An Expat Talks about Living in Perth, Australia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Perth

Describe how you "dreamed" expat life would be before you moved overseas. Please provide as much detail as possible.

I dreamt it would be more laid back with less stress and more time to relax and enjoy life.

I expected to have a more outdoor orientated lifestyle in beautiful weather.

I thought career wise I would take a step back and work to live rather than live to work.

How has your expat experience met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?

It hasn't at all - the weather can be beautiful but it hasn't resulted in any tangible benefits.

William Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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How has your expat experience NOT met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?

Not at all, far from being laid back the rules and regulations in WA create a more stress (especially when you don't understand them). The only way in which people are 'laid back' is when it comes to providing a service - the local 'joke' is that WA stands for wait awhile and that is so true it's not funny. Any suggestion of complaint is met with the accusation of being a 'whinging pom' and as many a bumper sticker proudly boasts 'fit in or fuck off' (absolutely serious).

The weather can be fantastic but it can also be unbearingly hot and although not cold by UK standards the poor standard of housing means it is really felt. I have had some fabulous bush camping experiences but overall unless you are a beach bum the outdoors is pretty uninspiring.

Working hours are longer, annual leave is shorter than in the UK and corporate thinking is immature. Rather than stepping back in my profession I stepped up, quite simply because there was no one else to do it.

Cigna Global Health
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.

Cigna Global Health

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote