So Ive been back 6 months now so thought it was a good time to write a quick update. Its been great since Ive been back and things have finally fallen into place. Took a bit longer than I thought but part of that was me being picky. Stayed with my parents for about 4 1/2 months until I was able to find a house that was right for me and the dog. I was consulting for my old employers in the US so wasn't in a hurry to find a job when I first landed. Everything seemed to happen at the same time, moved house1 week and the following week started a new job. Managed to land an amazing job in marketing for a high profile beauty company. My commute is a shocking 15 mins which beats 1 and 1/2 hours back in the states. The dog settled in quickly and she is one happy pup! Ive been able to reconnect with old friends from school and despite not seeing each other for over 20 years we've picked up right where we left off. Also starting to make new friends at work which is nice. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming wherever I seem to go. Never talked to so many people in my life LOL. I definitely have found a better work life balance here in the UK than I ever had in the states. Its also great to see my family whenever I want to.
So I'm really glad to be back and everything has fallen into place for me. I haven't had one moment of regret and while there are things and people I miss about the States I know I have made the right decision!

I am SO very happy for you. Glad things have fallen into place and you have a great job also. Thank You for the update..

Tiz a lovely update. So uplifting for others still thinking of trying to make that move.

So happy for you, it's so stressful making huge moves like this I am so glad that it is working out so well for you. Now for a British Christmas, you lucky thing!

Did you find it hard to get a rental with a dog? That is a big concern for us right now...

Really happy for you and happy to hear how well everything is going! Congrats and I wish you all the best for the Holidays! Cheers, M

It was hard to find the right rental that would take the dog. There were plenty out there that just required an additional bond but they were either too small for all my stuff or they were in a bad area. It meant I had to stay with my parents longer than expected but now we have a nice 3 bed semi with a large fenced in garden shed and garage. The dog is loving having her own garden as she was used to living in a condo in the US. Really excited about Christmas this year.

Can't believe it's been 6 months already! Glad you are settled and happy. I'm ready to go now but have to be patient...

Hi. I'm glad things have worked out well for you.

Glad it has worked out so well esp for your pup.

I am right there with ya, Fulwood!

Great update

You know something funny. I was getting worried about my wife and her stress levels earlier this year so I went to the bookstore (B&N) and asked one of the service assistants to search for me for books on 'Life/Work Balance.' The person helping me said they had never heard of that term and couldn't find anything. I then researched it myself and found that the 'proper' term is 'Work/Life Balance' which is opposite from what I was thinking.

So I had it in my mind that we should all have a proper Life... then... Work balance, putting Life first. Silly me for not realizing that in America... Work ALWAYS comes first. It's a sad realization, IMO.

Haha, to be fair they call it Work/Life Balance in the UK too.

We should start a petition to have that term replaced!