wattsbug

hi all. Well our journey, (me, wife n two kids), moved to wa in 2012. Our reason for going was to experience something different not for a better life as such because life in the uk was settled and ticking along nicely. That sounds contradictory I know. Anyway during our time in aus, We had the usual ups and downs that you here about and then one day we decided we were coming home. We spent the next year saving for a successful return. We've now been back since June 2015. At first it was a novelty however the last two months have been very unsettled for me as I have such a strong urge to return just like I had prior to returning to the uk. The urges are getting more frequent to a point of constant over the past two weeks.
It's unlikely we will return, which saddens me although our visas are still valid. So I hope these feelings go!

Now I'm left with this horrible thought of which was the biggest mistake? Going to aus in the first place or returning to the uk!
Would love to hear from anyone else in a similar situation.

Pollyana

Why do you view either as a mistake? I've gradually learnt that while coming here may not have been the brightest thing I ever did, it isn't really a "mistake" its just another twist in life's pathway

Beoz

I agree. I look at it as having 2 homes. I can be where I want to be when it suits. Of course seeing out the visa and PR to citizenship does allow more flexible choices. Perhaps that's the mistake.

quoll

Major dose of "Curse of the Expat" happens to many. No mistakes, you just make the best decision based on the information you have to hand at the time. If you want to go back then go, if you're the only one wanting to go back and no one else is going with you then draw a line and look around you with more appreciative eyes for what you do have.

louie

On a matter of a possible return, remember that (under current rules) you have until June 2018 (i.e. 3 years after you left Australia, assuming you never left the country in the two previous years) to get a five year RRV. You'd be mad not to get one then if you've not already returned in the meantime.

Alfresco

Indeed. Getting citizenship would be a priority for me.

louie

Good point. The OP must have been only a year away from citizenship (assuming no validation trip), being there from June 2012 to June 2015. So OP, if you do decide to go back, you'd be wise to go within the next six months or so so that you can get citizenship a year after your return.

brits1

I think anywhere takes time to settle even returning "home" we sometimes think that because its "home" we will return to being as we were before we left for different shores. Give yourself time and try not to dwell to much on the past, travel does change the way you think to a certain extent but I try and make it a positive rather than wishing I was "back" wherever. If you feel like you do many more months down the line then you will have to think about where you want to be. Good luck

SUPERCAD

Iv been here a year this month and cant wait to leave this was without any drought the worst plan i had although it didnt quite go to plan i was due to start a contract on Hinkley point for 24 months all while my wife helped my daughter with our new grand kids but Hinkley fell through and my wife still wants to help with the kids so i had to pick up some local work for the short term. Being here has opened my eyes to just how good Australia is. I cant quite believe how bad and expensive it is here i dont know how people survive on the average wage. The NHS is a nightmare and you have to wonder what is going to happen to it in the long term i have the same feelings as you do regarding wanting to go back and annoyed with myself to get in this situation luckily for me it wont take long and we are returning. Id advise anyone planning on coming back to carefully consider their options and DYOR before taking the leap

Pollyana

I'd rather deal with the NHS and not have to worry about whether I can afford my next GP visit, than deal with Medicare.
Every time I review the option of going back or staying I come down in favour of the UK. Each to their own.......

Amazulu

Keep dreamin'

The UK can no longer afford the NHS in its current form - it's costing them over GBP100b a year and they sure as shit ain't getting GBP100b in value. Any attempt to try and sort it out is shouted down by the left and other rent seekers. It will fall apart or be reformed aka user pays something. Everything free for the anyone who turns up cannot continue

UK's national debt is mental. Your military no longer has the capability to defend your country (at a time when the demands on them have never been heavier and there are an estimated 450 jihadis living in the UK right now), but hey, you've got a mediocre cradle to the grave welfare system. Happy days

Despite its faults, Medicare is a more affordable system for the nation that although there may be some charges there is an ultimately free system that everyone can use when they really need it. There are GPs that are free to the user too if you look around. Australia is a wealthier country than the UK and our social, welfare and health costs are lower - much more sustainable

Each to their own.......

SUPERCAD

WOW i agree with every word of that.also add in that in the UK you will wait 2 weeks to see a doctor and Blood tests are a Bloody joke.

Grayling

Not my experience at all

Have had a few GP appointments....often same day and a number of referrals to specialists...all very speedy.

SUPERCAD

All im saying is for people to think very carfully and do the research dont get sucked in with its all great here.
Heres one i didnt think about buying a house i have over 60% deposit and earn well above average salery yet due to my age thier is no way i can get a mortgage. So im stuck paying rent that is more than the mortgage i want by a long shot dosnt make sence.
People are paying stupid rent prices because banks wont lend to the average joe.

sorry i dont want this to become a this is better than that i just wanted to agree with the OP and let s/he know that s/he isnt alone.

SUPERCAD

Your very lucky! iv never had less then 2 weeks and the blood test took 3 months.