Aussies working in london
- Started
- Last post
- 15 Responses
- antoine_101
I am a young graphic designer (been working full time in the industry for 3 years) looking to do the working holiday thing in London for a year or two. As I am Australian I can get a visa pretty easy, but will this mean I can only do crappy bar type work or does it mean I will be able to do graphic design work should there be a job in that field available for me...? is there any restrictions on what kind of work I can do there?
Any info that would help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks :)
- spendogg0
you may not get much of an answer today - alot of people have sand in their snatches today.
I would just get your book solid and try to make all the connections you can before you get to london - you may want to get a crappy bar gig to help you get laid - then design during the day.
- werdna0
your Visa should allow you to work wherever you like in whatever industry you like. however sometimes they have a restriction on the time you can work in one place. I think it's usually three months per job. this however can be gotten around pretty easy as it is very rarely checked. and if you invoice the compnay as a freelancer you can get past this even easier I'd imagine.
- no_allegiances0
Read up on the limitations of your visa. Came over here on a similar deal but when I got it had a lot less limitations, i.e., 2 years, no limit. Think it's changed now. Either way, I find a lot of companies like to employ Australians because believe it or not, it's perceived we work harder than the poms. Work hard, play hard I guess. Try studios, then agencies.
More importantly, definitely get a job in a bar while you're whiling the time away. Meet some cute German / Swedish / Czech / Scottish / Irish / Italian / French girls / boys and build up your social networks and just have a killer time.
And don't go back home.
A.
- toe_knee0
companies like to employ Australians because believe it or not, it's perceived we work harder than the poms.
no_allegiances
(Mar 15 06, 17:08)Thats the funniest thing I've read all day.
Australia - want it done today??? Should have rang us 4 weeks ago, mate.
- Mick0
When I was there (which was more than 5 years ago) the rule was you were not allowed to work more than 50% of your time there and you wern't supposed to work in your skilled field. At the time half the recruiting agencies enforced this, the other half said 'dun matter'. I think that rule has been change though because of a shortage of IT people.
From my experience just make a nice portfolio site, phone all the recruiters when you get there and most of them will see you and it's that easy. Hard part is getting a bank account and a good short-term lease ;)
- uberdesigner0
smaller paragraphs and more shrimp on the barbie, k?
- ants0
actually, according to some report done last year, Aussies work the most or second most hours per week out of any country in the world. We even "beat" Japan.
Kinda sad really.
- toe_knee0
actually, according to some report done last year, Aussies work the most or second most hours per week out of any country in the world. We even "beat" Japan.
Kinda sad really.
ants
(Mar 15 06, 19:46)you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
- ants0
I'm sure if you stick a pipe down his throat and a funnel on the top you could probably pour water down his throat which would in a sort-of-way make him be drinking.
:|
Would that count?
- jbucks0
Is there much design work in London?
- hatrack0
I have done my 2 year visa and am now sponsored in london with another 3 years to go... I'd get a job with an agency and impress... then they'll want to sponsor you. Or if you earn enough you can get a highly skilled migrants visa - much better than any other visa.
- toe_knee0
Do you get the living away from home allowance on that visa?
- hatrack0
no
- nessdog0
I want to move to Sydney... can I have your old job?
;)
- RIZ0
Hey Antoine, you are in the exact position I was in a year ago. I'm from NZ, so have the same visa as you, and had been working as a designer for 3 years.
Firstly, getting design work is no problem, as long as you are prepared - get in touch with recruitment companies search the PVN for a list. They hold Aussie and NZ designers with high regard, and will be eager to get you work if your portfolio is up to scratch.
Secondly, get your portfolio online - you may get held up if you try bring your portfolio into the country, an online version is far easier and safer.
And thirdly - Freelance rocks! You get paid by the hour, and well I might add. you can take time off whenever you want so travelling is pretty easy (assuming you are moving here to travel heaps). Often a freelance job will lead to something fulltime, so it is a great way to get started. Good luck.