Have you ever considered moving interstate but didn't want to step outside your comfort zone? Relocation can be a daunting prospect, whether it’s for your career, your partner’s career or forced on you by unforeseen circumstances. Even with excellent career prospects at hand, leaving behind friends, family and familiar surrounds can make moving away difficult.
We spoke with Verity Haskett, a Valuer with Opteon who’s relocation to the Northern Territory a year ago has brought career and personal success. We asked Verity what prompted the move and how she’s finding her new environment.
What prompted your move to the NT?
My partner and I made a joint decision to move to Darwin. I had become a little stale in my previous role at the State Valuation Office and I needed a change. My partner got a job in Darwin first, but the decision to move was both of ours. I've lived in Darwin previously so I knew what it had to offer.
What has moving to Darwin done for your career and life in general?
The change of environment has given me a new lease of life and I’m truly enjoying being a valuer again. I’m responsible for my own work and I don’t have to manage any other staff. This role has taken me to so many different places and everyone here is so lovely.
As a valuer what differences do you find between South Australia and the Northern Territory?
As well as noticeable differences in housing style, there is the cyclone code to understand in the Northern Territory. Houses must be built to the code in the Northern Territory which means they are more expensive to construct. I find the cost of a build is probably twice the price. As a result, houses are smaller up here - about 100 square metres is the average in Darwin.
What do you enjoy about your current role?
Every day is different which is what I like about the role. I travel to Katherine every other week and I do regular rural valuations in places like Marrakai and Berry Springs. I get to see a lot of the countryside and some beautiful scenery. About 40% of my time is spent in Darwin and the remaining 60% in Palmerston and rural locations.
I like it up here, there’s still so much for me to explore. When you’ve got beautiful Kakadu and Katherine Gorge just up the road, you can’t complain.
Any draw backs or regrets?
I have no regrets about moving here at all.
There is some after-hours work, but it’s not that often. If this does occur, I prefer to write up my valuation reports the same night to ensure I always have a clean slate for the next day.
There are long distances to drive, so you have to be comfortable with that, but I’m used to it being from Mt Gambier.
A drawback was leaving my dog back in Mt Gambier. However, everyone seems to have a dog in Darwin, so I get lots of pats.
It’s hot, but we’re all hot up here together.
