Live the dream life in chic and laidback Sydney
For so many people, the idea of living and working in Sydney would simply be a dream come true. And by securing finance jobs in Sydney, not only could you find yourself achieving this lofty ambition, but also bagging yourself a career in one of the most thriving economies in the world.
Background
Sydney is a relatively young city, famed as being the first British colony in Australia upon its founding on January 26th 1788. Today, this date marks Australia Day, where the country celebrates the moment Captain Arthur Phillip and his First Fleet raised the flag in the name of the king of England. Originally called Sydney Cove in honour of the man who commissioned the fleet - Thomas Townsend, Baron Sydney - today it is better known as just Sydney.
The main language in the city is English and it is known for its gorgeous weather, enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Away from the iconic Sydney Harbour - where you will find the Opera House and Harbour Bridge - and around the outskirts there are several national parks. Meanwhile, the city itself is home to bays, rivers and beaches - including Bondi Beach. This is just as well as the majority of inhabitants love spending as much time outdoors in the glorious sunshine as possible.
Sydney is frequently mistaken for the capital of Australia - indeed, its Opera House is one of the visual symbols most often associated with the country - but this is not in fact the case. In order to prevent rivalry breaking out between Sydney and Melbourne over which was to be awarded the status, the capital was founded in Canberra.
Working
In the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index, Sydney ranked seventh in Asia and 28th globally. It is viewed as Australia's main financial centre and the wealth and privilege enjoyed by many of its inhabitants reflects this.
Home to the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Securities Exchange, people working in the city's financial services sector play an important role in driving the entire country's economy. In addition, this is the go-to place for anyone looking to forge a career in banking, as the headquarters of many of its lenders can be found here. Indeed, according to Expat Arrivals, one-third of Australia's entire financial sector workforce is based in Sydney, while the trading and finance industries account for one-third of total employment.
Australia's four major banks are the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group and Westpac Banking. Meanwhile, branches of the major authorised foreign lenders can be found in Sydney - including Citigroup, HSBC Australia and Deutsche Bank. Until relatively recently, tight regulations made it difficult for foreign financial services providers to establish themselves in the country, however, this is changing.
If you have been posted to Sydney from overseas, you will be eligible to apply for an Employer Sponsored Visa, while temporary visas are available to people who are being sponsored by a business and are able to work in the country for up to four years. Permanent Visas - available through an employer nomination scheme - are available to some eligible, highly skilled individuals.
Living
Sydney itself enjoys a vibrant urban environment but away from the hustle and bustle you will find picturesque suburbs that you could soon be calling home.
Being an expat in Sydney, there is little chance of you feeling alone. Not only are the people friendly and keen to socialise, but you will also be surrounded by many other foreigners who have relocated just like you in order to enjoy the high life. Many of the businesses offer a number of workplace practices that are perfect for helping you get the work-life balance right, including working from home and flexible hours.
The city also boasts great public transport systems that are ideal if you need to commute into work - although all that sunshine may mean you prefer walking or cycling - while the healthcare facilities are equally impressive.
If you're moving your family out to the city with you then there will be so much waiting for them that they are sure to love it. In addition, Sydney boasts a high standard of education.
While the cost of living in Sydney is admittedly higher than in many other areas of Australia, you may find that it is a price you are willing to pay for such a high quality of life.
Playing
Sydney is positively bursting with art, culture, history, architecture, fashion and amazing cuisine waiting for you to dive into. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Australia, it has a sophisticated and stylish vibe that also manages to retain that laid-back attitude the Aussies are so famous for.
Sport is a major passion here. The Olympics, Rugby World Cup and, of course, numerous Ashes matches have been held here. But in Australia, sport is not only for watching, but also for doing.
Head to Bondi Beach - one of the most famous stretches of sand in Australia - if you want to have a go at surfing, or take a dip in the Icebergs surf pool, followed by a spot of dinner overlooking the ocean. You'll also find plenty of designer boutiques nearby, in addition to a whole host of glamorous places to eat.
If being outdoors is how you enjoy spending your free time, then make sure you visit the Royal Botanic Gardens to explore the beautiful flora on display, while by venturing not far from the city you can surround yourself with the Blue Mountains or Royal National Park.
Sydney is a shopper's paradise - head to the Queen Victoria Building, Paddington Markets, Strand Arcade or take a shopping tour if you want to stock up on all the latest trends. Afterwards, you can relax with a glass of wine on the harbour or visit one of the city's many restaurants. Three of them - Quay, Marque and Tetsuya's - have won prizes at the 2010 San Pellegrino World's Best 50 Restaurants awards.
Don't Miss
If there are just three things you simply must experience during your time in Sydney, make them these:
- Take a stroll over Harbour Bridge, from The Rocks to North Sydney. If you take the walk at night you can enjoy the lights that illuminate the harbour, while during the day you can picnic under the structure.
- Head to the Sydney Opera House in the city centre. Whether you simply want to stand outside and have your picture taken or if you're lucky enough to be able to see a show, you'll be wowed by this iconic building.
- Have the ultimate sporting adventure at Sydney Olympic Park. After hosting the last Games of the 20th century, it is now made up of sports facilities and parkland.
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