It's too late for second thoughts now, less than a week to go before we arrive in London Heathrow I have mixed feelings really, i am pretty scared about returning after a year away (think my mind is playing tricks on me), worried about the work situation in the UK, sad that it hasn't worked out for us here and that we have to say goodbye to all the lovely people that have made it all the more pleasant living here

It's the usual story, we have 2 young children and the draw of family is just too much right now, we also misssed alot from England - home comforts and just a real sense of history that we felt we couldn't get here, nevertheless we can see that there is a great life to be live here but it just isn't for us....but, never say never!

Most things sold or packed up. Just a question regarding Centrelink: Is it true that we should get 3months centrelink after we have left rather that any payments from the UK? If so, do i need to tell centrelink that i am leaving Oz or does it just do it automatically (i have been told this but just wanna double check).

Ok, i will undoubtedly report back before i leave next Tues to start my next adventure!

A lot of people I know who have gone back have had similar thoughts to you....I think it is natural.....life can be great for lots of people who come to live here but for others even though they can see certain benefits it's just not for them...we too miss the History of not just the U.K but Europe etc....and family....not just for us but for our children....I have a friend here who just loves "new" things...always moving to new homes....new cars..and just loves all the new buildings in Perth and wishes they would knock down all the "old" buildings....."They look horrible"......never went abroad when lived in the U.K and was very happy not to do so....now if I woke up feeling the same things....I would not leave Aus....but alas not to be....it's harder when you feel like you do...(me as well) never hated Aus...enjoyed some good times here but it's time to go...another adventure awaits....and nothing is set in stone...that's what I have learned....

As for Centrelink when we went abroad a short while ago for a few months I did not tell centrelink....did not know I had to (we do not get any payments from centrelink even with children) but when I had to contact them on arrival about a change of address they did say I had to tell them in future if I was leaving the country for that length of time again..... just phone to check....I was also informed by our accountant that we have to let the tax office know if we leave the country and work overseas.....not sure if that is correct...(even though our accountant is very good)as I have heard different stories about that.....

All the best and even though I have a few months before I start to arrange our flights etc...I do have days when I think...yes it's a good life here....but I do know my family needs to be home in the U.K...as I do......and for 99.9% of the time I cannot wait to be home......it's only natural to feel like that....just try and think of the things you want to do when you are home...on top of my very long list..... lol.....is to spend a weekend with my family in York....and we are planning a cruise around some of the Med. countries...you can get some really great offers at the moment...little things like that...and thats just the tip of our iceburg.....

Understand how you feel.I had mixed feelings too when I moved back to the UK 10 years ago.I did'nt have any issues with Oz,just felt like I needed to come home (I moved to Oz ages 9,had no choice,so spent many years in Oz).I actually had no immediate family to come back to,had lost contact with all aunties,uncles ect.People are more important though are'nt they than places?Good luck with your new life up yonder (lol)and hope it all works out for you!

Can I just ask, out of interest, how it was coming back when you didn't have a lot of immediate family in the UK? I know for a lot of people that family is the number one draw for coming back. Also, after they get back, the number one reason given for being happy back here seems to be that children get to see grandparents, etc. I was wondering, because you said that people are more important, but then you said you don't have a lot of family. For me, that wasn't the draw (almost all close family are dead and buried or not in contact), which is partly why it's been difficult to settle back in - most of my meaningful relationships are with people in the States.

I'm not close to my immediate family (who all live in Oz)so I guess it depends whether you are or not as to whether you return anywhere for family reasons.Yes my family want me back in Oz,but MY people are more important,OH and kids!Yes I came back alone with my kids (left OH in Oz thank god lol)and it was'nt an issue,I'm a shepherd not a sheep!

Good luck with your new life! Hopefully you will be able to look at UK with new appreciative eyes and find your way into jobs and homes without too much hassle!

All the best! I, for one, am dead jealous!!!!

I'm not (or didn't think) too close to my family, but, where as i was happy to just see my family 2 or 3 times a year, the choice of doing that being taken away - especially with young children is crippling. I am looking forward to those lazy saturday coffee mornings at the in-laws and the wknd trips to my parents, the journey home - picking a curry up on the way back and arriving at out victorian terrance...cold as its been empty for a few days, but a blast of the heating soon sorts that out....hmmmmm....heaven. ...did i mention a nice hot bubbly bath in my claw foot bath?!

Thanks Quoll, i have to ask, i have been watching this forum for a while and you are always there to offer a helping hand,but seem rather unsettled. You have been here 30yrs tho right? am i right in thinking you have famiy in Oz? I hope that the family you have here make you feel better about being here because i have to say my return is more for the people than the place

Not unsettled so much as trapped. I have my husband, one son and a granddaughter here and one son and my parents in UK. I go back for the "whole" but basically its the place I belong in. Having my folk around me is an added bonus. If I go home it's for me not for the folk. I do feel lonely here and isolated - he has his family here but they arent my family.

Another one going back, blimey woman the planes out must be getting packed

Centerlink, I would deffo tell them Others have posted Centerlink wrote to them and told them when they had been out of the country, they knew all the details and wanted payments back. Aussie departments seem to have very good links with each other, like tax office and banks etc etc

I hear you on this one. I did miss my family, some more than others. But I think it also depends on who you are leaving behind. There's a lot to be said for space from family. Only been back a week and already getting involved in the politics that I was so glad to be a distance from!

I had second, third and fourth thoughts before leaving Canada 2 months ago after four years to return to Blighty. It is your mind playing tricks on you, I've not looked back since stepping off the plane. It's great to be home!!

Thats good to hear as we only have days to go and we are STILL wondering if we should stay, even though we have sold everything, have no jobs etc etc.... Hope you are right!

Same with us !!! not much money either we spent it on the move. Force yourself to get on the plane!!