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Justin Hunt · December 6th, 2007

You might want to check the fine print of the Working Holiday Visa, once again things might have changed, but technically it is there so you can work to fund your holiday. Which means you cant work in your profession, but you can do other types of jobs, outside of your profession. There are a few exceptions, such as radiographers etc.

I was on an anceteral visa which has no issues like this but I was asked by serveral companies about my visa status.

As to cost of living, if you are earning then the two biggest costs are rent and travel. Food is actually quite cheap compared to OZ. If you are staying in London then rent will be high and travel sightly cheaper, but if you stay out of London then rents are cheaper and travel higher. Either way bank on spending a good chuck of your money on these two. Also take enough money to see you through at least three months. One thing I noticed was that it takes a while to actually land a job. Then there's rent deposits, food travel etc to cover before the first pay check.

A good place to start looking for work on arrival is "Everyman" in Earls Court, just ask any backpacker and they will tell you all about it. They do all the "dogs body" work from construction to packing boxes. Its an easy way to get a bit of money in while you are looking for fulltime work. I did constuction work for three months before I started full time working. Its fun and pays well.

I also tried agencies to get work, but they were a waist of time. Unless you want to get into the games industry or graphic design. They have no clue with arch viz, I got sent off for drafty jobs. Waisted my time and the interviewers. Check out the newspapers and the equivelent of seek.com . Also 3D magazines, often they post jobs there. Have a look both here and and CGtalk job section, you may be lucky. Other than that sent out your CV to every 3D house around.

I am out of touch with rates. When I was there I was on 25K per year, seven years ago. It was me and my wife working so we were able to save one salary and live on the other. We lived comfortably in a 1 bedroom flat in Kent. Both worked in the West end. Ate out often and travelled over seas every three to six months. We lived well.

Have fun,

JHV

December 6th, 2007	#8 (permalink)
Justin Hunt Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Brisbane Age: 34 Posts: 1,380 Name: Justin Hunt	Re: Working in London You might want to check the fine print of the Working Holiday Visa, once again things might have changed, but technically it is there so you can work to fund your holiday. Which means you cant work in your profession, but you can do other types of jobs, outside of your profession. There are a few exceptions, such as radiographers etc. I was on an anceteral visa which has no issues like this but I was asked by serveral companies about my visa status. As to cost of living, if you are earning then the two biggest costs are rent and travel. Food is actually quite cheap compared to OZ. If you are staying in London then rent will be high and travel sightly cheaper, but if you stay out of London then rents are cheaper and travel higher. Either way bank on spending a good chuck of your money on these two. Also take enough money to see you through at least three months. One thing I noticed was that it takes a while to actually land a job. Then there's rent deposits, food travel etc to cover before the first pay check. A good place to start looking for work on arrival is "Everyman" in Earls Court, just ask any backpacker and they will tell you all about it. They do all the "dogs body" work from construction to packing boxes. Its an easy way to get a bit of money in while you are looking for fulltime work. I did constuction work for three months before I started full time working. Its fun and pays well. I also tried agencies to get work, but they were a waist of time. Unless you want to get into the games industry or graphic design. They have no clue with arch viz, I got sent off for drafty jobs. Waisted my time and the interviewers. Check out the newspapers and the equivelent of seek.com . Also 3D magazines, often they post jobs there. Have a look both here and and CGtalk job section, you may be lucky. Other than that sent out your CV to every 3D house around. I am out of touch with rates. When I was there I was on 25K per year, seven years ago. It was me and my wife working so we were able to save one salary and live on the other. We lived comfortably in a 1 bedroom flat in Kent. Both worked in the West end. Ate out often and travelled over seas every three to six months. We lived well. Have fun, JHV