Clarette, Teacher on the Eyre Peninsula
Looking for a new challenge and lifestyle change, Clarette Goodhead moved from the United Kingdom to Australia looking for great weather, outdoor living and a better lifestyle balance. After living and teaching at schools in Sydney for five years, Clarette made the move from the city life to a close-knit rural community in the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.
“I plan to stay in South Australia. I've worked really hard to make South Australia my home. I feel like it’s massively underrated as a state. I love the sunshine compared to the grey UK winters.”
With great weather, Clarette now loves to visit the many wineries, incredible beaches and the untouched, natural beauty nearby, embracing the slower pace of South Australia.
What Clarette enjoys most about her new life is feeling calmer, less rushed and the lifestyle balance that is highly encouraged in her profession and community.
“I have a better balance in my life, its less performance driven and I have more time for myself and a life outside of school. I'm able to switch off and then have my own life outside of work. You don’t live to work, you work to live here, and work doesn’t dominate everything.”
Clarette has also noticed less pressure placed on students in the schooling system and more of a focus on student wellbeing, flexibility and balance with smaller classes and continuous assessment rather than high-stakes exams.
Reflecting on her life in the United Kingdom, Clarette compares the two countries adding that her teaching wage in Australia is almost double what she earned in the UK, providing her with more disposable income to enjoy more holidays throughout the year.
“There's a reason why so many British people come over to Australia and never leave because they see what an incredible life they can have here, and it really is the best decision.”
For anyone looking to follow in similar footsteps, Clarette recommends moving abroad:
“You won’t regret it. It was the best decision that I’ve ever made, and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. Australians are very welcoming.”