The Analyst Down Under

Most of us forget we are individuals with great things destined for us in this world. Once we've collected our first few paychecks and start enjoying the free coffee, we become corporate slaves who retire to their sleep cells every night in order to keep the hamster wheel running the next day. We shove aside the thought we are always replaceable - a new person, robot or corporate strategy could take our place any day. Here are some ways to pursue a real purpose in life, rather than be just another cog in the wheel day in and day out: 1. Have a home office Your daily job should be a part of your workday - which is to make sure your career plan is on track. Keep improving your strategy and ensure you are achieving your milestones. Set time aside for daily admin tasks such as job search, professional branding and planning. 2. Work towards financial goals and hedge yourself for the future Can't wait to spend hard-earned money on new toys? Don't forget the market ca...

Are you between jobs and have some downtime on your hands? You may be busier than you think. Downtime is a great time to catch up with yourself and make the right move for your career.  Don't fall into the trap of sinking into despair - if you are the employable type you will find your next role soon enough.  As long as you can pay the bills (even if you need to take some help from the government or a friend), you should focus on finding your preferred role rather than just any job.  There are a number of opportunities out there at any time of the year (low times of the year are even better as supply of professional workforce is also scarce), but make sure you land the job that carves out a career path for yourself. In the meantime, enjoy your free time. That's what life's all about anyway isn't it? Enjoying your free time doesn't just mean binge watching every tv series out there from season one (though a couple good ones won't hu...

So it's time to start thinking about visa requirements and citizenship past the initial four year validity of the VE 175 Resident Visa. As the validity of the visa from 01 Nov 2014 allows multiple entries up to 20 Nov 2018, I would need a Return Resident Visa to fly back to Australia after this date, although my visa allows me indefinite stay if I am in Australia. As per the website, "If you are in Australia and the travel facility on your current visa has, or is, about to expire, you need to apply for, and be granted, an RRV before you leave Australia. You can apply for the visa outside Australia, but it must be granted before you enter Australia". Full details of the RRV are provided on the home affairs page here . and are either of subclass 155 (one year or five years travel facility) or subclass 157 (three months travel facility). The cost of the visa is AUD 365  per applicant and requires a valid passport. You can apply online straight aw...