Is the grass greener?
Jan 3rd 2008, 8:17 am
#46
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,374
Re: Is the grass greener?
Just wondered if the grass is actually greener on the other side?
Is it worth up rooting my family and moving to perth for a better life.
I`ve read lots of mixed messages on these boards. Our reasons for thinking we would like to leave the UK and emigrate are as follows:
1/ The UK is going downhill, I work for the civil service and it is clearly tumbling!
2/ The population! Houses being built 3 stories high in every small space around cities and towns. And right behind our house that used to be a clear open space full of trees.
3/ The amount of immigrants both legal and illegal that are getting into the UK
4/ The fact that there are knives and drugs in most schools
5/ The fact that I cant allow my children to walk to the corner shop alone as a convicted child rapist has been re housed just up the road.
6/ The fact that we went on holiday to Florida for 2 weeks and by the time we returned there had been 3 murders in our town
I am not stupid and know that day to day life is mundane where-ever you live but surely we should give it a go for the sake of our children and the next generations!
I understand that a lot of the bigger cities in OZ have similar problems but surely the suburbs are generally nice places to live.
I will be leaving a lot of close friends behind, my Mum and Dad will be the biggest wrench from the kids but its our life, not theirs and surely we should do with it as we see fit.
Any advice or comments appreciated.
Is it worth up rooting my family and moving to perth for a better life.
I`ve read lots of mixed messages on these boards. Our reasons for thinking we would like to leave the UK and emigrate are as follows:
1/ The UK is going downhill, I work for the civil service and it is clearly tumbling!
2/ The population! Houses being built 3 stories high in every small space around cities and towns. And right behind our house that used to be a clear open space full of trees.
3/ The amount of immigrants both legal and illegal that are getting into the UK
4/ The fact that there are knives and drugs in most schools
5/ The fact that I cant allow my children to walk to the corner shop alone as a convicted child rapist has been re housed just up the road.
6/ The fact that we went on holiday to Florida for 2 weeks and by the time we returned there had been 3 murders in our town
I am not stupid and know that day to day life is mundane where-ever you live but surely we should give it a go for the sake of our children and the next generations!
I understand that a lot of the bigger cities in OZ have similar problems but surely the suburbs are generally nice places to live.
I will be leaving a lot of close friends behind, my Mum and Dad will be the biggest wrench from the kids but its our life, not theirs and surely we should do with it as we see fit.
Any advice or comments appreciated.
I think i should mention the fact my daughter is one of two white girls in her class, the rest being asian, and a couple greek and italian, she was told at one point she was not allowed to play as she was too white, as we come from a small scottish town, which is full of scots born and bred there, these things are a bit of a shock to us.
I dont want this to sound negative as its actually a good school and she is quite happy there.........i think
Jan 3rd 2008, 8:33 am
#47
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 247
Re: Is the grass greener?
I think i should mention the fact my daughter is one of two white girls in her class, the rest being asian, and a couple greek and italian, she was told at one point she was not allowed to play as she was too white, as we come from a small scottish town, which is full of scots born and bred there, these things are a bit of a shock to us.
I dont want this to sound negative as its actually a good school and she is quite happy there.........i think
I dont want this to sound negative as its actually a good school and she is quite happy there.........i think
I to am concerned about the increasing problems of the UK, but actually I am quite sheltered from them here in Perth (the one in Scotland that is generally cold and wet...lol) yes we have polish shops here, yes it is becoming harder to be understood in asda becausae everyone is foreign but hats off to them, they are prepared to work hard and do the jobs which those brits won't do because they are better off sat at home on benefits, and you know what they bend over backwards to help you.
So why am I consideriug moving to Oz, well it is the desire i have to work and live in another country, I have no idea if it will suit us but i don't want to get to retirment and have said i didn't try. We have young kids but have no support from our family at all, my parents are 5 hours away from us and make no effort to visit us and make it very hard for us to go and visit them, we were begrudgingly invited for a couple of days at xmas, and my inlaws live in Cyprus so not much difference to them where we live, they or we still have to get on a plane. My other reason is I'm a nurse and the way i feel about working in the NHS at the moment if i don't go and use my skil;ls somewhere else i will be giving nursing up i feel. So i really feel as though it is a pull to move somewhere rather than a push and i think you have to look at these reasons first.
Good luck in your decisions
Jan 3rd 2008, 8:52 am
#48
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: Is the grass greener?
i do agree with others that it should be a pull rather than a push to immigrate.
So why am I consideriug moving to Oz, well it is the desire i have to work and live in another country, I have no idea if it will suit us but i don't want to get to retirment and have said i didn't try. So i really feel as though it is a pull to move somewhere rather than a push and i think you have to look at these reasons first.
So why am I consideriug moving to Oz, well it is the desire i have to work and live in another country, I have no idea if it will suit us but i don't want to get to retirment and have said i didn't try. So i really feel as though it is a pull to move somewhere rather than a push and i think you have to look at these reasons first.
THAT is the spirit.
Buzzy
Jan 3rd 2008, 9:44 am
#49
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,374
Re: Is the grass greener?
i do agree with others that it should be a pull rather than a push to immigrate.
I to am concerned about the increasing problems of the UK, but actually I am quite sheltered from them here in Perth (the one in Scotland that is generally cold and wet...lol) yes we have polish shops here, yes it is becoming harder to be understood in asda becausae everyone is foreign but hats off to them, they are prepared to work hard and do the jobs which those brits won't do because they are better off sat at home on benefits, and you know what they bend over backwards to help you.
So why am I consideriug moving to Oz, well it is the desire i have to work and live in another country, I have no idea if it will suit us but i don't want to get to retirment and have said i didn't try. We have young kids but have no support from our family at all, my parents are 5 hours away from us and make no effort to visit us and make it very hard for us to go and visit them, we were begrudgingly invited for a couple of days at xmas, and my inlaws live in Cyprus so not much difference to them where we live, they or we still have to get on a plane. My other reason is I'm a nurse and the way i feel about working in the NHS at the moment if i don't go and use my skil;ls somewhere else i will be giving nursing up i feel. So i really feel as though it is a pull to move somewhere rather than a push and i think you have to look at these reasons first.
Good luck in your decisions
I to am concerned about the increasing problems of the UK, but actually I am quite sheltered from them here in Perth (the one in Scotland that is generally cold and wet...lol) yes we have polish shops here, yes it is becoming harder to be understood in asda becausae everyone is foreign but hats off to them, they are prepared to work hard and do the jobs which those brits won't do because they are better off sat at home on benefits, and you know what they bend over backwards to help you.
So why am I consideriug moving to Oz, well it is the desire i have to work and live in another country, I have no idea if it will suit us but i don't want to get to retirment and have said i didn't try. We have young kids but have no support from our family at all, my parents are 5 hours away from us and make no effort to visit us and make it very hard for us to go and visit them, we were begrudgingly invited for a couple of days at xmas, and my inlaws live in Cyprus so not much difference to them where we live, they or we still have to get on a plane. My other reason is I'm a nurse and the way i feel about working in the NHS at the moment if i don't go and use my skil;ls somewhere else i will be giving nursing up i feel. So i really feel as though it is a pull to move somewhere rather than a push and i think you have to look at these reasons first.
Good luck in your decisions
good onya, but you might regret saying that about the NHS, one of the reasons i would return to scotland is the state and cost of the health service here, i too am a nure and have worked in both public and private hosps in melbourne, and give me the good ole nhs anyday
, the cost of health care for us on a limited income is a good chunk of our money, but am too scared to go without itin scotland the nicest porter in our hosp was polish and we used to hope he would come to help when we needed a porter rather than the grumpy, rude scottish ones, lol
Jan 3rd 2008, 10:19 am
#50
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 20
Re: Is the grass greener?
It's interesting to see the OP being shouted down for stating immigration as a reason for leaving while considering becoming one herself.
I fully intend intergrating into Australian society. Speaking the langauge etc... I have to otherwise I wouldn't be allowed in the country.
That can not be said for the millions of people who have arrived on our island the past few years.
If people all want to create a little bit of home right down to the language they speak then the UK will cease to exist.
I fully intend intergrating into Australian society. Speaking the langauge etc... I have to otherwise I wouldn't be allowed in the country.
That can not be said for the millions of people who have arrived on our island the past few years.
If people all want to create a little bit of home right down to the language they speak then the UK will cease to exist.
Jan 3rd 2008, 10:59 am
#51
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Re: Is the grass greener?
`It's interesting to see the OP being shouted down for stating immigration as a reason for leaving while considering becoming one herself.`
Thanks for that. I have tried to explain but seem to keep getting shot down.
The immigration situation in the UK I am referring to is mainly the illegal ones, as I have mentioned in a previous posts.The ones that come in and dont intend to work, bring nothing to the country and just hang about in gangs.
If I were to emigrate my husband and I would both take skills to Oz with us and intend to work hard and fit into the community.
My reasons for the post were to see if people agreed that its what the UK is coming to and `is it better in Perth`
I am not a political person, just a wife and mother who has some difficult choices to make.
I wish I hadn`t put the blooming post on. I had some lovely, lengthy, friendly replies but also some that just made me feel crap. Thanks.
If you are all on this expat site, were you not in my situation at some point?!
I`ve looked back at some of your earlier postings from the days when you went out there yourselves and yes suprisingly you were.
If you`re just going to put me down for my original post then please dont bother posting. Negative comments about my reasons for leaving the UK in relation to my expectations in Perth fine but please dont judge me.
Thanks for that. I have tried to explain but seem to keep getting shot down.
The immigration situation in the UK I am referring to is mainly the illegal ones, as I have mentioned in a previous posts.The ones that come in and dont intend to work, bring nothing to the country and just hang about in gangs.
If I were to emigrate my husband and I would both take skills to Oz with us and intend to work hard and fit into the community.
My reasons for the post were to see if people agreed that its what the UK is coming to and `is it better in Perth`
I am not a political person, just a wife and mother who has some difficult choices to make.
I wish I hadn`t put the blooming post on. I had some lovely, lengthy, friendly replies but also some that just made me feel crap. Thanks.
If you are all on this expat site, were you not in my situation at some point?!
I`ve looked back at some of your earlier postings from the days when you went out there yourselves and yes suprisingly you were.
If you`re just going to put me down for my original post then please dont bother posting. Negative comments about my reasons for leaving the UK in relation to my expectations in Perth fine but please dont judge me.
Jan 3rd 2008, 11:06 am
#52
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: Is the grass greener?
It's interesting to see the OP being shouted down for stating immigration as a reason for leaving while considering becoming one herself.
I fully intend intergrating into Australian society. Speaking the langauge etc... I have to otherwise I wouldn't be allowed in the country.
That can not be said for the millions of people who have arrived on our island the past few years.
If people all want to create a little bit of home right down to the language they speak then the UK will cease to exist.
I fully intend intergrating into Australian society. Speaking the langauge etc... I have to otherwise I wouldn't be allowed in the country.
That can not be said for the millions of people who have arrived on our island the past few years.
If people all want to create a little bit of home right down to the language they speak then the UK will cease to exist.
Countries don't cease to exist they evolve.
Jan 3rd 2008, 12:26 pm
#53
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 20
Re: Is the grass greener?
Australia will very likely become a country dominated by South East Asian and Chinese influence, with the majority being of Asian ethnic origin within 100 years. It's geographical location dictates this, as does it's trading partners. It's the only way this country will survive intact in this region without being invaded, when the energy crunch really hits. Europe will always be Europe... Asia will eventually always be Asia, Including Australasia. The great thing is, past heritage will most probably mean that it hangs on to English as it's main language, with strong ties to Europe. Countries are always evolving it's just happening at a faster rate with freedom of movement and political boundaries becoming less of a Hindrance. Australia is changing at just as rapid a rate as the UK, it could be changing even faster. Personally I'm happy with change. I choose to live amongst other cultures because I love diversity, which is what I get in the City of Moreland here in Melbourne.
Countries don't cease to exist they evolve.
Countries don't cease to exist they evolve.
But I can assure you there is a difference between the immigration we have in the UK and that in Australia.
In Australia you have to jump through many hoops, financial and skill wise to get in the country. Which ensures that everyone coming to Australia has something to offer the country and is committed to working for their future.
As English language proficiency is a prerequisite this at least ensures all immigrants can communicate with the existing population and means the likelihood of people thinking of themselves as Australians is much greater.
In the UK we seem to just let anyone in and with translators on tap there is no need to intergrate into British life.
If a country just becomes a fragmented bunch of different groups and ethnic enclaves I can assure you it will cease to exist. Just look at Yugoslavia.
Jan 3rd 2008, 12:31 pm
#54
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 25,277
Re: Is the grass greener?
Yep very very green at the moment 
quite water-logged though 
quite water-logged though
Jan 3rd 2008, 1:25 pm
#55
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 176
Re: Is the grass greener?
In my experience those who come to Australia to "get away from the UK" rather than to experience life in Australia, are the first ones to be whinging about how crap things are in Australia, and often live in Oz the shortest time before running off back to good old familiar England/Scotland wherever.
You don't mention a single thing about Australia, positive or negative in your post, its all negative UK stuff.
So in answer to your question "Is it worth up rooting my family and moving to perth for a better life." I would say in your case probably not as you don't seem to want to come to Australia at all, you just seem to want to leave the UK.
Buzzy
You don't mention a single thing about Australia, positive or negative in your post, its all negative UK stuff.
So in answer to your question "Is it worth up rooting my family and moving to perth for a better life." I would say in your case probably not as you don't seem to want to come to Australia at all, you just seem to want to leave the UK.
Buzzy
Jan 3rd 2008, 1:35 pm
#56
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: here there,fluck knows where?
Posts: 7,444
Re: Is the grass greener?
flippin right it is
Jan 3rd 2008, 6:43 pm
#57
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: Is the grass greener?
`It's interesting to see the OP being shouted down for stating immigration as a reason for leaving while considering becoming one herself.`
Thanks for that. I have tried to explain but seem to keep getting shot down.
The immigration situation in the UK I am referring to is mainly the illegal ones, as I have mentioned in a previous posts.The ones that come in and dont intend to work, bring nothing to the country and just hang about in gangs.
If I were to emigrate my husband and I would both take skills to Oz with us and intend to work hard and fit into the community.
My reasons for the post were to see if people agreed that its what the UK is coming to and `is it better in Perth`
I am not a political person, just a wife and mother who has some difficult choices to make.
I wish I hadn`t put the blooming post on. I had some lovely, lengthy, friendly replies but also some that just made me feel crap. Thanks.
If you are all on this expat site, were you not in my situation at some point?!
I`ve looked back at some of your earlier postings from the days when you went out there yourselves and yes suprisingly you were.
If you`re just going to put me down for my original post then please dont bother posting. Negative comments about my reasons for leaving the UK in relation to my expectations in Perth fine but please dont judge me.
Thanks for that. I have tried to explain but seem to keep getting shot down.
The immigration situation in the UK I am referring to is mainly the illegal ones, as I have mentioned in a previous posts.The ones that come in and dont intend to work, bring nothing to the country and just hang about in gangs.
If I were to emigrate my husband and I would both take skills to Oz with us and intend to work hard and fit into the community.
My reasons for the post were to see if people agreed that its what the UK is coming to and `is it better in Perth`
I am not a political person, just a wife and mother who has some difficult choices to make.
I wish I hadn`t put the blooming post on. I had some lovely, lengthy, friendly replies but also some that just made me feel crap. Thanks.
If you are all on this expat site, were you not in my situation at some point?!
I`ve looked back at some of your earlier postings from the days when you went out there yourselves and yes suprisingly you were.
If you`re just going to put me down for my original post then please dont bother posting. Negative comments about my reasons for leaving the UK in relation to my expectations in Perth fine but please dont judge me.
The advice given to do a reccie is good, if you haven't been to Oz before. As many posters have mentioned, you may find the negatives you mention in the UK alive and well in Oz.
Please continue to ask questions, just don't be surprised if some of the answers are not what you want to hear!
Buzzy
Jan 3rd 2008, 7:03 pm
#58
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,374
Re: Is the grass greener?
Australia will very likely become a country dominated by South East Asian and Chinese influence, with the majority being of Asian ethnic origin within 100 years. It's geographical location dictates this, as does it's trading partners. It's the only way this country will survive intact in this region without being invaded, when the energy crunch really hits. Europe will always be Europe... Asia will eventually always be Asia, Including Australasia. The great thing is, past heritage will most probably mean that it hangs on to English as it's main language, with strong ties to Europe. Countries are always evolving it's just happening at a faster rate with freedom of movement and political boundaries becoming less of a Hindrance. Australia is changing at just as rapid a rate as the UK, it could be changing even faster. Personally I'm happy with change. I choose to live amongst other cultures because I love diversity, which is what I get in the City of Moreland here in Melbourne.
Countries don't cease to exist they evolve.
Countries don't cease to exist they evolve.
good post ozzie
Jan 3rd 2008, 7:06 pm
#59
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,374
Re: Is the grass greener?
You may be correct regarding the very long term future of Australia, nobody really knows.
But I can assure you there is a difference between the immigration we have in the UK and that in Australia.
In Australia you have to jump through many hoops, financial and skill wise to get in the country. Which ensures that everyone coming to Australia has something to offer the country and is committed to working for their future.
As English language proficiency is a prerequisite this at least ensures all immigrants can communicate with the existing population and means the likelihood of people thinking of themselves as Australians is much greater.
In the UK we seem to just let anyone in and with translators on tap there is no need to intergrate into British life.
If a country just becomes a fragmented bunch of different groups and ethnic enclaves I can assure you it will cease to exist. Just look at Yugoslavia.
But I can assure you there is a difference between the immigration we have in the UK and that in Australia.
In Australia you have to jump through many hoops, financial and skill wise to get in the country. Which ensures that everyone coming to Australia has something to offer the country and is committed to working for their future.
As English language proficiency is a prerequisite this at least ensures all immigrants can communicate with the existing population and means the likelihood of people thinking of themselves as Australians is much greater.
In the UK we seem to just let anyone in and with translators on tap there is no need to intergrate into British life.
If a country just becomes a fragmented bunch of different groups and ethnic enclaves I can assure you it will cease to exist. Just look at Yugoslavia.
i can assure you not many understand me
for a while i actually avoided talkin in shops and at work etc, but i have got over thatThere are very, very, very few asians i have met who understand my thick scottish accent, at work i have to carry a pen and paper to write things down, and to be honest on a daily basis ths gets me 'down'
and have you ever sat at a table on your coffee break and your colleagues talking to each other in their own language, it aint nice, believe me!!
Last edited by Margaret3; Jan 3rd 2008 at 7:08 pm.
Jan 3rd 2008, 7:18 pm
#60
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Plymouth-Adelaide-Brisbane-Plymouth
Posts: 355
Re: Is the grass greener?
i can assure you not many understand me for a while i actually avoided talkin in shops and at work etc, but i have got over that
There are very, very, very few asians i have met who understand my thick scottish accent, at work i have to carry a pen and paper to write things down, and to be honest on a daily basis ths gets me 'down' and have you ever sat at a table on your coffee break and your colleagues talking to each other in their own language, it aint nice, believe me!!
for a while i actually avoided talkin in shops and at work etc, but i have got over thatThere are very, very, very few asians i have met who understand my thick scottish accent, at work i have to carry a pen and paper to write things down, and to be honest on a daily basis ths gets me 'down'
and have you ever sat at a table on your coffee break and your colleagues talking to each other in their own language, it aint nice, believe me!!I moved from Helensburgh to Salisbury when I was 12 and nobody could understand me so know how frustrating it can be.