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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by the troubadour
(Post 7910144)
Where folk originated from in the sense of town or city would have a bearing to an extent on how they perceive their new home.
Wouldn't begin to speak of Rochdale,a place i have never been,but lets face it there are some quite awful places in UK,where one may assume that a number of the locals could be enticed to leave with the minimal of enticement. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by greenlaker View Post ... For me and OH it's simple because we can, we had a thought, we had a dream, we had a vision, and hopefully we will get that chance, we want to experience something different, something outside our box, something that we can say we have achieved rather than being just normal. At least we can say we tryed, even if it doesn't work out we tryed. And to those doubters that have never failed they are normally the ones that have never tryed.
Originally Posted by Duncan_Mc
(Post 7910844)
I couldn't be written better than that!!! :):) Sounds like my thoughts, although I'm not a pom. :)
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by morrisj3
(Post 7910939)
Quote:
Our thoughts too....we're looking at it initially as an exciting 4 year adventure to get citizenship - if we don't like it we'll simply come back, thinking "well at least we scratched the itch", but with the added advantage of having a get-out-of-jail free card (passport!) if quality of life in the UK continues to deteriorate |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus
(Post 7910962)
That is not something to be taken lightly and is generally a hugely expensive thing to undertake, particularly if houses are being bought and sold as part of this ping-pong. The "simply come back" option was part of our original plan as well... when it came to it, if we had tried it we would have been financially crippled for years, possibly never returning to the standard of living we had before we left the UK. Don't think of it as an easy option.
What I really mean is that on balance, we feel it's completely the right decision and that we intend to settle there for the rest of our lives. But, being a fairly cautious person, I take comfort from telling myself that if it doesn't work out, we're not stuck there forever (even if we suffer financially as a result) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
I believe that in life you regret the things you didn't do, rather than the things you did.
We didn't want to spend the rest of our lives saying "If only we had gone to Oz when we had the chance," so here we are, six months into our adventure with no regrets!!:thumbsup: |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus
(Post 7910962)
That is not something to be taken lightly and is generally a hugely expensive thing to undertake, particularly if houses are being bought and sold as part of this ping-pong. The "simply come back" option was part of our original plan as well... when it came to it, if we had tried it we would have been financially crippled for years, possibly never returning to the standard of living we had before we left the UK. Don't think of it as an easy option.
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
It is my dream to move to oz and my OH was only following me and her head wasn't really with it. Her granmother had always talked about how they were all set to go to Canada but changed their minds at the last minute,she's financially minted but in a carehome now with happily no clue of the outside world. OH is now saying lets do it and doesn't want to live the rest of her whole life thinking what if.Try it and hopefully not regret
The decision to move is yours and yours only and the reasons for putting yourself thru this can only be yours to. Good luck and I hope it works out for you. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by Steve G
(Post 7911262)
I believe that in life you regret the things you didn't do, rather than the things you did.
We didn't want to spend the rest of our lives saying "If only we had gone to Oz when we had the chance," so here we are, six months into our adventure with no regrets!!:thumbsup: Absolutely agree, don't be left wonderin, I won't be :) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
It is so easy to say " you can go back if I don't like it etc" but the reality is that often you can't go back especially with children who are totally settled, our life out here is great, HOWEVER looking back our life in the uk in terms of friends and family was so much better.
My husband goes into hospital next week and I have no-one to fall back on, it's a routine op so he shouldn't be in long but at times like that it makes you realise that family around and old friends are something to cherish. We juggle the balls most of the year and most of the year they stay up in the air, but when the kids are ill or something unexpected happens over here then they all come crashing to the ground and we are alone. Do think long and hard at what actually makes you and your family truly happy, the big house and flash car parked up the drive in OZ doesn't protect you from feeling sad sometimes. We have been here over 5 years and I speak less and less to my friends in the UK now, just because it makes me feel so upset afterwards. Please don't feel sorry for me as I do have a great life but as I said in hindsight it would have been a couple of years and back to the UK, but with kids who love their school, friends etc you just can't do that, my youngest thinks 25c is a cold day! Good luck with your decision.:) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus
(Post 7910868)
I lived down the road from Rochdale in Manchester... believe me when I say it wouldn't take much to improve on Rochdale
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by Nu-Shooz
(Post 7907318)
Us UK folk are never happy i guess. We always think the grass is greener.
We go cause we can, if it works out...cool!!! if it doesn't then so be it. All the best and have a great adventure. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Sometimes people don't even leave through choice; they have to move because of some kind of work/family situation that basically dictates that they live abroad, at least for a while.
When people do choose to go, often it is because they've fallen for the good old British ''the grass is always greener'' habit. They have probably also fallen for the doom and gloom and disaster touted by the Daily Mail and all the other tabloids that love to use the ''Third World Britain'' headline at least four or five times a year. I suspect that us Brits have been moaning about Britain throughout the whole of modern history, very often without any real foundation/proof that it would be any different anywhere else. Lots of people are attracted by the idea that Britain is awful and Australia/New Zealand/wherever is paradise because this gives them the belief that escape from crime, bills, expense, work etc etc etc is possible, when it is clearly not possible in reality to escape any of those things. An awful lot of us humans are suckers for the sunshine and bigger house thing. We will put up with an awful lot of other kinds of crap in order to attain these ''ideals''. Not that many people are all that bothered (it would seem) about culture, history, vibrancy and the accessibility of things. If they were less people would want to leave the UK/Europe. The second living room (for the kids), called a ''rumpus room'' in Australian English, is more important. And people would rather have lots of sun even if that means having very aged looking skin when they are in their late middle age. It's basically human nature and specifically British human nature that makes people leave. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by MartinLuther
(Post 7908675)
I decided to leave when the UK courts decided it was okay to use evidence obtained by torture as long as nobody asked how it was obtained. :unsure:
I left the UK cos life was crap. Somebody fitted me with rose tinted glasses while i was asleep one night about 5 years in and eventually went back. I left again cos it was even crappier. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
We left because we fancied a change, fed up with crap weather, Aus offered better opportunities in my line of work. I was also fed up with long hours in the job I was in, although clearly this could have been sorted in the UK by me learning the word, NO.:)
It has all worked out well and I no longer work weekends but now cycle, waterski, take the dog for long walks around the lounge and socialize with the many new friends we have made here. I seem to be at a peace with myself and no longer fret - I have become quite laid back;) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
We left because I came here on a WHV in 1991-2 and fell in love with the place - when I left Aus the first time it was with the plan that some day I would come back here to live permenantly. OH knew that when I met him, and he was up for it on the basis of "why not".
Australia just always felt like home to me in a way that the UK never did, and since we got here very nearly a year ago, it has still felt like home. I'm paid about the same as I was in the UK for less stress and far, far shorter hours, OH is paid a lot more for the same stress and the same stupid hours, but at least he's getting paid what he should have in the UK and he has far better career prospects now. We have a far better lifestyle than we had, more disposable income, live in a far more beautiful place, and both of us still have the wow factor on a daily basis - whether it be the view of CBD from a hilltop driving to work, the lorikeets screeching around nineteen to the dozen, our local pubs possum wandering through the smoking area (I know they're a nuisance but the brushtails are stunning) or just the fact that we're waking up to yet another beautiful QLD morning. I wouldn't change this for the world :thumbsup: |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Hi all :)
Thanks for taking the time to read and post your comments. Having read all the comments, my conclusions are that we are all a little mad :D It seems it's just something in us that makes us want to give it ago and try something new, have an adventure, experience something different, broaden our horizons, give our children an opportunity, and give us a sense of achievement no matter how stressful or hard or financially draining it may be, we just want to do it. Us, we fly tomorrow morning to Adelaide, for OH's interview on Monday & Tuesday. If he gets the job.... :fingerscrossed: our own adventure begins! :eek: Good luck and best wishes to you all, wherever you may be in your own adventure. If you want the Rainbow, you have to put up with the rain x |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
All the very best and good luck with your new lives! :thumbsup:
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by willamos
(Post 7913360)
Sometimes people don't even leave through choice; they have to move because of some kind of work/family situation that basically dictates that they live abroad, at least for a while.
When people do choose to go, often it is because they've fallen for the good old British ''the grass is always greener'' habit. They have probably also fallen for the doom and gloom and disaster touted by the Daily Mail and all the other tabloids that love to use the ''Third World Britain'' headline at least four or five times a year. I suspect that us Brits have been moaning about Britain throughout the whole of modern history, very often without any real foundation/proof that it would be any different anywhere else. Lots of people are attracted by the idea that Britain is awful and Australia/New Zealand/wherever is paradise because this gives them the belief that escape from crime, bills, expense, work etc etc etc is possible, when it is clearly not possible in reality to escape any of those things. An awful lot of us humans are suckers for the sunshine and bigger house thing. We will put up with an awful lot of other kinds of crap in order to attain these ''ideals''. Not that many people are all that bothered (it would seem) about culture, history, vibrancy and the accessibility of things. If they were less people would want to leave the UK/Europe. The second living room (for the kids), called a ''rumpus room'' in Australian English, is more important. And people would rather have lots of sun even if that means having very aged looking skin when they are in their late middle age. It's basically human nature and specifically British human nature that makes people leave. Hence Brits have far greater scope in being able to maintain large portions of culture and speak native language. Folk from other European destinations usually must give up a lot more and are likely to give greater thought to the moving process,especially these days with these countries having greater prosperity or at least better safety nets. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by kporte
(Post 7913498)
We left because we fancied a change, fed up with crap weather, Aus offered better opportunities in my line of work. I was also fed up with long hours in the job I was in, although clearly this could have been sorted in the UK by me learning the word, NO.:)
It has all worked out well and I no longer work weekends but now cycle, waterski, take the dog for long walks around the lounge and socialize with the many new friends we have made here. I seem to be at a peace with myself and no longer fret - I have become quite laid back;) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by willamos
(Post 7922265)
Not persuaded by this weather thing everyone keeps up with. I don't think terribly, unbearably hot summers are better than cold winters.
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by kporte
(Post 7922283)
I prefer the weather here, but Scotland generally has poorer weather than down south. I love the QLD climate.
I fail to see why one is any better than the other. Both infringe upon one's freedom to do as one pleases, both are, at their worst, bad for your health. Why is hot automatically better than cold? |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by willamos
(Post 7922289)
Just find it curious the way humans seem conditioned to prefer being in terrible heat that makes the footpath as hot as a frying pan to being in cold, frosty weather.
I fail to see why one is any better than the other. Both infringe upon one's freedom to do as one pleases, both are, at their worst, bad for your health. Why is hot automatically better than cold? |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by willamos
(Post 7922289)
Just find it curious the way humans seem conditioned to prefer being in terrible heat that makes the footpath as hot as a frying pan to being in cold, frosty weather.
I fail to see why one is any better than the other. Both infringe upon one's freedom to do as one pleases, both are, at their worst, bad for your health. Why is hot automatically better than cold? My skin is better in the cooler temps and i feel healthier, but in the sun i was physically drained and my skin was terrible. On the other hand someone would thrieve in the sunshine and love being hot! :) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Hi,
I have just moved over to the Western suburb of Sydney.. The best move we have made so far in our life. Both boys started primary school this week with the oldest going to secondary after the new year. Everyone here has been so good, in fact the first weekend we were here was fathers day, we were invited by our next door to attend a bbq at his sisters.... only just moved in,,, thats how life is here... would not change a thing.. all the best in your decisions...:thumbsup: Paul and Jo
Originally Posted by greenlaker
(Post 7907300)
Hello all.
OH has an interview week after next, we fly to Adelaide on Thursday, have arranged for the children to be looked after by a friend so we can go alone and do a recci, have so much planned! Anyway word has now spread through my circle of friends that we are going, phone hasn't stopped, friends and mmmm so called friends wanted to know what we are up to... most people I have to say have been positive and I have had offers already from people wanting the cars, cat, dog, few items of furniture and for the house to be rented out!! I did feel a bit like my life was being pecked at by vultures!! OH hasn't got the job yet!! Anyway, most people have been very supportive, but a few have been saying, 'Oh your so brave', 'I couldn't do that', 'Why are you going?' 'Why would you want to give up your life?' etc etc Then it dawned on me, actually I do have a nice life here, we both work locally, 2 cars, children happy and doing well at school, nice circle of friends, house nearly completely refurbished/decorated and we have some savings, we are not rich by any means, but we have a comfortable life, we are careful with our money don't go out that much, normal mad hectic life with 2 children a cat and dog but we are all happy. So my questions is 'Why' do we all want to give up our 'ok' lives and put ourselves through the nightmare and stress of Visa's and packing up our lives to move half way round the world? We still have to go to work and pay the bills and do the dishes and laundry and we all have bad days and the children will still be arguing, but does it makes it easier to deal with because the sun is shinning? For me and OH it's simple because we can, we had a thought, we had a dream, we had a vision, and hopefully we will get that chance, we want to experience something different, something outside our box, something that we can say we have achieved rather than being just normal. At least we can say we tryed, even if it doesn't work out we tryed. And to those doubters that have never failed they are normally the ones that have never tryed. Sorry for such a long post and if i've bored the pants off you, just needed to get this off my chest, and to ask other like minded people 'Why are you going to Australia?' Thanks :) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Another lets bash the UK thread in order to justify a bad decision and make ourselves feel better about moving to the other side of the world.
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by danjones1
(Post 7922669)
Another lets bash the UK thread in order to justify a bad decision and make ourselves feel better about moving to the other side of the world.
I don't get that impression from most of the posts on this thread. Most of them are personal experience posts and seem quite genuine. :blink: |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
This isn't a bash UK-thread. Settle down, i think some people can't handle other people enjoying something they don't have themselves.
Australia, Was a overseas terrritory till when 40 years ago? or it was either a colony of britain either way it has strong links with britain. My family migrated to Australia in 1960's, from England, I decided to move to London at the start of this year and i love it no plans on going back anytime soon, i'm 19 and want to see the history that makes me proud of what my family contributed to this country(fighting in WW2 etc). It makes me proud really. Deciding whether to move from one to the other, is really a personal choice and a lifestyle choice of the individual. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Australia, Was a overseas terrritory till when 40 years ago? or it was either a colony of britain either way it has strong links with britain. The Commonwealth of Australia was born and it became a dominion of the British Empire in 1907. I think some folk still believe Australia is part of Britain's empire! |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by danjones1
(Post 7922807)
I think some folk still believe Australia is part of Britain's empire! |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
We had a good life in the UK and came here at the end of 2008 because we had the opportunity and thought why not it will be an experience and we'll never know till WE go, but did come thinking this was us forever. After 9 months of being here have decided that although we love the life style have decided we will probably be going home at the end of the year as just don't feel right here and luckly are in a position that we can go home without setting ourselves back too much. We are glad we came as we would always of wonder what if and we are going back with a better attitude to life. We did think about staying another year or two but I knew I didn't want to be here long term so don't want kids to settle more or I would feel like I couldn't take them back and then I'd be stuck her which scared me.
I think what I'm trying to say in my woffle is, try if you can to have a get home card BUT also come and give it your all for a set amount of time (probably longer than me) and see how you do, if you love it great, if not if was an adventure in your life. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by paul.joanne.fraser
(Post 7922611)
Hi,
I have just moved over to the Western suburb of Sydney.. The best move we have made so far in our life. Both boys started primary school this week with the oldest going to secondary after the new year. Everyone here has been so good, in fact the first weekend we were here was fathers day, we were invited by our next door to attend a bbq at his sisters.... only just moved in,,, thats how life is here... would not change a thing.. all the best in your decisions...:thumbsup: Paul and Jo don't think you read the question! |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by Nu-Shooz
(Post 7922551)
Depends on the person doesn't it. I prefer cooler temps (esp now i have witnessed the extreme heat).
My skin is better in the cooler temps and i feel healthier, but in the sun i was physically drained and my skin was terrible. On the other hand someone would thrieve in the sunshine and love being hot! :) I'm always wary of the "UK is fantastic I'm just so glad to be back from that awful Australia" - just as much as the Brit who starts talking Aussie the minute his feet touch the tarmac in Sydney. But I am intersted in the genuine feelings of returnees. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by NKSK version 2
(Post 7923090)
Are you happy to be back - honestly? Not a leading or sarcastic question - I'm having a I-want-to-go-back period at the minute. I'm pretty certain it will pass but I think I'd like to go back at some point over the next few years. The trouble is I'm very much a grass-is-greener type and I'm convinced that within a year of going back I'll feel trapped and need to be off again - dragging the family yet again to some far flung corner of the world and upsetting the extended family.
I'm always wary of the "UK is fantastic I'm just so glad to be back from that awful Australia" - just as much as the Brit who starts talking Aussie the minute his feet touch the tarmac in Sydney. But I am intersted in the genuine feelings of returnees. Anyway we went and i saw. Def should have trusted my instinct. Now we are back i have never thought of my time in OZ, i sit here and feel relieved that all that stuff is all in the past and i can continue where i left. OH and kids are all happy too, suppose it does help that we landed straight back on our feet, business taken off in a way out of our control which we never expected. Had it been different maybe i would be writing something more negative. Can't help but feel happy, so i know for sure it was a mistake to leave what we had. Never make that mistake again no matter how dull it gets;) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Have to wonder why you still post on expat forums.
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by danjones1
(Post 7923167)
Have to wonder why you still post on expat forums.
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Just seems kinda strange to see someone who has been there and didn't like it to continue contributing.
I would understand if you were in the 'back in the uk' forum. Some denial going on there me thinks. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by danjones1
(Post 7923408)
Just seems kinda strange to see someone who has been there and didn't like it to continue contributing.
I would understand if you were in the 'back in the uk' forum. Some denial going on there me thinks. You're the strange one on here me thinks. I do post back in the UK forum all the time, just as much as i post on alot of other forums. So let me get this right, only people who live and like OZ can post on here??:rofl::rofl: Some daft folk about. |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Originally Posted by danjones1
(Post 7923167)
Have to wonder why you still post on expat forums.
Nu-shooz has been on here a long time and woulkd be missed :) |
Re: What makes people give up UK life?
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Re: What makes people give up UK life?
Seems voyeuristic to me.
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