Help We Are Not Sure
Jul 6th 2007, 6:18 pm
#31
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Clarkson WA
Posts: 26
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
I don't want you to misinterpret what I'm going to say in relation to your situation..........but, hey, I'm an Aussie now, so I'll say it anyway. lol
I came to Oz with kids the same age yours are now...........and, to be honest, as someone said earlier it's easier than travelling/moving, with older kids. They're like hand-luggage. lol
They'll feed off you.............so, if you are happy, they will be, too.
Schools in Australia are great..............very outdoorsy.
Whether you get homesick or not, depends what you want. If you want Brisbane to be like Gloucester, yep, you're gonna hate it. If you want Gloucester, you stay in Gloucester.............and if you want to socialise, you make an effort, mainly through your kids.
Look upon yourselves as pioneers, accept the challenge............and make it work.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.......................and Brisbane is a fantastic place, in my opinion.
I'd do it.............but, then again, I DID. I've also, never been back after 17 years here............cos there is so much to see and do.
Only you can decide...........only you can make it a success. Your kids will do whatever you decide........but what a fantastic opportunity for them.
What are you really scared of............I mean, you said the package is great???
Gordon
I came to Oz with kids the same age yours are now...........and, to be honest, as someone said earlier it's easier than travelling/moving, with older kids. They're like hand-luggage. lol
They'll feed off you.............so, if you are happy, they will be, too.
Schools in Australia are great..............very outdoorsy.
Whether you get homesick or not, depends what you want. If you want Brisbane to be like Gloucester, yep, you're gonna hate it. If you want Gloucester, you stay in Gloucester.............and if you want to socialise, you make an effort, mainly through your kids.
Look upon yourselves as pioneers, accept the challenge............and make it work.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.......................and Brisbane is a fantastic place, in my opinion.
I'd do it.............but, then again, I DID. I've also, never been back after 17 years here............cos there is so much to see and do.
Only you can decide...........only you can make it a success. Your kids will do whatever you decide........but what a fantastic opportunity for them.
What are you really scared of............I mean, you said the package is great???
Gordon
Jul 6th 2007, 7:00 pm
#32
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 980
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Gordy834,
spot on mate i agree fully i have also not returned to the UK and never shall i love this place should have done it years ago
spot on mate i agree fully i have also not returned to the UK and never shall i love this place should have done it years ago
Jul 6th 2007, 7:03 pm
#33
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Gloucester UK
Posts: 112
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
I don't want you to misinterpret what I'm going to say in relation to your situation..........but, hey, I'm an Aussie now, so I'll say it anyway. lol
I came to Oz with kids the same age yours are now...........and, to be honest, as someone said earlier it's easier than travelling/moving, with older kids. They're like hand-luggage. lol
They'll feed off you.............so, if you are happy, they will be, too.
Schools in Australia are great..............very outdoorsy.
Whether you get homesick or not, depends what you want. If you want Brisbane to be like Gloucester, yep, you're gonna hate it. If you want Gloucester, you stay in Gloucester.............and if you want to socialise, you make an effort, mainly through your kids.
Look upon yourselves as pioneers, accept the challenge............and make it work.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.......................and Brisbane is a fantastic place, in my opinion.
I'd do it.............but, then again, I DID. I've also, never been back after 17 years here............cos there is so much to see and do.
Only you can decide...........only you can make it a success. Your kids will do whatever you decide........but what a fantastic opportunity for them.
What are you really scared of............I mean, you said the package is great???
Gordon
I came to Oz with kids the same age yours are now...........and, to be honest, as someone said earlier it's easier than travelling/moving, with older kids. They're like hand-luggage. lol
They'll feed off you.............so, if you are happy, they will be, too.
Schools in Australia are great..............very outdoorsy.
Whether you get homesick or not, depends what you want. If you want Brisbane to be like Gloucester, yep, you're gonna hate it. If you want Gloucester, you stay in Gloucester.............and if you want to socialise, you make an effort, mainly through your kids.
Look upon yourselves as pioneers, accept the challenge............and make it work.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.......................and Brisbane is a fantastic place, in my opinion.
I'd do it.............but, then again, I DID. I've also, never been back after 17 years here............cos there is so much to see and do.
Only you can decide...........only you can make it a success. Your kids will do whatever you decide........but what a fantastic opportunity for them.
What are you really scared of............I mean, you said the package is great???
Gordon
All advice appreciated
Deep down I know we have to do it, get out of our little comfort zone for the sake of our kids
Jul 6th 2007, 8:19 pm
#34
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Hello all, we are Simon (33), Lottie (28) Megan (4) and Finlay (2). I have received a fantastic job ofer to relocate to Brisbane, including a very good package. We have a young family and currenlty have a week or two to confirm if we are to go or not. I am looking for general advice and HELP as to what people think. Typically we are worried about Schooling for the kids and socailising for us, so we dont get to home sick.
Please, the more advice the better.
Please, the more advice the better.
Jul 6th 2007, 11:36 pm
#35
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Clarkson WA
Posts: 26
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Cheers, Arthur..........
As a "P.S" to all of this stuff, cos I've only been coming here for a few days............the young families who come in here are so lucky now, with computers, sites like this, that you can get a background prior to coming.
Most of us had nothing, just rosy pictures painted by folk who'd holidayed..............or, in my case, I saw Wicker's World on the Bicentennary.
I'd never even been on a plane til I came here.
To anyone thinking of coming over, you can ask me ANYthing..........and I promise NEVER to bullshit you. I'll be honest, 100% and I'll hope it assists in some way.
Hell, I even got divorced here and understand the legal system..............lol. Hey, it says something that, even in the dark days, I never wanted to leave.
If I had to be on the bones of my bum, sleeping in a doorway, I'd pick Perth over Scotland, any day.
There really IS nothing to lose. The decision is made.
Currently, in Australia, there is a boom in the economy, particularly over here.
That means houses are expensive..............but labour is short and jobs are ten-a-penny.
Start packing............and NEVER compare the two countries.
The funniest thing ever is when your kids get the accent. My youngest one started to talk over here..........with an Aussie accent............and neither myself or my wife, understood him.
I love it..........there is NOTHING I don't like.
Dare I even go as far to say that, if I had to make a choice.............give up my British Citizenship or go home..........I'd have to give it up. I just could NOT go back. Even if you offered to take me back and give me what I have here........I couldn't do it.
Never, did I believe I would say that.........but it's true.
It's a huge honour to be allowed to stay here.............and I count my blessings every single day.
Please don't think I am not loyal or patriotic...........because I am. I respect my homeland and love it..............but life is here, my kids are here..............and the place has been very good to me, the people, too.
Gordon
As a "P.S" to all of this stuff, cos I've only been coming here for a few days............the young families who come in here are so lucky now, with computers, sites like this, that you can get a background prior to coming.
Most of us had nothing, just rosy pictures painted by folk who'd holidayed..............or, in my case, I saw Wicker's World on the Bicentennary.
I'd never even been on a plane til I came here.
To anyone thinking of coming over, you can ask me ANYthing..........and I promise NEVER to bullshit you. I'll be honest, 100% and I'll hope it assists in some way.
Hell, I even got divorced here and understand the legal system..............lol. Hey, it says something that, even in the dark days, I never wanted to leave.
If I had to be on the bones of my bum, sleeping in a doorway, I'd pick Perth over Scotland, any day.
There really IS nothing to lose. The decision is made.
Currently, in Australia, there is a boom in the economy, particularly over here.
That means houses are expensive..............but labour is short and jobs are ten-a-penny.
Start packing............and NEVER compare the two countries.
The funniest thing ever is when your kids get the accent. My youngest one started to talk over here..........with an Aussie accent............and neither myself or my wife, understood him.
I love it..........there is NOTHING I don't like.
Dare I even go as far to say that, if I had to make a choice.............give up my British Citizenship or go home..........I'd have to give it up. I just could NOT go back. Even if you offered to take me back and give me what I have here........I couldn't do it.
Never, did I believe I would say that.........but it's true.
It's a huge honour to be allowed to stay here.............and I count my blessings every single day.
Please don't think I am not loyal or patriotic...........because I am. I respect my homeland and love it..............but life is here, my kids are here..............and the place has been very good to me, the people, too.
Gordon
Jul 7th 2007, 1:54 am
#36
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 251
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Hello all, we are Simon (33), Lottie (28) Megan (4) and Finlay (2). I have received a fantastic job ofer to relocate to Brisbane, including a very good package. We have a young family and currenlty have a week or two to confirm if we are to go or not. I am looking for general advice and HELP as to what people think. Typically we are worried about Schooling for the kids and socailising for us, so we dont get to home sick.
Please, the more advice the better.
Please, the more advice the better.
You will love it!! I arent saying it wont be hard, but with a fantastic job offer - half of your worries are over. There are lots of brits, you will meet people on this site. We were on the Gold Coast, came back due to me struggling to find work and father being ill, but he is fixed now and we are going bak out later this year. We also have a Finlay who is 5, and two older sons, 12 and 16. They have so much freedom over there, we used to have take out at the beach at tea time and the kids would play on one of the many parks as we walked on the front, it was so peacful. We live in West Yorksire now - lovely little village, but nothing in it for the kids apart from fields. they want a bit of action and unfortunately for us the nearest city to us is Bradford, our nearest town is not much better. I worry when they want to go out to ice skating or even to the swimming baths as there is so much violence. The oldest two boys used to go into Robina on their bikes to the cinema and i never worried at all.
You will be fine, and if after a while you dont like it, you can come back. Go for it, you won't regret it I am sure!
What part of the UK are you from?
Any questions -everyone is here to help!
Jul 7th 2007, 6:59 am
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Hi everyone,this is my first post
My husband and I are only in the "thinking about it" stage and one thing that is of concern is that I was told we would have to pay for our kids schooling!!! we have 3 children,17 and twins of 15 so it would be very expensive for us....anyone know the rules on schools??
Many thanks.
My husband and I are only in the "thinking about it" stage and one thing that is of concern is that I was told we would have to pay for our kids schooling!!! we have 3 children,17 and twins of 15 so it would be very expensive for us....anyone know the rules on schools??
Many thanks.
Jul 7th 2007, 9:54 pm
#38
In Aus and loving it!
Joined: May 2006
Location: Thornlands, Qld
Posts: 852
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Hi everyone,this is my first post
My husband and I are only in the "thinking about it" stage and one thing that is of concern is that I was told we would have to pay for our kids schooling!!! we have 3 children,17 and twins of 15 so it would be very expensive for us....anyone know the rules on schools??
Many thanks.
My husband and I are only in the "thinking about it" stage and one thing that is of concern is that I was told we would have to pay for our kids schooling!!! we have 3 children,17 and twins of 15 so it would be very expensive for us....anyone know the rules on schools??
Many thanks.
No you do not have to pay for your childrens education in Oz, there are lots of great State schools over there but also lots of fantastic private schools so you have the option to choose. You do have to pay towards stationery, books etc but it isnt a lot of money so dont worry.
We also have 3 children, ages 16, 6 and 2 so ours are going to State schools where I am sure they will be fine!
Welcome to the forum by the way
Jul 7th 2007, 10:06 pm
#40
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 697
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Thanks for the encouragemnet guys.
we are very lucky in the fact that I would already have a good job. My concern is really for the kids, as if we decide to come back in a couple of years then I dont want them to be behind others of there age, although I know they are young enough to catch up pretty quick.
Alos a little concerned about my wife, as she does not make friends all that easily, as she is quite shy, I would have to keep pushing her I think.
All in all, we have a grat opportunity, that many other families would die for, so we should give it a go, I suppose I am just looking for reassurance.
Thanks again
we are very lucky in the fact that I would already have a good job. My concern is really for the kids, as if we decide to come back in a couple of years then I dont want them to be behind others of there age, although I know they are young enough to catch up pretty quick.
Alos a little concerned about my wife, as she does not make friends all that easily, as she is quite shy, I would have to keep pushing her I think.
All in all, we have a grat opportunity, that many other families would die for, so we should give it a go, I suppose I am just looking for reassurance.
Thanks again
What's the concern with the kids getting left behind academically, these days (under this gov't) any fool can pass a GCSE in any subject with flying colours for spelling his/her name correctly.
It's worth taking the plunge with Brisbane with Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Frazer Island, Moreton island, Oz Zoo etc within fairly easy reach and Brisbane itself it a good city. Now if it was somewhere dire like Perth.....
However the Aussies although fundamentally decent people are very insular and I found that I socialised with Brits when living in Oz rather than the natives. Despite my love of sport I didn't find I had much in common with the diggers so your misses may have a prob or two especially as Brizzie has less ex-pats than Sydney or Perth.
Jul 7th 2007, 10:52 pm
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 68
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
we did the same as you, family and friends you will miss the most, but you never know the truth, we are in th bayside area, which is lovely, if you do come over stay in touch and will give you some info.
my name is ian
good luck
my name is ian
good luck
Jul 9th 2007, 2:43 am
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: England - for now!
Posts: 36
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Just do it!!!
I am in full agreement with NuShooz!
We arrived in Oz at the end of 2002 with 6 kids of various ages - mainly teenagers. I can honestly say that had we only travelled with the youngest ones we would still be there. The eldest never settled, she was v. homesick (as was I for the first 6 months - but got over it) We suggested she go back to the UK but she in turn said she would miss us!! The 2nd eldest didn't secure work in IT. We ended up staying for just short of 3 years BUT long enough to get our Aussie Citizenship!!!
Everybody's circumstances and family set ups are completely different, but we made the decision to return to the UK and have been back 2 years. Do I regret it??? HEAPS but........ you do what you think is right at the time for your family.
Our 3rd eldest is about to return to Oz with our full blessing!! Something he wouldn't be able to do without the luxury of a full Aussie passport!!
And me and hubby??? we plan to return to Oz around about Sept 2008 when the 4th child has completed his education. It will be a wrench as at the time of writing, our daughter who is now 24 says she will more than like remain in the UK. 2nd eldest is living with his girlfriend although they do plan a future move to Oz.
We miss Oz big time and it was a shame that we had to return to the UK but one thing is for sure we haven't missed anything. Fortunately we timed our return just right and bought a house and moved in within 8 weeks!!
Australia isn't a bed of roses by a long chalk. We had many challenges along the way i.e/ hubby's TRA experience etc and endless shelling out of cash.
He had to go back to college for 9 months to get another couple of certificates to bring him up to the "Australian Standard" never mind that he had been working in his trade for 20 odd years!! But we accepted that it had to be done, every place has their rules and we just got on with it. We never bought a house in Oz - we just didn't seem able to ever get within reach of that dream, but were happy to rent on the Gold Coast.
We made some lovely friends - and I can honestly say we never came up against anything anti-Pom from the aussies.
There are heaps of Threads in this forum I could reply to - maybe I will have a good read thru and see what other input I can have.
I will not say anything negative about Oz - as you can see from my name Pommie Sheila - I am torn. Family will always lure me to the UK but Oz is where my heart really is and I can't wait to get back. It's going to be hard and very expensive but I am a great believer that all these experiences have made us stronger in our outlook.
I am in full agreement with NuShooz!
We arrived in Oz at the end of 2002 with 6 kids of various ages - mainly teenagers. I can honestly say that had we only travelled with the youngest ones we would still be there. The eldest never settled, she was v. homesick (as was I for the first 6 months - but got over it) We suggested she go back to the UK but she in turn said she would miss us!! The 2nd eldest didn't secure work in IT. We ended up staying for just short of 3 years BUT long enough to get our Aussie Citizenship!!!
Everybody's circumstances and family set ups are completely different, but we made the decision to return to the UK and have been back 2 years. Do I regret it??? HEAPS but........ you do what you think is right at the time for your family.
Our 3rd eldest is about to return to Oz with our full blessing!! Something he wouldn't be able to do without the luxury of a full Aussie passport!!
And me and hubby??? we plan to return to Oz around about Sept 2008 when the 4th child has completed his education. It will be a wrench as at the time of writing, our daughter who is now 24 says she will more than like remain in the UK. 2nd eldest is living with his girlfriend although they do plan a future move to Oz.
We miss Oz big time and it was a shame that we had to return to the UK but one thing is for sure we haven't missed anything. Fortunately we timed our return just right and bought a house and moved in within 8 weeks!!
Australia isn't a bed of roses by a long chalk. We had many challenges along the way i.e/ hubby's TRA experience etc and endless shelling out of cash.
He had to go back to college for 9 months to get another couple of certificates to bring him up to the "Australian Standard" never mind that he had been working in his trade for 20 odd years!! But we accepted that it had to be done, every place has their rules and we just got on with it. We never bought a house in Oz - we just didn't seem able to ever get within reach of that dream, but were happy to rent on the Gold Coast.
We made some lovely friends - and I can honestly say we never came up against anything anti-Pom from the aussies.
There are heaps of Threads in this forum I could reply to - maybe I will have a good read thru and see what other input I can have.
I will not say anything negative about Oz - as you can see from my name Pommie Sheila - I am torn. Family will always lure me to the UK but Oz is where my heart really is and I can't wait to get back. It's going to be hard and very expensive but I am a great believer that all these experiences have made us stronger in our outlook.
Jul 9th 2007, 2:53 am
#43
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Gloucester UK
Posts: 112
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Well I got to say it, I sure am glad that I started this thread. ALL of your views have been read and taken into the decision process. . .
As we stand here today my wife and I are going to take the plunge and GO FOR IT
More advice is still welcome, and I am sure I will beasking some more question son here soon (probably by later today)
Thank you all again, look out Oz here we come !
As we stand here today my wife and I are going to take the plunge and GO FOR IT
More advice is still welcome, and I am sure I will beasking some more question son here soon (probably by later today
)Thank you all again, look out Oz here we come !
Jul 9th 2007, 2:58 am
#44
Aussie lost in the UK
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Terrigal, NSW Central Coast
Posts: 682
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
Well I got to say it, I sure am glad that I started this thread. ALL of your views have been read and taken into the decision process. . .
As we stand here today my wife and I are going to take the plunge and GO FOR IT
More advice is still welcome, and I am sure I will beasking some more question son here soon (probably by later today)
Thank you all again, look out Oz here we come !
As we stand here today my wife and I are going to take the plunge and GO FOR IT
More advice is still welcome, and I am sure I will beasking some more question son here soon (probably by later today
)Thank you all again, look out Oz here we come !
Now getting packing dammit!!!!
See you on the beach!
Jul 9th 2007, 3:01 am
#45
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Gloucester UK
Posts: 112
Re: Help We Are Not Sure
