Getting that portfolio done was one of the biggest undertakings of work since my degree and its one of my proudest achievements getting it first time. You know you can do the job, its just proving it, many a weekend sacraficed but i now feel its worth it. I think there is much more opportunity to specialise here and get the wages that go with the hard work. Since i have a woking holiday visa i'm going to stay in Oz until October then have a look at NZ then an see if theres much about. Thats great news Carol-Anne you must be so excited! I will maybe hook up with an agency too even if it means short term work.
Gillon you could probably get it done in about 3 months if you do it religiously, took me about 9 months leaving it and going back to it. certainly nothing worth hanging around in the UK for at the moment. keep you posted!