Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Aug 31st 2006, 5:35 am
#1
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Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Hello (new here)
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
Aug 31st 2006, 5:49 am
#2
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by lizajeanoz
Hello (new here)
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Aug 31st 2006, 5:50 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by lizajeanoz
Hello (new here)
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
regards
lolly
Aug 31st 2006, 6:26 am
#4
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Yes, you are mad. It sounds like a romantic idea. Unless you have a fair amount of cash, you are not likely to be able to afford a nice (expensive) cottage in the countryside, and the cities are dismal. If your 8 year old daughter goes to one of the many state schools in the suburbs, she is likely to be bullied and teased about her accent after the initial fascination wears off. The English are not as accepting of foreigners as the Aussies and kids can be cruel. Sorry if I have offended anyone, this is what I have experienced to be true, but maybe you will be one of the lucky few. The reality of living in the UK is very different to the romantic view portrayed in story books.
Aug 31st 2006, 6:27 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by lollyno1
Not sure what advice i could give, even though i am in a similiar postion to you, (single mother mid 40's) but hey just think of it as an adventure. As for what England is like its really a matter of opinion and you'll find lots of posters on here with varying views. Just wish you luck in what ever you decide.
regards
lolly
regards
lolly
by the sea side
Aug 31st 2006, 6:34 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by mackinnon
What a pile of sh*t.
I knew I'd push someones buttons. Too easy.
Last edited by Pollyana; Aug 31st 2006 at 9:24 am.
Aug 31st 2006, 6:35 am
#7
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by lizajeanoz
Hello (new here)
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
Hello there,
Have you read any of Billy Bryson's books? It would be good to read about another American's views on Britain, why he moved back to the U.S., and then back to the U.K. again, to the Yorkshire countryside.
Aug 31st 2006, 6:38 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by rossfive5
I knew I'd push someones buttons. Too easy.Besides, when I saw the location under your avatar, I knew you had to be jesting about the U.K. being sh*t
Last edited by Pollyana; Aug 31st 2006 at 9:25 am. Reason: language
Aug 31st 2006, 7:01 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by lizajeanoz
Hello (new here)
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
No you're not mad. I think the UK is a pretty good place to live. We didn't leave it because we thought it was rubbish. We fancied a new experience of living elsewhere for a while.
Have you got any area's in mind yet?
Aug 31st 2006, 7:51 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by lizajeanoz
Hello (new here)
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
I'm an American, who has been living in Australia for the last 5 years. I'm in the process of moving back to the U.S., (following a marriage ending - and family there, blah, blah), but having a very difficult time coming to terms with going back to the U.S. I have always had a desire/dream/fascination with living in the countryside of England, and keep thinking maybe I should head there instead. I have a daughter, 8, who's coming with me. There's a lot a like about Australia, but after 5 years, just tired of living so far away from everywhere else I'ld like to experience. I have grown sons that live on the east coast of the U.S., so the U.K., is pretty convenient.
Is it recommended/difficult/impossible/mad for a single mother in her (late) 40's to live happily, educate her child well, and get the occasional date in the english countryside is the question I am asking?
Thank you for your input and honesty!
It completely depends on your circumstances, how much capital you will have to take with you, what you do for a living, where you plan on living in the UK and so on. There are advantages and disadvantages to everywhere.
Get some good advice, do lots of research and if at all possible do a reccie before committing. There are an awful lot of us that are going to or have gone to great lengths to get to Oz. Speaks for itself really.
Sue
Aug 31st 2006, 7:51 am
#11
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by mackinnon
Nothing to do with pushing buttons mate, for a long time on this forum I've pussy-footed round a lot of posts, but bored with that now. I expect that's what you are doing too.
Besides, when I saw the location under your avatar, I knew you had to be jesting about the U.K. being shit
Besides, when I saw the location under your avatar, I knew you had to be jesting about the U.K. being shit
Last edited by rossfive5; Aug 31st 2006 at 7:54 am.
Aug 31st 2006, 8:08 am
#12
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Location: A river somewhere
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Hey 600,000 eastern europeans cant be wrong
Hey 600,000 eastern europeans cant be wrong
Aug 31st 2006, 8:10 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by suebrennan
You need serious money behind you. If you have a nice home here you will be shocked at how little those dollars will buy you in the UK. Then there is that minor detail of the weather.
It completely depends on your circumstances, how much capital you will have to take with you, what you do for a living, where you plan on living in the UK and so on. There are advantages and disadvantages to everywhere.
Get some good advice, do lots of research and if at all possible do a reccie before committing. There are an awful lot of us that are going to or have gone to great lengths to get to Oz. Speaks for itself really.
Sue
It completely depends on your circumstances, how much capital you will have to take with you, what you do for a living, where you plan on living in the UK and so on. There are advantages and disadvantages to everywhere.
Get some good advice, do lots of research and if at all possible do a reccie before committing. There are an awful lot of us that are going to or have gone to great lengths to get to Oz. Speaks for itself really.
Sue
Aug 31st 2006, 8:33 am
#14
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Ive lived in London for the past 14 years -irish born. The english countryside would be a lovely place to live but with a drawback - the english themselves. They are the most withdrawn, judgmental, strange group of people I have ever met - after the lovely happy friendly Australians you are used to I think you would find it hard settling in England.
Louise
Louise
Aug 31st 2006, 8:41 am
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Re: Am I MAD To Want to Move To The U.K.?
Originally Posted by Louiselondon
Ive lived in London for the past 14 years -irish born. The english countryside would be a lovely place to live but with a drawback - the english themselves. They are the most withdrawn, judgmental, strange group of people I have ever met - after the lovely happy friendly Australians you are used to I think you would find it hard settling in England.
Louise
Louise
If i was from the USA and wanting to live in the UK to experience country cottages etc I'd head for wales..... rather than England.
You can get much closer to the romantic ideal there than you can in the British countryside (too expensive!) and you'll have more of a chance of being near the beach and the mountains... Try North Wales.
The locals can be a little "anti-English" but it's mostly harmless fun rather than bullying. I'm not sure how they (oh generalisation crazy) feel about Americans!
As for immigration... I've no idea... Sorry.