First job in Australia as an international student mistakes to avoid is one of those topics that doesn’t get talked about enough. Your first job is exciting, but it’s also where you make mistakes. I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my first job, and I’ve watched friends make them too. Some mistakes were minor. Others were more serious. The difference was learning from them quickly.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve worked various jobs, and I’ve learned what mistakes to avoid. Some mistakes are common. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what can go wrong and how to avoid it.
So here’s everything I know about mistakes to avoid in your first job in Australia as an international student, based on what I’ve seen go wrong.
Not Understanding Your Rights
This is the biggest mistake, and I’ve seen it cost people money.
You have rights as a worker. Minimum wage, penalty rates, breaks, these are your rights. Don’t let employers take advantage of you.
Know your award rate. Different industries have different minimum wages. Know what you should be paid.
Know about penalty rates. Weekend and evening work should pay more. Don’t accept base rates for penalty times.
But here’s what I’ve learned: understanding your rights protects you. Don’t assume employers will pay you correctly. Check your payslip, know your rights, and speak up if something’s wrong.
I’ve written about work rights for international students if you want more detail.
Not Communicating Clearly
This is common, and it can cause problems.
Communication is important. If you don’t understand something, ask. If you can’t work a shift, tell your employer. Don’t assume they’ll understand.
Language barriers can be an issue. If your English isn’t perfect, that’s okay. But make sure you understand important things like your pay, hours, and responsibilities.
But here’s what I’ve learned: clear communication prevents problems. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s better to ask than to make mistakes.
Working Too Many Hours
This is tempting, but it can hurt your studies.
It’s easy to work too many hours when you need money. But working too much can affect your studies, which defeats the purpose.
Balance is important. Work enough to cover your costs, but don’t sacrifice your studies. Your degree is your priority.
But here’s what I’ve learned: working too many hours isn’t worth it. Your degree is more important than extra money. Work enough to cover your costs, but don’t work so much that your studies suffer.
I’ve written about how many hours you can work as a student if you want more detail.
Not Keeping Records
This is important for tax, and I’ve seen people struggle because they didn’t keep records.
Keep records of: your payslips, your hours worked, and any work related expenses.
Tax time is easier if you have records. You’ll need to lodge a tax return, and having records makes it easier.
But here’s what I’ve learned: keeping records is simple but important. Keep your payslips, note your hours, and keep receipts for work expenses. It makes tax time much easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what I’ve seen go wrong, so you can avoid these mistakes:
Not checking your payslip. Check your payslip every pay. Make sure you’re paid correctly for your hours and penalty rates.
Not speaking up about problems. If something’s wrong, speak up. Don’t suffer in silence. But be respectful and professional.
Not understanding your visa conditions. Know how many hours you can work. Don’t work more than allowed, as this can affect your visa.
Not asking for help. If you’re struggling, ask for help. Don’t try to handle everything alone.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these mistakes are avoidable. Check your payslip, speak up about problems, understand your visa conditions, and ask for help when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m not paid correctly?
Speak to your employer first. Sometimes it’s a mistake. If they don’t fix it, contact Fair Work. You have rights, and you should be paid correctly.
What if I can’t work a shift?
Tell your employer as soon as possible. Be honest about why. Most employers understand if you have a good reason, but give them notice.
Can I quit my job if I don’t like it?
Yes, usually. But check your contract. Some jobs require notice. Give proper notice and leave professionally.
What if my employer asks me to work more than 48 hours per fortnight?
Don’t do it. This violates your visa conditions and can affect your visa. Politely decline and explain your visa limits.
Should I work cash in hand?
No. Cash in hand work is risky. You might not be covered by workers’ rights, and it can cause tax problems. Work legally and get proper payslips.
What if I make a mistake at work?
Everyone makes mistakes. Apologise, learn from it, and don’t repeat it. Most employers understand that everyone makes mistakes, especially in your first job.
Final Thoughts
Your first job in Australia as an international student is a learning experience. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. But understanding common mistakes helps you avoid them. Know your rights, communicate clearly, balance work and study, and keep records. These things help you have a better experience.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes in their first job. Learn from them, and don’t repeat them. Most employers understand that you’re learning.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Learn from mistakes quickly. Don’t repeat the same mistakes. Understand your rights, communicate clearly, and balance work and study. These things help you have a better experience.
If you’re starting your first job, check out my guides on work rights for international students and how many hours you can work. And when you’re working, know your rights, communicate clearly, and balance work and study. Your first job is a learning experience. Make the most of it.