Today, one big cycle was closed in my journey through life. I became a member of the Australian society with my rights and obligations attached. Yes … I’m an AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN. Everyone has their own story and this is mine.
This feels like the cherry on top of the cake, however, baking the cake was not always an easy process. Through the way, I had to overcome many obstacles to get where I’m at today, but I also experienced amazing moments and some of them have changed me and also my path in life.
Every single person has his/her own path. I’ve meet people that immigrated to Australia easily, and I’m so happy for them, nevertheless my own experience was different! But I also need to say that I’ve seen others that went back to their home country as well, because they couldn’t fill the requirements.
Lesson 1
Support yourself by interacting with people in similar situations; Facebook groups are a good start. Connect with people that look for solutions and not a problem for the problem. A positive, constructive MINDSET is important in this situation and through your life. You better work on that as well.
IMMIGRATING to Australia nowadays is not easy and takes time, depending on the specific personal situation and country of origin, on top of that is the fact that the government frequently reviews the laws. Is not unusual to have a plan in place to meet the immigration requirements to obtain permanent residency (PR) and suddenly the laws change. Now, you are in a place where all your effort of years and money invested can simply be lost! YES… these processes can be very expensive: visas applications, agents’ services, lawyer, insurance, and the list goes on and on. It is a huge investment – Time & Money!
Lesson 2
VISAS applications, you either can spend time to learn how or engage an agent or lawyer. Look for reviews about their work and ethics.
My INITIAL PURPOSE was to come to Australia for career progression and improve my English skills. As a Quality Assurance Manager back home (Portugal), I found that the lack of English was depriving me to advance in my career which I am still passionate about. At that time, one of my tasks was to follow-up European legislation and all the papers were written in English. I was managing it and even attending English classes at night but it was a slow process. You really need to move and experience the day-to-day in an English country.
In 2009, I arrived in Australia and the journey began. I started attending English classes and working part-time, doing basic jobs to help with the expenses. Melbourne, the city I first arrived is very expensive, but thanks to my family in Australia this process was made easier.
When I felt more confident with the language, I started to look for jobs in my areas of expertise. As a professional accountant I started to look for accounting, bookkeeping and related jobs … and NOTHING! Soon I realised that wasn’t easy. 2 years had passed, and I gave up looking. Better to say: I LET IT GO! Maybe … maybe the reason I wasn’t get success was because SOMETHING BETTER was on my way.
Lesson 3
This experience has just reinforced the need to be VERSATILE! Don’t focus only in one area of expertise. It limits you! The point is to be able to do more than one and to perform it reasonably.
On top of that, I also went through the process of getting my qualifications recognised by the CPA (accounting body). The outcome of the first assessment was to complete at least 1 more subject so I could apply for a special program. I selected “Commercial Law”. For those who don’t know, the law system here is different from countries such as Portugal, Spain, France and maybe others. This was hard work for me because I came with a certain structure in my mind and I had to shift to a totally different system. At the end, it was all worth it. I am now in a position to understand how these 2 systems work.
When I finished the course, I submitted the documentation and guess what … CPA came back saying it still wasn’t in compliance. You can imagine how upset I was! I even went to see a lawyer and he was of the opinion that I could complain and win the case. It meant more money to be spent and time, 2 things that I didn’t have much at that time. So I decided to let this one go. Now, you won’t be surprised to hear that I’m not a CPA enthusiast these days! 🙁
Lesson 4
Difficult times are wake-up calls. Reassess the situation and make CHANGES. I cannot promise you the changes will bring positive results straight away. You need to give time and sometimes you might need to make other changes. One thing it is certain: if you don’t change the result will be the same as before.
My story continues, and I still have 8 more lessons to share with YOU – Part II & Part III.
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Hi there!! I’m an open-minded being, lifelong learner, positive, heart-centred, relationships – oriented, social change agent and well-being advocate. I’m committed to make my life shine every single moment and I’m inviting you to do the same.
My philosophy is to live life with passion and purpose that includes to make a positive contribution for a better world, starting with simple gestures. Join me on this journey.
*** Ricardina Silva ***