I've never been there, don't have a clue. How much annual leave/sick time do most professionals get, how much maternity leave do women get, do people work like dogs or is it fairly laid back, is there good public transportation in Sydney? Just wondering. Thanks!

Hi Peep,

Well in a broad sense maternity leave is mostly around 6 weeks unpaid unless your individual company has a paid maternity benifit. All government workers get paid maternity leave.
Sick leave is usually around 10 days per year accruable. Annual leave is generally around 20 days per year and 25 days for shift workers.

As for work load it is dependant on the profession, IT workers are usually worked like dogs these dyas due to rationalisation in the industry. I believe health workers are also under pressure with their work load.

Public transport in Sydney is very good, generally the lifestyle is an enviable one compared to city lifestyles around the world.

Cheers

Paul_S

Peep - this is the broadest question posted on here for a long time and I would have to ask "in relation to WHAT?"
How much leave to professionals get - what kind of professional? How long is a piece of string?

I was just wondering how life compares there to life in a major US or European city. For example, you could say that 2 weeks leave is standard in the US for new employees, and 6 weeks is standard in Germany. American workers tend to work over 40 hours a week, German workers less. I'm just curious about the quality of life there.

Sydney is a busy international city and professionals who are serious about their careers work hard i.e.50-60 hrs per week on average in my experience as an accountant. We have a climate that rarely gets below 10 deg C in winter and rarely goes over 34 degrees C in summer. We have cool sea breezes close to the coast, public transport is efficient and reliable. Maternity leave is a big issue for employers-if women want to have babies they need to give up something! Mostly it is unpaid. Get out of Sydney and see the coast and mountains for a taste of fresh air and real hospitality. Sydney is superb but after all it's a big city and people don't matter that much! Good luck.

Hi Peep,
I lived in Sydney for 18 months - and that was long enough for me. Its a city a much rather visit than live. You can either work privately or for the Government. Pretty much depends on your profession and the hours you work (as stated above). Dependant on which Government dept you work for, women can get up to 14 weeks paid maternity leave. Transportation is ok (if working in the city, trains or buses) but I hated that part of it all. I guess it depends on whether you want that "city" living. I personally found it depressing after a few months there (ie. the crime, and yes, people don't matter much attitude etc).

Cheers

If you want to live in an urban environment and you have a "new world",west coast mindset then sydney is about as good as it gets.

If you want to make your fortune stick to north america.

If you want snow and ice,history and haze stick to the east coast and europe.

Of course as with any large city there are demographics. The preferable sydney lifestyle is enjoyed in the so called "global arc" ie north shore,inner city,eastern suburbs.

Hi Peep. The replies above are rather negative. I have to say, I am an immigrant and I have nothing but praise for Sydney. Certainly, it is a city and all the 'trappings' of a large city are there, ie traffic, busy lifestyle, etc. However, if that is what you enjoy, then Sydney is fantastic. It is a beautiful city - spectacular actually, especially with the Opera House, the famous coathanger, the Anzac bridge, and full of life. However, if you prefer the country, then it is not far to drive until you are out of the city, eg the Blue Mountains. You could live in the Mountains and work in the city, and then you have the best of both worlds. Don't be put off by the negative talk. Sydney is fantastic.

Hi Peep
I feel a bit sorry for Chris 7, he must have had a terrible time of it, and maybe didn't get to make any friends during his stay. I must admit (being a native Sydneysider) that being into sporting activities makes a huge difference if you want to fit in and get to know people here. We have a nice mild climate and people are very outdoorsy. Also, you need to chill out and have a very good sense of humour (ie, ironic and a bit irreverent) -- and not take yourself too seriously if you want to be accepted here. I've found in my work that people from the US don't always fit in with the Aussie culture (unlike people from Europe) because they don't realise just how different our cultures are.

However, I think we actually work harder than most English and Europeans -- it's just that we have this laconic sense of humour and a love of the active lifestyle that makes us appear a bit slack. Don't be fooled by appearances, though.

Look, I've travelled all over the world and I would not live anywhere but Sydney because it has a bit of everything, especially if you love beautiful beaches and harbours (I also love Melbourne for its fine food, coffee, courtesy and trams but it's too cold and wet for me).