fific

Hi there, we have been here 6 weeks and have done so much in that time including finance, cars, houses, and schools. Just moved again this weekend and am feeling really homesick - when i say homesick I dont mean that I want to go back to the UK as I can see already the difference Aus has made to my kids and the potential for the future. I miss my best friend and my mum and the sense of belonging - I guess that to me is homesick. Everyone says it takes 18 months to feel settled - so can anyone recommend any strategies for coping during these bouts of feeling like a fish out of water whcih come and go. Thanks for any help you can give.

rebnatoli

Hi,

I had a bad week recently and like you don't intend to return to the UK but missed friends and familiarity. I got together with some other people from the UK which helped and also made some plans - booked a training course, planned a holiday. It did pass after a few days and despite having caught the dreaded 'flu am still happy again at the moment I think its called Post Emigration Depression - there is so much build up to coming here, lots to sort when you get here then comes the day when its all calmed down and you actually get a chance to miss people and have to adjust to a bit less going on.

Anyway try and keep busy and hopefully it will pass soon enough.

Rebecca

Tiawamutu

I know how you feel Fific, and would like to know as well. We have been here 11 months and I still feel like that a lot

Alana and Arrons mum

Hi,
We have been here 4 months now and I can totally empathise with you.i had a terrible time after about 3 weeks when my god son turned 1 and I missed his birthday-his mum was so upset she couldnt speak to me on the phone.I then felt awful about a month after that when my friend sent me a text me to say she was pregnant-I just burst into tears!
Its crazy for the first few weeks after arriving ,then things settle down and reality hits.I am like you and can honestly say I have never wanted to go home-its the people I miss.I am just accepting that I will feel like this for a while and its part of the life of an expat.
I have joined Facebook and put all my photos on so people can see what we have been doing and were we live-it makes me feel a little closer.my sister puts photos of my nephew on too,which is lovely.I also bought one of those cheap cards you can get for calling home and can chat for ages without worrying about phone bills.I try to keep busy and plan to do lovely things on my days off-I take the kids to the park and beach after school and I feel great cos this is why we came.I try to socialise with the girls at work and am making a real effort with the mums at school.
Its tough but I am convinced its worth it! I love my life here.
Andy xxxx

Nu-Shooz

Some people say it will only get better. But it may not. I am homesick everyday, but i get by. I just take each day as it comes. I speak to my family alot in UK, but to be honest it makes me worse for homesickness. I do like where i am, i just know i don't want to be here forever. So i put it down to a long adventure and that makes me better
Hope things improve for you.

northernbird

Good advice

esperanza

I agree. Nothing has to be forever, make the most of what you've got now.

djamesburgess

I've been here for 5+ months now. I came over on my own and was sent off to Canberra for my first work assignment. I spent the days/weeks thinking I'd made a big mistake coming over here.
Now that I'm settled in Melbourne, starting to gain friends through work etc., get into a routine that I'm used to - I'm trying to encourage more people from home to come over!
It takes a period of adjustment for everyone, it's not the smallest move in the world after all. I can say that rather than think about what you might be doing back home - concentrate on what you can do here instead.

Katherined0

Keep busy, keep busy, keep busy! That's the only way I manage to cope with it! Do the things you love doing out here -- for me it's taking the kids for a long bike ride or going to the beach! Remember it just takes time and those relationships are stronger than the distance betwen you! Plan phonecalls so you dont end up talking to answering machines, write letters, postcards and use your webcam so people know what you're doing with your life....
Sorry not to have a magic wand to make it all go away -- but if you do find the answer -- let me know!!!

Sally

I'd say keep busy but don't exhaust yourself either - don't expect everything to be perfect right from the start, it takes time to get everything sorted and find your way around. It could well be a while yet before you feel fully settled, give yourself that time

fific

Thanks everyone - I think the keep busy motto is the one that works. Had a second interview for a job yesterday and felt immedaitely better at the thought of being busy and part of something. Find it hard to call home when i feel down - but decided yesterday to try to call more frequently for less time - just like I did with my Mum at home so we're more connected with each others everyday lives. Its raining heavily here at the moment so hard ot get out and enjoy the Aussie life. Hoping for some better weather at the weekend.

Thanks for support much appreciated.

Katherined0

Surprising how much better sunshine makes it all feel isnt it!