Before coming to Australia, we didn’t really have any grand plans.
We simply wanted to step away from our original life routine and go somewhere completely different—to try out another way of living.
Our first stop was actually Melbourne.
It’s a lively city with plenty of opportunities, but the fast-paced lifestyle can also feel a bit overwhelming. On top of that, our English wasn’t particularly strong. Every day we were facing rapid conversations and a wide range of accents, and often before we could even process what was being said, the conversation was already over.
During that time, job hunting was quite stressful.
Not because we were afraid of hard work, but because we were worried about not understanding instructions or running into communication issues. And since we were moving as a couple, we slowly realized that it’s actually easier to arrange work for one person than for two—there are simply more job options available that way.
While in Melbourne, we also tried contacting several other agencies.
However, most communication was entirely in English, the job options were limited, and even when positions were available, they often only needed one person.
For backpackers, every move almost means starting life all over again.
Rent, transportation, living expenses—everything resets. Being together as a couple can amplify the pressure, and it’s hard not to worry about whether the information you’re getting is transparent, or whether you might end up in a difficult situation.
It was during that time, through a friend’s introduction, that we got in touch with Workmate.
To be honest, at the beginning we didn’t think too much about it—we just had the mindset of “it doesn’t hurt to ask.” After talking with them, we learned that they have job resources across different regions in Australia and understand very well the practical challenges couples face when job hunting together.
We were fully aware that finding work as a couple is inherently more difficult.
But throughout the entire process, Workmate was proactive and patient. They didn’t brush us off just because our situation was more limited. Instead, they consistently checked in, updated us on progress, and made us feel like we weren’t just being left to wait—there were genuinely people trying to help us figure things out.
Eventually, we decided to leave Melbourne and head to South Australia.
It wasn’t an impulsive decision, but rather one made after realistically evaluating our situation. We chose a place with a slower pace of life that felt more suitable for settling down again.
When we first arrived in South Australia, we still felt some pressure.
We had bought a car and sorted out accommodation, and money was being spent faster than expected—but at least we had a clear direction.
During that period, we continued submitting resumes and waiting for responses, adjusting to our new life while applying for all kinds of possible jobs.
Because we had moved interstate, Workmate first confirmed when we would arrive in South Australia. Once we were properly settled, they then began formally arranging work for us.
Our first job was secured this way—an onion factory position.
It wasn’t a dream job, but it was solid. The workflow was clear, the hours were stable, and it didn’t require overly complex English communication. It helped us take our first steady step into life in Australia.
After working there for a while, we wanted to try a different type of job.
Our second job, again arranged through Workmate, took us to a chicken farm.
This job was very different from what we had imagined.
It wasn’t standing on a production line repeating the same motions, but actually becoming part of the farm’s daily life.
Honestly, on the first day, the air was filled with all kinds of indescribable smells, and we felt a bit overwhelmed. When the doors to the chicken shed opened and a huge group of chickens turned to look at me all at once, I hesitated for a moment.
Looking back now, it feels a bit funny.
During the interview with Workmate, they had asked whether I was afraid of chickens. At the time, I casually answered “no,” thinking, What’s there to be afraid of? It wasn’t until I stood there in person that I realized I had underestimated the impact.
But then I thought about it—
we were already there, and we were preparing for our second-year Working Holiday visa, so I told myself to stick it out and give it a try.
Surprisingly, once we actually started working, we gradually adapted to the environment and rhythm. The schedule was clear—what time to start, what tasks to do—and we realized that this job gave us a much stronger sense of security than we had expected.
Later, due to a change in our living location, we decided to switch paths again.
For our third job, we once again turned to Workmate, this time entering the restaurant service industry.
The pace in restaurants was faster, and English was used more frequently. But because we had already accumulated some experience—and because we supported each other—we slowly became more confident speaking up and understanding more.
Looking back, we realized that although these jobs were completely different in nature, they shared one very important thing in common:
they all came at times when we felt the most insecure and most in need of stability, helping us connect the dots step by step.
We’re truly grateful for that period—
for having people who were willing to understand our situation and patiently help us think through our options.
That’s when we really realized that the hardest part isn’t what job you’re doing,
but being together and not knowing where the next step should be.
When someone is willing to help you slowly clarify your direction,
many paths that once felt completely blocked somehow become smoother without you even noticing.
We didn’t take many photos while working, and phones weren’t allowed on the chicken farm, so the photos we have are just snapshots of everyday life in Australia.
We simply wanted to step away from our original life routine and go somewhere completely different—to try out another way of living.
Our first stop was actually Melbourne.
It’s a lively city with plenty of opportunities, but the fast-paced lifestyle can also feel a bit overwhelming. On top of that, our English wasn’t particularly strong. Every day we were facing rapid conversations and a wide range of accents, and often before we could even process what was being said, the conversation was already over.
During that time, job hunting was quite stressful.
Not because we were afraid of hard work, but because we were worried about not understanding instructions or running into communication issues. And since we were moving as a couple, we slowly realized that it’s actually easier to arrange work for one person than for two—there are simply more job options available that way.
While in Melbourne, we also tried contacting several other agencies.
However, most communication was entirely in English, the job options were limited, and even when positions were available, they often only needed one person.
For backpackers, every move almost means starting life all over again.
Rent, transportation, living expenses—everything resets. Being together as a couple can amplify the pressure, and it’s hard not to worry about whether the information you’re getting is transparent, or whether you might end up in a difficult situation.
It was during that time, through a friend’s introduction, that we got in touch with Workmate.
To be honest, at the beginning we didn’t think too much about it—we just had the mindset of “it doesn’t hurt to ask.” After talking with them, we learned that they have job resources across different regions in Australia and understand very well the practical challenges couples face when job hunting together.
We were fully aware that finding work as a couple is inherently more difficult.
But throughout the entire process, Workmate was proactive and patient. They didn’t brush us off just because our situation was more limited. Instead, they consistently checked in, updated us on progress, and made us feel like we weren’t just being left to wait—there were genuinely people trying to help us figure things out.
Eventually, we decided to leave Melbourne and head to South Australia.
It wasn’t an impulsive decision, but rather one made after realistically evaluating our situation. We chose a place with a slower pace of life that felt more suitable for settling down again.
When we first arrived in South Australia, we still felt some pressure.
We had bought a car and sorted out accommodation, and money was being spent faster than expected—but at least we had a clear direction.
During that period, we continued submitting resumes and waiting for responses, adjusting to our new life while applying for all kinds of possible jobs.
Because we had moved interstate, Workmate first confirmed when we would arrive in South Australia. Once we were properly settled, they then began formally arranging work for us.
Our first job was secured this way—an onion factory position.
It wasn’t a dream job, but it was solid. The workflow was clear, the hours were stable, and it didn’t require overly complex English communication. It helped us take our first steady step into life in Australia.
After working there for a while, we wanted to try a different type of job.
Our second job, again arranged through Workmate, took us to a chicken farm.
This job was very different from what we had imagined.
It wasn’t standing on a production line repeating the same motions, but actually becoming part of the farm’s daily life.
Honestly, on the first day, the air was filled with all kinds of indescribable smells, and we felt a bit overwhelmed. When the doors to the chicken shed opened and a huge group of chickens turned to look at me all at once, I hesitated for a moment.
Looking back now, it feels a bit funny.
During the interview with Workmate, they had asked whether I was afraid of chickens. At the time, I casually answered “no,” thinking, What’s there to be afraid of? It wasn’t until I stood there in person that I realized I had underestimated the impact.
But then I thought about it—
we were already there, and we were preparing for our second-year Working Holiday visa, so I told myself to stick it out and give it a try.
Surprisingly, once we actually started working, we gradually adapted to the environment and rhythm. The schedule was clear—what time to start, what tasks to do—and we realized that this job gave us a much stronger sense of security than we had expected.
Later, due to a change in our living location, we decided to switch paths again.
For our third job, we once again turned to Workmate, this time entering the restaurant service industry.
The pace in restaurants was faster, and English was used more frequently. But because we had already accumulated some experience—and because we supported each other—we slowly became more confident speaking up and understanding more.
Looking back, we realized that although these jobs were completely different in nature, they shared one very important thing in common:
they all came at times when we felt the most insecure and most in need of stability, helping us connect the dots step by step.
We’re truly grateful for that period—
for having people who were willing to understand our situation and patiently help us think through our options.
That’s when we really realized that the hardest part isn’t what job you’re doing,
but being together and not knowing where the next step should be.
When someone is willing to help you slowly clarify your direction,
many paths that once felt completely blocked somehow become smoother without you even noticing.
We didn’t take many photos while working, and phones weren’t allowed on the chicken farm, so the photos we have are just snapshots of everyday life in Australia.
