Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Australia > The Update Forum
Reload this Page >

11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Old Dec 15th 2008, 12:22 pm
  #31  
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Sherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of lightSherro is a glorious beacon of light
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

9 years in Australia, back in the UK as of June this year, but came back every year for Christmas and Europe in summers.

Loved Australia but had enough after 6 years, was too boring and one dimensional for me, I prefer the choas and madness of Europe, but thats just me.

I reckon, if you go over as a family it can be tough if you dont feel you fit in. I was young free and single, sang in bands, worked for seek.com.au in sales had a great network of friends and had a few decent and not so decent relationship.

Moved back to UK, love Europe on doorstep, met a hugarian girl in london, UK hasnt changed much at all in ten years, just the ups and downs of modern life.

I totally get why some people have enough of the UK (6 months of grey skies and miserable moaning people) and i totally get why some people have enough of australia (oppressive weather, feeling isolated and AFL) but its horses for courses.

We all post our reports on here, I know just as many Brits who are smug and happy in Australia, because they came with an open mind, and I know plenty who said, 'not for me'. you got to find out for yourself.

Having been in all cities, I found Melbourne most interesting...
Sherro is offline  
Old Dec 15th 2008, 2:41 pm
  #32  
SNH
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 300
SNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud ofSNH has much to be proud of
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by quoll
Good luck with your move back home, I hope everything falls nicely into place for you!

As for your list of things - you wont get any disagreement from me except perhaps about Kevin Rudd and I dont think he is a nice man at all, in fact I am sure he isnt!

Well, I can speak from personal experience in saying he IS nice man.

And in the twelve months he's been in the position, he has righted so many of John Howard's wrongs that it feels like an entirely different country.
SNH is offline  
Old Dec 15th 2008, 10:11 pm
  #33  
 
asher's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2006
Location: in the Sydney asylum
Posts: 20,690
asher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond reputeasher has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Martin well done for giving Aus a go it wasn't right for you but at leas you had the gumption to try it.

Good luck with your future life in Germany it's a beautiful country that I loved living in.
asher is offline  
Old Dec 16th 2008, 1:00 am
  #34  
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 839
kevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kporte
I never felt that way about the uk great place to live.
Ï love Australia and find plenty "sophistication." I find most people that run down the Uk before leaving, find emigration a let down. more to do with them than the place I would venture. not so much glass half empty, as "some other ****** knocked my drink over!"
Good point. I was never unhappy really just bored.I always made sure I coiuld go back before embarking on this adventure.
Now I can compare, some things better in Oz ,some not.

On balance I prefer the UK by a mile
kevin747 is offline  
Old Dec 16th 2008, 2:06 am
  #35  
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 835
TMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to beholdTMRE is a splendid one to behold
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kevin747
Fair points.
I just hope when you get here you find the time to enjoy yourself.The aussies spend a lot of time at work and getting to work.

I live in Australia ,have a house 25 minutes to Glasgow on the train and despite its numourous problems I'd rather have Glasgow than Melbourne.So I'm going home
My husband spent 4 hours a day traveling to work in the UK. Left home at 6.30am and was home at 8pm every night. Here he leaves at 7.30am after having breakfast with the kids and is home before 6pm to have a family dinner and spend a couple of hours with the kids before putting them to bed. Much better than the UK where if we were lucky family time existed for a few hours at the weekend.

Hope everything works out for you in Germany OP, still waiting to experience the bad driving in OZ that people keep talking about though
TMRE is offline  
Old Dec 16th 2008, 3:39 am
  #36  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,784
kporte is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kevin747
Good point. I was never unhappy really just bored.I always made sure I coiuld go back before embarking on this adventure.
Now I can compare, some things better in Oz ,some not.

On balance I prefer the UK by a mile
the hard part is you have to get here to realise that!
You played your cards well by having options, not everybody does, or can do that.
At least when you get back you will appreciate it all the more I would imagine
kporte is offline  
Old Dec 16th 2008, 4:36 am
  #37  
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 839
kevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kporte
the hard part is you have to get here to realise that!
You played your cards well by having options, not everybody does, or can do that.
At least when you get back you will appreciate it all the more I would imagine
True, In spite of all the things I don't like and have a rant about there are things and people who I'll really miss.I'm having a good time here because I know I'm leaving

It was one of my ambitions since I was a kid to live here and I've achieved it.It would be worse had I never tried it and I do realise that many are trapped or too unwilling to have the upheavel of going back.
Also I know people who prefer it here.
Where in Scotland are you from?
kevin747 is offline  
Old Dec 16th 2008, 7:50 am
  #38  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,784
kporte is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kevin747
True, In spite of all the things I don't like and have a rant about there are things and people who I'll really miss.I'm having a good time here because I know I'm leaving

It was one of my ambitions since I was a kid to live here and I've achieved it.It would be worse had I never tried it and I do realise that many are trapped or too unwilling to have the upheavel of going back.
Also I know people who prefer it here.
Where in Scotland are you from?
Edinburgh.. what amazes me is people who have been here 20+ years and want to go back now. I always keep that in mind. I'm happy here now, but may not always be the case. good luck mate, though doesn't sound like you will need it
kporte is offline  
Old Dec 16th 2008, 9:51 am
  #39  
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 839
kevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond reputekevin747 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kporte
Edinburgh.. what amazes me is people who have been here 20+ years and want to go back now. I always keep that in mind. I'm happy here now, but may not always be the case. good luck mate, though doesn't sound like you will need it
Cheers
Everyone needs a bit of luck
kevin747 is offline  
Old Dec 16th 2008, 12:13 pm
  #40  
BE Enthusiast
 
Budawang's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Canberra
Posts: 899
Budawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond reputeBudawang has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kporte
I never felt that way about the uk great place to live.
Ï love Australia and find plenty "sophistication." I find most people that run down the Uk before leaving, find emigration a let down. more to do with them than the place I would venture. not so much glass half empty, as "some other ****** knocked my drink over!"
Yeah, I relate to your post. I think most people can build a happy and fulfilled life in just about any developed, democratic country. Australia is as good as anywhere. It mostly depends on attitude, determination (and maybe a bit of luck).
Budawang is offline  
Old Dec 20th 2008, 2:00 am
  #41  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
BadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Interesting post - well written and very insightful thoughts on deciding whether to make the move.

The criticisms are well known and many would agree, me included.

For other migrants, how you deal with some of these is personal and highly variable. For example, I love Australian sports but do not like the football played in the Uk.

Agree that a lot of suburban Australia is tat but that can be mitigated if you look very carefully and choose your location to fit in with how you want to live which I think a lot of migrants don't really consider. They move to some very ordinary suburban location or place that is not that great a fit for *them* and that colours everything.
BadgeIsBack is offline  
Old Dec 20th 2008, 7:29 am
  #42  
BE Enthusiast
 
Twinset's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Oz
Posts: 408
Twinset is just really niceTwinset is just really niceTwinset is just really niceTwinset is just really niceTwinset is just really niceTwinset is just really niceTwinset is just really niceTwinset is just really nice
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by kevin747
True, In spite of all the things I don't like and have a rant about there are things and people who I'll really miss.I'm having a good time here because I know I'm leaving

It was one of my ambitions since I was a kid to live here and I've achieved it.It would be worse had I never tried it and I do realise that many are trapped or too unwilling to have the upheavel of going back.
Also I know people who prefer it here.
Think you sum it up well here: there is an itch to be scratched, only one life (unless you are buddhist) and it is a big world out there. I know plenty of people who have led multi-national lifestyles with no problem, Attitude is the key - if it is a big upheaval in your eyes, then it will be.....if it is just part of life, then so be it.

Good on yer for calling it.
Twinset is offline  
Old Dec 20th 2008, 8:34 pm
  #43  
Worongary
 
steve`o's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: GC hinterland
Posts: 10,288
steve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond reputesteve`o has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by MartinH
For us despite all my comments above it was ALL about that feeling of belonging - and we just didn't - but we didn't know that until we left the place where we were (if that makes sense)! We have arrived back in Germany in the middle of winter and feel completely at home again!

The only thing I would say about your dilemma is that you can't live your life for your children. They can make their own choices later on - you have to make your choices now for you.
never a truer word spoken
steve`o is offline  
Old Dec 29th 2008, 11:24 am
  #44  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 119
Chipster has a brilliant futureChipster has a brilliant futureChipster has a brilliant futureChipster has a brilliant futureChipster has a brilliant futureChipster has a brilliant futureChipster has a brilliant futureChipster has a brilliant future
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by MartinH
Here is the first piece of advice I will give anyone moving to Australia. Make a list. In fact make two lists:

List One: Things that are good about my life at the moment (and things I will REALLY miss when I no longer have them).

List Two: Things I expect Australia will give me (don’t be vague by listing things such as “a better life for my children”) try and be specific as possible.
Next step is simple.

Put the list side by side and if list two is not significantly longer than list one, don’t commit to a move.

There is one exception to the rule. If you have more money than sense then make the move anyway because it’s easy to go back if things don’t work out.

Very good advice IMHO.
Chipster is offline  
Old Dec 29th 2008, 12:35 pm
  #45  
BE Enthusiast
 
wildmark's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2005
Location: Rochdale, then Toronto, then Preston now Tampa, Florida.
Posts: 903
wildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to allwildmark is a name known to all
Default Re: 11 months in Oz and we are out of here (thank god!)

Originally Posted by LayaboutSi
I am a little confused - Jan 07 to Nov 08 as written? Or Jan 08 to Nov 08 as per 11 months? If the former, you have a big wake up call waiting for you when you get back to the UK.

Unfortunately, we have had a bit of housing boom and many of the properties created are also of cheap and poor quality. Needless to say, you are moving back at a good time to buy one of these new homes - if you are able to find the 40% deposit needed to get a good mortgage.

Crime has got worse - only now you cannot do anything about it because you will either get attacked or banged up. We don't have insects running around killing people; we have groups of kids instead. And who knows where crime will go over the next few months as unemployment explodes out of control.

British roads are brilliant. I can park my car for free on any of the motorways at any time. And as 50mph is the new 70 on all major routes, I can enjoy an extra 30 minutes on top of my 180 minute daily commute to admire the grey and miserable skyline and all the glum faces around me.

Food prices have also gone up, and fuel prices will surge further now we have nearly exhausted all our natural resources. We have lost a huge portion of our farming because our non-monopolised supermarkets have driven the price down so far, the farmers cannot survive. We now eat gristle instead of beef and have to import milk from other countries!

Oh yeh, and its full of Brits. And Aussies and Kiwis and representatives of pretty much every other country on earth. That is the world we live in today. Thankfully, we do live in a multicultural society - otherwise I would have to deal with the bad manners and laziness of many of the Brits all the time.

Welcome Home

At least you had the opportunity to give the grass on the other side a chance - it just wasn't to your taste. It's good to have another whinging pom amongst us to put the world to rights.



LOL !!!!!!
wildmark is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.