This month we're with Michael Wylie

Name

Michael Wylie

Age

31

Graduating university:

Queens University, Belfast

Previous job in the UK:

I worked in Cambridge, England for 3 years.

Type of visa

Initially went to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, but never wanted to leave and was sponsored by DJS on a 457 visa in April 2005. Later I became a Permanent Resident, and I'm now an Australian Citizen!

Where have you worked in Australia?

I worked in Mullumbimby which is a traditional rural community in northern NSW surrounded by some of Australia's most beautiful national parks and beaches. I worked there for a couple of years doing general dentistry.

In January 2006, I moved to a practice in Wollongbar, which is near Lismore. This little country town is also 30 minutes drive from Byron Bay, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Describe your current role

It is a general dentistry role, working a 4-day week from Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm. I see between 8-15 patients per day, most of whom are pretty laid back and informal.

What are the advantages of working where you do?

The quality of life is pretty amazing!

• I see far fewer patients per day, which allows me to spend more time with each patient, providing better care. I am also less stressed.
• The weather is beautiful most of the time. The coldest winter day is around 15 degrees and the maximum summer day temperature is 32 degrees. It is a nice life!
• The outdoor activities range from surfing to diving to learning how to fly a plane... I also spend lots of time at the beach.
• I have time to do many more outside work activities. I have been training in Hapkido and Taekwondo (types of martial arts) a couple of nights a week, which is easier to find time for here.
• The night life is great, there's a large pub culture here so weekends are always fun. Eating out is pretty cheap too and the asian influence and BBQ aspect make for some really great food.
• I'm within easy driving distance of 3 main airports which makes holidaying around Australia (or New Zealand) pretty accessible.

What made you take the plunge and work in dentistry in Australia?

Following my dental elective, when I came through Australia in 2000, I fell in love with Australia and couldn't wait to get back. After graduating I did some post graduate study (MFGDP(UK) - a diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons) and then made my way back.

How did you go about getting a job in Australia?

Found out about DJS through the BDJ and took it from there

Anything else you love about your new home?

I came out by myself 4 years ago and have met some really fantastic people in and around Byron Bay. It has been really easy to become part of a community, especially in Byron, which is a real mix of people. There are Kiwis, Aussies, Americans, Brazilians, South Africans. I live with a mixed bunch of people and am looking at buying a house down here now...

Do you visit home often?

Not very often, I travelled home for Christmas in 2006 and 2008. The world's a much smaller place these days though and it's pretty easy to keep in touch with friends and family by email, webcam and cheap phone cards.

Any regrets?

Nope, I love the Aussie way of life and I feel that opportunities are generally better for me personally in this country. I think I'd regret it a lot if I left here.

If you are interested in having an Australian experience like this one, contact Dentist Job Search at www.djs.com.au / info@djs.com.au