Having worked for bdhSterling in the UK since 2018, Natasha Mackintosh relocated to our Perth office in Western Australia in 2024.
We thought you may find it interesting to learn more about her transition to live and work on the other side of the world, particularly if you are considering making the same move yourself.
So, read Natasha’s answers to a series of questions we asked her about her move, and her first year in Australia.
What inspired your decision to move from the UK to Australia?
I did a gap year back in 2013 in Australia, and from the moment I visited, I fell in love with the country. I’ve also come back to visit the friends I made in that year since.
Then, as I was working in the UK for bdhSterling, who have offices in both countries, the opportunity to relocate to live and work in Australia seemed an obvious move once I’d had the idea.
I’ve always been a very active person and love the outdoor lifestyle, so the chance to move somewhere where that kind of attitude is a way of life was really inviting to me.
How did you prepare for the move?
I’ll answer this under two big headings.
1. I did a lot of research
Logistically, I researched a lot about Perth, even though I had been to Australia before.
I also joined Facebook groups to hear about other people’s experiences moving from the UK to Australia, and spoke to friends and work colleagues about what to expect.
I started to follow Perth-based content creators to visually see more of Perth life and find out about things to do.
Because I’d need somewhere to live, I looked into the rental process as I’d been told it is a really rough market and is very competitive.
2. I did as much of the planning in advance as I could
I was lucky professionally that I had job security when transitioning to Australia, so I mainly reached out to my Australian colleagues to have some familiarity when I arrived.
I planned as much of the financial and medical administration as I could, such as a new bank account and Medicare, as well as a new driving licence.
The more you can do in advance, the better. Even for stuff you can’t do, an awareness of how you’ll eventually need to do it when you arrive is really helpful.
What were your first impressions of living in Australia?
I arrived in the Australian spring of 2024 just before summer, and it was beautiful! The temperature was gorgeous, akin to a nice hot British day, but not the 40 degrees I later experienced.
Perth is spacious and beautiful, and on sunny days, light beams off the city buildings and in the evening, they reflect the sunset.
In fact, the sunsets were – and still are – some of the most beautiful and consistent I have seen, and I still stop in awe to take photos of them whenever I can.
Was there anything that surprised you after you moved?
The sun is so much more powerful here! My Scottish skin has never fully agreed with it, but I quickly learned the hard way that factor 50 was the way forward. It is not uncommon at all to have UV ratings of 12+ in the summer.
I was pleasantly surprised by how close you can live to both the city and the beach. Perth is a very versatile and accessible city. Each little suburb has its own vibe and feel to it, and everything is relatively close.
I was surprised by how early shops close, compared to London, where amenities are very accessible most days of the week. They are normally closed by 5 pm, unless there is a specific late opening in a certain area.
Did it take long to settle in?
There are no shortcuts, and it does take some time before you start to feel settled.
Everyone joked with me about moving from a very fast-paced life in London, and told me that “WA” stands for “wait a while” as well as Western Australia!
Sorting your finances is a great example, as so much is done face to face rather than online. You have to get used to queuing in a bank to do things you can easily do online in the UK.
Housing was also hard when I moved across because there is a rental shortage, which means the market is extremely competitive.
Property viewings are on a specific day rather than by personal appointment. At the first I went to, there were over 40 people to see a one-bedroom apartment.
Were there any obvious cultural and lifestyle differences?
Australians are early risers and are very active. This really suits my lifestyle. It is not uncommon to be up at 5 am on the beach getting a morning swim in before work.
Whether it’s a morning swim, runs around Lake Monger, snorkelling in Rottnest, or hikes in the Perth hills every weekend, like many other people, I will be out making the most of what’s on the doorstep.
Coffee culture is a way of life here! They take it very seriously, and the coffee here is elite. I’ve gone from one cup a day to three.
There’s also a different work-life balance. Because everything starts earlier out here, you get more out of the day, and people tend to finish work earlier, so you get a lot more of an evening. In the UK, it was often dark by the time I got home.
Is there anything you really miss back in the UK?
I miss my friends and family. It’s hard because I truly love it here, but you really don’t realise how far it is until you move.
I miss celebrating milestones like birthdays without my loved ones, and there was an adjustment period that I struggled with when I first moved.
Ultimately, your friends and family want you to be happy and support you, so it is just a matter of getting used to your new “normal”.
I also miss how connected England is and the affordable international travel. There’s plenty in Australia to explore, but I miss not having Europe on my doorstep.
What have been the big challenges of a new career and workplace?
I’m lucky that bdhSterling supported me in my move to Australia and gave me job security as I moved on my own to an unknown country.
It was nice having some familiarity with the people I was working with and a company I have been a part of for seven years.
It didn’t take me long to get used to the work-life balance I mentioned earlier, and everyone in the office does the same.
What are you most proud of achieving since the move?
Moving to a place you have never been to by yourself is a huge life change and especially when you do not have a framework of support on hand.
So, I’ve built a life I am proud of and love to live, and have a new home and a whole new social network.
I’ve really focused on my health and being active and just saying “yes” to everything!
There’s no one big standout moment. It’s a hundred little events which have added up to being a really momentous year for me.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of making the move to Australia?
Here are five recommendations:
- Be patient. It really does take time to set yourself up.
- Do your research and have a detailed plan rather than winging it.
- Say “yes” as often as you can and throw yourself outside your comfort zone.
- Close out everything you need to do in the UK, as it’s hard from so far away.
- Ship your possessions. It is worth the cost and will be cheaper in the long run.
I would also strongly recommend that you get expert advice when it comes to the financial side of things, and that’s not just because of who I work for!
Get in touch
At bdhSterling, we specialise in helping clients who are planning a move abroad with their financial arrangements.
If you would like to discuss your own plans, please get in touch with us.
Please note
This article is for information only, it does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs.
Please do not solely rely on anything you have read in this article and ensure that you conduct your own research to ensure any actions you may take are suitable for your circumstances.