View Poll Results: should I run off to Australia or no?

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  • Yes (and why?)

    16 51.61%
  • No (and why not?)

    3 9.68%
  • omg kittens.

    12 38.71%
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Thread: should I run off to Australia or no?

  1. #1
    Featured Member Sveta's Avatar
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    Default should I run off to Australia or no?

    Inspired by the style of a post by 'teeth of the hydra', I'll lay out all the facts in a nice neat bullet-style.

    I'm eligible for a work-and-holiday visa scheme that would allow me to live and take "casual employment" (i.e. dance! ) in Australia for up to a year.

    I'd only be staying till April '09 though, b/c my goal is to move to San Francisco in May.

    Problem is, I have some debt. 3000$ on my credit card, 2500$ I owe to family members, and a 1000$ hospital bill. So about 6500$ total.

    I also need to save some money for tuition, as I plan to go back to school after I get out to SF.

    Is it irresponsible to think of going off to another country for half a year when I've got debt to pay and tuition to save for?

    Or is it possible that I could do both?

    If I stayed home and danced, I can usually expect to make average 200-300$ (USD) on weeknights, and anywhere from 600-1000$ on weekends. So I can estimate how long it will take me to pay off the debt and save money for school.

    I have NO idea what I could expect to make in Melbourne though, so it's hard to say whether or not I could pay off my debts and save money for school if I was working there.

    I really want to do this, and I really want to do it now, because once I start school it won't really be feasible for me to just take off and live in another country for months at a time. If I'm going to do it, the time is now.

    But I don't want to get further behind in debt and further behind in my life (i.e. not being able to move and/or start school when I want to, because of not having enough money).

    There are also a LOT of toxic people and influences here at home that I can't really get away from as long as I'm here. So that is a big factor to consider.

    I would also need to show that I have at least 5000$ AUD in order to be granted the visa. I could make that in two weeks dancing here (three at most.) In fact that might be just what I need to motivate me. But if I was going to make 5000$, I could also use that money to pay off some of my debt.

    What to do?
    ~'A Seven Nation Army Couldn't Hold Me Back'~

  2. #2
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    In my opinion, for what its worth. Pay off your credit card, $300 isnt much, and talk to your family that you owe money to. Explain that you want to seize this opportunity and you will be paying them off whilst you are away, or if worst comes to worst will pay them back when you get home. Give them a serious timeline as to when they can expect their money by. I dont know how medical debt works over the, but I am sure it will be there happily waiting for you in a few months... maybe you could work out a payment plan where you pay some piddly amount a month? Like $50 or something?

    The best thing I did with my teenage years/early twenties was travel and explore the world! Do it if you can. Plus its spring here now, it smells good!
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  3. #3
    God/dess virgoamm's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    yes, cause you only live once and it sounds like a hell of a lot of fun.

  4. #4
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    You'll be paying bills for your whole life, so no worries there. Don't miss an opportunity to see the world while you can; you will definitely regret the missed opportunity later. Plus, Melbourne is one of the greatest cities in the world. Do it!

    Make sure you don't miss Tasmania, BTW. No one ever goes there for some reason and it's the world's best-kept secret. It's only an overnight ferry ride from Melbourne and it has some of the most incredible scenery you'll ever see, and Hobart is just the coolest little funky hidden town!

  5. #5
    God/dess Lexi's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    .....
    Last edited by Lexi; 05-16-2020 at 06:08 PM.

  6. #6
    Featured Member Sveta's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Quote Originally Posted by Lexi View Post
    I would say yes if you can make the same kind of money there. It's one year of your life that you will be able to explore another country, make your money, and you can probably continue to pay those debts off all while away.
    dude, I feel like a horrible person now. I was all nasty to you in that other ED thread and here you are being all nice and encouraging to me. Sorry for being such a bitch.

    That's what I'm thinking too...that it all depends on what kind of money is average in Melbourne. If it's roughly the same as what I can make here, then I can still pay everything off and save money...so why not go?
    ~'A Seven Nation Army Couldn't Hold Me Back'~

  7. #7
    God/dess Lexi's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    .......
    Last edited by Lexi; 05-16-2020 at 06:07 PM.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    i said omg kittens cuz ....well fuck i have no clue why.
    Fuck yeah go to Australia.. if I was single and had that kinda opportunity Id so be there

  9. #9
    Featured Member Sveta's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    I'm so going for it. You're right.

    I mean come on...I'm living in my car now, it's not like I've really got anything to lose.

    And I can work on paying off some of the debt while I'm waiting on my papers to come through...

    yeah.
    ~'A Seven Nation Army Couldn't Hold Me Back'~

  10. #10
    Featured Member Kabukicho's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Go for it, life is short and if this is something you want to do, do it. I ran away to Australia myself when I was 19, had a blast.

  11. #11
    God/dess Pretty_Penny's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    the way you're talking about it..... i can see it being the sort of thing you'll regret later in life if you didn't do it.

    so i say go for it.

    if it doesn't work out, whatever, at least you took the leap and went for something you wanted.

    just try and stay goal-minded while you're there.

    ps. i also love making bullet-style posts.

  12. #12
    Featured Member Kabukicho's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    By the way, it was a long time ago but when I applied for the Australian visa I was told I'd have to prove having X amount of money in the bank, but they never actually asked for proof. Maybe its different now but I wouldn't worry too much about that.

    Actually you may just have to show them a bank statement with that money there, if you have to you could put it in the bank, print the statement and then use it for whatever.

  13. #13
    Featured Member Sveta's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    ^^ about how long did it take for your visa to be approved? Like how long was it from the time you applied until you actually went?
    ~'A Seven Nation Army Couldn't Hold Me Back'~

  14. #14
    Veteran Member ultra_manic's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Ok I'm gonna play the stick in the mud on this one. Like you said you could use that $5000 to pay off the majority of your debt and if it will only take you that long to pay most of it it will be no time to pay all of it. Then when your debt is paid you can save for school.

    And if you can seriously come up with that kind of money that fast you could offer yourself the trip to Australia as a reward for getting your debt paid and your tuition saved for and maybe spend 2-3 months down there instead of 6????? That way you get the best of both worlds without possibly screwing yourself. GL and I hope my advice helps.
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  15. #15
    God/dess ahmeerah's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Life is short. If you don't go, you will kick yourself. You'll pay off your debts as you can.

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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    It sounds to me like your heart is telling you to go, and I don't think you'll regret it. I suspect you will return with a new outlook that will help you with the other things you mention--earnings, bad influences, etc--and it will also help you mature and gain new insights on how to conduct your future. That is a priceless investment. Follow your passion and see what is on the horizon for you.

    Besides, any continent with Lysondra on it has to be a cool place, indeed.
    JK Jim

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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sveta View Post
    Is it irresponsible to think of going off to another country for half a year when I've got debt to pay and tuition to save for?
    Yes it is.
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  18. #18
    God/dess ahmeerah's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    I think you'll be able to figure out a way to kill all birds with one creative stone.

  19. #19
    Featured Member Sveta's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    ^^ hmm, my other post seems to have disappeared. Anyway...

    Thanks for the vote of confidence, ahmeerah. And Jim, that makes sense. That's what I'm thinking/hoping will happen.

    I really want to do this, but I do have to think about it a little more. Maybe a pro/con list? Those usually help.

    I think I'm going to start working on the requirements for the visa (I need to get health insurance and renew my passport anyway, and the other things: proof of college degree, certified copy of birth certificate) aren't difficult or expensive to get.

    The passport will take about three weeks to get to me after my appointment, so I'll have some time to think and see what happens. If I think it's the best choice to go by the time I have the money and passport, then I'll apply for the visa.
    ~'A Seven Nation Army Couldn't Hold Me Back'~

  20. #20
    God/dess jaizaine's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Similar money can be made here to what u describe as your average earnings. Of course it depends on your looks and attitude. Dancing here is diff to what you girls describe in the US. Melbourne clubs dont allow the customer to touch the dancer and we don't get tipped like u girls do when we are on stage.

    I think in reality if you are in a diff country you are not going to be able to save the same amount of money as u would at home because you are going to have more expenses. Melbourne is an expensive city to live in - rent etc. Plus u might not earn the same money coz u will have to learn to work differently first.
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  21. #21
    Featured Member Kabukicho's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    To be honest I can't remember how long it took to process the visa, but certainly no more than a couple of months.
    Go for it, don't let anyone tell you its irresponsible, that money is a drop in the ocean, enjoy life.

  22. #22
    Featured Member Kabukicho's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Quote Originally Posted by ahmeerah View Post
    Life is short. If you don't go, you will kick yourself. You'll pay off your debts as you can.
    QFT!!!!!!!

  23. #23
    God/dess GoldCoastGirl's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Whilst Australia as a country does share some similarities in culture with the US, there are a lot that we do not. You might experience some culture shock esp. with how dancing works over here.

    Dancing can be a totally different animal here than in the US yet at the same time.. some human behaviours are universal.

    I voted no.

    Why? I personally would use the $5000 to pay off the debt. Yes you will have debt and bills all your life.. however.. Australia is not going anywhere... and you can always come over and experience this wonderful diverse (and it IS diverse) country for yourself on an actual holiday.

    Plus you will be distracted by the fact you are on the other side of the world.. and may not end up saving much money at all due to spending it (even on "necessities").




    In the end, if you do come here, please do take advantage of how diverse this country is and try to explore more than just the east coast or even more than just melbourne.


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  24. #24
    MsQwerty
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    Yeah just do it - the rest will work out somehow. Take life by the horns I say! (-:

  25. #25
    Featured Member london's Avatar
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    Default Re: should I run off to Australia or no?

    http://www.bunac.com has visa information/processing for working holidays in Australia and you only have to show about 1 or 2k in available funds, as they provide you with lists of employers as you arrive in addition to your work permit.

    I keep eyeing this all the time and will hopefully do it before the age limit expires (you have to be under 30 and im 25 ). You can always leave early if things aren't working out or get a job in hospitality or the nightclub/bar scene if you fear you won't make enough dancing there if it's too different.

    Good luck! Hope it works out for you..and I agree about trying to pay a bit of the family debt, but BEFORE you go and maybe a few months' worth of payments to your credit card. Tell your creditor that you are/will be unemployed or studying abroad for a bit and see if they'll work out a way for you to postpone your payments.

    Lastly, I'd suggest that you just push back your expected departure date to allow yourself to pay a bit of the debt, have funds in the bank, and budget for your trip expenses. I paid for my entire last yr of undergrad and graduate education abroad minus whatever my loans didnt cover.

    These are some of the most important tips I can offer, having been in the position of up and moving to another continent (in my case, Europe (France!)). Definitely doable, just give your creditors a reason not to doubt your reliability by being pre-emptive about things and not leaving loose ends....
    Last edited by london; 09-08-2008 at 04:40 AM. Reason: typo!
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