Average Aussie

Todd: So, Rebecca, how would you describe the average Australian? Like if you had to stereotype an Australian, what would you say?

Rebecca: I suppose a stereotypical Australian would be in board shorts, thongs, as in flip-flops, and outside, having a barbeque drinking a beer I suppose.

Todd: So in Australia, leisure time is very important?

Rebecca: Yes, it is. Yes. It's interesting though because we do really look for the leisure time that we have but yet the working... if you have a look at the working rates, they are quite high. The figures are quite high, so.

Todd: Oh, yeah, really.

Rebecca: Yeah. Yeah. We do have long working hours. I think that's more so for people who are in farming and have their own business.

Todd: So, on average, you know, how many hours do you think an average Australian works a week?

Rebecca: I think the figures are 45 hours plus.

Todd: That's a lot.

Rebecca: Yeah, yeah, it can be.

Todd: Now, do Australians usually have a lot of holidays during year? Vacation time?

Rebecca: Yeah, it definitely depends on what area your working in. I get four weeks per year, and then if own your own business, you can take holidays, but you need to work hard to get those holidays.

Todd: So what are the big vacation times in Australia?

Rebecca: The big vacation times are generally... coincide with school holidays, I suppose because families, so it would be September, because that's coming into summer and then Christmas is always quite big as well.

Todd: Now in the States, we have a phrase, you know, "Work hard, play harder." Do you think that would fit Australians?

Rebecca: Yeah, I suppose it can. Definitely. Yeah, we definitely work hard, but yes, when we do get a chance to go out and play, that is quite hard as well.