Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

Or as we say on BE...same sh*t, different bucket.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

Oh, I know the UK isn't all castles, scenic little villages and endless tea and scones, but I feel so strongly that I have to go back to where I feel is "home" and try and make britain a better place. I know I'll probably complain about the cold, and the shops, and the food. I know for a while I'll compare everything unfavourably to what it's like in New Zealand. My dad did that (probably still does) for years after arriving. The drivers were bad, the summer was too hot, ad breaks too long etc, etc. But he eventually settled, and decided to become a citizen. It's just a matter of adjusting, and accepting the rough with the smooth.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

It's meant mainly for people who think moving to a new country is going to solve their problems. It usually doesn't...you take them with you. ;)

You are young and seem to have the right attitude to make a go of it. As I said earlier...good luck to you.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

I must be young and have the right attitude too then, because there ain't much §4!t in my bucket. :)

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

Thanks! I just feel that all the things I want to see and do are in the UK. My hope is to be a tour guide, and show people how awesome my home city is! Plus I may even get to dress as a Roman!

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

Well I do call you 'young man'. :D

If it doesn't work out you can always move back...richer for the experience.:thumbup:

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

:wub:

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

Thanks, that's good advice. I will keep everyone upto date as things progress.

That's pretty much what my auntie said. I remember the early sunsets in winter.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

I don't often visit here, but popped in for a squizz.
Your feelings about 'no connection' resonated with me. I am just a wee tad older than you...., but know that sentiment only too well.

I do not regret taking my childy out to Oz in '77. I regret staying so long though, but made a promise in '87 to a fretting grandchild and stayed another 25 years. It is nice to see that you have no illusions about what you may face and what you may feel.

There is little point in my following many here who have related their experience in Oz settlement, or UK resettlement. I am critical of both countries so there is little point. I have no illusions about either, and see the bureaucratic problems in both countries foisted upon their citizens by political ideology from all sides of the political spectrum;-as the same either side of the pond. The very people who feel the need to enter politics to influence the way a country is run-are the ones least suited to the job!

People here are much the same as Australia, with an overriding focus on immigration.
One bonus for me was coming back for places not people, who seem to be evolving into ever increasing self absorption and greed.

....................and it's the best thing I have ever done. My first two and a half years here were blistering, something I won't go into; but the minute I landed; still at the airport, that lack of connection vanished. I have gone through my baptism of fire and live peacefully in a beautiful part of the country. I have learned to appreciate this country (side) in a way that I never did before.

The Australian generally never criticizes his country, perhaps likewise the Kiwi? The UKer repeatedly does. That is why there is this 'I know it's going to be hard, but' thing for those who want to return. That's rap (with a silent c...). It is the same as as anywhere else. For me personally: a rich history, easy access to Europe, and the most stunning countryside you will see anywhere, with January giving masses of snowdrops, and Spring with daffodils growing on roadsides, gardens, everywhere, primroses, then woodland fields of bluebells.
How the hell did I never notice this before?

Bottom line? You are qualified to return. You are qualified because you are realistic. That is all you need as a background support, the rest will come with working at it and being undaunted.
And if it doesn't settle your soul, then you can go back.

All good wishes to you.

(I suppose I have now related my experience :cool:!)

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

I suspect you have an NI number allocated at birth, although you only receive the plastic card once old enough to work - can your parents dig out any old family allowance letters or Post Office accounts with details on?
Same with your National Health Service number. If your father can remember your old GP surgery, they should be able to give you this information.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

I suspect that you're wrong on both counts. NINO's weren't issued at birth but only when you applied for one after the age of 16 (back in the pre-1970's).

NHS numbers on the other hand, were issued the first time one accessed NHS services (probably at birth). These days, you only need your full name, date and place of birth (a city or a town) for any GP practice in the UK to find the number in a few seconds.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

I know how you feel Celtic Prince! I am going home after living in the US for 47 years! I am a wee bit scared but husband is on board and I think we will be fine. I have some cousins left in England but we are making the move to Scotland where I once lived for a few years. Did not want to go back to the rat race of SE England where I was from; just looking for a peaceful end to my days by the sea!

After much discussion with HMRC I find I do not have an NI number and will have to wait until I am living there to apply for one.

I wish you all the best in your journey!

Chris

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

Thanks! Hope everything goes well with you too!

While I'm here, what are some shops that sell afordable clothing in the UK. I always remembered M&S being good quality but reasonable prices, but now they seem really upmarket.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

NINO's are issued before the age of 16. I knew young sparks NI since he was around a year old back in 1996, so possibly from birth as was posted.

Re: Settling back in the UK after spending most of your life abroad
 

That's an interesting perspective because M&S clothes are now, IMO/IME cheaper in both price and quality than they were upto the 1980's; until then most M&S clothes were manufactured in the UK.. That's not to say M&S isn't more expensive than other high street shops such as TK Maxx and Primark.