I'm in the opposite situation of most on this board as an Aussie living aboard (in Ireland). I have been in Ireland for 4 years and really like living here and even though the move was never meant to be permanent, I have a permanent job, am settled and had been thinking about buying a house in 12 - 18months time.

However, a job has now come up in my home town in regional Victoria and I am wondering if I should apply. It's only part time (3 days a week) but I could pick up work for the other two days I think without too much difficulty. The job would be a step up to a manager position (speech pathology manager), however the complexity of the clients I see would be easier than the clients I currently work with. In my current job there is no chance of promotion.

I'm not certain what the salary would be, but I think it would be around $35 hour which is currently a little bit less than what I am on in Ireland (when the euro is converted to AUD). I'm currently single so I don't have anyone else to think about but I do want to buy a house at some stage and I think this is going to be easier to acheive in Ireland than Australia, given the house prices (I'd be looking at 4 - 5 times my (full time) salary in OZ, 2 - 3 times in Ireland), however the dire circumstances of the Irish economy and the 'euro' crisis weighs heavily on my mind and I don't want to 'miss the boat' in terms of moving back to Oz.

I'm always shocked by the cost of living when I go back to Oz for a visit but on the plus side there would be nice weather and my family close by. Staying in Ireland means I can continue to travel, get a house in 12 - 18 months but run the risk of the economy getting worse, getting more pay cuts (have already lost approx 25% since moving here 4yrs ago) etc.

So, thoughts? Should I think about returning to Australia now or ride it out in Ireland . If this job hadn't come up I wouldn't even be thinking about returning.

Thanks,
mel.b

Mel, what does your heart tell you to do? In my opinion, the sunshine is lovely, being back with family and having more disposable income are all great. However, ask yourself what keeps you in Ireland and what makes you truly happy? Jobs come and go, at least you are an Australian citizen, there is no Visa to obtain, you can go back whenever you please!

Good luck in your decision, whichever way you go!

My heart isn't telling me anything at the moment, that is why I am so torn!

I like my job and life in Ireland, I can travel when I want (although not doing much of that at the moment because I'm trying to save!), yeah the weather isn't as nice, but I don't miss the days of 35+ where you can't sleep at night.

What would make me truly happy is to be able to buy a house - I'm sick of renting and want my own space and place. If I went home I'd probably be able to stay with my parents while I continue to save for a deposit. I couldn't stand the thought of renting in Australia again - renting in ireland is much more laid back

If I knew the economy in Ireland wasn't going to get any worse I'd stay, but it is just so uncertain I don't know if should make the leap back now

After I lost my job in Sydney in 1996 I went back to England for a holiday and stayed for twelve years. I returned to Sydney after my father passed away to be closer to my brother. I regret this decision in some ways because I had a good and enjoyable job and I have found it hard to get anything smiilar.

You sound happy with your life in Ireland, good job, settled (more or less?) Why not buy an investment property in Australia? If you ever do decide to return permanently to Australia you can either move in yourself or sell and buy somewhere else.

'At home abroad, and abroad at home!' the quandary of the expat?

The economy has affected most of us Mel, one way or another, you sound uncertain because of this. Other jobs in Oz will materialise if you need to go back! It's a hard decision to make. My lifestyle here is great, no mortgage, only myself and husband, kids grown up, yet we are making the move to Australia, leaving fantastic jobs. We are doing this because we need to try it for size, if it don't fit our lifestyle and we really have given it our best, we will come home! But my heart tells me that we have to try it. Someone once told me to write down the pluses and minuses of what i want to do, i do this when i am torn, just to give me some key indicators of why i want to do whatever it is, and the benefits i will gain.

I wish you well Mel

For what it is worth, it has been raining in Western Victoria since April. Sound a bit like Ireland?

Is it too rude to ask which regional town? I'm in the far far west of Vic.

I am a firm believer in 'if it aint broke don't fix it'. You sound happy where you are and neither country is going anywhere.

I would stay in Ireland having a job paying that and far greater prospects of buying a house.
If you must wait for the tumble in conditions to occur here as it looks more a case of when than if.
Disapointing what has happened in this country with regard to cost.

Also in Ireland you may well get better quality housing than here.
Saying all that there are a lot of Irish over here in WA at the moment.

Hi Mel

I've pm'ed you (sent a private message) - I know exactly where you're coming from.

Cheers
OSV

I think when / if you really want to go back you will know. If your heart is not telling you anything then maybe you are just fine where you are.

I don't see the point moving back just in case Ireland economy worsens. Perhaps when / if it worsens and when / if it impacts your quality of life, then at that point you may feel is the right time to move back.

Give Ireland a few years and see how it pans out.

Hi Mel.b I am in the same situation as you but have been here (UK) since 98 when I came over on a holiday, ended up buying a house and doing my nurse training and am now looking at going home. I am different in as far as I kept my house in Oz before leaving and my son is living in it but I now want to upgrade the house for when I retire.

I would suggest you buy a house here, just be careful of the urge to buy the best in the best street type scenerio. I bought a fixer upper and have more than doubled my price even in this climate of unrest.

The call of family, friends and social life is what is calling me back, I basically have very little social life here, however when I go home I know places and friends I can see every day if I want to.

Shenni

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Not sure how to multi quote on here so will give some answers below

alistairboyle: LOL, sounds just like Ireland...we have had the coldest summer in 46 years My home town is in West Gippsland, about an hour from Melbourne.

saveme: Yes, am very settled in Ireland. If this particular job hadn't come up I wouldn't really be thinking about it. I went through a period earlier in the year where I was extremely stressed and busy at work and if I could have would have returned home then...I couldn't though as my mum had a trip booked to come and visit me and she would have killed me if I had left However things are back to normal at work and very unlikely to return to that level of stress again. I wouldnt be keen on buying a property in Australia if I wasn't there - would rather put the money into paying off a mortgage here faster.

the troubadour: Yes, I think my prospects of buying a house are better in Ireland, although I'd have to say the standard of houses in Australia are better (IMO). Bigger, better layout and just generally nicer. However in Ireland I can have a house and still have money to be able to travel which I wouldn't have if I returned to Australia and bought.

I'm probably leaning a bit more towards staying at the moment. There is still so much I want to do over here and I know I would be dissapointed if I went home now. There were two other Australian girls over here at the same time as I was who have both since returned and they both regret it and say 'at least one of us is still living the dream'

Australian house prices are high - like Irish (and to an extent, UK) prices some years ago. Something else to consider is if you plan to pursue Irish citizenship, you can apply once you are in the country 5 years (excluding time as a student or some other excepted categories).

I think you have to weigh up the pros and cons. I've been quite philosophical lately (try not to fall asleep!!!) about life in Australia compared to the life in the UK and wondering whether, we as a family, have made the right decision to move here. Thinking about the weather, employment, friends and family, the local night outs etc.
We rent out our house in the UK still to very good friends of ours and we do miss a great deal about life in Newcastle. But, Australia is an amazing place and despite some negatives I always seem to finish the day with a smile on my face and looking forward to the next.
I wish we could bring our F&F over but that's obviously not going to happen. However, I do believe that if they could have a slight taste of what we're having here, they too would be considering making the move.
I see life differently (still awake), more about enjoying each day and not worrying about finances etc. Perhaps I'm living in a bubble but who cares, we're all very happy and settled. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you are happy where you are and feel that that you have a future where you are, then go for it. Don't look back in anger (a bit of Oasis!!) or regret what you are about to do, just do it and be happy. You are lucky in that you can return if things don’t pan out but at least you’ve given it a go! BoL