Merlot

Good outlook.

M

ozzieeagle

Just in response to these last few posts, from a career point of view. I would certainly say that the UK is the better place to be. Pays more, more scope for changing jobs, more upward movement. Unless one has an exceptionally unique skill I'd say the UK wins in this area.

Although I would counter that by saying if one only has an average job, like myself in Melbourne at present, working for aussie post etc, Then personally now I'm better of in Aussie.

However when I left the UK 20 plus years ago, I did have a Career mapped out in the square mile, (city of london) thats long gone now, even If i moved back to the uk, I could never regain a similar position.

On another issue, wouldn't it be great to get these long summer english daylight days in aussie. However countering that, in LLandudno 2 days ago, I swear I saw some condensation on my breath, cant remember the last time that happened in aussie even in winter


Still so far, very even on lifestyles, most people I'm mixing with, sofar, have grown up kids, or has retired on a good pension, so besides my twice divorced sister, everyone has plenty of money.

My brother is an interesting case actually, as a HGV licence holder here, he is able to maintain a very good lifestyle, in Simpson in MKeynes, From asking him He managed somehow to manoeuver himself into a position of buying one of the few council houses there very cheaply, so has a very small mortgage. However with two young kids 7 and 2 with a a non working wife, (whoops child raising mums work very hard sorry lol) manages to own a late model car, have european holidays and fix his house up on one wage. I dont think a single income 'employed' truck driver in aussie would/could be better off. From his unique point of view a move to aussie could render him worse off. A truck owner in aussie maybe better off for all I know, they would be away from home a lot more than him though.



more later..

ozzieeagle

Yes, thanks for pointing that out, I will be thinking hard before I make any comments NKSK, I will add though my views are my own, and others in my situation may well have very different expeirences to mine. There again I'm trying to be as independant and honest in my thoughts/views as I possibly can.

Geordie George

And they make for compulsive reading! It's interesting to hear how the UK is perceived by someone who's not been there for a while. I think it really makes all the push factors people often cite seem a little insignificant, when your posts really seem to be highlighting the similarities between the UK and Aus.

You sound like you're having a great time exploring!

GG

Banksia

But without the Harbour? Or Bridge? Or Opera House? Or Manly?

ShozInOz

When we arrived here 20 months or so ago, a Welshman who has lived in Blue Mountains for years and oes back to the UK every 2 years, said that the main difference when all said and done is...WEATHER.

After nearly 2 years here, for me the same difference when all said and one is...WEATHER! It's that fickle folks. Space is not a benefit in the main cities in Australia. But of course the weather allows you to do more outdoor stuff.

For both me (psychologist) and my wife (counsellor), career-wise the UK is significantly better. But the blue skies and sunshine make for easy living for now at least...

NKSK

Great point. I was going to post a similar view earlier but it does sound so fickle!

Whenever we talk through the bad points we always end up with - but it will be sunny!

I'm looking out of the window now and it's glorious and this gives you second thoughts but project yourself to Oct (and anytime thereon!) and it's completely different!!

NJJ

Is winter in Melbourne now - waiting for the train each morning, I and others on the platform waiting for the train have the condensation of the breath happening

TopCat3

Yes...and without the climate too! When I go to the Harbour, Bridge, Opera House and to the Northern Beaches I remember why I am here. As for insfrastructure strain, traffic, crime increase bla-di-bla, on a day to day getting-on-with-life basis, after a certain number of years (which probably differs from person to person, it's hard to still be in that "agape" (in love) mode, life kind of takes over. I guess I'm just jaded (faded?) and it takes more to inspire me now.

ozzieeagle

Are you up in the mountins or something ? I must check this out when i get back in late July !

Beautiful weather here in Mkeynes today, 23/24 plus, I was sweating in my Bro's conservatory.

Went to MK central, first expereince (this time around)
of a big modern english shopping centre, pretty good as well, however. 5 coffees, 3 kids cakes at startbucks came to 15 quid, thats about 45 dollars. From now on we take our own rolls etc with us lol, will still buy coffee though

So many family members coming forwards, that we cannot get away to London etc yet, bright side of that is lots of beer



oh oh, more company, best go

Merlot

Fab here in Teesside too, great for drying washing (Boring Housewife Alert).

Glad your trip is progressing well, how do you like the long nights?

Keep us posted.

M

Don

Nope. It is much more likely that YOU have changed and have become an Aussie in outlook, which is recognised by others.

Hence the friendlier reception.

Badge

Tourists and blow-ins are always recognised differently to locals.
One of the good things about Australia is that ordinary people tend to make more of an effort in their day to day lives.When I came back from Australia I actually made an effort every day for a year to say hello etc - and I got the response back. People used to comment. So where are you from in Australia then - they assumed I was not local as I was 'different'.

Can't talk about Eagle. It's possible people have changed.

badge

ozzieeagle

Good point Don, and one that I take onboard. One tangible very noticable difference in this Galley hill estate, in Mkeynes, which I know well from the past. Last time I was here circa 89, the local shop(s) had boarded up windows, to stop vandals smashing them, Those boards were not there when I lived here briefly in the late 70's. This time around, the boards have gone, the shops look clean, and the people in the estate look freindly. Strange how the place can go from good, when new, to bad, and now back to good. It's a personal observation, However I base a lot on this and use these pointers to show how things have improved in England.


Really enjoying this trip.


(not enough, to want to live here though )

hevs

No hes in sunny Malvern now!!

After training we all steam now!! I am kind of at the bottom of the Dandenongs A beautiful 21 here wed Ozzie