Moving to Perth?

I thought it would be relevant to introduce myself properly for my first blog post. Hello! My name is Olivia and I moved to Perth in April 2024 when I was 27 years old. My background is English Language (BA) and Journalism (MA).

Moving to Australia was always my dream. I solo travelled in 2020 and completely fell in love with the place (as most people do)!

I must admit, given people from the UK no longer need to do farmwork to get the working holiday visas… I thought finding work was going to be easy. Don’t get me wrong, I managed to pick up some casual hospitality work within my first two weeks of landing in Perth, but the word casual is key here.

Casual work is essential temp or holiday work. Companies can schedule you as and when, but they can also cancel or send you home with little to no notice. There is also only so many hours a place will offer you being casual (I found), which made it tricky to stack up hours and be able to save.

However, I was lucky and managed to get into FIFO (fly in fly out) work where I do utility work ranging from housekeeping, bar, admin and kitchen at mine site accommodations. I choose to be casual here, because it allows you to pick and choose when you work, and how long you work for (usually 1 or 2 weeks straight- oh yes, it isn’t for the faint-hearted).

My biggest struggle aside from work, was settling in and as sad as it sounds- making friends. I found it challenging, especially in my later 20s. So, what did I do about it? I joined a run club in my local area (lots around which you can find on Instagram), I went to events/ classes alone, and then started running events myself, knowing what it was like turning up solo!

This was the biggest break through for me, and if I can advise anyone on top tips for when you arrive- persist with events! You never know who you might meet or what opportunities you stumble across. Of course, some were more successful than others, but I can honestly say I have made some amazing friends. Sometimes, you have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable!