Originally Posted by DC10 (Post 9827949)

Might not still be in recession (tho 2012's another story), but 0-1.5% annual growth (compared to 4% in Aus), an economy which remains smaller than in 2007, a currency less valuable than toilet paper and 5% inflation against virtually nil wage growth will sure feel like one for most folk.

Originally Posted by beatle (Post 9822324)

I don't usually bear all on forums, but I am interested in how others moved forward.

I am in my late 30's married to an Australian with two small children, 4 and ababy. I came to Australia 10 years ago, for my partner and to escape after 9 years in London, which by the end had got a stale and didn't suit.

I am originally from the north.

I now live a comfortable if conventional life, with a few good friends and OK job, my career has gone backwards since moving to Oz. But at the mo I am concentrating on family instead.

I cannot however get rid of this feeling of not having settled, it eats away at me all the time. It comes in waves but doesn't ever go away.
I have parents, sister and her family in the UK. I feel my move to Oz has put a strain on some of my family, as they miss me and my children. My parents make a huge effort to visit, although as they get older this will be curtailed.

I find the journey back, with kids, very stressful and feel that I don't want to do it very often. My partner has a good job which supports us with very supportive people, his family live close by and are OK but obviously not mine. He is supportive of trying something different in the UK, but is worried about practicalities.

I feel trapped in a dilemma, go back and start again, with two small kids, or keep the status quo.