Gap year?

peachyprice

mullen8627 wrote: »

the wages midwives get paid over here is horrendous for the hard work they do and the responsibility they have. In OZ the wage is almost doubled.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the wages are almost double for a reason, the cost of living is expensive, largely due to the fact that they have to import pretty much everything.

MNM2903

I understand that.It's more for the lifestyle and we've got friends out there in the same field so the wages are just a bonus.

I am turning 30 next year and she's turning 25. We were planning on buying a house and settling down but we've thought about this for a while and now we're getting serious about it and at this point in our lives were in a position to do it. Thanks for all your posts. Don't understand why some people think we're doing anything wrong by wanting to enjoy our lives and have what I think will be an experience of a lifetime.

agrinnall

There's nothing wrong with wanting to give it a try, just the idea that the NHS (or any employer) would seriously consider a lengthy career break after such a short time. I'd suggest that the only sensible thing to do is ask before making plans, and if they say No then your wife will need to consider resigning in the hope that she can get another job when you return.

You don't seem to have said anything about your own situation, will you be taking a career break yourself or leaving your job?

MNM2903

Yeah she's speaking to her manager today as she's worked hard to get a job in a hospital close to home so she doesn't want to jeopardise it.

I have worked in IT Support most my working life and got made redundant in 2013 so started a new career in sales. I can pick up this kind of work no problem and have just done contracting worm in the past when I got made redundant until I've found permanent work. I'll be asking work about a career break but I also have only been with my current employer 11 months.

We are pushing our luck I know that but it all rides on her employer as she wouldn't want to jeopardise her job. I'll know soon enough I suppose if we are going ahead.

callum9999

agrinnall wrote: »

There's nothing wrong with wanting to give it a try, just the idea that the NHS (or any employer) would seriously consider a lengthy career break after such a short time. I'd suggest that the only sensible thing to do is ask before making plans, and if they say No then your wife will need to consider resigning in the hope that she can get another job when you return.

You don't seem to have said anything about your own situation, will you be taking a career break yourself or leaving your job?

Again, it is both within the spirit and the letter of standard NHS rules on career breaks. While they presumably vary from trust to trust, if they want to retain her on their staff (I have no idea how hard it is for them to find decent midwives at the moment?) then they will grant it.

Why on Earth people get into the mindset that employment is a one-way contract I have no idea. Most major corporations - particularly in the public sector - place an importance on staff well being. It is neither rare nor exceptional for a career break to be granted in situations like this. OP, you are not "pushing your luck" - you are taking advantage of a scheme you are contractually able to use!

callum9999

peachyprice wrote: »

largely due to the fact that they have to import pretty much everything.

No they don't... I'd be surprised if they imported significantly more than the likes of the UK do. Not to mention imports in Australia are generally cheaper than locally produced/grown stuff anyway - so imports are keeping the cost of living down!

dawyldthing

I can't blame you. I'm thinking of doing the same but for any work as I've done the job for nearly 4 years (support worker) and am ready for a change as I know we'll be working forever more.

While you are young, have no ties and it's what you want go for it. Even if they won't keep your job open I'm sure there's bank staff needed in midwifery and you have some money behind you go for it.

MNM2903

Yeh she's on the bank staff aswell. Got her application in now and basically it looks like as long as you can justify it it's plausible. She's put down she's going to OZ to broaden her skills and work as a midwife out there. Only requires her to have been employed by them for 12 months from the date the career break starts. If they give the go ahead we will be going this year