Great time to get a job...

This is the understatement of the century. All of the consulting firms here have laid people off in the last couple weeks. Companies are not wanting to sponsor foreigners to work for them, and it just overall sucks.

I have applied for over 20 jobs, most of which I don't even hear back from, have interviewed for a handful, and nothing. I'm trying not to take this as a complete moral crusher, but considering I'd never not gotten a job from an interview before it's a bit demoralising.

So right now my plan is to potentially do a quick graduate diploma in a related area which will allow me to apply for permanent residency here. This essentially means I'd be employable and companies wouldn't need to pay for my visa. Now this would mean I wouldn't get the amazing tax benefits of being a foreigner living and working here - but considering getting that is only a potential at this point I'd take the chance. The unfortunate thing is that I'd then be looking at an additional batch of tuition payments, which is not at all something I want to deal with now. But I'm pretty sure my chances of getting a job here are better than in the states.

We'll see how it all plays out, right now it's pretty grim though.

Unwanted Guest

Most everyone knows about the massive insects that are found all over Australia... I've learned to cope with them as most won't hurt you and at most they are just creepy. I'm not sure if it is the season or what, but lately there has been an increase in the number of insects which have made it into the house, and even worse - into my room.

Now I'm not stupid and don't leave food out in my room so am lost as to why they would wander to the complete opposite end of the house from the kitchen... but they do. I've adapted by having a can of roach spray handy in my room at all times.

However I had a new and very unwelcome guest last night when I got home from work. To set the stage a bit let me tell you about the spiders here... there are little ones which can kill you with a bite, then there are ones the size of softballs which eat birds who fall into their webs. So we have the whole menu of spiders. There is one in particular which, while isn't particularly harmful to humans, is massive and can be found pretty much everywhere - this would be the Huntsman.

After working for 5.5 hours at the restaurant I came home to find that one of these nasties had somehow managed to get in between the sliding and stationary panes of my window. How it managed this I have no clue. But I did the smart thing in dealing with this - called one of my the Aussie guys from school who lives near me to come get it. Lucky for me he was home. Lucky for the spider he didn't want to kill it and instead took it outside.

Just to give you an idea of the size of these things here are a couple pictures... I'm hoping it doesn't find its way into my room again any time soon.

Yes I know I'm lame

Yes I know I've been a complete slacker the last month and haven't posted anything... but I'm enjoying my last few months of having nothing to do. :) I took my last written final last week and not just have papers and a couple of presentations to make then am DONE!!!

I'll try to be a bit better at updating as there should hopefully be a couple of new things coming up... more specifically a change of address (not that anyone but Jenni and my parents have sent me anything), hopefully a job (still keeping the fingers crossed and applying like a mad woman), and taking advantage of the beach and the free highlights I'm gaining.

Just for those who might have had a bit of wishful thinking going on... no I don't have a date for Valentine's day. This officially makes this a very long streak of nothing much going on in my life and my last 'romantic' v-day was with Kirby in Paris so that gives you an idea of how my Valentines have been. lol but at least I can laugh about it!!