we have people like that round Dorchester MA!

love it

That is priceless ... and not unlike a number of NZ teenagers I've seen when in the city (except for the vodka).

It doesn't have to be a lengthy time...my daughter was a USC within 3 mths of sending in her application...ours took 6 mths. As Elvira said...you should really consider getting citizenship before you leave. You may not think it now but it's always best to leave all the doors open.

I'll put my application in but won't hang round for it. I've lived in three countries all in (school in France for a year) and won't be doing it again!

Never say never.

That's half my trouble. I never do.

I am in the same state and hate it here myself and yes it does take a life of it's own.
I would not be scared to move back home as there is always a safty net in the UK and you will always be able to get by,good luck with everything and go with your gut feeling.

Priceless! Did anyone else think there was a scary likeness to Britney Spears!!

I could have written this post myself. I'm in almost exactly the same situation. Dog just started PETS scheme, no kids, going home broke, etc. My USC husband IS willing to move with me, however, but I don't know if we'll make it as we have a lot of problems between us, so I have that to consider as well.

When I first realized that my misery stems from my wanting to go back to the UK, it was like a bomb going off, and now it's all I can think about. The weight that initially came off my shoulders was enormous, but now it's back again because of all the things that need to be taken care of. Aside from winning the lotto or getting a regular second job, I can't afford to take any of my big furniture with me, so I have to sell it before I go, I still have 6 months left on the lease of the house, major financial issues to sort out.....the list goes on.

I came here with two suitcases, and apart from leaving my family behind, which was heartwrenching, the move over here was relatively easy. Moving back is a totally different story. I've built a life over almost 5 years, and it's a much more "grown-up" life. Can't just leave it all behind and hope it won't catch up with me.

I'm also scared that I'll get a nasty surprise when I do go back. I haven't visited since I've been here, and although my mum tells me what's new over there, it isn't the same as experiencing it first hand. Will I settle in again? I don't want that feeling of being in limbo because I don't like it there after all, but also don't want to live in the US.

My family are being totally supportive and mum has already said there will be a roof over my head for when I do go back, but it's still extremely scary, and sometimes I feel like I've been defeated by not being able to stick it out here anymore. With family backing me up, I know I'll be just fine, and luckily, that thought is enough to brighten me a little on a really dark day.

Same here. When my husband and I (since divorced) came here in 1978, we were only planning to be here two years (his postdoc). Long story short, it's nigh on 30 years later and when I return to the UK, it will be with a couple of suitcases . . . Oh, alright, I'll probably ship a *few* things. But I don't plan to take furniture, appliances, etc. My books, a few knick-knacks, clothing. That'll be it. Figure I can borrow or shop at thrift shops for the basics. Won't have a car at first (which will suck, BIG time)

Scares me silly. All that said, I still want to do it.

Sarah in TX

Ooooh, boy, I'm not looking forward to that either! I have a car right now and I absolutely need one where I live, as it's so sprawling and I have to cross a toll bridge to get to work 10 miles away, so the public transport sucks monkey arse. I do try to console myself that the PT is better where my mum lives, a bus every 20 mins that goes right into the town centre, etc, but it's still a case of "How in God's name will I manage to get everywhere?" I love my car here in the US, too, so it's horrible to think I'll have to give it up.

How did you manage to find my picture louise???

I have just returned to the Uk alone with my daughter!

I was living with my hubs in Oz & he loved it while i hated it. Unlike yours my hubs is actually english but he still didnt want to return

I chose to leave alone in the end. My marriage wasnt great anyway & was getting worse.

I came back & have to admit that its the best thing i ever did! Ive got all the help i need qwith benefits & am in the process of getting accomodation too

All i can say is that as hard as it may seem where you are now, its a lot better to be back here broke & starting again

I have just returned to the Uk alone with my daughter!

I was living with my hubs in Oz & he loved it while i hated it. Unlike yours my hubs is actually english but he still didnt want to return

I chose to leave alone in the end, therefore ending my year long marriage. It was the hardest decision ever but one that i no longer regret after finding out just what my hubs is like!!

I came back home & i admit its been really hard as ive come back with nothing but Ive got all the help i need with benefits etc & am in the process of getting accomodation too

All i can say is that as hard as it may seem where you are now, its a lot better to be back here broke & starting again

Do whats right for you & whats in your heart!

Good luck!