This article summarizes a conversation with a mechanical engineer who immigrated to Australia from Shanghai in 2013. He shares his experiences studying, working, and raising a family in Australia, offering insights for those considering a similar path.
Early Life and Education
Choosing Australia for Higher Education
The engineer initially considered studying in the United States after completing his undergraduate degree in Shanghai. However, due to challenging standardized tests like the GRE, he opted for Australia. He felt Australia offered a more convenient path, requiring primarily a language test, and providing opportunities for permanent residency after graduation. He pursued a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 2016 from the University of Seattle.
Immigration and Early Career
Obtaining permanent residency (PR) was a key goal. At the time, 60 points were required for immigration, a threshold he barely met. His wife's contributions helped him secure the extra points needed. After graduation, finding a job proved challenging. He noted that internships and professional year programs were common pathways to employment for graduates.
Career and Work-Life Balance
Navigating the Job Market
He initially faced difficulty finding employment. Some suggested starting as a draftsman to gain industry experience. He emphasizes the importance of confidence during interviews, even if it means saying you can handle tasks you are unfamiliar with. He secured a job after obtaining his PR, and has now held three official engineering positions since 2018. He has been in his current role for about two years.
The Engineering Profession in Australia
Mechanical engineering offers a wide range of opportunities, although the focus has shifted from mining projects to manufacturing. While the job market may not be exceptionally strong currently, serious job seekers should be able to find opportunities.
Salary Expectations
Graduates can expect an initial salary of around $50,000 to $60,000 AUD. With experience (4-5 years), engineers can earn around $100,000 AUD annually without working in the mining sector. Experienced engineers in city areas can earn significantly more.
Work-Life Balance and Workplace Culture
Australia offers a light and peaceful lifestyle with less pressure compared to Shanghai. Overtime is rare in his field, and there's a strong emphasis on completing tasks within regular hours. He describes the workplace environment as generally simple and straightforward, especially in white-collar roles. He noted that dealing with local foreigners, especially in smaller companies, requires strong communication skills. Smaller companies often offer closer relationships and social events, like Christmas trips with families. Climbing the corporate ladder is not a major focus, with a preference for a more "Buddhist" approach to work.
Family Life and Raising Children
Family and Lifestyle Choices
He and his wife, whom he met in China, chose to stay in Australia after obtaining PR. He acknowledges that his mother encouraged him to return to China, but he felt he could explore more opportunities in Australia. He enjoys a relatively relaxed lifestyle and prioritizes spending time with his family. He has two children and finds family life keeps him busy.
Cost of Living and Housing
He lives in Canterville. He finds Perth is more boring than Eastern states like Victoria and New South Wales, and misses the late-night activity in Melbourne. He considered moving to Brisbane or Melbourne but recognizes the potential for increased pressure and higher house prices.
Raising Children in Australia
He finds raising children in Australia less stressful than in China. Public schooling is free, and extracurricular activities are optional. While Chinese is spoken at home, writing Chinese is challenging for his children. While Shanghai offers higher pressure on raising children, with high cost of living and housing, Australia offers a more relaxed environment.
Education and Extracurricular Activities
Many Chinese families focus on mathematics for their children's education. Extracurricular classes are available, with costs around $40-$50 for a two-hour session with a small group of students. The primary cost of raising children in Australia is time and energy. School holidays can be a challenge, requiring parental involvement or sending children to programs.
Financial Considerations
He emphasizes that having parental support is beneficial for buying a house, as saving for a deposit can be difficult. The interest rate is also quite high.
Key Takeaways and Advice
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Language is crucial: Strong English skills are essential for finding a job and navigating the workplace.
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Australia offers a balanced lifestyle: While making a fortune may be difficult, a comfortable and peaceful life is attainable.
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Family life is valued: Australia provides a stable environment for raising children.
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Be prepared for school holidays: Plan ahead for childcare or activities during the many school breaks.
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