|
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by sallysimmons
(Post 9769552)
For me here in the US, feeling like an outsider is ...
|
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by sallysimmons
(Post 9769552)
Have you ever lived abroad for any length of time? I suspect not because if you had, you would understand what people mean and not be so quick to dismiss peoples' feelings just because you can't imagine them.
For me here in the US, feeling like an outsider is ...
Those are just a few and I'm sure everyone has their own list, but the point is that it's not something you can understand until you've spent a few years in another country. For some people, their new lives are so enjoyable that the good outweighs the things they miss. But for some of us, it's not that way - especially as you get older and your priorities change. As for the UK having "gone down the swanee," that's not the experience of either my friends or my family members, so perhaps it all depends on where you live and how you look at life :) Sally you are 100% BANG ON !! I went to a party on Saturday night with wife and there were just two other couples there , all American, very pleasant people etc, etc but I didn't enjoy myself because they aren't "my" people. Just the interaction between everyone, the flow of the conversation is so different from home. Years ago I'd have loved it because they were so different but it seems as I've got older I've just got worn out with being "different". |
Re: Making A Final Decision
I`ve been in the USA four and a half years, going home next year if all goes to plan, and I couldnt agree more with you, Sally. Sport and politics play a huge part in life here. I`m not interested in the former, unless its footie, and the politics I find laughable. When we first came here I remembered I was a guest and didnt voice opinions. Now, that`s wearing thin. The whole injustice of healthcare breaks my heart. Last week at church (yes, thats one way I do fit in) the hispanic population were having a big dinner, $12 a head. When I asked what it was in aid of, they told me a member had had an accident and they were raising money to pay for his hospital treatment.
I feel as if my horizons here have narrowed, not broadened and when I watch British tv I realise how dumb American tv is. And dont get me started on the food. I`ve found gourmet to have a whole different meaning here........ |
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by jemima55
(Post 9772312)
I`ve been in the USA four and a half years, going home next year if all goes to plan, and I couldnt agree more with you, Sally. Sport and politics play a huge part in life here. I`m not interested in the former, unless its footie, and the politics I find laughable. When we first came here I remembered I was a guest and didnt voice opinions. Now, that`s wearing thin. The whole injustice of healthcare breaks my heart. Last week at church (yes, thats one way I do fit in) the hispanic population were having a big dinner, $12 a head. When I asked what it was in aid of, they told me a member had had an accident and they were raising money to pay for his hospital treatment.
They may go bankrupt - as well as possibly lose their son :( http://forum.maplewoodonline.com/vc/...r-help#Item_23 How lucky we British expats are to know deep down that if we are well enough to travel back to the UK to reside permanently, we will never have to worry about having battles with medical insurers or losing our homes due to medical costs. I do not intend to grow old in the US....I'm planning to apply for citizenship next year and hopefully if I get it, I'm off....:thumbsup: |
Re: Making A Final Decision
It`s all very sad, we are so lucky in the UK and I took the right to healthcare completely for granted until I moved here.
|
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by Englishman43
(Post 9771343)
Sally you are 100% BANG ON !!
I went to a party on Saturday night with wife and there were just two other couples there , all American, very pleasant people etc, etc but I didn't enjoy myself because they aren't "my" people. Just the interaction between everyone, the flow of the conversation is so different from home. Years ago I'd have loved it because they were so different but it seems as I've got older I've just got worn out with being "different". |
Re: Making A Final Decision
Perhaps the Christmas thread I have started up this morning might help you to make your decisions. ;)
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=741073 |
Re: Making A Final Decision
Hi,
My name is Adam Marshall and I'm a reporter with Ch7's Today Tonight program. I'm researching return migration, which is basically migrants wanting to move home. It's at an all time high.
Originally Posted by coedyddinas
(Post 9764033)
In pretty much the same position as you Scottie, I too feel like my mind is like a pendulum, one day I say 'just do it' then the next its "OMG don't do it', lol! I have been in Oz for 17 years (originally from South Wales), came here when I was 21, think about home everyday, and each time I go home it feels right. We went home about a month ago and went to Scotland, what a wonderful place, magical. I think its all in the planning, I agree with what you say about Oz being the safe, secure place by way of a job and financial security, I have a good job here in Brisbane and a house in Brisbane and Sydney. Our plan is to rent out our properties so we are not giving everything up in Oz. Its a tough one, I wanted to go back 10 years ago and looking back (hindsight!) I wish I had, I just don't want to look back in another 10 years with regrets - sounds like I have made my decision but then that pendulum comes back, lol. Good luck, do keep us posted, I am sure it will all become clear and fall into place :)
|
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by sallysimmons
(Post 9769552)
[*]Smiling politely and pretending that you think Saturday Night Live is even remotely amusing.
|
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by jemima55
(Post 9772537)
It`s all very sad, we are so lucky in the UK and I took the right to healthcare completely for granted until I moved here.
|
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by ajmarshall21
(Post 9774752)
Hi,
My name is Adam Marshall and I'm a reporter with Ch7's Today Tonight program. I'm researching return migration, which is basically migrants wanting to move home. It's at an all time high. http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=74
Originally Posted by rule 10
Research
The forums/private message, blog and email system are not to be used for the purpose of research, (questions, surveys or polls). Any such posts found will be removed without notice. From time to time university students wish to use the forums for educational research etc, in these instances prior approval must be sought from the site administrators first, if approval is not sought then the posts will be removed. |
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by Fejaouk
(Post 9758131)
Hi Guys,
Am back at the point where I need to decide if I want to stay in Oz but just cant make my mind up as its like a pendulum. Staying in Oz professionally and financially is the sensible option. Well paid, lots of opportunities and able to save a lot of money. However like others I feel like a square peg in a round hole. Hate having to repeat myself all the time due to the Scottish accent, Hate having the feeling of not belonging and worried about living here in the long term alone with out family and the security of things in the UK. Love Oz for the lifestyle, work and weather.....is it enough? Not sure I really miss home or family to be honest. However I know when I am at home am happy with my lot in life. In Oz I still check the local news, BBc news, think about home. However am getting to the age where I want to settle, buy a house etc. But I keep wondering if I will regret going back to Scotland and settling there. The other factor is I still have my job back in Scotland and well if I give it up, I dont see any jobs in my speciality coming up for good five years due to the GEC. I kind of thing I should go home, settle and if after a few years am feeling dissatisfied at home, I can always return to Oz. So people any advice to make my decision final. You experience would be great. Regards Scottie x You know for me reading your post what jumped out at me was the use of the word "home"... you don't consider Oz your "home" and home for me means where you are content, settled and happy. IMHO "professional" and "financial" reasons don't make people happy. People and relationships do... I would say go where your heart is... and to me it sounds like it's Scotland for you. Don't burn any bridges - if you come "home" and decide that you miss Oz then go back... simples.... Good luck... :) |
Re: Making A Final Decision
Just catching up on this thread and think Sally made some very good points as well as a few other members in the forum.
I am 57, came to Canada 3 years ago as a single person with an aunt and uncle living here. I feel like an outsider. I have lived in various places in the UK, never had any problems getting work or making new friends but I am really struggling here. I have tried joining things but people already have their social networks established. Work is often a way of making friendships. I was laid off 6 months ago in a medium size organisation after 2 years just as I felt I was getting to 'fit in'. I am going to apply for citizenship and I am going to give it one more year I have another job now but it is in a small office - just 3 people I am not sure it is going to help me anchor here but it will help pay for a return to England. (I was unable to sell my house in England so I have a home to go back to.) I am doing office work as it is the only work I can find but my background is academic/local government management The only anchor I really have is my aunt and uncle who are in their 70s. It is the lack of shared culture (and sense of humour) that makes it difficiult to integrate. I love Canada and I have no regrets about giving it a try; I did lots of research and knew it could be difficult to find work initially but I think I truly underestimated how difficult it would be to integrate. It has been a great experience but a costly one if I do decide to return to England. |
Re: Making A Final Decision
To be honest am not sure if my problem is the feeling of not belonging or grass is greener syndrome. Most of the time I feel settled here and amazed at the great weather, I certainly do more, experience more than I ever did in Scotland and other times I just worry about my future here alone, think about how life is more secure with the NHS, family etc. On the flipside I worry am giving up an opportunity that I will regret in the future and the opportunity not to work till am 67! There are only so many times you can ping pong back and forth as its not a cheap game.
I know no one here can make my decision but its nice that people care and give their oppinons and pearls of wisdom on this subject. Scott |
Re: Making A Final Decision
Originally Posted by Fejaouk
(Post 9783428)
the opportunity not to work till am 67!
I don't see how places like Australia, the US, and Canada can avoid going the same way. Bev |
| All times are GMT -12. The time now is 8:58 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.