A personal look at the adjustments, everyday pleasures and unexpected lessons that come with starting over
By Hassaan Awais
Moving to Australia as an expat means adjusting to more than just the weather. The pace of life can feel noticeably slower than in many other countries, and once the initial adjustment wears off, that change of rhythm can become one of the most rewarding parts of settling in. It takes a while to stop rushing, but once it clicks, it can be hard to imagine going back.
There is always something happening, whatever your interests. Big concerts and stadium tours come through regularly, WWE events draw packed crowds, and cricket and AFL dominate weekends for much of the year. Optus Stadium is often at the centre of it all, whether hosting an Ashes Test or a sold-out concert. Between sport, live music and everything in between, there is genuinely something for everyone.
Away from the big events, everyday life moves at a gentler rhythm. Cafés are taken seriously, and many are set along the river or close to the coast, making a slow breakfast with a view feel less like an occasion and more like part of the routine. Weekends tend to follow a similar pattern: a walk along the river, coffee with a nice outlook, perhaps a hike in the hills, followed by time with colleagues or friends outside of work. Catching up on weekends is not just something people say—they actually make the time to do it.
Things take a little longer, too. That laid-back attitude carries over into how people approach time in general. Whether it is public transport, replies to emails or simply feeling properly settled, patience becomes part of the experience. Finding a job as a newcomer can take longer than expected, so it helps to arrive prepared for a few months of persistence rather than a quick turnaround. The same goes for renting. Competition for properties is real, and it can take several attempts before something comes through. None of this is particularly unusual; it is simply part of finding your footing in a new country.
The cost of living is another adjustment. Groceries, in particular, can add up quickly, and a routine supermarket trip may feel considerably more expensive than it did back home. Balancing that against the lifestyle on offer becomes part of the trade-off many expats find themselves making.
What stands out most, though, is the overall sense of calm. Between the outdoor spaces, the gentler pace of daily life and a culture that tends to value balance alongside work, there is a sense of room to breathe that can be harder to find elsewhere. It takes time to adjust, but for those who settle into it, that slower rhythm can become one of the most memorable parts of living in Australia.
