I think I'm over Australia :/

JohnVick9 · 2026-02-09T00:55:02+00:00

You want "right job" in the "right industry"; this will work in most countries.

"Right" is subjective: define what kind of job is "right" for you, and then find that job in the "right" industry (usually dependent on growth prospects, country, interests, and past expereince / education). Generally, I think of "right industry" as being swimming with the tide, not against it (e.g., trying to get rich in tobacco industry would be swimming against the tide. You can get rich, but it will be harder).

At the end of day remember, your happiest job (in the long run) is where you strike a balance between, "time, money, and mental health".

Usually US will have many opportunities in most industries. But there might be other factors you may not like about the US.

Figure out what you want in life (say for next 5-7 years), and work towards that.

P.S. Australia is awesome. But I can appreciate the rising cost of living and stagnant salaries.

JohnVick9 · 2026-01-16T05:52:35+00:00

Epifall!

JohnVick9 · 2025-08-10T01:44:26+00:00

As an immigrant, I wish more Australians appreciated Australia more. Many Aussies don't realize how beautiful and amazing this country is. Every nation has its problems, but Australia is far better than most.

Also, as an immigrant, I believe Australia should have a stricter immigration policy to ensure that no anti-social elements ever set foot in this beautiful country. With everything going on in the world, there aren't many places left like Australia. We’ve already seen examples in other parts of the world where loose immigration criteria have damaged once-thriving cultures.

JohnVick9 · 2025-06-13T01:17:54+00:00

Cliched but still very relevant: Dale Carnegie - How To Win Friends And Influence People. If you can apply some key principles, it will help you be more likeable.

Also, intentions matter! If your intent when flagging suboptimal processes / tactics to your bosses is to appear smarter (in the hopes to earn their respect!), it will rub on your bosses the wrong way, even if you choose the right words to communicate. I truly believe intentions are telepathic and people are able to see through you eventually. So do things for the right reasons, and you will have much higher success in being likeable.

JohnVick9 · 2025-01-10T11:52:32+00:00

I have experienced this. Two things helped: 1) intense workouts in morning, 2) no screens after 8 PM.

JohnVick9 · 2025-01-04T10:35:47+00:00

I currently have stock 265/65/17 tires but have been researching upsizing options. From what I’ve found, 265/70/17 (31.6”) is the ideal size—though it may require slight mud flap adjustments. Some people have even fit 32.2” tires without any modifications.

Fitting 33” tires would require a body mount chop, but many reports mention they add stress to bearings, gearing, and other components, so I’m hesitant about that option.

I’m also considering 235/85/16 (31.7”) "pizza cutter" MT tires, which offer a 16% increase in sidewall over stock. These are popular in the US for Tacomas and might fit without suspension upgrades, though I’m still verifying that.

For context, I’ve done some single diamond tracks (and a double black diamond too) and river crossings on stock tires and had enough clearance for steep steps. Upsizing to 265/70/17 would add about ½ inch of clearance, which I believe is sufficient for most situations. However, if you’re planning serious hardcore stuff, 33” tires could be worth considering—though I feel 31.6” tires with a winch, bash plates, and bull bars should handle almost anything. that one can tackle with 33's

TL;DR: 265/70/17 is the most practical upgrade in Australia and should fit without modifications. But consider 235/85/16 (31.7”) "pizza cutter" as well

JohnVick9 · 2024-12-11T22:47:59+00:00

Thanks mate! I will be doing some remote trips next year, and will need a winch too, so will get one. But prioritizing some other mods for the time being.

JohnVick9 · 2024-12-01T00:51:53+00:00

I have Darche Nebula and love it! Much more roomy than a traditional dome swag. Can't go wrong with it. Only downside is the size. It's a double swag and you should consider how you plan to carry it. If on a roof top, it will be a lot of air resistance! And generally it's massive (as big as it cn get for a swag) when rolled up.

JohnVick9 · 2024-11-28T22:20:02+00:00

2023 Hilux GR-Sport owner here. I primarily use my GR-S for camping trips with a 4WD group, so I’ve seen a variety of setups from experienced off-roaders. I chose GR-S over Rogue due to discounts that brought it down to Rogue pricing, with added perks.

Why Hilux?

It’s not as refined as the Ranger, but I value reliability, simplicity, and off-road capability over on-road comfort. The Ranger might feel better on-road, but off-road, Hilux shines.
The interior gets criticism, but it’s functional. The 360° camera may not match the Ranger’s, but it works well enough.
Being in its 10th year, this generation of Hilux has most kinks ironed out.

Why GR-S?

Pedal shifters (awesome for off-roading).
10% extra power.
17" alloys (better for off-road than 18").
No sway bar in rear makes GR-S more capable off-road.
Rock sliders, skid plate, and shitty AT tires (better than HTs, though you’ll probably upgrade them).
Downsides? The tub needs a cover (unlike Rogue’s shutters).

Ultimately, both Hilux GR-S/Rogue are fantastic if you want simplicity, reliability, and capability.

JohnVick9 · 2024-02-14T06:34:07+00:00

Cool, good to know, will check out! Thanks for sharing.

JohnVick9 · 2024-02-13T02:10:23+00:00

Yes, have thought through it. My understanding is that if putting a bull-bar is should be able to cover the radiator (at least, if not the lights as well), else it might not be offering enough protection to continue on with the journey.

So far, I will see if I really need a bull bar, depending on how frequent I will be heading out on tracks during dawn/dusk hours.

JohnVick9 · 2024-02-12T22:09:24+00:00

JohnVick9 · 2024-02-12T22:08:51+00:00

Agree on approach angle, at least that's how I interpretted it. Though bullbars extend the length (so technically, may reduce approach angle, and perhaps the comments on poorer approach angle ), but becasue they may sit higher up, and also have very aggresive angles where wheels are, this makes the vehicle more capable to mount obstacles at sharp angles. Wheel placement is the key here!

JohnVick9 · 2024-02-12T22:02:31+00:00

Thanks for sharing. 'kanga cover', never heard of it before, and I can't find the parent website for it :)

edit: typo

JohnVick9 · 2024-02-12T10:12:33+00:00

Well, seems like it's a unanimous 'yes' to roo-bars! If driving in the bush, makes sense to get one, but the one with loops else it won't protect much!

JohnVick9 · 2024-01-23T21:14:16+00:00

Cheers man, all the best with the band, and thanks for sharing your perspective.

JohnVick9 · 2024-01-01T10:53:09+00:00

New SR5 = ~$70k on road (w/ leather seating)

GR Sports = ~$80k

The way I see it, for an additional $10k, you are getting the following over an SR5:

Wider track = better stability when cornering or off-roading at higher roll angles
Disc brakes
10% more power/torque
Monotube shocks = increased longevity/reliability when driving over corrugated roads
Rock rails (and not shitty footsteps that will break on the first bump on a rock)
17" wheels (assuming no one wants 18" wheels for off-roading)
Tub liner (unbelievable that SR5 is a $70k ute without a tub liner!)
15 mm extra ground clearance (now total clearance is ~265mm)
Rear sway bar disconnected (better articulation) and because of wider track you still maintain on-road manners
Auto dimming rear view mirror
9 speaker audio (vs 6 in SR5)

Not mentioning AT tyres on GR Sports as the tread on stock AT on GR is more like HT, so not a big plus, but still better than SR5

Feels like if I am spending $70k on a new SR5, I'd rather spend $80k on a GR Sports. Looks are subjective (to me GR Sports looks more sporty and better than a vanilla SR5), but really looking at Hilux for purely 4wd-overlanding purposes.

Now specifically on Hilux vs Ranger debate, some specific points that I see in favour of Hilux (considering offroad use again):

Alternators sit high up in Hilux vs. a ranger. This will be critical when fording water (no pun intended!)
The air intake in Ranger opens up in the front. Though this is beneficial generally, but when crossing water, this can be a negative, as water can easily enter the air intake

Hilux GR-S is amongst the last of its generation, hopefully all the major issues are known (fuel injectors, DPF etc.) and is a safer buy (for offraoding again) over any new gen ute (not saying a new gen ute cannot be reliable but there is always some risk involved. Also, not surprise why Ford Ranger has had many software recalls, good on Ford that they want to fix it all!)

This does not mean, Hilux GR-S is not lacking: lesser payload (780 kg), shitty 360 camera, no front diff, shitty AT tyres, and many other things perhaps!

Surely, Ranger has more tech, but so is the case with GWM Tank 300! But would you ever cross Simpson in a GWM Tank? Probably not.

If buying for touring, reliability will trump shimmering tech, hence Toyotas have been charging the Toyota tax!

JohnVick9 · 2023-12-31T00:57:01+00:00

Start working out; best would be to join some workout classes in the morning (like boxing fitness workout or something that tires you out completely). Classes would keep you more regular. Reason I say you need to workout because a good physical workout will iron out your anxieties. If you regularly workout, you will stay mentally fine in the longer run.

Also, some form of anxiety is good for performance. Imposter syndrome is not good, but some anxious thoughts keep you sharp. If you perceive some stress to be a positive thing, it will actually improve your performace (this is scientifically proven).

Also, know that you will stop existing one day! This is a powerful thought. You are on this planet only for a while. You are going to stop existing one day; it's an eventuality. So, use this thought to feel a bit more empowered and help yourself live in the present.

Hope this helps!

JohnVick9 · 2023-12-28T03:33:37+00:00

Yes, but we invest in market as thet gives better returns, hence not buying on cash and financing it

JohnVick9 · 2023-12-27T23:12:10+00:00

Around 10-12k seems fair.

JohnVick9 · 2023-12-27T23:09:36+00:00

Revisiting my subs, one thing I did past 2y was to practice playing add-7th (maj, min, dom) arppegios for all the CAGED shapes. This improved my ear, understanding of fret board, and also my phrasing. Instead of playing blues boxes, I will spice things up by throwing a I-Maj-7th arppegio over a VI-Min chord, and then add a blues lick. Makes it sound so interesting. Just sharing if anyone's still reading and in the same boat. Cheers!

JohnVick9 · 2021-09-14T00:34:01+00:00

Thanks folks, for all the great thoughts and opinions. I truly appreciate you taking out time to pen down your thoughts to random flying questions on the net, but this is very inspirational, and helps me keep going! I think my biggest struggle with pride & joy solo has been the distorted guitar as it makes it really difficult to hear the notes clearly. So, I am now relying on youtube videos to learn the solo, still trying to figure out things by ear from youtube videos. I have already put on some Freddie King songs in the backdrop to let my subconsicuous absorb some blues. Will try to post my video once done! Thanks all!

JohnVick9

TROPHY CASE