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Australia Questions o' the Week
Talk to me about clothes. I've been buying tank tops when I find them cheap and cute, but I'm wondering what the dress code for businesses generally is? More casual than in the UK or US?
I am not a hot weather person (heh - I'm screwed), so I just want to know if I should plan to be naked 24/7. On the other hand, when you're inside all the time to escape the heat and A/C is cranked, maybe it's good to keep some sweaters/long pants around?
Very important question: Do they have crock pots down there?
Tell me your experience with getting to know people and making friends. I realize most of you moved there with an Australian H so that must have come with at least some built-in relationships. Are they generally accepting of outsiders?
That's all for this week. TIA!
Re: Australia Questions o' the Week
Clothing: I find Australia to be generally more casual than the US. To work, I wore the same clothes I wore to my US downtown conservative lawyer's office, and I was much more formal than the other employees who were wearing sleeveless shirts, sun dresses, and capri pants. But that could be because I was in a coastal, beach community. I really haven't taken notice of people who work in the big cities. But in general, I find it very casual. You will no doubt see more leggings worn as pants than you ever thought possible. And flip-flops (thongs) are apparently the national footwear, worn year round and to every possible event, except when one enters McDonalds. Then it's barefoot all the way.
Weather: Electricity is hugely expensive here. Rates are set to go up next year, but right now I pay about $250 a quarter (yes! I finally got billed). I have noticed that people are loath to turn on the A/C or heater for more than just "knocking off" the heat or chill. I live in a rural area with nice ocean breezes, and my house is elevated above my neighbors, so I get great breezes, but I even then I find A/C is for special occasions only and most houses/businesses just open the doors/windows. I doubt you will need the heavy sweaters/long pants you are used to in Norway, especially in Brisbane.
Crock-Pots: Absolutely! I love mine. Just used it yesterday for apricot-glazed chicken breasts. My in-laws got mine at Aldi, but they are available everywhere.
Friends: I don't make friends easily, and other than DH's friends, I really haven't met anyone on my own I would call a friend. I do think that most Australians are generally accepting of outsiders, but I am not that kind of gregarious, easy going person. It takes a long time for me to develop friendships, and my interests seem to be diametrically opposite to the people I have met, that there is no real common ground on which to base a friendship. I think I am just going to have to dive in and join a group to find friends who are not through DH, but that scares the crap out of me. Basically I think if you are really into making friends and becoming part of a group, you will have no problems. My experience is that understanding both cricket and Aussie Rules/Rugby helps immensely
Clothes- I actually found the dress code more casual in London when I worked there than I ever have at home. I think it depends on what area you work in. When I worked in Government I would wear suits, pants with nice tops/shirts but now i work in the community and I wear a mix of suits and casual (jeans/pants with a nice top) depending on what I am doing and with whom I am meeting. I would dress nice for your first day and then take it from there. By looking at what your colleagues are wearing is the only way to judge.
Not sure about PP's comments on aircon and heating- we run our heater every day in winter- too bloody cold not to! And yes everything is expensive (especially utilities) but then again wages are high so it evens out. A lot of people in Australia are environmentally conscious which is why people don't automatically turn on the AC espeically if there is a nice northly blowing.
Crock pots- more commonly know in Oz as a slow cooker or casserole dish. The most common brand would be bessemer.
Friends- Most Aussie are open and friendly. Just do what you would normally do when you meet people- ask them questions about themselves. Aussie are very direct so prepare yourself for that and if you don't want to answer a question just make up an excuse and change the subject.
Where exactly are you moving to?
Clothes - layers are good. Sleeveless with a light jacket for office so you can adjust based on temperature. US business dress seems to be appropriate - but not necessarily suits.
Like a PP said, we don't use heat/air except in extremes, but you will find that businesses generally do, although maybe not as warm or cold as you are used to.
As a PP said, crock pots are called slow cookers here and they are available for sure.
As for getting to know people, I've found everyone here very welcoming. It has taken me a long time to make friends, but only because that is me and I am not working so I don't get out of the house much. You'll find people from many other countries here. Lots of Brits (Poms) especially.
Yes to crockpots, but all small electrical is expensive. Bring your own and buy a converter.
You're starting from behind as an American. If you make sure to be open, relaxed, friendly and make sure to mention how much you think it sucks that people don't get healthcare you'll be fine.
Talk to me about clothes. I've been buying tank tops when I find them cheap and cute, but I'm wondering what the dress code for businesses generally is? More casual than in the UK or US?
Like a PP said you'll have to see what your office wears. Generally, it's casual.
I am not a hot weather person (heh - I'm screwed), so I just want to know if I should plan to be naked 24/7. On the other hand, when you're inside all the time to escape the heat and A/C is cranked, maybe it's good to keep some sweaters/long pants around?
I always found it really hot in summer and cold in winter. I come from NY and I was always colder in Australia. Go figure. A/C isn't as cold in the US.
Very important question: Do they have crock pots down there?
No idea. Didn't by mine until I moved to Germany.
Tell me your experience with getting to know people and making friends. I realize most of you moved there with an Australian H so that must have come with at least some built-in relationships. Are they generally accepting of outsiders?
I find people are really friendly, but I never made really close relationships. I figure it would take years to meet someone close. I have a few close friends in Australia (visiting now, yay!), but they aren't like my best friends from when I was 4. I think that is difficult to find anywhere, TBH.