Moving to a new country like Australia as a student can be a big step. It's like an adventure that changes your life in exciting ways. Sure, it might be a bit scary at first, being away from home and all. But guess what? It's also a chance to be your own boss and try new things.
Starting out might feel confusing, like trying to figure out how to clean your bathroom or do laundry on your own for the first time. And yeah, being away from your family can be tough. But you know what? It's also pretty cool to be independent. You're on your own, which means you get to experience lots of firsts – like taking a walk alone in the park, eating by yourself, exploring a museum solo, and even working a part-time job. Yep, you heard it right, a job that's not full-time. This is a great way to earn some extra money to support your life in Australia.
I get it, coming from places where certain jobs might seem less important can make you hesitate. But remember, every job is valuable. People all around the world work all kinds of jobs and they're all respected. When you step out of your comfort zone and go to new places, you get to learn new things and grow in ways you can't even imagine. The world needs more people who are open-minded and think globally, especially when there's a rise in focusing only on one's own country. And guess what? Many organizations know that students can do many things well at the same time. Sounds pretty good, right?
Now, let's talk about managing school and work. It can be a bit tough. Figuring out what jobs to look for in a new country isn't easy, but don't worry, I've got your back. Australia has a strong economy and lots of job options for students like you.
You might be wondering, "Okay, enough talk, how many hours can I work and what kinds of jobs?" Well, if you're an international student in Australia, your visa allows you to work up to 40 hours every two weeks.
For example, if you're from India, you can work around 20 hours a week, and you'll earn at least AUD 21 for each hour you work. This can add up to around 2000 AUD every month. You can work from Monday to Sunday, and it doesn't matter if you work more one week and less the next – just make sure you stay within the 40-hour limit. Oh, and during your break times, you can work more if you want. Here's something cool: until June 30, 2023, all students – new ones and those who came with you – can work more than 40 hours each week. But after that date, there might be some changes in how many hours you can work.
Now, let's talk about the types of jobs. Remember things you enjoyed doing while growing up? Like looking after kids, tutoring, making great coffee, or speaking another language? Well, guess what? You can actually earn money by doing these things in Australia! You can find part-time jobs at coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels. You can make delicious coffee for others or help students with their studies. And since Australia is home to many different languages, your language skills could also earn you money. If you're really good at something, you might even get a job that pays you more.
In Australia, the minimum hourly wage is between AUD 20 and AUD 45. Jobs in retail or tutoring can pay even higher – up to AUD 33 or even AUD 40 per hour. Other well-paying jobs include working in hospitality (like cafes, bars, or hotels), doing farming or fruit-picking (usually in spring), providing services like care or cleaning, babysitting, office work, and more. And here's something neat: you can also work on your campus, maybe as a teaching assistant or in the campus shops, without worrying about the time limit✊.
But working isn't just about making money. It's also a way to meet new people and have interesting conversations. Some of these people might even become your friends. Working as a barista, you can chat with regular customers about the weather or your cool scarf. It's a great way to feel happy and connected, even if you're far from home.
Just remember, while it's awesome to earn money, your main goal is to get that degree you've always wanted. Finding the right balance between work and studies is important. Working while you're a student helps you gain experience and earn money, but you also need to focus on your education. Getting a job might seem tricky at first, but don't give up! Do what makes you happy. Don't let others decide what's right for you. Try different types of work – nobody there knows you, so it's a chance to explore. Remember, no job is too small. Be open to new opportunities and learn as much as you can.
