British Expats - Big and bold

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)

- Moving back or to the UK (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/)

- - Big and bold (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/big-bold-588186/)

Re: Big and bold

[QUOTE=cricket1;7231657]
You left the reality and got a new insight. They didn't so they can't see your new perspective or understand it.

Exactly.

Re: Big and bold

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chorlton (Post 7232353)

Leaving the UK is a step into the unknown, and everyone can see its an adventure, but returning looks like a step backwards to those who know you (because it doesnt sound like much of an adventure anymore). I suppose they just want you to do well. All of us coming home or thinking about it know it takes balls to pack up and start your entire life again. I feel like a failure at the moment so I don't really need anyone else to tell me that too. I suppose the thing to remember is that it is still an adventure, and you're older and wiser for the experience.

I think you also have to treat the returning home as an adventure also.

Re: Big and bold

I don't think anyone who has emigrated and wants to go home should feel a failure.
Think it may be closer to a failure if you are unhappy and stick it out because you feel you should.
I sometimes think it is much easier for those that simply hate it, providing , of course they are in a position to leave. Must be so difficult to be in the uncertain category.
good luck all

Re: Big and bold

I could never really understand people congratulating us for leaving the UK - I always felt they should be congratulated for sticking it out! (We were living on Orkney, which is not high on the comfortable lifestyle list). I just felt lucky to be in a position to try something different, which not everybody has the luxury to do. I would like to think that if we returned we would be welcomed by our nearest and dearest, not thought of as having 'failed' at our venture.

Re: Big and bold

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevm (Post 7231231)

I've been thinking about this and I'm not sure I can make my question make sense, but what is it with this, "At least you gave it a try." "Don't give up."
Or from people in the UK, "I wish I'd given it a go." "I feel a failure for not having tried."

Taking on a challenge, doing something different and perhaps a bit risky, are often good, but why emigration? That's so huge. And why is it more admirable to leave than to make a new, brave decision and return?

I'm pretty sure hardly any Canadians or Americans think, "If I was big and bold enough, I'd go and live elsewhere."

Okay, so they're immigrant countries. But what about places like Italy, Spain, Sweden, France? I never hear of it from then. Wasn't the French Foreign Legion the resort of the ruined and desperate?

This idea that's it's only a brave move in one direction seems to become a ball and chain for a lot of people, keeping them where they don't want to be. Or sending them off on a dislocating journey they don't truly want.

So, anyone got any thoughts?

Bev

Modern day emigration is very much a British thing largely boosted by the disatisfaction that many have with the UK and that life should be better elsewhere. In some cases this is the truth in other cases not so. The main factor though for British emigration is language, there are so many countries that they can go to and integrate very easily. Emigration from other european countries is less so where people will just grin and bear their disatisfied lives but those from northern europe are far more likely to emigrate than say somebody from southern europe these days. In fact emigration out of Spain is probably minimal these days whereas in the past, people would emigrate out of countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy out of sheer need and not through desire which motivates modern day emigration for many.

Re: Big and bold

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin747 (Post 7231386)

I'd rather join the Foreign Legion than remain in Australia

That bad is it?:lol:

Re: Big and bold

Quote:

Originally Posted by kporte (Post 7237957)

Well said:thumbup:

Re: Big and bold

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickchap (Post 7237555)

Islander girl, I wouldn't turn it into that. Yes Mackay is not a built up town and compared with where we lived in the UK it is a bit behind the times but it is growing and improving. When I read other posts about why people are moving they are the same as mine. And living in Mackay doesn't really have alot to do with it. I'm leaving because of the day to day living that I find hard. We could try a different state but I know Australia is not a country that I want to live in. We gave it a go and it is just not for us. I don't see it as a failure but an adventure that we have fulfilled. :unsure:

we have been lucky to visit most states in our 11 years here, we have travelled from Perth overseas,seen some wonderful things and here's the but...it has just never felt like home to us.....no matter how you try....I would dearly love to bring a few things from here to the North West of England....but that's not going to happen....what we will do though is really make the most of what we have missed in the U.K, family, friends, markets,countryside...etc....we have really tried, yes sometimes you are made to feel a"failure" mainly by expats living here but you just have to do what you have to do......Perth today....slowly warmed up to 39.....air con not working to well.....now this is something I will not miss...honestly.....