A paramedic who left the NHS to save lives in Australia can now play bagpipes on the beach next to his four-bedroom home while earning thousands more per year in a “happier” work environment. Darren O’Hare, 38, worked for the Scottish Ambulance Service in the Forth Valley area for 10 years, describing his experience as enjoyable but challenging, especially during the pandemic.
Darren, along with his wife Susan, 39, and their three daughters, relocated to Perth in Western Australia in June this year. His pay has increased from around £48,000 in the UK to 109,000 Australian dollars (£56,000) as a “bottom level” paramedic in Perth. They are renting a spacious house close to the beach for 680 Australian dollars (£350) a week while waiting for permanent residency.
Darren appreciates the improved working conditions in Australia where colleagues seem happier and there is less stress. He feels his quality of life has improved significantly, with regular beach trips and more activities for the family. Darren, who served in the British Army before becoming a paramedic, said moving to Australia was a long-held dream and a chance for a better future for his daughters.
The process of relocating was stressful, involving visa applications, enrolling his daughters in new schools, and selling their property in Scotland. Despite facing setbacks with their house sale, Darren is optimistic about purchasing a new home in Australia once the process is finalised. He noted the differences in pay, morale, and collaboration between health services in the UK and Australia.
Darren is enjoying his new role as a paramedic for St John Ambulance Western Australia and looks forward to further promotions and pay rises. He is grateful for the positive impact the move has had on his family’s well-being and is excited about the opportunities Australia offers. The O’Hare family embraces the new life in Australia, where they feel they have more opportunities and a higher quality of life compared to their experiences in Scotland.