rebeccajo

Any thoughts?

*yes I know I lurk too much*

Rete

Think you would be better served to have this in the Returning to the UK forum. A look at the many posts there should answer your question nicely. I'm transferring your post to that forum.

rebeccajo

Thanks.

Put it where I did because of the "Why do Brits return from Oz" but I'll just go with the flow.....

FlyergirlUK

We moved back because my American husband wanted to live in the UK. Who was I to argue?!

rebeccajo

Sounds simple enough.

I'm wondering if it ever just becomes an issue of life in the US being too much of a rat race. Like having health cover tied to our jobs, etc.

FlyergirlUK

Of course. He'd been a gov. employee for 20+ years and had basically had enough of an unfulfilling job but you can't just jack it all in over there and do what you like with the worry of not having health insurance, (especially with a young kid in the mix).

So, here we are - I work full time and he stays at home with my youngest - it's a complete 180 of our previous roles but that's ok.

rebeccajo

I guess when you know - you just - know.......

Scout

We moved back because my British husband did not settle well at all in the US. We had always planned on eventually moving to the UK but when my job became redundant when the company I worked for was sold and I received a year's salary as a redundancy....we took the leap and moved. Sold up everything and moved here to the UK where we still had a house.

And yes, the rat race life style in the US was a consideration. Here in the UK we don't have to worry about health insurance and financially we are better off. So much so that with careful planning we both plan on retiring in the next year or so.

As an American, I have settled well in the UK. Much better than my DH did in the US.

dewdrop

returning to UK with Cnd spouse this summer. why? more familiness in UK(money can't buy that in Canada).

rebeccajo

We actually have more family here in the US. In fact that's the only reason he settled here in the first place. I would have happily gone there originally were it not for my then young son (now 20 and in college).

I also have aging parents whom I would feel guilty as hell over dumping the entire responsibility on my only sibling, my sister.

Bevm

Always a complication. One thing to consider is how often we see family as things are, and how easy it would be to see them as often from the UK.

For example, if we see our parents twice a year and can afford to fly back to see them twice a year (or, of course, in an emergency) it makes little practical difference. If we're in and out, it's huge.

Our sons are in Ontario, which is not much closer from here than from the UK. Because of the distance and their work commitments etc, we usually only see them once a year. It won't be much different. Except that they see the idea of visiting us in the UK or somewhere in Europe more exciting than coming back to the same old.

Bev

rebeccajo

I keep thinking it would be easier to move before I know any grandchildren I may have in the future. And TBH - staying around to take care of the parents seems more like personal stupidity than a responsible decision.

meonline

Put simply, Britain looks after it's people. There is a safety net that is not present in other countries. You do feel as if you belong here. People can express themselves freely without being persecuted, security in law and order, more relaxed working culture, you can relate to people, abundant greenery and has a stable government and political system (although in chaos at the moment).

MikeUK

as you get older that can be come a very real issue depending on where you sit on the social/economic ladder

DadAgain

Reasons to move to UK from Australia (in no particular order and by no means a comprehensive list)

• Climate (Wouldnt it be nice to have 4 seasons? and NOT be trapped indoors in aircon whenever the sun comes out?)
• Family (MINE instead of hers )
• Improved career prospects (Australian IT industry? Its a joke )
• Cost of Living (Unbelievably the UK is now cheaper to live in than Australia)
• Better work conditions (No more 60hr week, and more than likely more than a paultry 20day annual leave)
• More academically focused schooling for kids (although arguably not as healthy)
• Public health system that DOESNT charge you money (Yes Australia has public health - but it'll still cost a fortune if you ever need to use any medical services)
• Proper Media - Australian TV/Radio/Newpapers are enough to drive any sane person to the wall.
• Greater variety of affordable holiday destinations (Australia may be a good place to holiday, but it costs a LOT to get somewhere other than beach or bush)
• Better roads/drivers (ok thats debateable!)

I'm sure given time I could make a longer and better list - but that gives you a flavour....