Further study or upskilling
If your partner has been considering further education or upskilling, moving to a new town could be the perfect opportunity to tackle a university degree, enrol in an online course or take advantage of local training programs. This could lead to a new, exciting career path or increased employability. If you’re worried about living on one income, explore a region that offers access to subsidised housing and calculate the extra financial incentives, including for partners and dependents, that may be available using our online calculator. With relocation costs covered, subsidised or sourced accommodation and potential further financial support, there may never be a better time for your partner to hit the books to advance their career or pursue a passion.
Bridget was working in childcare when her teacher partner accepted a role in Cooktown, Far North Queensland. With an undergraduate degree already under her belt, she decided to use their time living remotely to tackle a postgraduate degree in teaching.
'I thought it would be a good time to study because of the lower rental costs. When I graduated and we were both teachers, we were able to do a lot of overseas travel during the holidays which was an amazing experience and worked out really well.'
More time with the family
If you have young children, the lower cost of living in many rural and remote locations may mean you and your partner have the opportunity to spend extra valuable time with your family.
Jesse Lehtinen was teaching on the Sunshine Coast when a range of lifestyle factors inspired a tree change with his wife and newborn baby to Biloela. Jesse said the decision to move was a smart financial decision for his family.
'We were fortunate to receive subsidised accommodation, which saved us a quarter of the rent expense, which really adds up in this market,' he said.
‘The lower cost of living here and subsidised teacher housing is the main reason we can afford for my wife to stay at home. We’ve had a second baby since moving here and she is still at home with them. It's great to know we can financially afford her to stay home with them and still contribute funds to our savings.’
Distance makes the heart grow fonder
Sometimes, it may not be feasible for you both to move and that’s okay if you’re still interested in taking a remote opportunity. When working in rural and remote locations, you may be able to access additional flights and financial incentives to offset the cost of your partner visiting and travelling home during holidays.
When Max decided he wanted to secure a permanent position at Mornington Island State School, a remote island in North Queensland, he discussed the move with his partner of 10 years and they decided long distance would be the best choice for them.
‘We're able to keep in touch very easily. We can do voice calls and video calls, and I always feel like I'm still part of my family,’ Max said.
‘It can be challenging, but we have generous flight allowances, so it's not at a huge expense to me. And when we are together, rather than just sitting on the lounge and watching TV, we've got 2 weeks of quality time and we really make the most of it.’
As with any major decision, it's vital to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about what options are available and what will work best for both of you. This changes the dynamic from them following you to becoming an exciting lifestyle opportunity for both of you.
To explore the personal and professional benefits of living and teaching in a remote community, visit the rural and remote page.