2 months back in UK - and......
Jul 21st 2008, 8:21 pm
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
2 months back in UK - and......
I know how everyone loves to read up on stories from people who have moved back to get a feel for how others have handled the transition.
I lived in Australia from April 1999 to April 2008 and have returned to the Uk for a varitey of reasons.
1. Family getting older
2. I felt like my life and lifestyle was "locked in" and wasnt ready for that just yet, not at 33.
3. Miss my friends
4. Everytime I went back to Uk I missed it even more.
So, I left in April did a bit of travel and am now settled back in London, near Crouch End and am so very delighted I did it, its fantastic to be surrounded by British people again. No offence, I love Australia but the people think, behave and live in a different mindset to me and I never really clicked in and felt I belonged.
Have had NO problems opening a bank account (walked into HSBC and out within an hour with account, overdraft and credit card). The job market is good, I sent my CV to 3 companies who specialised in events and incentives and 3 got back to me next day, I accepted one and was on final interview with the other. Cars are way cheaper here which is good. The only minor issue I have had is renting in london I had to have a guarantor on my part or pay 3 months rent as deposit (I did the latter) as no history in last 5 years.
I really appreciate Europe this time round after living so far away from everywhere.
For all those people who are agonising over what to do, just follow your heart, the majority of Brits know it is the media that trashes the country and people here have never been more patriotic. Yeah there is knife crime, but the reality is, its in places where I would wager 99% of expats would go near anyway, run down housing estates and trouble spots, its not in your face.
So absolutely no regrets, if I ever get a moment thinking its all a bit mad, I just remind myself of the sheer boredom I had to endure in melbourne, sitting night after night thinking, i am not settled...
Def the right move.
I lived in Australia from April 1999 to April 2008 and have returned to the Uk for a varitey of reasons.
1. Family getting older
2. I felt like my life and lifestyle was "locked in" and wasnt ready for that just yet, not at 33.
3. Miss my friends
4. Everytime I went back to Uk I missed it even more.
So, I left in April did a bit of travel and am now settled back in London, near Crouch End and am so very delighted I did it, its fantastic to be surrounded by British people again. No offence, I love Australia but the people think, behave and live in a different mindset to me and I never really clicked in and felt I belonged.
Have had NO problems opening a bank account (walked into HSBC and out within an hour with account, overdraft and credit card). The job market is good, I sent my CV to 3 companies who specialised in events and incentives and 3 got back to me next day, I accepted one and was on final interview with the other. Cars are way cheaper here which is good. The only minor issue I have had is renting in london I had to have a guarantor on my part or pay 3 months rent as deposit (I did the latter) as no history in last 5 years.
I really appreciate Europe this time round after living so far away from everywhere.
For all those people who are agonising over what to do, just follow your heart, the majority of Brits know it is the media that trashes the country and people here have never been more patriotic. Yeah there is knife crime, but the reality is, its in places where I would wager 99% of expats would go near anyway, run down housing estates and trouble spots, its not in your face.
So absolutely no regrets, if I ever get a moment thinking its all a bit mad, I just remind myself of the sheer boredom I had to endure in melbourne, sitting night after night thinking, i am not settled...
Def the right move.
Jul 22nd 2008, 12:11 am
#2
Tea Drinker
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Posts: 5,387
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
You must be loaded, Crouch End is an expensive area for property.
Jul 22nd 2008, 1:07 am
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2007
Location: England
Posts: 4,213
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
I know how everyone loves to read up on stories from people who have moved back to get a feel for how others have handled the transition.
I lived in Australia from April 1999 to April 2008 and have returned to the Uk for a varitey of reasons.
1. Family getting older
2. I felt like my life and lifestyle was "locked in" and wasnt ready for that just yet, not at 33.
3. Miss my friends
4. Everytime I went back to Uk I missed it even more.
So, I left in April did a bit of travel and am now settled back in London, near Crouch End and am so very delighted I did it, its fantastic to be surrounded by British people again. No offence, I love Australia but the people think, behave and live in a different mindset to me and I never really clicked in and felt I belonged.
Have had NO problems opening a bank account (walked into HSBC and out within an hour with account, overdraft and credit card). The job market is good, I sent my CV to 3 companies who specialised in events and incentives and 3 got back to me next day, I accepted one and was on final interview with the other. Cars are way cheaper here which is good. The only minor issue I have had is renting in london I had to have a guarantor on my part or pay 3 months rent as deposit (I did the latter) as no history in last 5 years.
I really appreciate Europe this time round after living so far away from everywhere.
For all those people who are agonising over what to do, just follow your heart, the majority of Brits know it is the media that trashes the country and people here have never been more patriotic. Yeah there is knife crime, but the reality is, its in places where I would wager 99% of expats would go near anyway, run down housing estates and trouble spots, its not in your face.
So absolutely no regrets, if I ever get a moment thinking its all a bit mad, I just remind myself of the sheer boredom I had to endure in melbourne, sitting night after night thinking, i am not settled...
Def the right move.
I lived in Australia from April 1999 to April 2008 and have returned to the Uk for a varitey of reasons.
1. Family getting older
2. I felt like my life and lifestyle was "locked in" and wasnt ready for that just yet, not at 33.
3. Miss my friends
4. Everytime I went back to Uk I missed it even more.
So, I left in April did a bit of travel and am now settled back in London, near Crouch End and am so very delighted I did it, its fantastic to be surrounded by British people again. No offence, I love Australia but the people think, behave and live in a different mindset to me and I never really clicked in and felt I belonged.
Have had NO problems opening a bank account (walked into HSBC and out within an hour with account, overdraft and credit card). The job market is good, I sent my CV to 3 companies who specialised in events and incentives and 3 got back to me next day, I accepted one and was on final interview with the other. Cars are way cheaper here which is good. The only minor issue I have had is renting in london I had to have a guarantor on my part or pay 3 months rent as deposit (I did the latter) as no history in last 5 years.
I really appreciate Europe this time round after living so far away from everywhere.
For all those people who are agonising over what to do, just follow your heart, the majority of Brits know it is the media that trashes the country and people here have never been more patriotic. Yeah there is knife crime, but the reality is, its in places where I would wager 99% of expats would go near anyway, run down housing estates and trouble spots, its not in your face.
So absolutely no regrets, if I ever get a moment thinking its all a bit mad, I just remind myself of the sheer boredom I had to endure in melbourne, sitting night after night thinking, i am not settled...
Def the right move.
Good luck with everything and thanks once again for the update.....
Jul 22nd 2008, 1:54 am
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Great post..enjoy!!
Jul 22nd 2008, 3:22 am
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Tallebudgera its FOR SALE on expats you know!
Posts: 58
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Thanks for taking the time to post this. i feel exactly like you did I too am 33 and no where near retirement from life or fashion.
Enjoy the food your friends and choice but most of all I bet its nice to call you new place home and mean it.
Enjoy the food your friends and choice but most of all I bet its nice to call you new place home and mean it.
Jul 22nd 2008, 4:23 am
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: South Australia
Posts: 503
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
I know how everyone loves to read up on stories from people who have moved back to get a feel for how others have handled the transition.
I lived in Australia from April 1999 to April 2008 and have returned to the Uk for a varitey of reasons.
1. Family getting older
2. I felt like my life and lifestyle was "locked in" and wasnt ready for that just yet, not at 33.
3. Miss my friends
4. Everytime I went back to Uk I missed it even more.
So, I left in April did a bit of travel and am now settled back in London, near Crouch End and am so very delighted I did it, its fantastic to be surrounded by British people again. No offence, I love Australia but the people think, behave and live in a different mindset to me and I never really clicked in and felt I belonged.
Have had NO problems opening a bank account (walked into HSBC and out within an hour with account, overdraft and credit card). The job market is good, I sent my CV to 3 companies who specialised in events and incentives and 3 got back to me next day, I accepted one and was on final interview with the other. Cars are way cheaper here which is good. The only minor issue I have had is renting in london I had to have a guarantor on my part or pay 3 months rent as deposit (I did the latter) as no history in last 5 years.
I really appreciate Europe this time round after living so far away from everywhere.
For all those people who are agonising over what to do, just follow your heart, the majority of Brits know it is the media that trashes the country and people here have never been more patriotic. Yeah there is knife crime, but the reality is, its in places where I would wager 99% of expats would go near anyway, run down housing estates and trouble spots, its not in your face.
So absolutely no regrets, if I ever get a moment thinking its all a bit mad, I just remind myself of the sheer boredom I had to endure in melbourne, sitting night after night thinking, i am not settled...
Def the right move.
I lived in Australia from April 1999 to April 2008 and have returned to the Uk for a varitey of reasons.
1. Family getting older
2. I felt like my life and lifestyle was "locked in" and wasnt ready for that just yet, not at 33.
3. Miss my friends
4. Everytime I went back to Uk I missed it even more.
So, I left in April did a bit of travel and am now settled back in London, near Crouch End and am so very delighted I did it, its fantastic to be surrounded by British people again. No offence, I love Australia but the people think, behave and live in a different mindset to me and I never really clicked in and felt I belonged.
Have had NO problems opening a bank account (walked into HSBC and out within an hour with account, overdraft and credit card). The job market is good, I sent my CV to 3 companies who specialised in events and incentives and 3 got back to me next day, I accepted one and was on final interview with the other. Cars are way cheaper here which is good. The only minor issue I have had is renting in london I had to have a guarantor on my part or pay 3 months rent as deposit (I did the latter) as no history in last 5 years.
I really appreciate Europe this time round after living so far away from everywhere.
For all those people who are agonising over what to do, just follow your heart, the majority of Brits know it is the media that trashes the country and people here have never been more patriotic. Yeah there is knife crime, but the reality is, its in places where I would wager 99% of expats would go near anyway, run down housing estates and trouble spots, its not in your face.
So absolutely no regrets, if I ever get a moment thinking its all a bit mad, I just remind myself of the sheer boredom I had to endure in melbourne, sitting night after night thinking, i am not settled...
Def the right move.
Really good post, and so much I can relate to.... especially the bit about appreciating Europe when you have been so far away from it. Some Brits don't realise how lucky they are to have all that variety of scenery and culture right on their doorstep. You soon appreciate it when you have experienced miles of nothing in Australia.........
Jul 22nd 2008, 4:47 am
#7
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Canberra
Posts: 8,378
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Great to hear that things have settled so well for you Sherro! I know what you mean about the locked in lifestyle - I hate it!!! Have been in UK 3 days now and not stopped smiling, my DH thinks I am a different woman and he's right!
Jul 22nd 2008, 10:56 am
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 912
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
It's so wonderful to hear all this positive news about life back in Britain.
I just hope and pray I can be able to say much the same in about 6 months time, although tomorrow would be nice! I can't wait!
I just hope and pray I can be able to say much the same in about 6 months time, although tomorrow would be nice! I can't wait!
Jul 22nd 2008, 6:40 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Was Gold Coast, Australia... now living in Notts, UK
Posts: 135
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Ditto from me too. We've been back in the UK since the end of April and things are gradually sorting themselves out. No regrets about being here even if we've had a bit an up and down emotional rollercoaster about it all (hubs wants to be in Oz... I don't). Our stuff arrived back at the end of last week... on one of the boxes one of the shippers (who'd never met us) had scrawled "Pommie Git's".
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
Jul 23rd 2008, 12:10 am
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: South Island NZ
Posts: 527
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Ditto from me too. We've been back in the UK since the end of April and things are gradually sorting themselves out. No regrets about being here even if we've had a bit an up and down emotional rollercoaster about it all (hubs wants to be in Oz... I don't). Our stuff arrived back at the end of last week... on one of the boxes one of the shippers (who'd never met us) had scrawled "Pommie Git's".
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
All the best im still in a dilema about moving back if it wasnt for grandchildren i would be long gone from NZ.
Isnt it just great to hear how everyone is getting on when they return!
Have a fab week
Cheers
Cally
Jul 23rd 2008, 12:52 am
#11
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Ditto from me too. We've been back in the UK since the end of April and things are gradually sorting themselves out. No regrets about being here even if we've had a bit an up and down emotional rollercoaster about it all (hubs wants to be in Oz... I don't). Our stuff arrived back at the end of last week... on one of the boxes one of the shippers (who'd never met us) had scrawled "Pommie Git's".
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
What a bloody stupid pathetic thing to write on the box. Daft gits.
I would rather be a Pommie anyday.
Jul 23rd 2008, 1:20 am
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2007
Location: England
Posts: 4,213
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Ditto from me too. We've been back in the UK since the end of April and things are gradually sorting themselves out. No regrets about being here even if we've had a bit an up and down emotional rollercoaster about it all (hubs wants to be in Oz... I don't). Our stuff arrived back at the end of last week... on one of the boxes one of the shippers (who'd never met us) had scrawled "Pommie Git's".
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
Sarah
All the best
Jackie
Jul 23rd 2008, 6:20 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Was Gold Coast, Australia... now living in Notts, UK
Posts: 135
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
It didn't half bring back that feeling of having always been an outsider out there and it confirmed to me that I'm now finally home. People can moan about prices here. They can moan about the weather. They can moan about lots of stuff. I LOVE this country and I LOVE being back.
Sarah
Jul 23rd 2008, 6:24 am
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Was Gold Coast, Australia... now living in Notts, UK
Posts: 135
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
If anyone's thinking of using Anglo Pacific / OSS... I'd really think twice about it. They don't seem to think much of their customers.
Sarah
Jul 23rd 2008, 7:08 am
#15
brisvegas
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: brisvegas
Posts: 604
Re: 2 months back in UK - and......
Just on the topic of packers writing on boxes, our packers in the UK scrawled all sorts of stuff over our boxes to wind up the customs and delivery people at this end in OZ... including disparaging remarks about Australians in general. So it happens on both sides of the pond. We took it as a laugh rather than get upset about it. Unprofessional? Yes. Worth getting your knickers in a twist about? Probably not. (And by the way, I'm an aussie, so had every right to get "upset" at the things they wrote.)