About
I want to help others by sharing travel tips and guides and show what life as an expat in Australia is really like!
I know firsthand how daunting it can be to start a new life in a foreign country, and I want to make that process a little easier for others.
Through this blog, I’ll be sharing tips and advice on everything from travelling around Australia and abroad. I’ll also be sharing my own experiences of living in Australia, from the highs to the lows and the mistakes that have cost me dearly, so you do not have to repeat them!
My name is Darren, and I am a Dual Citizen who decided to move to Australia more than 12 years ago and throughout this journey has travelled the world.
It was a big decision to become an expat in Australia, and one that came with its fair share of challenges and obstacles.
When I first arrived in Australia, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information I had to navigate. From visa applications to finding a place to live, there were so many details to consider. Moving to a new city across the world was scary and I learnt a lot of lessons along the way.
My goal is to create a community of like-minded individuals who are all on the same journey. Whether you’re planning a move to Australia, already living here, or just curious about what life is like down under, I hope that this blog will provide you with the information and support you need to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you!
So, follow my Average Joe Instagram and check out my blogs to be part of my expat community, discover incredible tips and make the most of the lifestyle in Australia. I promise you, you will feel anything but average!
Why "Average Joe Down Under"?
I think feeling average is one of the most universally relatable feelings. You can feel like others are more successful, you can lose direction and feel like you should always be doing more. This reality does not change because you made the decision to live in an exciting new country.
I went from leaving my comfortable life in my home country, my family and my friends behind to being alone with only a hope of “making it” in Australia. But, the journey to building a successful lifestyle is not straightforward.
This blog is for anyone feeling like they are struggling, lost or feeling a little bit average and wondering why am I feeling this in such a beautiful destination. You are not alone and every single expat has had this wobble and I am here to help you find your worth, plus show you some of the great Australian travel destinations!
So, follow my Average Joe Instagram and subscribe to my expat life blogs to be part of my expat community, discover incredible tips and make the most of the lifestyle in Australia. I promise you, you will feel anything but average!
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What will you gain from this expat blog?
There is only so much advice you can get from research and the Government website. To really understand expat life in Australia, you have to see real life, firsthand experiences. So this expat blog is for anyone in the UK or around the world thinking about moving to Australia or expats already here looking to establish their life and connect with other expats experiencing the same challenges. My insightful blogs will cover:
Relocating tips
From working visa requirements to the housing market, the responsibility of moving overseas is hard so my tips are here to help reduce some stress!
Financial tips
Australia provides many amazing opportunities to earn money and improve your quality of life. I have experience of increasing my earning potential, investing smartly and buying properties from the opportunities available here.
Job Prospects
From earning minimum wage to negotiating incredible packages, I will share my tips on the job market in Australia.
Differences to UK life
Culture shock is a real thing! Navigating health insurance, medicare, different education and new people in a Foreign country is hard.
Expat Life
From the fear of making friends to feeling homesick and missing family, expat living really forces you to get out of your comfort zone and chase that new life.
Mental Health
Living overseas is not always what you expect and you have to be prepared to experience lows, growth and change. I will be sharing personal experiences of how I overcame feeling really average to feeling successful!
Travel Experiences
The most important and exciting part of any move abroad, you have to discover your City and further! I’ll be sharing my favourite travel experiences from life in Sydney to travelling to Western Australia, Tasmania, Brisbane, Melbourne and more.
The reality of expat life is a spectrum of emotions but I have found after 10 years that it is the most rewarding and unbelievable experience in the world, even when you miss your family.