JamesSC

I'm closer to the mountains here than the coast. We're in the foothills area, so I guess it's more like the areas below the blue mountains. James

Good info, thanks! I deal mostly in higher end infrastructure functions, AD deplpoyment and design. I'm even an ex-microsoft employee, which usually gets some good conversations going with recruiters. Most of the job enticements/offers I've gotten from recruiters have been in the 110-140K range depending on location and work type, which seems fairly good with todays exchange rates.. 90% of companies I have spoken to are contract based, which is fine. I've been doing contract work for years. Still researching cost of living there and other factors. I think it's the about the same as my current work area. As far as perminent residency goes, I qualify for a permanent visa based on my skillset and other factors (had to take that little test and stuff based on the SOL) if I wanted to go that route. After 2 years, I can decide to become a full citizen, which gains me SS and other incentives from what it sounds like. We would be there for 1 year minimum, probably closer to 2-3. I'll know more here in a few months, but thanks to everyone who has added their .02 in the thread! James

Yeah, as soon as I had made a resume available to people in australia, I was getting pounded with response. The money sounds good, but it's interesting that you guys say IT jobs are a bit dry in sydney. I'd hate to get there and something happen and not be able to find work. I've checked a few of the job sites for australia, seem to be a good bit of postings in the sydney area for work (?). At any rate, thanks for the info thus far! Very helpful! James

I am seriously considering immigrating to NSW for a few years. My wife has lived abroad and loved it, and I've always wanted to go to Australia. So I guess it's time to get serious about it We've been looking at the NSW area, mainly because all of the employers I have spoken to seem to be based out of Sydney (IT - Infrastructure development) , so that's where we'll be. Can anyone recommend some good suburb areas outside of the city? We're taking a second trip to Sydney sometime in the next few months. More of a scouting session than a vacation. So, if anyone has some recommendations, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!