[Englishmum]

Congratulations Easterdawn on all that you have acheived so quickly!

How nice it will be for you to have your own home and as much privacy as you want.

I know that there are relocation companies in many major cities around the world which are usually hired by large corporations to assist their employees when they are sent overseas on an expat posting. Their aim is to help the employees and accompanying family to find a home, schools, open bank accounts, driving licence, dealing with utility companies and arranging for services, public transport, where to buy furniture, healthcare etc. TBH I've never bothered with them on our 3 international moves (all English speaking countries) but I do know that there are some relocation companies in the London area.

My guess is that yourself and Calle (sorry no idea how to add the hyphen!) are thinking of launching your own 'specialised' relocation service for returning expats (a niche market) as there seems to be no-one to cater to 're-pats' as it is assumed that being 'natives' they know everything anyway?! Obviously they/we don't.....and to top it off are very likely to get 'reverse culture shock' (it exists...google 'reverse culture shock'). Just look at these links below, they are all aimed at intra-company relocations - probably charging a small fortune for their services too, but are not tailored for individuals who are moving back under their own steam, which is where I think an opportunity could exist for you and Calle to cater to the re-pats who need a little 'hand-holding':

http://www.relocationsupport.co.uk/

http://www.home-relocation.co.uk/

http://www.ukrelocation.com/

You have quite rightly pointed out that there is a 'gap' as things change when people have lived overseas for a number of years. For example, when I left the UK nearly 16 years ago the internet was in its infancy and it was mainly just basic e-mails; incredible to think of now but hardly anyone had a mobile phone unless it was given to them by their employer for work purposes! You had to get your electricity from the local electricity board, gas from the gas board etc. and to the best of my knowledge there are now quite a number of suppliers and you can even buy gas from an electricity supplier! You can get a landline phone service from all kinds of places, not just British Telecom AFAIK. I was surprised to hear recently from my mum that you don't buy a TV licence at the Post Office anymore...

Whether or not your 're-pat' house is viable or not (maybe off-season holiday camps/caravan parks?), perhaps you and Calle could think about writing an inexpensive guide book for 're-pats' (or even expats arriving in the UK). There are so many questions which come up on this board for example, about how to get kids into a state (public) school...perhaps you could explore and explain the appeals process if a place isn't available or what the alternative options are. You could also give info about mobile phone options in the UK!

Next time you are in a larger bookstore in Glasgow, take a look at the reference (or travel guide to the UK) section and see if there is anything that caters to new arrivals in the UK. I know that the Singapore-based publisher 'Times Books' did a series on "Living and Working In.......(name of country)" and I was given a copy when I left for the States, but TBH it was a little too basic....still love the photo of a 'western' toilet and advising readers to sit on the seat LOL!

[Easterndawn]

The rent is £360.00 per month plus £50.00 per month for Council Tax and I pay the electricty. No deposit, that was a huge bonus. Yes, still dog grooming the odd Saturday, actually the landlord is a friend of the owner of the shop. I will be meeting with the group for volunteering next week at my flat,(like the sound of that) they did phone yesterday and wanted to come to see me this week but thought it would be better next week when I am settled in my own place. Nothing on the full time job front as of yet, but do have a few applications in so will just have to wait and see.

Originally Posted by aes1 Excellent news!!! Fantastic that it has the essentials - washing machine and TV, what more could you need How much did you say the rent was again? How much deposit did you have to put down? What are the extras? Electricity? Water? I am trying to get a handle on how much money I will need to live on each month, and for how many months without work. Are you still doing the dog grooming, and have you started the volunteer work yet? Any more news on jobs?? Sorry for all the questions, but you are such a good help to us all. The idea of a villa/retreat for us expats is super. Not sure how I can help, but once I get over there, I will definitely do what I can. Perhaps you will have it up and running before I even get there, though I did bury St Joseph today

[Easterndawn]

I do agree with everything you have said, I am hoping that we can go that extra mile and be able to hook people up with rental properties that you an rent by the week, as this seems to be the way a lot of property is advertised and with that, it seems that you don't have to give deposit. Most seem to be fully furnished and are done to a high quality. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this idea so far.

Originally Posted by Englishmum Congratulations Easterdawn on all that you have acheived so quickly! How nice it will be for you to have your own home and as much privacy as you want. I know that there are relocation companies in many major cities around the world which are usually hired by large corporations to assist their employees when they are sent overseas on an expat posting. Their aim is to help the employees and accompanying family to find a home, schools, open bank accounts, driving licence, dealing with utility companies and arranging for services, public transport, where to buy furniture, healthcare etc. TBH I've never bothered with them on our 3 international moves (all English speaking countries) but I do know that there are some relocation companies in the London area. My guess is that yourself and Calle (sorry no idea how to add the hyphen!) are thinking of launching your own 'specialised' relocation service for returning expats (a niche market) as there seems to be no-one to cater to 're-pats' as it is assumed that being 'natives' they know everything anyway?! Obviously they/we don't.....and to top it off are very likely to get 'reverse culture shock' (it exists...google 'reverse culture shock'). Just look at these links below, they are all aimed at intra-company relocations - probably charging a small fortune for their services too, but are not tailored for individuals who are moving back under their own steam, which is where I think an opportunity could exist for you and Calle to cater to the re-pats who need a little 'hand-holding': http://www.relocationsupport.co.uk/ http://www.home-relocation.co.uk/ http://www.ukrelocation.com/ You have quite rightly pointed out that there is a 'gap' as things change when people have lived overseas for a number of years. For example, when I left the UK nearly 16 years ago the internet was in its infancy and it was mainly just basic e-mails; incredible to think of now but hardly anyone had a mobile phone unless it was given to them by their employer for work purposes! You had to get your electricity from the local electricity board, gas from the gas board etc. and to the best of my knowledge there are now quite a number of suppliers and you can even buy gas from an electricity supplier! You can get a landline phone service from all kinds of places, not just British Telecom AFAIK. I was surprised to hear recently from my mum that you don't buy a TV licence at the Post Office anymore... Whether or not your 're-pat' house is viable or not (maybe off-season holiday camps/caravan parks?), perhaps you and Calle could think about writing an inexpensive guide book for 're-pats' (or even expats arriving in the UK). There are so many questions which come up on this board for example, about how to get kids into a state (public) school...perhaps you could explore and explain the appeals process if a place isn't available or what the alternative options are. You could also give info about mobile phone options in the UK! Next time you are in a larger bookstore in Glasgow, take a look at the reference (or travel guide to the UK) section and see if there is anything that caters to new arrivals in the UK. I know that the Singapore-based publisher 'Times Books' did a series on "Living and Working In.......(name of country)" and I was given a copy when I left for the States, but TBH it was a little too basic....still love the photo of a 'western' toilet and advising readers to sit on the seat LOL!

[Easterndawn]

Oh god, just realized how the sentence in red sounded, I meant action on the house

Originally Posted by Easterndawn Hi Calle, Yes, I am really excited about moving into my own space. Can't wait to be able to cook a proper meal and just slob around in my housecoat if I feel like it. The little flat is perfect for me, very well done up and just the right size. Was going to move on Saturday until someone today said to me, Saturday flit, short sit, so Sunday it is. Hubby was really pleased that I was finally moving into a flat and I think it gave him a feeling that we are finally moving forward to the goal that we have planned for so long. Unfortunately, we probable won't have much action till after Christmas. Went and got the thing so that I can use internet on wireless, actually changed over the mobile phone and that to contract as it was £7.00 month cheaper than I am paying now with pay as you go. Had no trouble getting contract, I thought I might, as do not have credit rating here in UK. Went to Asda today, had a good look around, lots of choices for food, but unfortunately none of the old Kraft Dinner, oh well, will just have to make my own with all this delicious cheese that they have here. Christmas decorations have started going up in Kilmarnock and of course they are really started the big push and count down. Not looking forward to Christmas this year, but that is all part of this journey. Let me know when and where you want to meet, I will PM you later this evening. I have been thinking a lot about this project in the past few weeks. Got to go and heat some water for my hot water bottle as my feet are freezing, heat not on yet!!

[jobolton]

Hi

I joined the site just for this thread. Also want to add my Congratulations to both Aes1 & Easterdawn as well

regards
Jo

[shelley748]

Originally Posted by Easterndawn Oh god, just realized how the sentence in red sounded, I meant action on the house

Easterdawn-glad you clarified that- I was getting to know you and could'nt figure out what you meant!! LOL xx

[aes1]

Originally Posted by jobolton Hi I joined the site just for this thread. Also want to add my Congratulations to both Aes1 & Easterdawn as well regards Jo

Welcome Jo, and thanks. This is the best thread!!

[trottytrue]

Aces 1... Congratulations on becoming a US Citizen. Wonder how long mine will take. I will make sure I take the documents you metioned with me. I suppose I need to renew my drivers license its up in December. It seems I am spending alot of money on renewing things I will hopefully not be using soon, bad news is that the housing market is not getting any better and here in the North East it goes dead in winter. People do not like trudging through snow to look at houses.

Easterdawn.. Hope all goes well with your move. Sounds like you are settling in and making some friends that helps, contacts also get you jobs.

Jobolten... Hope you find some useful information on this thread. If you look back there might be some things that might help you.

Englishmum..Thanks for those links they are very useful I have bookmarked them. One of these days I will be needing one.

[Easterndawn]

Englishmom: Had a look at the links, yes they are all tailored to corporate companies relocating employees and younger families moving back to UK or moving abroad. Nothing for people moving back under their own steam, with no home or job to come too. Thanks for the links, very helpful and informative.

[Easterndawn]

Thanks, yes it is a wonderfull thread with just the odd bucket of cold water, but we soon sort them out If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask and I will try to find the answers for you.


Shelley748: will ask about the microsoft thing today at the jobcentre, and will let you know this evening

Originally Posted by jobolton Hi I joined the site just for this thread. Also want to add my Congratulations to both Aes1 & Easterdawn as well regards Jo

[shelley748]

Originally Posted by Easterndawn Thanks, yes it is a wonderfull thread with just the odd bucket of cold water, but we soon sort them out If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask and I will try to find the answers for you. Shelley748: will ask about the microsoft thing today at the jobcentre, and will let you know this evening

Thanks Easterdawn!

[jasper123]

Originally Posted by aes1 For those thinking of getting US citizenship before moving back. I had my interview/civics test this morning, and the oath ceremony this afternoon, I am now an 'American'!! From sending my application to completion took only 3 months and one week. Much shorter than I had thought. I can apply for my US passport next, so the only other obstacle is the house sale! Hopefully that will happen before my UK passport expires mid February, but that would mean a buyer showing up very soon!! Like Trottytrue, I have drastically reduced the price. There are lots of us in this situation, unfortunately. Seems somehow wrong that we have to pay to leave the country, almost give up our worldy possessions.....did we commit some crime by moving away from the UK and now wishing to return????

Hi aes1 congratulations on getting your U.S. citizenship just over 3 months huh, Wow that is quick, I sent my application off last Thursday and am now waiting to get my letter for fingerprinting, they say that the whole thing from start to finnish is quite quick here in Nevada too, so I will be keeping fingers crossed, I will keep in touch and let you know when I get my appointment date, take care, Rodney.

[jasper123]

Originally Posted by trottytrue Easterndawn....So very happy for you everything is coming together and its all because you worked hard at it. Congratulations Lets hope you find the perfect job and then your hubby and doggies can join you. I like a few others have finally decided that I would become a US citizen after almost 30years. I also downloaded the forms and filled them in and will be posting them this week. Thought it would be a good idea as it looks like we will be here another 6months. Might as well do something useful while I wait. Being 66 didnt know the test was easier that makes me feel better. We put the house back on the market and dropped the price by $50,000 I am not sure it will help but nothing is moving in this area and they are saying it could get worse. We had thought to rent it to our daughter but she added up what the payments would be and could not afford it.l

Hi Trottytrue,
I sent my application off for citizenship last Thursday after downloading the forms and filling them out on line, now about the thing I mentioned about the questions in the civics test being easier when your over 65, this is true but I think you have to let them know somewhere on the application that you are requesting the easier version of the test as you are over 65, not quite sure about that though, it may just automaticly kick in when they see your birthdate, anyway good luck to you and please keep me posted on when you get the letter for your appointment and I will do the same,
Regards Rodney,

[jasper123]

Originally Posted by Easterndawn Well, I move into my new flat next weekend, would have done it this weekend but had already paid this weeks rent here and thought it was only right to give my friend a weeks notice. The flat is located in a very nice area of Kilmarnock, it is attached to the main house but has its own entrance and is completely self contained. It was built last year and is done to a very high standard. It consists of a good sized double bedroom with built in closets, bathroom with walk-in shower (I can live without a bathtub), very nice sized kitchen with all the amenities, including washing machine. The living room is a little small, but I don't intend to square dance in there. It will be wonderful to finally be in my own place and although to small for my hubby and I it will be a great place to stay until he is ready to come over. So all in all it has been a "brilliant" week. Went to the "local" last night, was getting a right teasing from the locals about my accent but it was all in fun. I think last night was the first time I have actually laughed since I arrived, it felt wonderful. Hubby was very pleased and excited about how this week had went and we are looking forward to the future together. Not that I don't think there will be more ups and downs but I have made it this far, so I know I can make it all the way

Hi Easterndawn,
I have been following your move back to the U.K. and am very happy for you that you found your own place to live, sounds like a nice cozy flat, and it certainly sounds that you are starting to settle in to the new life, and when your Hubby comes over you can look around for a bigger place,
It made me laugh when you said you went to the local pub and people were making fun of your accent --- in fun, it reminded me of when I go home for a visit when I met people that did not know me like in stores & different places they ask are you American? and then I say no but I have lived in the U.S. for half my life, but I was born and raised right here in Portsmouth,
my situation is different from yours, I am single and 64 and plan to return to U.K. next year sometime, I will be living with my Mum in her house who is 90 and I just want to spend as much time with her while I still can, we can't turn back the clock and say we wished we didn't miss all those years with our family, all my family live in England, I came here to U.S. alone 32 years ago, I am waiting to get my citizenship over here and it should not take long I hope, I am sooooo looking forward to going back home, I know it wont be easy at first just getting used to a new life, but like you easterndawn I will make it and I will stay,
I get social security over here and it will be plenty to live on over there as I wont need to pay rent just half of all the bills and food etc etc once I get it transferred to England and they just pay it into your bank account direct debit, but first I will have to get a bank account over there, have you opened an account yet? and is it easy and quick or did they give you any problems?
It is so much easier of course when you dont have to go searching for a job when you move over, so I thank my lucky stars that I am of the age of retirement, I will also they say get a little state pension from England based on the amount of years that I worked in England before I came over here,
Good luck, Rodney.

[jasper123]

Originally Posted by Easterndawn I'm not sure what I could of done differently, I guess be more prepared but would I still make the journey, yes. More money would have been great, but we had already saved for a couple of years to get me here. I wish that I could of had someone here that had done this, to show me where to go and how to fill out some of the paperwork. Or just a place to go to get my head together for a few days, with no pressure to start hitting the sidewalk 2 days after landing. I was sitting watching people today as I waited for a bus, it was pouring rain and not a very nice day. What really impressed me was that although Kilmarnock is a really depressed area, people are still looking forward to Christmas, still laughing and they seem genuinely happy. I guess that what has impressed me more than anything British people just get on with it, no matter what the political climate may be. We are a hardy bunch especially the woman.

Hi again easterndawn,
Just been looking through the past comments to keep up with everything, yes you are so very right when you say that of the British people just getting on with life no matter how bad it gets sometimes, we are a hardy bunch of people for sure, and your right especially the Women, when I think of my Mother who is now 90 and living alone for the past 20 years since my Father died, she has many friends though who she has known for 60 years or more, and they get together a few days every week and go places together, she is a very strong willed women like you, she just gets on with life and does not let anything get her down, I call her every week on a Sunday and we talk for an hour on the phone as my rates here in the states are just a few pennies a minute to call England, and I so look forward to it every week and so does she, I take my hat off to you Easterndawn, you have gone through so much since you arrived in Scotland, a lot of problems to deal with, but you got on with it right away, keep on trying and trying and you will get a job so you can pay the bills, and then after can look around for the dream job that you want, you are truely an inspiration to us all still stuck over here on the other side of the atlantic who will be returning home shortly,
I myself can hardy wait to set foot on British soil again, at the moment am very excited that I have finally applied for U.S. citizenship, just waiting now for everything to happen and the interview, whatever happens I will return to U.K. within the year, I have no house to sell so that makes things a lot easier,
Anyway keep your chin up and keep that british stiff upper lip, I dont think we ever loose that do we,
Regards,
Rodney.