A Different Perspective
Apr 8th 2003, 3:41 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Ex-Bournemouth now Sunny Florida, heading for Perth
Posts: 110
A Different Perspective
After reading many of your messages about the trials and tribulations of migration, I would like to add my comments. I have been a little disillusioned by some of the negative postings by various members but realise that there are pros and cons to everything and would rather be forewarned than have a nasty surprised upon arrival!
However, I think that as a Brit living in Florida for many years that I do have a different perspective on the situation due to the fact that I live in (almost) perpetual sunshine and heat and a culture which is quite at odds with my upbringing. I agree that you cannot go to another country expecting it to be like "England-on-sea" and that every day is spent lying on the beach consuming ice-creams! That would be unrealistic. Even members of my family coming for visits are surprised to see that I'm closer to the colour of milk than chocolate and that I don't pop up to Disney World every weekend (its four hours away)! I have a full-time job, as does my husband so all the time off we have at weekends are for chores and errands with a bit of socialising thrown in and as for holidays here - forget it! One week a year if you are lucky!! However, the lifestyle is great and we make good money compared to back in the UK so I cannot complain.
I'm hoping things will be more British (than here at least), I don't care if I never see a drop of rain again (I still get chills when it rains here even in 80 degree temps!), have the opportunity to have more than 7 days holiday paid, English groceries, pensions, medical assistance etc etc - in short, all of the benefits you already enjoy!
As I said when I left the UK before and I still say it now - if the lifestyle is the same as it is now it will be great, if it is better it will be a bonus. And whats the worst that can happen? You just had a very expensive extended holiday and you can leave again.
Thank you for indulging me and I look forward to your comments - both negative and positive!
Wannabe Wallaby
However, I think that as a Brit living in Florida for many years that I do have a different perspective on the situation due to the fact that I live in (almost) perpetual sunshine and heat and a culture which is quite at odds with my upbringing. I agree that you cannot go to another country expecting it to be like "England-on-sea" and that every day is spent lying on the beach consuming ice-creams! That would be unrealistic. Even members of my family coming for visits are surprised to see that I'm closer to the colour of milk than chocolate and that I don't pop up to Disney World every weekend (its four hours away)! I have a full-time job, as does my husband so all the time off we have at weekends are for chores and errands with a bit of socialising thrown in and as for holidays here - forget it! One week a year if you are lucky!! However, the lifestyle is great and we make good money compared to back in the UK so I cannot complain.
I'm hoping things will be more British (than here at least), I don't care if I never see a drop of rain again (I still get chills when it rains here even in 80 degree temps!), have the opportunity to have more than 7 days holiday paid, English groceries, pensions, medical assistance etc etc - in short, all of the benefits you already enjoy!
As I said when I left the UK before and I still say it now - if the lifestyle is the same as it is now it will be great, if it is better it will be a bonus. And whats the worst that can happen? You just had a very expensive extended holiday and you can leave again.
Thank you for indulging me and I look forward to your comments - both negative and positive!
Wannabe Wallaby
Apr 8th 2003, 3:53 pm
#2
too busy to work members
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Tahmoor NSW - Southern Highlands
Posts: 1,385
Hi nice to hear from you with a nice perspective on loiving abroad.
However your comments about british pensions AAHHHHH I have to enlighten you.
If you leave UK your pension is paid at the rate at that time - when there are rises given if you live in USA, Europe and various other countries you WILL GET THE RISES. However if you live in Australia, NZ South Africa and a few others YOU WILL NOT.
If you want to stop this anomaly before it applies to you (That means all of yur who have paid more than 10 years NI in UK) and are eligible for a pension at some time in the future, Please join an association which is fighting for everyone to get their rises whatever country they live in.
At the moment there is a legal battle going on for a lady in south africa who is getting £6 per week as that was the rate when she left UK.
Right now it might not look important but in the future it will concern YOU.:lecture: :lecture: :lecture: :scared: :scared:
However your comments about british pensions AAHHHHH I have to enlighten you.
If you leave UK your pension is paid at the rate at that time - when there are rises given if you live in USA, Europe and various other countries you WILL GET THE RISES. However if you live in Australia, NZ South Africa and a few others YOU WILL NOT.
If you want to stop this anomaly before it applies to you (That means all of yur who have paid more than 10 years NI in UK) and are eligible for a pension at some time in the future, Please join an association which is fighting for everyone to get their rises whatever country they live in.
At the moment there is a legal battle going on for a lady in south africa who is getting £6 per week as that was the rate when she left UK.
Right now it might not look important but in the future it will concern YOU.:lecture: :lecture: :lecture: :scared: :scared:
