Homesickness
 

I've read a lot of threads about 'homesickness' over the years of being here.

I have not suffered it at all ...been very happy here since I arrived, with no doubts, or regrets..and although a miss a few people, we are in touch - so it's ok :)
I know I'm lucky - but it seems to me that people almost 'expect' to have homesickness - that they are virtually waiting for it to kick in :confused:

What do you think? What are peoples experiences of this state of mind?

Re: Homesickness
 

The thought of going back make me feel sick ....

Re: Homesickness
 

I've noticed that too, especially over the past few days. Quite a few posts have said 'you WILL get homesick' :confused: It is like some are sat waiting for it to kick in - maybe that's why they get it. :unsure:

Maybe it's not homesickness but discontent or even boredom with something, but is put down to homesickness because they expect to feel it. :confused:

I haven't been 'homesick' at all either. I did feel a bit down when my lad went home, but not cos I wanted to go back - just because it was strange not having him around and I miss him. But there's no way I'd go back just because I miss a few people (well OK just one :D)

Funny old world innit :D

PS: Ray, I agree

Re: Homesickness
 

I went back for a holiday in July, I couldn't wait to get back to Oz, I was homesick, does that count?

Re: Homesickness
 

I was homesick once, for about half an hour... actually, not sure it was that long. About 15 mins maybe...

I got off my arse, went and had a fabulous coffee, did a bit of recreational shopping and looked at the mountains.

Sorted.

Hasn't happened again.


Look forward not back.

Re: Homesickness
 

:)

This maybe be seen as controversial ... but do people think that those who expect to get homesick really have 100% commitment to coming here do you think ?

Re: Homesickness
 

Its a very odd thing homesickness, strangest things can spark it off. I never in a million years expected it to affect me, but it kicked in after about 2 months, hit me like a sledgehammer, and I've not got over it since.

Re: Homesickness
 

I think some people let it happen and others don't. I don't think it's something we have to suffer... I think it's a choice. You either have a certain mindset or you don't....

What is homesickness though?

Feeling the loss of things you know and are familiar with?

Well if that's the case, get familiar with a load of other stuff....

I don't see the point of hanging on to 'stuff' from my past... it's old and gone...

Re: Homesickness
 

What was it that got to you Polly ?

Re: Homesickness
 

My view exactly....

But when people write as though it WILL happen, I think is not very fair to those who are just starting on the journey ...another thing on the list to worry about ....

Re: Homesickness
 

When I first arrived in Aus, I used to have Nightmares about waking up back in England. I've never suffered from homesickness. I was amazed about the draw I felt to the UK after my last holiday, after 24 years here though.

I'm still trying to work out the reasons for that feeling. I have worked out that I'm more Aussie than Pom now. So whatever that feeling was, its probably a rosetinted pipedream. Probably something to do with the Male Menopause lol !

Re: Homesickness
 

They're better off going to Spain, easier to get "home"

Re: Homesickness
 

Well 'home' is just where my stuff is. It doesn't get any more complicated than that.

Re: Homesickness
 

Aye, as well as me dog and work.

Re: Homesickness
 

..and the kids... :D

But they're going to move out one day, so I don't include them.

Re: Homesickness
 

Hopefully mine will be gone in about 3 years:D

Re: Homesickness
 

Tell you what I did feel very strange about. My Uncle and Aunt, who came here after my cousin (his son). They lived for a while out in Melton, following my very transient cousin around Melbourne, who moved every 6-8 years or so. Well my Uncle died in a nursing home in Melton, and is buried there. All his siblings are buried in one part of London, going back generations. My cousin has moved up to Qland, and poor old Uncle George is buried in a part of the country where no one will ever ever visit him, miles away from anything that connected him with anything or anyone.


Tis a bit odd, with my closeknit family background etc. It's played on my mind a bit.

Re: Homesickness
 

But he doesn't mind... he's not here to care. It's just us who care.

Re: Homesickness
 

I am home ... and I guess there lies the difference ... simplistic but true ...

Re: Homesickness
 

Yes :)

Re: Homesickness
 

Seconded.

Re: Homesickness
 

I had never been homesick before and 100% didn't expect it. It is a really dreadful and illogical feeling. I'm pretty much over it now but I don't believe it is linked to your expectations.

Re: Homesickness
 

Can't you sleep?

Re: Homesickness
 

I just finished beating the Space Invaders game!!

Re: Homesickness
 

Were you absolutely sure of going to the US when you did?

Glad you're over it now :)

Re: Homesickness
 

Just beaten yourself ?:D

Re: Homesickness
 

Aren't you a bit old for games?:D

Re: Homesickness
 

Yeah I was really keen.

I think people should be advised there's a possibility they could feel differently to the way they may believe - it could help them stick with it and not rashly go back.

With me it wasn't helped by my son being very upset about the move - I felt terrible and really questioned what I was throwing the kids into.

Re: Homesickness
 

I'll have so much free time now :)

Re: Homesickness
 

Yes...agree with the thing you said about possibility - but there are so many posts/threads on this particular forum that put over it WILL happen ...and I just think that it's not helpful.

Re: Homesickness
 

Agree - it's become polarised in the Aus forums from what I see on here (when I stay up late!)

Re: Homesickness
 

We nearly went back after 6 months, daughter couldn't settle, she was 13 at the time, now she's flying...

Re: Homesickness
 

Agree. I have been waiting 13 months for the homesickness to kick in and it hasn't yet. Of course it hasn't all been smooth sailing here but I've never had an urge to go back where I came from. I don't understand people saying to expect it. Not everyone will.

Re: Homesickness
 

Such a hard age to move them - glad she's doing so well :)

Re: Homesickness
 

13 is a tough age for a girl. My daughter is 13 and she's just a big bundle of conflicting hormones at the moment. I can't imagine throwing in a cross the world move in too.

Re: Homesickness
 

No matter how much research you put into emigrating I'm sure that no one is 100% certain that things will work out for them.
A lot of people can't afford to do a reccie before they come either and can get a bit of a shock when Aus doesn't live up to their expectations.

The first couple of months after you arrive your emotions are all over the place, and little things can suddenly bring on an unexplainable longing for the familiar,, I had a bizarre moment in Bunnings once (:rofl:) I felt like I was in B&Q in the UK and I felt disorientated for hours!!!!

I still miss M&S after a year,, but would I ever go back to live in the UK?? NOPE!! way to many things here that are a million times better than an hour in M&S!!

I think your ability to adapt to new situations will determine how much homesickness you may or may not suffer, obviously people that don't like change will suffer the most,, doesn't mean they'll suffer for ever though :)

Re: Homesickness
 

We got here at the wrong time, just before the October holidays so she didn't make any connections or friends at first, then before we knew it it was the summer holidays, still no friends. Luckily son took her out with him as he'd just passed his driving test, 6 months of hell, the rest they say is history...

Re: Homesickness
 

Ta muchly:)

Re: Homesickness
 

You are writing as though 'homesickness' is to be expected !

Re: Homesickness
 

Its such a strange feeling and was it really homesickness or just a sudden need for the familiar. I dont know but I just got so fed up with this place but in saying that, I got fed up with the UK and I hadn't moved anywhere.:confused: I lay dying in a hospital bed for 6 weeks and still didn't want to go home so why this sudden yearning for home at that particular time. The only thing I miss about home (apart from cheese and onion and all that kind of stuff) is my people. Not everybody, just close family who I could pop in and see when I felt like it. Ok, they're on the end of a phone but it aint the same but I couldn't honestly see myself going home unless I was on the floor in a ball screaming.:thumbup: Here's hoping that never happens.:thumbsup: