windsong

Elizabeth - I had written a lengthy response here and then realized my message could possible show up in Google's search results - if anyone should ever decide to search for it - and so I am writing a private message to you instead.

Here is the "short" version of my response

I think that most of us, once we decide that we will go back "one day", have some planning to do and it often takes time.

My situation would be greatly eased if I could merely prep my pets, fly over and land on the doorstep of a family member for a few months; however, that "family member" doesn't exist. I have a half-sister whom I haven't seen since I was four years old. I have spent my life (most of it) in the USA; she has spent her life in the UK. She is my father's daughter from his first marriage. We are not close at all. Besides, even if she wanted to extend a welcoming hand to me, she can't because she now has her daughter and three teenage grandchildren living with her. (Her daughter lost her job). That means I am on my own for somewhere to live - which also means I need to cover my expenses (rent, etc.) for up to six months until I find a job over there.

Add to that the fact that I have been greatly affected by the decline in the economy in the USA and am currently unemployed, then you begin to understand the situation.

I had a fabulous job for many years but a shift in the company's management left me without one and it's been touch and go since then because of the downturn in the economy and job market. Even with all the skills I have, it is difficult to find jobs. I have also found that, in a bad economy, you are less likely to find a job if you are highly skilled. This has been my experience. In fact, I swore I was going to dye my hair blond and somehow adopt six kids and dumb down my resume

My plans are somewhat up in the air because of the business, too. How quickly we make money can also influence my return date. It could be in one year or it could be in two or three. I just don't know yet.

I want to be absolutely sure that when I go back to the UK I can withstand any eventuality

HighSpeedGrandma

Had to respond to this. It is VERY true. I was told I was over qualified and I could not obtain work in my field. Interviewers either told me that I was considered too qualified for the positions I was trying for, or they felt I'd get bored too quickly if I took a lesser position. I also know of an accountant who was made redundant (soon to be family member, my daughter is marrying his son!) and he is actually now driving around delivering prescriptions for pharmacies, for minimum pay.

As for withstanding any eventually, you can never be 'absolutely sure' because circumstances change, things happen etc. So don't let that stop you coming back, because you may never be absolutely sure!

jasper123

Hi windsong,
Hmmmm well my gosh, well let me see, Hmmm good question!!!! well not really distant and vague in my memory, Ive been back only 2 years and three months now so for me its still early days, still not completely settled in England yet, well not in my mind anyway, lots of things that bug me still, ----- but will I ever go back to live in U.S. probably not!!! but life is strange, things do have the knack of changing even though you dont expect it, after all when I think of my life back in the States when I was young in my early 30's if someone asked me then do you think you will ever live in England again? I would have said a positive NO, and I would have said the same thing when I was in my 40's and 50's ------ but here I am back home, and loving it!!!! so you never know!!!!!
I had a happy life in America over my life, good Jobs making good money, in most cases good health insurance from employers,

All I can say is now Im in my very late 60's I would feel very scared and uncomfortable if I were still living in the States, mostly scared that I would have to try and make do with Medicare somehow ----- and hope to goodness that I did not get too darn sick too darn often
I really love the feeling that I have over here in UK ----- a lovely warm fuzzy feeling of utter and compleat peace!!!! the feeling of just knowing in my heart that as I get older and older through my life here, it dont matter how sick I get I will never be denied treatment, I can just pick up the phone and make an appointment with my GP, I love that feeling, and I cant believe I dont even have to pay a co-pay for my prescription drugs just because Im over 60

jasper123

Well cheers it dont sound any different to me, I talk the same as I did in US, still got a yanky twang, people I think know Im not from here but I do feel that Im gradually blending in, I hope so, Im hoping one day in the future I may even meet a human who will become my friend
Yesterday I cooked a nice pork roast Joint for Sunday dinner, with roast potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots & broccoli, ---- next Sunday its going to be a nice roast Lamb with real fresh mint sauce lovely jubely.

Perth

I think it's a brick

lf1

Probably gold bullion in her case

Perth

You know, I love talking to old people, reading to them and helping them to stretch and do mild exercise. But I would not be good at caring for them as far as personal hygiene and such. Is there a job I could train for that would be just for that kind of thing?

Perth

lf1

That is how I feel too, so I would love to hear what the responses are to your question. There are quite a few seniors in my local village choir and I really enjoy spending time with them. One of them is encouraging me to join the local WI, but I think it is one of the few things that I might be too young for

Perth

Well, I used to teach Zumba Gold for the over 50s but that was only for 6 months, and there was limited interaction. I was thinking of getting re-certified as I know it is as popular in the UK as it is in the US.

But I very much like the idea of spending time more as a companion, I suppose. I just met an 83 year old Scot the other night and he was telling me about his life, and I thought, was a great job this would be! And I loved reading to my daughter when she was young. Would enjoy reading to someone again who maybe doesn't have such good eyesight anymore.

So if there is such a job, and one I would need qualifications for, it would be good to know so I could investigate it further. In the meantime, I might just volunteer at my neighbourhood retirement living facility.

HighSpeedGrandma

Not sure if there's a specific job that you could just do those things. I do know if you domiciliary care through an agency there are a LOT of clients who only need someone to shop, clean, read, hand them their meds type thing. But the majority of care work IS personal hygiene.

I honestly always said I KNEW I would not be able to handle personal care for the elderly. When I trained I thought ("oh it's ok, I will just work 'double ups' with someone who likes the personal care and I will do the rest") but it doesn't work like that and I had to do the personal stuff.

I was very embarrassed and uncomfortable the very first time I had to strip wash a client and toilet them. I thought "How can they possibly let me loose in this person's house to take care of them, I can't get through a day without dropping something, walking into something, etc, and I HATE showing my personal bits to strangers so how must this person feel".

But after the initial feeling you just get on with it. I get satisfaction from knowing I am helping someone to feel clean and fresh and to look their best.

You could always check with agencies about the type of carer they are looking for and tell them your preference. Give it a go...you never know, and if it turns out you hate it, at least you can say to yourself "I knew I knew myself well enough to know"

Perth

Thank you so much, I will investigate further

Perth

For anyone interested, a new documentary on the Queen broadcast recently on ITV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...v=exhbFPlPNLE#!

lf1

Keep your eyes peeled for the scene in Balmoral where the Queen is wearing a skirt that almost matches the carpet.
Yet again, she is guarding that handbag from David Cameron.

Perth

Well he's got to find the money somewhere to pay for all those "entitlements" right?