Career Advice

[james280779]

Ok so after thinking long and hard I have decided with a baby on the way its time to finally do something.

I was a cop in the UK Met for 10 years, working specialist postings when I left.

Since being in Oz I have worked mainly for the Australian government.

I am now thinking about completely retraining, I have had enough of Law etc so that rules out, it would be easy as I already have a degree in criminal law but I dont have the will.

I want some adreneline and some decent cash so I am thinking about becoming an A&E Doctor. I estimate it will take between 5-7 years before I am fully qualified (so 40 at the oldest), I already have intermediate training and huge experience in dealing with knife/ firearm wounds, burns and dead bodies so know it wont be an issue.

My wife earns a good wage so she should be able to support us mostly.
I have a fair bit of cash also saved in various cars and own two properties, the one in the UK has substantial equity.
The question is do I train here in Australia or back to the UK?
Does anyone know the financial differences of studying in either country? I have heard that in the UK there is substantial financial support for those who agree to work for NHS for set period of time.


does anyone have any experience of anything similar?

[Bibbs]

Can't really help, but good luck!

Only thing I'd add is maybe become a citizen first.

The wife looked at training before/after becoming an Aussie and it was a big cost difference.

[james280779]

I get my citizenship the end of next year, I plan to do the necessary undergraduate course hopefully soon so by the time I begin 'proper' training I should be a citizen, wont return to UK either without it

[Wanchaiwarrior]

I could be wrong, but Ive heard that medical qualifications/training have to be recognised by the relevant authorities here in Oz, and retraining is neccesary if they are not or are not "good" enough.

However, they are crying out for medical staff of all sorts in country areas.

All training and education is cheaper if a resident (at least), as we're going through citizenship application now before the next university year starts so my daugther can apply for the hecs-help scheme

My wife, as a newly qualified teacher, had to get her degree and training recognised by QLD Ed, took about 18 months all up, including "lost/mis filed" paperwork.

Good luck with the change, you've got to ghave balls to do it with a family and all.

Cheers

Jamie

[james280779]

Wanchaiwarrior said:

I could be wrong, but Ive heard that medical qualifications/training have to be recognised by the relevant authorities here in Oz, and retraining is neccesary if they are not or are not "good" enough.

However, they are crying out for medical staff of all sorts in country areas.

All training and education is cheaper if a resident (at least), as we're going through citizenship application now before the next university year starts so my daugther can apply for the hecs-help scheme

My wife, as a newly qualified teacher, had to get her degree and training recognised by QLD Ed, took about 18 months all up, including "lost/mis filed" paperwork.

Good luck with the change, you've got to ghave balls to do it with a family and all.

Cheers

Jamie

my wife is a qualified teacher, one year within landing she was made into a state moderator, now three years on she is currently writing the education standard for all australians in her subjects. She never had to do any retraining, I as a cop would have had to do a six week course only.
From what I understand, despite the Australians being a breed apart- anatomically they are very similar to us so it shouldnt be too difficult.

Balls has never been an issue, try investigating a ticking rucksack with wires coming out of it at a tube station!