[RRhodes]

Question to those who have moved back - would you have preferred to move back straight away having the feeling it may not work out (10 days for me so far) and you would be better off in UK or are you glad you gave it a go?

[iaink]

You might want to ask some of those that chose to stay too. Seems a no brainer to me that those that eventually moved back will say you should move back now rather than wait, but there are also plenty of people living happy settled lives who hated things at first but chose to stick it out, only they mostly dont hang out here.

10 days is way too soon to be making snap judgments, a year, preferably two and then you are in an emotionaly stable position to make an informed choice.

[Mummy in the foothills]

10 days isn't even a holiday really, Even I would give it longer, have a look around and at least get a decent holiday out of it before calling it quits.
But I wouldn't stop long enough to buy a house or have children if you still feel this way after starting work and renting a house.

[DeltaSierra70]

For someone who has lived in the US since 1989, I have different opinions most weeks, and sometimes they change on a daily basis.
However, there are some things that you MUST NOT BE in the US; Medically uninsured, unemployed, old or have nowhere to return to!
If you can say 'no' to all of those, then give it a shot. But expect to be a novelty and be asked the most outlandish questions. Just smile and answer every one of them without showing your disbelief that such a stupid question was put to you.
Do not try to do American accents. Remember that non US specific history is not taught in schools, but distorted versions of history will be given out on every FOX TV and radio channel. Same applies to geography, especially if it relates to more than 100 miles from anywhere you are at that time in the US.
Either way you chose to go, good luck.

[iaink]

OP is in Ottawa, capital of Canada. (Thats the bit in the way between Washington and Alaska)

We have health care, we just have to pay for our drugs (medical and recreational)

[mandianna]

I agree 10 days is not long enough I would say give it a good year before you make the decision unless you really hate it. The first 6 months for me were the hardest. I have been in upstate NY for 5 years and always knew that It was never my home but I wanted to give it a good go and we have and now we are heading home next year yay. I would not change my experience it was much harder than I thought being here I find the culture not to be what I expected it is really not like what you see on tv lol

I think it is important to keep busy and not to dwell on things of back home too much. Try new things that you would not normally get the chance to do back home. The funny thing is my American husband is much more excited to be returning to the UK more than me he has had enough of all things American which I never thought I would hear him say.

All the best in your adventure and good for you for trying lots of people are scared just to move if you don't try you will never know. I also agree with all the stupid things people ask you. A couple of mine was do you have running water in Scotland and does everyone wear kilts??? and they go on and on and on and on Half the time I thought people were joking and no they were serious. Oh and also everyone feels the need to talk back to me in my accent really badly lol

[ninaDGBCA]

Originally Posted by iaink OP is in Ottawa, capital of Canada. (Thats the bit in the way between Washington and Alaska)

When I booked a campsite in State NY this summer they asked for my address. I said Ottawa, the girl on the phone ????? So I tried the Canadian pronounciation Oddawaaa, then she asked me to spell it which I did just to be then asked what Province it was in ?????????????? Felt like saying the same thing, it's the capital of Canada in Ontario, right next to State NY on your way to Alaska. But was too baffled.

[Lorry1]

Originally Posted by ninaDGBCA When I booked a campsite in State NY this summer they asked for my address. I said Ottawa, the girl on the phone ????? So I tried the Canadian pronounciation Oddawaaa, then she asked me to spell it which I did just to be then asked what Province it was in ?????????????? Felt like saying the same thing, it's the capital of Canada in Ontario, right next to State NY on your way to Alaska. But was too baffled.

Least she said Province, not State

[RRhodes]

but when you know you know right? There are so many people on here who have stuck it out and settled and equally a number of people who felt they had to give it longer than a few weeks / months and then moved back. I am going back next week and have to hope that that decision is better than my first one!

I wonder if I need to do anything with my SIN card / driving licence / PR card?

[DeltaSierra70]

Originally Posted by RRhodes I wonder if I need to do anything with my SIN card / driving licence / PR card?

I wouldn't do anything, the driving license will work in the EU and the PR card makes it easier to come back in when you want to.

[dunroving]

Originally Posted by RRhodes but when you know you know right? There are so many people on here who have stuck it out and settled and equally a number of people who felt they had to give it longer than a few weeks / months and then moved back. I am going back next week and have to hope that that decision is better than my first one! I wonder if I need to do anything with my SIN card / driving licence / PR card?

No, I'd say when you "know" after 10 days, you don't really "know", you actually just "think you know". It's one thing deciding to go back home after 10 days of a 14-day holiday in Spain, because you are homesick, or don't like the food, but after all the planning and hassle of emigrating, I'm sorry but I have to say returning after just a few days is IMO just plain crazy.

It may turn out that your instincts at 10 days were right - but you can only "know" whether you "know" by either a) toughing it out for at least a while longer (after which if you feel the same, maybe it is time to go home), or b) going home now and taking the (quite likely) risk that after being home for 24 hrs you'll think what the heck was I thinking and be back in Canada again within a few weeks - being a ping-ponger is an expensive lesson (I know from experience, but despite being miserable within a short time of moving - on two occasions - I wouldn't have even entertained the idea of giving up/going back/resigning/selling the house after 10 days - for goodness sake, that can be measured in hours (240, to be exact)!

[katie97]

Only my opinion, I knew Canada, well Calgary was not the place for us (within the first couple of weeks), we spent (wasted!!!!!) nearly 6 years, but back in the UK now. It has not been plain sailing here, but we are getting there.

For us, we should have came home sooner, I wish I could tell you stay or go, but it is a very difficult decision.

BEST OF LUCK

XX

ps Very happy to be HOME

[RRhodes]

Thanks katie97 I am glad there are like minded people on this forum, makes me feel better about my decision to go back so soon. My husband has a job, company car, laptop, phone, we have a rental place etc all waiting for us.

[Mummy in the foothills]

Originally Posted by RRhodes Thanks katie97 I am glad there are like minded people on this forum, makes me feel better about my decision to go back so soon. My husband has a job, company car, laptop, phone, we have a rental place etc all waiting for us.

Waiting for you in the UK? or in Canada. If it's in UK and he feels the same way, then maybe you should just cut your losses and go home.
If it's in Canada what does his contract say about leaving.

[Bermudashorts]

Originally Posted by RRhodes Thanks katie97 I am glad there are like minded people on this forum, makes me feel better about my decision to go back so soon. My husband has a job, company car, laptop, phone, we have a rental place etc all waiting for us.

Going back after ten days seems a bit rash to me.

After ten days in Bermuda I was practically in holiday mode and loving it, however within six months I was very unhappy.

After ten days in Australia I felt like a fish out of water, like I was walking around in a place where I should not be. I am not sure I had even smiled at this point, however 15 months on and I love it here.

So my ten day view proved very inaccurate.