Living in Australia: Lessons from Janette's 15 Years
After reading about Janette's transformative journey from fitting in to belonging in her Spotlight, here's how she figured out life in Australia—complete with the practical discoveries, cultural insights, and hard-won wisdom that can help smooth your own path.
The Housing Reality Check
When Janette's husband joined a Facebook group for Malaysians in Melbourne after their move, they quickly discovered it wasn't the welcoming community they'd hoped for. "It didn't feel very welcoming, and the vibe just wasn't quite right for us," Janette recalls.
But this disappointment led to a better discovery. For newcomers struggling with Australia's notoriously competitive rental market, Janette found two game-changers: the Facebook group "Fairy Floss Melbourne" and the Flatmate app. "These tools can really give you a head start, especially if you don't yet have much credibility or rental history in Australia."
The key insight? Traditional real estate processes can be overwhelming when you're new to the country. Fairy Floss Melbourne, well-known even among locals, offers an alternative pathway that doesn't require the extensive rental history that traditional applications demand.
The lesson: Don't limit yourself to conventional channels when you lack local credentials.
Your action step: Research platform-based housing options before arriving but always verify listings and meet potential flatmates in person to avoid scams.
The Professional Network Breakthrough
Janette's experience in architecture revealed how industry networking really works in Australia. Rather than relying on generic expatriate groups, she discovered that professional success requires strategic, industry-specific approaches.
"Be active on LinkedIn," became her first rule. "Make sure your profile is up-to-date, showcase your portfolio, and don't hesitate to reach out to potential employers or industry contacts—even if they're not currently hiring." What surprised her was how receptive Australian professionals were to direct outreach when approached thoughtfully.
She also learned that related industry experience counts more than perfect job matches. "If you can't get an architecture role straight away, consider related jobs—like engineering drafting, construction work, cabinetry, or other roles connected to the industry." Several of her colleagues had successfully followed this path.
The lesson: Australian professional culture rewards direct communication and values industry knowledge over perfect credentials.
Your action step: Update your LinkedIn profile before arriving, join relevant professional organisations, and consider adjacent roles that build local industry experience.
The Connection Strategy Discovery
While Janette's naturally outgoing personality made networking easier for her, watching her more reserved husband taught her that connection strategies must match your personality and purpose.
When her husband wanted to build friendships through basketball, he joined Facebook groups where people posted about casual games. "He's tried out different groups—some didn't really click, so he moved on and found others where he felt more comfortable. Eventually, he built a solid group of friends through the sport."
This experience revealed an important truth: you don't have to force compatibility. "Whether you're outgoing or more introverted, there are ways to connect—you just need to be open, try different things, and give yourself the chance to find where you belong."
The lesson: Activity-based communities often create more natural bonds than general expatriate groups.
Your action step: Identify your genuine interests and search for relevant Facebook groups or Meetup communities before arriving.
The Cultural Expectations Timeline
One of Janette's most valuable insights came from observing the difference between survival and true cultural adaptation. Having moved as a child, she noticed that many adult immigrants expect integration to happen much faster than it actually does.
"Don't focus too much on trying to fit in. Instead, allow yourself to experience and enjoy the culture," she advises. In her region, the goal isn't to become Australian—it's to discover whether Australian culture resonates with who you are and who you're becoming.
She learned that cultural comfort develops in layers: practical adaptation (navigating systems, understanding social cues) happens relatively quickly, but deeper cultural belonging can take years. "Your sense of belonging will likely change as you grow. What feels right now may shift over time—and that's perfectly okay."
The lesson: Cultural integration is an ongoing process of discovery, not a destination to reach quickly.
Your action step: Give yourself at least two years to truly evaluate your cultural fit, and resist the pressure to make permanent decisions during your first year.
The Community Wisdom
Through her family's experience and observations of Australia's multicultural communities, Janette discovered how community support really works for immigrants.
For older generations like her parents, maintaining cultural community provides essential familiarity and solidarity. "When they see another Malaysian, even without knowing much about that person, they often offer help and support simply because of that shared background."
But she also learned that effective community engagement requires giving back: "When you're in a better position, it's your turn to return the favour and support others as they navigate their own journeys."
Various cultural communities maintain connections through religious associations, Sunday schools, and social groups that keep traditions alive while adapting to Australian life.
The lesson: Cultural communities provide both practical support and emotional grounding, but they work best when members contribute as well as receive.
Your action step: Research cultural associations relevant to your background, and also look for ways to contribute your skills or experience once you're settled.
The Self-Discovery Reality
Perhaps Janette's most important practical insight concerns the emotional journey of living abroad. She learned that loneliness isn't unique to expatriate life—it's a universal adult experience that living abroad can actually help you navigate more effectively.
"Keep yourself busy in a meaningful way. I try to fill my time by exploring things I'm unfamiliar with but curious about," she explains. "Since you've already made the big move abroad, why not take that opportunity to discover new interests?"
She also discovered the importance of learning to enjoy your own company: "Sometimes, you need that space to recharge, reflect, and check in with yourself. It's in those moments that you can focus on becoming a better version of who you are."
The lesson: Living abroad accelerates self-discovery, but only if you're intentional about the process.
Your action step: Plan solo activities that genuinely interest you, and schedule regular reflection time to process your experiences.
The Reality Check: What Janette Learned About Expectations
Janette finds that many people expect to automatically find a "better" life in Australia, which later clashes with the reality of discovering that fulfilment depends on personal fit rather than objective superiority. "The funny thing about living in Australia for the past 15 years is that it's actually made me appreciate my home country more."
Her expectation: Living in a Western country would be straightforwardly superior to her Malaysian experience.
The reality: She discovered that every place has trade-offs, and what matters most is alignment with your personal values and life stage needs.
The insight: Cultural adaptation is deeply individual and non-linear. In Janette's experience, true evaluation required multiple years and life changes to understand what genuinely suited her evolving self. Each person's journey looks different based on personality, background, support systems, and countless other factors.
The Advice Janette Gives Now
After 15 years in Australia, Janette's perspective has shifted from survival to wisdom. "Don't be afraid—even if you end up not liking the place you moved to, or feel like you made the wrong decision or wasted time. Life is often about making the wrong decisions so you can eventually make the right ones."
Her promise to future Australia residents: "Every experience, good or bad, teaches you something and shapes you into someone wiser and more profound than those who never took that leap."
Most importantly: "Listen to yourself. Surround yourself with people who support you, and trust the journey of life as it unfolds. Don't let others' opinions define your path. Most importantly, always remember to love yourself—through the mistakes, the uncertainty, and the growth."
Connect with Janette on Instagram @ettenajane and listen to her Podcast Just say it now! Read her full transformation story in her Woven Spotlight.
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