Call me Ms Wimp!
Nov 24th 2009 | 6:40 am
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,390
From: Canberra
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Dont burn any bridges, treat it as an adventure and not a life sentence and you should be fine.
However in this economic climate if you have a great job, great house, great school for the kids, good contact with the rellies etc where you are then think carefully and dont screw it up. Australia is just another country with more sunshine, more isolated, and just the same first world woes as any other first world country - numpty government (at the beginning of the Blairite slide down), mortgages and increasing interest rates, putting the rubbish and recycling out, cleaning the gutters, mowing the lawn etc
Good luck with your adventure - just keep on making the decision about whether this is where you want to be and, if it isnt, then make another decision.
However in this economic climate if you have a great job, great house, great school for the kids, good contact with the rellies etc where you are then think carefully and dont screw it up. Australia is just another country with more sunshine, more isolated, and just the same first world woes as any other first world country - numpty government (at the beginning of the Blairite slide down), mortgages and increasing interest rates, putting the rubbish and recycling out, cleaning the gutters, mowing the lawn etc
Good luck with your adventure - just keep on making the decision about whether this is where you want to be and, if it isnt, then make another decision.
Nov 24th 2009 | 9:58 am
#17
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,199
From: Mt Martha, Melbourne
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Awwwww....thanks Lorrielou - I look forward to meeting you soon!
Once our visa came through we put off going for 3 years partly because of our old cat but we weren't ready ourselves at that time. Then we planned to come out after 2 years of getting the visa but we ended staying the extra year as our wedding business took off which was good a) because of extra savings we could make but also it gave us the experience and confidence to start up the business over here - so at the end of the day it all worked out fine.
We also had a bit of trouble with my folks as we didn't tell them about the visa until it was certain (no point in worrying them unnecessarily!) and we felt we did want to come (we'd moved to Brighton in between and were loving living there!) so it took a while for the dust to settle once we told them!
You just have to come when you feel the time is right (providing it's within 5 years
) and I think by the sounds of it you are now ready to come albeit with a few wobbles but then that's only natural.
Once our visa came through we put off going for 3 years partly because of our old cat but we weren't ready ourselves at that time. Then we planned to come out after 2 years of getting the visa but we ended staying the extra year as our wedding business took off which was good a) because of extra savings we could make but also it gave us the experience and confidence to start up the business over here - so at the end of the day it all worked out fine.
We also had a bit of trouble with my folks as we didn't tell them about the visa until it was certain (no point in worrying them unnecessarily!) and we felt we did want to come (we'd moved to Brighton in between and were loving living there!) so it took a while for the dust to settle once we told them!
You just have to come when you feel the time is right (providing it's within 5 years
) and I think by the sounds of it you are now ready to come albeit with a few wobbles but then that's only natural.
Nov 24th 2009 | 12:48 pm
#18
Jan4kids
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,156
From: Hertfordshire - Adelaide - now Gold Coast.
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Hello There,
You sound exactly as I was. I had trouble moving half an hour from where I grew up and as the emigration journey went from an exciting idea to a frightening reality I really began to crumble....but the roller coaster was on the tracks and I felt I had to stay on to save face even though I really, really didn't want to.
My Husband too saw the positives in the move and could see 'the big picture' I would cry at the thought of not seeing familiar things and selling the home my babies had grown up in.....emotional female stuff
On arrival I felt I was living a nightmare, but everyone else settled in just fine. I was pregnant within two months of arrival...this didn't help my mental state at all
We picked up our dog, our stuff arrived,we bought a house, we got to know the neighbours...bit by bit life seemed a bit more normal. It suddenly all fell into place about 16 months in. Meeting people off a forum like this one made a HUGE difference to me...so much so my Husband thought it safe to give my Passport back to me lol!
We even moved again (Interstate) and I felt lost all over :0( but I used the knowledge I had gained in Adelaide to move on.
Five years on since our original move I am very much at home.
I went back to the U.K for the first time last Christmas....I was rapt to be back there, but was glad to come back home. My kids are flourishing, I have great friends and feel as if my house is finally my home.
Took a while, but I got there. It used to help me to think that all I knew wasn't lost and gone....it was all still there and nothing has to be forever.
Yes it will be hard, yes it will be scary...if you are that unsure don't burn all your bridges so you can return if need be.
I know exactly how you are feeling and I really do wish you all the best.
{{{{HUGS}}}} to you too.
Jan x
You sound exactly as I was. I had trouble moving half an hour from where I grew up and as the emigration journey went from an exciting idea to a frightening reality I really began to crumble....but the roller coaster was on the tracks and I felt I had to stay on to save face even though I really, really didn't want to.
My Husband too saw the positives in the move and could see 'the big picture' I would cry at the thought of not seeing familiar things and selling the home my babies had grown up in.....emotional female stuff
On arrival I felt I was living a nightmare, but everyone else settled in just fine. I was pregnant within two months of arrival...this didn't help my mental state at all
We picked up our dog, our stuff arrived,we bought a house, we got to know the neighbours...bit by bit life seemed a bit more normal. It suddenly all fell into place about 16 months in. Meeting people off a forum like this one made a HUGE difference to me...so much so my Husband thought it safe to give my Passport back to me lol! We even moved again (Interstate) and I felt lost all over :0( but I used the knowledge I had gained in Adelaide to move on.
Five years on since our original move I am very much at home.
I went back to the U.K for the first time last Christmas....I was rapt to be back there, but was glad to come back home. My kids are flourishing, I have great friends and feel as if my house is finally my home.
Took a while, but I got there. It used to help me to think that all I knew wasn't lost and gone....it was all still there and nothing has to be forever.
Yes it will be hard, yes it will be scary...if you are that unsure don't burn all your bridges so you can return if need be.
I know exactly how you are feeling and I really do wish you all the best.
{{{{HUGS}}}} to you too.
Jan x
Dec 9th 2009 | 5:27 am
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 49
From: Sydney
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Just found this thread and boy it's good to know I'm not the only one. We got our visa in July and fly out to Sydney on 20th March. Until recently it's been really exciting, however now the panic is really setting in!
I've never thought this was going to be easy, but the closer we get to the move day, the more I worry. My wife handed her notice in on Monday (3 months notice) and I don't think either of has slept since then
More beer/wine required!
I've never thought this was going to be easy, but the closer we get to the move day, the more I worry. My wife handed her notice in on Monday (3 months notice) and I don't think either of has slept since then
More beer/wine required!
Dec 9th 2009 | 5:57 am
#20
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 20,821
From: Brisbane
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Just found this thread and boy it's good to know I'm not the only one. We got our visa in July and fly out to Sydney on 20th March. Until recently it's been really exciting, however now the panic is really setting in!
I've never thought this was going to be easy, but the closer we get to the move day, the more I worry. My wife handed her notice in on Monday (3 months notice) and I don't think either of has slept since then
More beer/wine required!
I've never thought this was going to be easy, but the closer we get to the move day, the more I worry. My wife handed her notice in on Monday (3 months notice) and I don't think either of has slept since then
More beer/wine required!
Coming up...
Hang in there, you'll be fine!
Your sig says: 175 MODL & CSL Lodged 07/10/09 Was it Jan perhaps?
Last edited by Alfresco; Dec 9th 2009 at 6:02 am.
Dec 9th 2009 | 6:02 pm
#23
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 85
From: Lower North Shore Sydney (again)
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
So here's the situation. My hubbie is desperate (with a capital D) to move to Oz. He would cheerfully pack us up tomorrow and bugger off; he's disillusioned with the UK (particularly the future and the legacy tax and opportunity wise that the kids will be left). We've run our own business (succesfully) for 12 years which has come at enormous cost to our family life. We would free up our liquid capital and start afresh for a new adventure. Kids are dead excited too. His occupation is very much in demand, and getting a new job shouldn't be a problem. We even know which area we want to go to and what school. We fell head over heels in love with it on our reccies.
Now the rub. I'm far less keen and feel a bit of a wimp to be hones. It's all becoming so real now (have visas and are talking dates and removals companies) and I'm panicking like mad which is something that, although he appreciates and takes on board the homesickness aspect, he isn't. He's under no illusion that it will be a slog but can look at the bigger picture. He is confident it will work and he may well be right. After all, I love the area there as well (I also love Centre Parcs too, but wouldn't want to live there!). We met so many friendly and helpful Aussies and had a good time each time we visited. However, I get panick attacks (which wake me up at night). He does remind me though that I'm a natural worrier and particularly bad with change and am quite a set in my ways kind of a person and, that when I have changed situations in the past (areas, jobs, setting up the business, having kids etc) it has worked out fine.
Is any one else in this situation or has anyone else been through it? If so, how did it work out for you?
Any input much appreciated.
Now the rub. I'm far less keen and feel a bit of a wimp to be hones. It's all becoming so real now (have visas and are talking dates and removals companies) and I'm panicking like mad which is something that, although he appreciates and takes on board the homesickness aspect, he isn't. He's under no illusion that it will be a slog but can look at the bigger picture. He is confident it will work and he may well be right. After all, I love the area there as well (I also love Centre Parcs too, but wouldn't want to live there!). We met so many friendly and helpful Aussies and had a good time each time we visited. However, I get panick attacks (which wake me up at night). He does remind me though that I'm a natural worrier and particularly bad with change and am quite a set in my ways kind of a person and, that when I have changed situations in the past (areas, jobs, setting up the business, having kids etc) it has worked out fine.
Is any one else in this situation or has anyone else been through it? If so, how did it work out for you?
Any input much appreciated.
I have a feeling I know you ?! I'm the other girl from Cheltenham.
Well, we have been here for 1.5 weeks (house completion went through 3 days after we left the UK !) and it's good. I'm sure it's been helped by the fact that we've arrived at the beginning of summer. I'm loving all the al fresco dining and long days outdoors.
I am having the usual moans about the shops being different, being a billy-no-mates and missing folks back home, but I know these feelings will ease off with time as they have with our previous moves.
My advice is that you should go for it. If you don't, you will always wonder and that's no way to live a life. You wouldn't be going to the moon, I know it would be a huge pain to have to return to the UK once you'd made the move but it would be possible. I think you've done as much preparation as possible and are doing it with your eyes open.
All the best and I look forward to your future updates.
Cx
Dec 10th 2009 | 9:22 am
#24
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 126
From: Bellbowire, Brisbane
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Oh Damson
Thank you so much for starting this thread. I am at the next stage as I've now arrived in Australia, Brisbane (been here 2 weeks) and the fear for me now is overwhelming.
When I was at home (Birmingham) I was always busy with the all the preparations for the move eg visa, packing, the school run(2 lively sons, 6 and 5) plus going to work. I ve always wanted to come to Oz but now I here I have to be honest, I am scared. I feel that I was so busy with the application process, renting the house, sorting out our packing our container ourselves that I pushed my emotions to the side. Of course, they are now here to haunt me.
I am lucky that I do have family here in Oz, I'm currently live with my uncle in Graceville whilst we wait for our rented property in Bellbowrie to be available- which will be next weekend.
What I am finding so very difficult is the lack of familiarity with everything- my sons are finding it really difficult and they are homesick for friends and family. My oldest keeps asking, why did we move here? I am trying to keep a positive face for them.
As we live too far from where we will be living, I've been unable to start them at school so they have be unable to make any friends. For a six year old he has a good circle of friends that have emailed news from home, as life does go on. Tales of the school xmas fayre, xmas plays- my son cried as he had missed all that. Boy, do I feel so guilty.
Like you, I am shy about meeting new people -when picking up my children from school you would always find me at the edge of the playground. Right now, I could do with Mystic Meg telling me my future and reassuring me that it will all be alright.LOL
Enough of me moaning.
Wishing you all the best
Andrea
Thank you so much for starting this thread. I am at the next stage as I've now arrived in Australia, Brisbane (been here 2 weeks) and the fear for me now is overwhelming.
When I was at home (Birmingham) I was always busy with the all the preparations for the move eg visa, packing, the school run(2 lively sons, 6 and 5) plus going to work. I ve always wanted to come to Oz but now I here I have to be honest, I am scared. I feel that I was so busy with the application process, renting the house, sorting out our packing our container ourselves that I pushed my emotions to the side. Of course, they are now here to haunt me.
I am lucky that I do have family here in Oz, I'm currently live with my uncle in Graceville whilst we wait for our rented property in Bellbowrie to be available- which will be next weekend.
What I am finding so very difficult is the lack of familiarity with everything- my sons are finding it really difficult and they are homesick for friends and family. My oldest keeps asking, why did we move here? I am trying to keep a positive face for them.
As we live too far from where we will be living, I've been unable to start them at school so they have be unable to make any friends. For a six year old he has a good circle of friends that have emailed news from home, as life does go on. Tales of the school xmas fayre, xmas plays- my son cried as he had missed all that. Boy, do I feel so guilty.
Like you, I am shy about meeting new people -when picking up my children from school you would always find me at the edge of the playground. Right now, I could do with Mystic Meg telling me my future and reassuring me that it will all be alright.LOL
Enough of me moaning.
Wishing you all the best
Andrea
Dec 10th 2009 | 9:40 am
#25
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 8
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Hi!
I too had many misgivings about coming to Oz. I came (aged 62 leaving a son and grandchildren in the UK) because I loved my man and knew it would be good for him. (old fashioned...!) You are not a wimp (in OZ - a wimp is a sook!) and coming to Oz is a challenge. I have been here for almost three years and am starting to feel more at home. Be prepared for bouts of homesickness and allow yourself to have them...and get really busy either with a job, or involve yourself in the community, that way you will soon appreciate what Oz has to offer.
Good luck!
Wrinkly
I too had many misgivings about coming to Oz. I came (aged 62 leaving a son and grandchildren in the UK) because I loved my man and knew it would be good for him. (old fashioned...!) You are not a wimp (in OZ - a wimp is a sook!) and coming to Oz is a challenge. I have been here for almost three years and am starting to feel more at home. Be prepared for bouts of homesickness and allow yourself to have them...and get really busy either with a job, or involve yourself in the community, that way you will soon appreciate what Oz has to offer.
Good luck!
Wrinkly
Dec 10th 2009 | 9:12 pm
#26
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 43
From: Brisbane
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Hi No Dramas.. what a small world! We've been in Brisbane for 3 months now and we're from the Birmingham area (well..Cannock so not far). We also live down the road from you now, in Yeronga. We drove through Graceville last night on the way to Indooroopilly shopping centre on the Medicare mission .
I have 4 boys aged between 16 and 9. We got here in September and my boys had just had their 6 weeks holiday... then we arrived during their aussie school's 2 weeks holiday. In total my boys were out of school from July to October - so I understand what you're saying about the 'friends' aspect of school. My 9 year old has really struggled to make friends, which did surprise me as he was a sociable chap in the UK. He has made frequent comments about how much he preferred his life in the UK and he missed his friends. I was quite worried for a while... BUT now he's starting to adapt, make friends and he was having a conversation with his brother the other day and said that he liked his life in Oz better now. So it does get better with time. Soon the comments from your son will get less and less. My son moped over his emails for a short while, but rarely looks on the computer now.. I have to answer his emails for him!!
I'm also like you, in that I'm not an outgoing chatty person, which does make it more difficult to make friends - in fact my only friends now are work colleagues!! How sad is that?! I'm struggling with the 'xmas being so different' aspect and the fact that we have no family here, so, as my third son put it a few weeks ago, 'we're all alone in the world'!!
Things will get easier and your kids will feel better when school starts.. fortunately they've got xmas in between now and school starting!
As for pre-move worries.. I was a complete nervous wreck.. I didn't eat for almost 3 days as I felt so sick with nerves.. BUT, even with all of the stresses and traumas, it was the best move we ever made. I'm not sure how long we'll stay, but we're enjoying it now and that's all that matters.
Good luck to all xxx
.I have 4 boys aged between 16 and 9. We got here in September and my boys had just had their 6 weeks holiday... then we arrived during their aussie school's 2 weeks holiday. In total my boys were out of school from July to October - so I understand what you're saying about the 'friends' aspect of school. My 9 year old has really struggled to make friends, which did surprise me as he was a sociable chap in the UK. He has made frequent comments about how much he preferred his life in the UK and he missed his friends. I was quite worried for a while... BUT now he's starting to adapt, make friends and he was having a conversation with his brother the other day and said that he liked his life in Oz better now. So it does get better with time. Soon the comments from your son will get less and less. My son moped over his emails for a short while, but rarely looks on the computer now.. I have to answer his emails for him!!
I'm also like you, in that I'm not an outgoing chatty person, which does make it more difficult to make friends - in fact my only friends now are work colleagues!! How sad is that?! I'm struggling with the 'xmas being so different' aspect and the fact that we have no family here, so, as my third son put it a few weeks ago, 'we're all alone in the world'!!
Things will get easier and your kids will feel better when school starts.. fortunately they've got xmas in between now and school starting!
As for pre-move worries.. I was a complete nervous wreck.. I didn't eat for almost 3 days as I felt so sick with nerves.. BUT, even with all of the stresses and traumas, it was the best move we ever made. I'm not sure how long we'll stay, but we're enjoying it now and that's all that matters.
Good luck to all xxx
Dec 23rd 2009 | 8:28 pm
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 167
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
Hi everyone!
Well, my visa was granted on Tues (22/12), booked flights, temp accommodation and car hire yesterday (Wed), and boy am I getting the wobbles!!!!
All this money is flying out of our account and the enormity of it all is hitting home. My husband, who is normally so laid back has become Mr Stresshead.
We fly out on 4th February. I hand my notice in at work next week.
How is everyone else feeling?
Karen
Well, my visa was granted on Tues (22/12), booked flights, temp accommodation and car hire yesterday (Wed), and boy am I getting the wobbles!!!!
All this money is flying out of our account and the enormity of it all is hitting home. My husband, who is normally so laid back has become Mr Stresshead.
We fly out on 4th February. I hand my notice in at work next week.
How is everyone else feeling?
Karen
Dec 28th 2009 | 8:53 pm
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 219
From: Gold Coast, QLD
Re: Call me Ms Wimp!
So here's the situation. My hubbie is desperate (with a capital D) to move to Oz. He would cheerfully pack us up tomorrow and bugger off; he's disillusioned with the UK (particularly the future and the legacy tax and opportunity wise that the kids will be left). We've run our own business (succesfully) for 12 years which has come at enormous cost to our family life. We would free up our liquid capital and start afresh for a new adventure. Kids are dead excited too. His occupation is very much in demand, and getting a new job shouldn't be a problem. We even know which area we want to go to and what school. We fell head over heels in love with it on our reccies.
Now the rub. I'm far less keen and feel a bit of a wimp to be hones. It's all becoming so real now (have visas and are talking dates and removals companies) and I'm panicking like mad which is something that, although he appreciates and takes on board the homesickness aspect, he isn't. He's under no illusion that it will be a slog but can look at the bigger picture. He is confident it will work and he may well be right. After all, I love the area there as well (I also love Centre Parcs too, but wouldn't want to live there!). We met so many friendly and helpful Aussies and had a good time each time we visited. However, I get panick attacks (which wake me up at night). He does remind me though that I'm a natural worrier and particularly bad with change and am quite a set in my ways kind of a person and, that when I have changed situations in the past (areas, jobs, setting up the business, having kids etc) it has worked out fine.
Is any one else in this situation or has anyone else been through it? If so, how did it work out for you?
Any input much appreciated.
Now the rub. I'm far less keen and feel a bit of a wimp to be hones. It's all becoming so real now (have visas and are talking dates and removals companies) and I'm panicking like mad which is something that, although he appreciates and takes on board the homesickness aspect, he isn't. He's under no illusion that it will be a slog but can look at the bigger picture. He is confident it will work and he may well be right. After all, I love the area there as well (I also love Centre Parcs too, but wouldn't want to live there!). We met so many friendly and helpful Aussies and had a good time each time we visited. However, I get panick attacks (which wake me up at night). He does remind me though that I'm a natural worrier and particularly bad with change and am quite a set in my ways kind of a person and, that when I have changed situations in the past (areas, jobs, setting up the business, having kids etc) it has worked out fine.
Is any one else in this situation or has anyone else been through it? If so, how did it work out for you?
Any input much appreciated.
How glad am I to have looked back on here.
I am an emotional wreck
we have had our property on sale for around 5-6 weeks and today we have someone coming to view for the 2nd time, so chances are they will have it. This has caused me to go into panic mode. I just don't feel ready to depart the UK. I don't know why I am feeling like this 
I think it is a mix of things of the thought of rehoming my dogs (long story but they are not coming) and also going out to Australia with no jobs and little money. I think it is removing my comfort blanket!!I know it is the right decision, but why do I keep getting these doubts? Hubby has no job over here, he has been out of work for 13 months now, he has not really bothered looking as it was not worth it knowing we are going to leave. But I think this is the problem; has he got into a state of "can't be bothered" and this will have an effect on him looking for work out there. When I confront him, he tells me it will be different.
If someone gave me a ticket to go today - I think I would turn them down - I am feeling very sorry for myself
