If you've just sold your house and you think the Australian experiment will be too hard right now, you should seriously consider moving to somewhere else in the UK and waiting to see how you feel at a later stage. You may conclude that you are happier in the UK and Australia is just a nice holiday destination.

I agree with Vash.

If we had just gone with the flow we would be on our way to Australia right now. But with doubts similar to yours and a couple of other concerns to think about we ended up opting to buy another house and defer our move for +/- two years. Once the visa is granted (and subject to a validation trip) most of us have 5 years to settle in Aus. I would say choose your time. There's no mad rush.

Good luck! - Whatever you decide

Hi,
I have been in the Sydney area now for 3 months. Had the move planned for nearly a year and a half, but 2 weeks before my flight I had serious doubts about coming here - I guess it's just natural for anyone as it's a life changing event. I almost didn't make it but told myself that if I didn't do it I would always regret it. You don't know if you don't try, and if you try and don't like it at least you gave it a go.

We did a reccie to Perth/WA and loved it, eventually went with East coast but only real reason was cheaper housing for us. You'll never get a proper answer about Perth on this forum for some reason, if you've visited before then you'll have that gut feeling if it's right for you or not. Alot of children don't want to move but that's why they are children ultimately it's your (the parents) decision.

I'm sure most people have second thoughts, we had a great life in the UK tbh. If you have savings then use them to rent over here until the exch rate goes up, or can you stay with family in UK and put more money away until rate goes up? if you want something badly enough you'll move heaven and hell to make it work. Personally I'd research, research research and then make up your own minds.

Before we came we read it all on here and yes, it worries you, as if you haven't got enough on your plate but thinking back now I'm sure some posts are just to panic those coming over.

So, having put our emigration plans on hold, I now wake up every day wondering if we've made the right decision .

Can't send you more karma just yet but yes you did!
You made a balanced & sensible decision, involving te needs of your kids as well as financial considerations etc
Stick to the plan, you'l be right!

My gut feeling said 'don't go', but we still went because like others have said 'you will never know'.
My gut was right.

I have learned over the years to trust my gut instinct. Having nerves before emigrating is normal, but having a gut instinct that is stopping you from making that final move is another thing entirely.

Spending thousands to satisfy a 'what if' can have huge implications.

Nerves are normal, gut instincts are rarely wrong - its a gift we all have, but some choose not to tap in to. But usually if something doesnt feel quite right that is because it usually isnt.

Paulry, you made the right decision for you at the time, if was the right thing for you to emigrate then you would have made the move. Migrating may be the wrong thing for you, or the timing could be wrong - there is always a right time for everything so go with that.

If you really want to go to Australia then you will get there - if and when the time is right.

Here are some easy steps to think about, make sure you have a get out plan.

Set yourself a realistic time frame.

Rent.

Keep all your money in the bank.

Dont buy flash cars.


Also remember when you get here that,not every suburb may be for you they are all so different.

same with jobs.

Bottom line is,have a get out of jail card and use it if you have to..


Or stay where you are and beat yourself up for ever because you did not try it?

HOPE THIS HELPS?

On hindsight,i wish i had followed my gut instinct and not gone as it has been the most stressful thing i have ever done.Stayed in Perth for seven years,have come back and moved to a different area ,enjoying it but it is hard settling back,i would say if things are good ,take stock of what you have got and enjoy,as grass is not always greener.It is such an upheaval for everyone.We met some lovely people,but emigrating really messes with your mind,makes you think too much of the future................ am i happy here? is this forever?............will i stay?
Instead you should live for today.
Every place has its problems were ever you go to.
You still have to do boring everyday things,washing,ironing,cooking ,cleaning,food shopping were ever you go,so life is not always a party!and going to the beach.
You have to be happy within yourself,a place will not do that for you.
You need alot of money ,as houses are not cheap ,so i think it is sensible to do what you have done ,but that is my opinion.

I remember reading stuff like what i wrote there,funny being this side it was so easy to write.Its not easy though to pick your young ones up,take them away from family and bring them to a strange land that happens to be the other side of the world.
other side of the world,it seems so far doesnt it?but its not,its one day?24 hours?you know how quick 24 hours can go?

dont be frightened,it aint the end of the world,if its not for you,play your cards right and you can be back where you started at the drop of a hat.

take care and hope it works out for you what ever you do?

LOL but it IS the end of the world. It sounds so easy - it's only 24 hours blah blah. Yes, 24 hours living like a sardine, all perfectly do-able but if you need to be at a bedside it can feel like an eternity, cost you 3 or 4 months wages just for the trip. No matter how often you skype the rellies, you try getting a hug via a videocam.

I think the message is not to burn any bridges and to make realistic decisions about what is happening for you at every turn and be prepared for a financial and emotional loss in search of adventure.

I suspect many people who trek to the other side of the world would be just as happy with a move from the North of UK to the South or vice versa - just to get out of the rut they find themselves in. In another 10 years they will be in another rut and feel just the same again - it's a darned sight cheaper to move within UK than to trek to the other side of the world just to scratch an itch for adventure. There is absolutely nothing magic about being in Australia - it doesnt confer intelligence, wealth, beauty or anything else that you wouldnt have in UK. I seriously doubt that it is "a better future for the kids" either.

Agree with the bit about loss - there *will* be expense involved. Rent, stamp duty etc. Loss on car depreciation. Some winners will be people who bought in Perth 4 years ago and returning now.

I will say though that for some people coming over at the right time that Australia might confer some wealth or lifestyle. If it gives you what you are hankering for, then it might make somone beautiful (well happy and content). Agree about intelligence though...as for the kids - depends.

According to the West Australian newspaper this week, Perth is now the most expensive city in Oz apart from a few things.Petrol is cheapest here now as Queensland has had subsidies removed, washing powder and fabric conditioner is also cheapest(apparently).But the big one is 'canned baked beans' so if you dont like beans...you're buggered!!
Seriously,the cost of living is not cheap(or even average!) but it is what it is and you can do very little about it. Things may be cheaper in the UK but you aren't in the UK and it takes a while to stop comparing although I still do it now. Looking back,knowing what I know now,I would have done lots of things differently but we would probably all say that.
The days of coming to Oz for the 'gold' and cheap lifestyle are well and truly gone,but it still is a beautiful country and I am still enjoying living here.Looking forward to the lotto tonight

Yes, but this is just your opinion. Many agree with you, many believe moving to Australia is the best thing they ever did, and they love it here. There is nothing magic to you here, but I find magic every day - just walking my dogs along the beach is magical.