I have just read the Sunday Times cover to cover today and anyone thinking of coming to the UK as a long term bet would decide against it if they read what was written with open eyes. Until you are there and actually doing it you won't know. Both rules apply each side of the pond.

One thing though as MikeUK said is that there is no 'prop you up' solution outside of your country of origin. You're on your own.

(I hope this changes as you become a tax payer and eventually a citizen - if not its back to the loo for me)

Got to admit that I walked away from my last job saying "thank **** that's over with" ... I didn't realise how bad it was until it was over

I know too many successful expats over here to believe that every door is locked ... you've just got to know when to stick with a job and when to bolt if an opportunity presents itself ... having a backout plan is always useful too.

Are you back in the chair now then?

Quit one job Friday, started the next one at the end of the weekend ... I'm now a much happier bunny

As I said to one private emailer to me who is well behind in the que (I hope) that if Mr Glaswegian (code name) had been an example for all back in late 2004 most would have withdrawn the application. Now look. It may not be for ever and may not work out. But it is going in the right direction. Great.

At the arse end of 2004 I was a fully paid up member of the Whiner's Union ... I was almost ready to pack up and head back to Ontario ... nearly made the biggest mistake of my life.

Stuck it out, things got better ... running away doesn't always work.

Giving too much weight to anything to read here is a very bad idea ... a couple of dumbasses on the forum got me very down at the time ... at least I had the guts to see things through and stick with my original plan

You've got to be very selective about what you read around here ... most of the forum content is very subjective.

In the words of our Arthur ... don't let the bastards get you down.