Gazman111

Hi to all, read the forums for a few years but felt like letting you all know my thoughts on moving out then moving back. We moved in 2001 to Ontario Canada for no reason other than wanting to try something different. We had no problem with UK education, health or anything it was just a matter of not wanting to regret not trying it.
So now after a few years We have decided to move back, why, because what I have given up is not worth what I have gained. That is my statement of the day. I have honestly weighed up all I get from being here and it dosn't make up for what I miss. people have told me that the UK is only a few hours on an plane but when you only get 10 days vacation this does not always work. My retired parents have seen more of Canada than me because my holidays are either with people visiting us or us visiting them.
Also dont kid yourself that e mail is a great way to send photographs etc. yes it is but it will never ever compare to you childrens interaction with their Grandparents, cousins etc when they are in each others company.
Canada is a great place to live and I have no problem with it at all however it is certainly not the garden of eden it is made out to be. I have been laid off once and my current company could only be described as shakey due to the US economy.
The simple fact is I honestly think I will be denying my children of soooooo much family stuff just by staying here, so thats it, we decided in Sept 2005 after months of discussion and will hope to be back this summer.
Any advice would be great!

BigDavyG

Good luck

ladylisa

Good luck to you, I wish you well. It doesnt sound like you need any advice from us, most ask if they are doing the right thing whereas you know you are.

JoD

I'm right there with you Gazman! Have sent you a PM as maybe we can help each other out on our way back to the UK.

L8.Scouser

That's interesting that the Canadians only get 10 days vacation, that's what I get here in Los Angeles. Difference is though I told them I needed 3 weeks vacation for when I need to go and visit home. So I usually take it unpaid after the 10 day's. It's a massive pain in the arse especially if you have bills to pay - you really can't afford to not work living here in LA.

I'm moving back to Liverpool sometime in 2007, just in time for the Capital of Culture party.

JAJ has been helping me out in another forums as the best way to execute a move home.

ShozInOz

My new Job in the UK (south coast) gives 28 days paid annual leave, plus paternity leave, public holidays, sick leave, etc. The UK is lucky with regard to time off for recreation.

L8.Scouser

Yeah it's great, I've tried telling my co workers here about that but they simply cannot comprehend how the country could still function. I used to get 4 weeks paid in my hotel job back in Liverpool but over the years (living here) I've come to question as to wether that it actually happend lol.

Englishmum

Well.....my advice is this....

Check out the posts by Calle who recently returned to the UK. She did it in style!

Calle was living in Florida with her family and pets. It's very expensive to fly pets back to the UK (plus worries about the stress for her dog). So they phoned up Cunard and got the most fantastic rate for a family quad room on the new Queen Mary 2 (QM2) transatlantic passenger cruise ship. It was about US $800 so truly not that much more than flying plus you get luxury accommodation and food for 7 days....The ship leaves from New York city which isn't really that far from Ontario (Calle's family drove up the coast from Florida).

Could be a wonderful lifelong memory and a great way to return to the UK? It might not appeal but it's worth checking out.....they didn't get their rate online but by contacting Cunard by phone...do read her posts on this board...and yes she's loving it in the UK too!

Gazman111

Well I spoke with my old boss and he offered me my job back. 25 days off plus 8 bank holidays. Im sorry but North America cannot compare with Europe for paid holidays. Add to that 15 pounds to fly to Majorca and Im on my way home.
Things like taking Friday + Monday off to go away is just not possible with 10 floating days! Thats 20% of your whole years allowance for a long weekend! Add in a couple of afternoons to pick people up from the airport etc.

Gazman111

[QUOTE=Englishmum]Well.....my advice is this....

Check out the posts by Calle who recently returned to the UK. She did it in style!

Yes I saw that it does sound a great way to do it. Watch Southhampton appearing over the horizon and all that.
I assume there is no luggage restrictions either? That would certainly be handy. Hard to get everything into a 20kg case!

chance to be

well my advice is...
you dont need much as you sound convinced of what you want and have valid reasons there...so go for it, be happy and call on the knowledgeable ones on this forum who've already moved back to help you with the reverse culture shock you may experience.
you are doing the right thing..be happy!
and if you go back by boat, calle will have to start asking for money from the ship for all these people shes inspired so she may be on to a good earner at this rate!
take care
c

NewCalgarian

The simple truth (which is why we are heading back as well)! Some people don't see things like this, but I'm with you 100%. Good luck.

Englishmum

[QUOTE=Gazman111] Too true. Calle said that there are absolutely no restrictions on luggage - as many cases and as heavy as you like.....don't think I'd take things like sofas and beds though LOL!

Here are the links all about the QM2 crossing (with links within the links too....you will need to read through the posts):

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=344267

Calle's description of her experience onboard:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341555

Englishmum

OK - here are the crossing dates from New York to Southampton on the QM2 for 2006:

http://www.seat61.com/UnitedStates.htm (just scroll down a bit - it's a UK site but it's definitely listed).

peacelover

[QUOTE=Gazman111]

Good luck to you, follow yor heart on this one.