the sectors we deal with.

We look forward to joining you on your career journey and helping you find that perfect career.