this post was submitted on 05 May 2025
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I just came back from a 6 week trip to Australia; spending time with my relatives (some of whom I've never met before or haven't seen in 20 years) and I had a really really really great time. Everyone was so welcoming and just appreciative; I was really overwhelmed by how amazing the whole experience was.

On my flight back I was crying the whole time; I never felt like that before and just couldn't handle my emotions (much to the dismay of the people sitting next to me). Most of all I just didn't wanna return to my dysfunctional family in Germany. It's been my goal to move to Australia for some time now but after this experience I'm determined to move as soon as possible. It's gonna take a lot of figuring stuff out and it won't be easy but I'll make it work.

Just wanted to get that out there I guess.

Edit: if someone happens to have a few tips and pointers for me regarding my plans they would be greatly appreciated

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I would note that vacationing somewhere and living there are two different things. I came to Japan a few times before moving here (and failed my first time at living here due to visa issues). Even after moving, there's a honeymoon period and things eventually just become normal. In other words, there are two things to keep in mind: don't over-hype anywhere and build it up too much in your head or you're asking for trouble and any problems you that aren't physically confined to your home will follow you eventually so be sure to work on that separately.

That said, it's certainly possible to move across the world. Break any goal down into achievable chunks of individual items that need to be done and track progress against that. Good luck!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

That's a thing many people have warned me about to be honest and it's not the first time I was obsessed with moving to a different country. Years ago, I was certain that I wanted to move to Canada, but that eventually subsided. My dream of moving to Australia has always been there in the background and I'm determined to do it.

I'm aware that it would become normal after a while, maybe even mundane, but if my trip taught me anything, it's that even normality feels way better over there than here in Germany if that makes sense.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Where abouts in Aus did ya visit/see while over here?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

I have family all over NSW (and some in Queensland and ACT); I went to Sydney, Canberra, Wagga Wagga and Albury.

Out of all cities, I liked Wagga the best, just a nice and quiet country town with a great community. I can totally see myself living there quite comfortably.

I've seen the Blue Mountains, been camping in the bush, went to a few lookouts, zoos and national parks. My top spot is Bobbin Head in Mount Colah though.

More than happy to chat some more about it via PM if you want.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 weeks ago

Post vacation depression is a real thing.

I didn't know until it hit me and i looked up the symptoms.

When i came back from Portugal last summer, all i wanted to do was move there.

Took me 3 months to be able to listen to my "Portugal playlist" without crying, lol.

When it hits as hard as it hit you and me, we both know that we are going back. 100%!

Hang in there, figure out what you need to do to move and go!

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Sounds like you had a fantastic time and this was an amazing new experience for you. Feeling emotional on the return trip isn't all that unusual since I've heard about it happening so many times. I'm really happy for you and I'm sure you've made so many great memories that will stay with you! 😃 I don't have any tips but I just want to say that what you're experiencing especially considering your circumstances is normal and I'm glad you had such a great time. I hope that your plans work out for you and you get to live in the land of the Southern cross! I plan on travelling to Australia too. There's always been something about it that appeals to me so much, and after reading this, I have a feeling I might get emotional on the return trip too!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 weeks ago

Same here, Australia just always had this draw on me; especially since meeting some of my Aussie family when I was still quite young. I have this one memory of one of my great cousins who's this great big biker guy talking to me about motorbikes and me not understanding a thing at the time.

Seeing him again was just so cool...

[–] [email protected] 16 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

You can and you will get there. You're already working on it. Keep your eyes on the prize, you will attain your goal!

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Going there on my own was already a huge undertaking for me and I'm convinced that I'll find my way. The only thing I fear is the whole visa process (aka. the most important part). Getting a holiday visa was stupidly easy but working visas are apparently pretty difficult to get...

And then there's the housing problem, which hopefully will get better with Albo still in office. It helps that I don't want to live in a big city, though. Sydney is a beautiful city, but man is it busy. Canberra is a bit more relaxed but also a bit bland IMO.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

You can do it again, and don't overly focus on the obstacles, rather focus on the opportunities, and see how you can use them to overcome all of it and get there.

You can do this!

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

If you're determined you'll find a way! I've known of people who have come out on working holiday visas and happened to find a partner who was willing to sponsor them. Obviously that's very lucky but sometimes you gotta take a chance

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago

Yeah, one of my relatives down there has a partner from the UK who is going through the same process right now.

[–] [email protected] 30 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I've had friends tell me: we have no choice over where we were born and our blood relations. But we do have a choice of what family we create, what friends we keep, and where we live.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 3 weeks ago

Well the 'where we live' is subject to fucktons of money or a first world passport that lets you travel anywhere visa-free and a good education that lets you speak English + enough uni degree paper to get a job offer overseas.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 weeks ago

Thanks mate! I hope it won't take too much longer...