Finally, as promised long ago, here's a short post about my job search in Sydney.

What can I say? I've been very fortunate in my life so far. As my brother would put it: I've often had more luck than sense. I'd like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has helped and supported me along the way.

In any case, many years ago I was lucky enough to become a software developer. I also prepared for my first job search in Australia by contacting several recruiters and companies in advance. By the time I arrived here, I had already scheduled several appointments and arranged phone calls.

In my last post, I already mentioned my interview in Newcastle and how well it went. The following Monday, I went to ProductReview.com.au near Sydney Central Station. I had a pretty nice conversation there, this time without a technical test. However, they said they would only let me know at the end of the week whether I would get the job or not.

That same evening, I applied for a few other jobs I found on the website Seek.com.au. It didn't take long before I received an invitation for an interview the next morning. Of course, I accepted and went there the next day. This conversation was also pleasant and relaxed. I even received an immediate job offer.

It would have been a flexible contract, meaning I would work until the beginning of February and, if I performed well, could work for another three months later. Unfortunately, the salary was only 75% of what was offered in Newcastle. On my way back to the hostel, I received an email offering me another job interview with a different company.

I wasn't really looking forward to interviewing with this company because I had been annoyed by them several times before. For a 3-month contract position for a junior to mid-level software developer, they were conducting an application process suitable for a Senior Software Manager. Furthermore, this person claimed that I had stolen the code for my laboriously developed Flickr search and hadn't written it myself. This was a complete lie, as I had specifically developed it for him in the presence of the agent.

Fortunately, I received confirmation in the afternoon that I had gotten the job at ProductReview.com.au. I promptly accepted. The pay isn't quite as good as in Newcastle, but the contract is flexible, allowing me to travel through southeastern Australia in February.

So I had found work within just six days. The next challenge was finding accommodation for this period. But more about that next time.