shocked kiwi

Hi there to all you brits out there that have moved back to Blighty - how did you find it as I am going back to uk as I simply can't afford to live in Nz due to the high cost of living and as I'm still relatively young - 35 - and want to continue travelling which is my passion. Can anyone advise how they found Britain after returning from Nz? Why did you leave Nz and return to uk? Please give any honest comments - negative or positive - most welcome.

WEBlue

Hi there, Shocked Kiwi! You might want to head to the 'Back Home' sub-section of this "Moving Back to the UK" forum. It's just chock-full of threads on how British repats found life after their return home.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=158

Spacecake799

Hi,
Will post more later but how long have you been in NZ? Do you have a job to go to. Have you been back to UK for a visit?

shocked kiwi

I have been back 5 years in Nz and miss travelling etc, people, shopping etc and feel like I am not really supposed to be living in nz even though I have given it a good go.

luvwelly

I think if you never hated/disliked being in the UK, returning is unlikely to be a problem (apart from missing your friends and relatives in NZ).

I lived outside the UK for 8 years because of my OH's job and 5 of those years were in NZ. I didn't hate it in NZ but knew I wouldn't want to live there forever as it is too isolated.
During my years of expatriation I always regarded the UK as my 'home' (we kept a house in UK which we rented out) not perfect but where I felt comfortable.
I have been back nearly a year (different location for OH's job) and still haven't stopped smiling. I used to appreciate the fantastic scenery in NZ but guess what it is available in UK as well in many places plus with a load of castles and National Trust places with tearooms thrown in!
History everywhere and yet you can live in a newbuild house if you want.

The only thing I really miss about NZ is the coffee but even that is getting better here in UK. There's a couple of friends I miss but not as much as I missed my 'lifelong' friends and extended family in UK, whilst in NZ.
Good luck whatever you decide.

SUPERCAD

I was there for 11 years, im in oz now and looks like my next job could be in Europe which means a UK base.

I cant say a hated NZ but i always felt its hard to get on, its hard to save and afford everyday living, it leaves you open to be financially trapped if your not careful..I found the people can be strange toward expats

The cost of living is what made us leave in the end for us the cons far out weighed the pros.

I was back in the UK last year for the first time over 15 years and i was amazed at how good it looked i was warned that i wouldn't like the changes but i really enjoyed it didnt see any of the negative stuff you see posted on here.

If your into travel i reckon its one of the best places to base yourself
id be doing it

Perth

Always good to hear the positive stuff. Care to share where abouts you went back to? Seems to be a pattern as far as those that see it in more negative terms and those that don't. Location isn't everything but it seems to be a big part of it.

Perth

Same question to you: where are you located now?

Spacecake799

We moved to NZ in 2006. We had never been and it was a big adventure with our 3 kids.
We were walking down the street one day probably after being there a few months when I realized if I stayed there I would never get to go to Europe again or travel as we would never have the money. That's when I realized I didn't want to live in NZ forever.
Anyhow things carried on, I didn't love the schooling but everyone was happy. Fast forward 3 years and a terrible parents evening (terrible due to teachers not child). I walked out of there and said we need to leave.
Spoke to my husband who was very shocked, gave him a few days to think about it and he agreed. Our eldest had always said he would leave as soon as school finished for him. So we mentioned it to our others. Unfortunately our daughter had just started seeing someone and asked us to wait and see how that went.
3 years later, eldest home, husband and youngest left last July ready for Sept intake and I waited until our daughter finished year 13 before leaving.
We decided to go to a totally new area and so headed for North Yorkshire. I love it every day. I am so glad to be home.
Good Luck

Perth

You need to update your location, love

Spacecake799

Yes I know but wasn't sure how so left it.

Perth

Easy enough. Go to "My profile" at the top and follow the instructions.

SUPERCAD

We were based in Bristol traveled around the west mostly but we went down through Cornwall and spent 10 days in London. If i had to say a worst thing it would have been public lavatory's.

SUPERCAD

I didnt even touch on Schools lets just say we thought it sadly lacking.

Funny that we had trouble with Torbay High School got quite nasty at one point. I see you were in Torbay, same School maybe?

shocked kiwi

Wow thanks for the advice. I have a brother in the Uk and also some friends that never left as well. I just feel trapped in Auckland and do not feel like I understand the place anymore as it has changed so much. People here just keep to themselves, go home at night and watch tv, no one wants to go out as its a very expensive night out if you buy drinks and get a meal anywhere, when I was in the uk people seemed to socialise more together.
Did anyone have any problems getting a job in the uk as I've heard that has become harder over the last few years? Is the cost of living less than Nz for general items such as groceries and bills compared to 5 years ago?
thanks