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-   -   Any regrets about moving back to the UK? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/rovers-return-111/any-regrets-about-moving-back-uk-838891/)

cheers Sep 22nd 2015 5:11 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by windsong (Post 11753630)
I have been back two months now and have no regrets. I am a bit frustrated because I am still waiting for a job. I got a bit stressed initially because there seemed to be a lot of bureaucracy to endure to get re-established but most of that is fine now.

The lifestyle is less materialistic here and I like that. I do miss the sun a bit but I can easily get around that one.

The food and supermarkets are wonderful.

After 30+ years in the USA, I honestly wonder where my life went because I can't remember very much of my time there. When I lived in the USA, I missed the UK every single day.

I am now where I belong.

Good post!

JakeSurrey Sep 25th 2015 7:43 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
Planning to move back from Calgary to the UK right now to be with family for a few years. Believe me - Calgary ain't great right now - not much work going round!

Richard8655 Sep 26th 2015 5:16 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by old.sparkles (Post 11358880)
Nope - visited a few times but never lived there. I also never made a sweeping statement about Americans :)

I've lived all my life in the U.S. since moving from the UK as a child. I confirm what Chris955 says. Americans are by and large flag-waving patriotic nut cases. I've endured a life of "love it or leave it", "we're the best country in the world", and the sense that American exceptionalism is assumed. Every other house in my neighborhood has the stars and stripes fluttering obnoxiously in the wind.

Yet they know nothing about the rest of the world.

I'm ready for some quiet civilized modesty when I move back. No more rednecks, guns, and flags for me. How's that for a sweeping statement (with respect).

themajor Sep 26th 2015 5:47 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
We have moved BACK to the UK on four occasions and could just not settle in to the miserly way of life. So been here in Cyprus for the last two years and loving every minute.

bearfacts Sep 26th 2015 8:33 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by themajor (Post 11758186)
We have moved BACK to the UK on four occasions and could just not settle in to the miserly way of life. So been here in Cyprus for the last two years and loving every minute.

If you don't mind me asking, what took you back 4 times to the UK before settling in Cyprus? That must've been a lot of upheaval for you. I'm sure Cyprus is a fine place, looks gorgeous.

themajor Sep 26th 2015 1:18 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by bearfacts (Post 11758230)
If you don't mind me asking, what took you back 4 times to the UK before settling in Cyprus? That must've been a lot of upheaval for you. I'm sure Cyprus is a fine place, looks gorgeous.

Each time my contract for work was finished, so back to blighty. I have to admit we deplore the place and are sad to say so.

windsong Sep 26th 2015 8:31 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by Richard8655 (Post 11758177)
I've lived all my life in the U.S. since moving from the UK as a child. I confirm what Chris955 says. Americans are by and large flag-waving patriotic nut cases. I've endured a life of "love it or leave it", "we're the best country in the world", and the sense that American exceptionalism is assumed. Every other house in my neighborhood has the stars and stripes fluttering obnoxiously in the wind.

Yet they know nothing about the rest of the world.

I'm ready for some quiet civilized modesty when I move back. No more rednecks, guns, and flags for me. How's that for a sweeping statement (with respect).

:goodpost::goodpost::goodpost:

Downton Gabby Sep 27th 2015 3:16 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by Richard8655 (Post 11758177)
I've lived all my life in the U.S. since moving from the UK as a child. I confirm what Chris955 says. Americans are by and large flag-waving patriotic nut cases. I've endured a life of "love it or leave it", "we're the best country in the world", and the sense that American exceptionalism is assumed. Every other house in my neighborhood has the stars and stripes fluttering obnoxiously in the wind.

Yet they know nothing about the rest of the world.

I'm ready for some quiet civilized modesty when I move back. No more rednecks, guns, and flags for me. How's that for a sweeping statement (with respect).

You've lived in the U.S. almost your entire life and you think all Americans are "patriotic nut cases"? That's quite a statement, I must say.

What's wrong with being patriotic? Does having a flag make one a "nut-case"? Wow.

I imagine you are also a U.S. citizen.

You've endured living in the U.S????????? Why haven't you left if it's just so awful?

I don't understand anyone saying such offensive things about an entire group of people, many of whom, I would imagine in your case, have been positive, integral parts of your life, yet you choose to say nasty things...but, I guess it just makes you feel good somehow, eh? Do you consider that some people that read those things might be Americans?

bearfacts Sep 27th 2015 7:40 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by themajor (Post 11758320)
Each time my contract for work was finished, so back to blighty. I have to admit we deplore the place and are sad to say so.

No Worries. As for UK life, I think it all depends on your circumstances and location. I have relatives and friends in Edinburgh and Manchester. They really enjoy those cities, good lifestyle and friends. Their kids are doing well. Then again know people in London who dislike the commute, pressure at work etc. Not to say London is bad as such, but yeah just depends on your situation. I've spent time up around the North West recently, Chester, North Wales, really nice, and friendly people. Of course you simply don't get the fine Med. climate you enjoy in Cyprus. But there's always easyjet for those quick holiday breaks...:)

Cheers.

Richard8655 Sep 28th 2015 12:48 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by Downton Gabby (Post 11758634)
You've lived in the U.S. almost your entire life and you think all Americans are "patriotic nut cases"? That's quite a statement, I must say.

What's wrong with being patriotic? Does having a flag make one a "nut-case"? Wow.

I imagine you are also a U.S. citizen.

You've endured living in the U.S????????? Why haven't you left if it's just so awful?

I don't understand anyone saying such offensive things about an entire group of people, many of whom, I would imagine in your case, have been positive, integral parts of your life, yet you choose to say nasty things...but, I guess it just makes you feel good somehow, eh? Do you consider that some people that read those things might be Americans?

Well, what an arrogant post. Sounds like "love it or leave it" has returned from the super patriotic rightwing. Freedom to express thoughts and opinions along with self-criticism is something they don't accept or understand.

I served in the military for 4 years putting my life on the line, followed by 25 years in the federal government. What did you do for your country besides sitting in your suburb, paying taxes, and waving your flag? What are you doing lurking at an expat forum and criticising those who don't meet your patriotic standards?

.

Jerseygirl Sep 28th 2015 12:55 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
Downton Gabby and Richard8655 please take your differences to PM...they have no place in this thread. Thank you.

themajor Sep 28th 2015 5:30 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by bearfacts (Post 11759088)
No Worries. As for UK life, I think it all depends on your circumstances and location. I have relatives and friends in Edinburgh and Manchester. They really enjoy those cities, good lifestyle and friends. Their kids are doing well. Then again know people in London who dislike the commute, pressure at work etc. Not to say London is bad as such, but yeah just depends on your situation. I've spent time up around the North West recently, Chester, North Wales, really nice, and friendly people. Of course you simply don't get the fine Med. climate you enjoy in Cyprus. But there's always easyjet for those quick holiday breaks...:)

Cheers.

Yes of course you are so right. There are parts of the UK that we love. It is just that living there as we did each time we returned ...Well we just could get into the UK way of life.

We have bee back for a five week holiday-that was a bit too long though. We loved the Yorkshire dales and the Lincolnshire wolds. As you say parts of the country are great. For us it is a NO NO.

Good luck:wave:

AllyS Oct 2nd 2015 1:49 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by katie97 (Post 11342332)
6 years in Calgary, nearly 3 years back home, only regret, we went to Canada in the first place !!!:rofl:

Looks like we will be in the same boat....we move back in Jan 2016 and will have been in Calgary for nearly 6 yrs.

scot47 Oct 4th 2015 4:47 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
I have no regrets about retiring and coming to live on a Scottish island. I do sometimes wish that those around me were a bit more clued up on the wider world. Maybe I should not be surprised if those living on an "insula" can be insular !

the troubadour Oct 6th 2015 5:35 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by Downton Gabby (Post 11758634)
You've lived in the U.S. almost your entire life and you think all Americans are "patriotic nut cases"? That's quite a statement, I must say. What's wrong with being patriotic? Does having a flag make one a "nut-case"? Wow. I imagine you are also a U.S. citizen. You've endured living in the U.S????????? Why haven't you left if it's just so awful? I don't understand anyone saying such offensive things about an entire group of people, many of whom, I would imagine in your case, have been positive, integral parts of your life, yet you choose to say nasty things...but, I guess it just makes you feel good somehow, eh? Do you consider that some people that read those things might be Americans?

The poster has every right to express their views. I thought Americans held that right highly? As for Americans may be reading what was written ...so what?
I find pretty much the same thing with Americans actually. Not the most favourable part of their DNA.

CitizenSmith Oct 10th 2015 2:44 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by windsong (Post 11753630)
I have been back two months now and have no regrets. I am a bit frustrated because I am still waiting for a job. I got a bit stressed initially because there seemed to be a lot of bureaucracy to endure to get re-established but most of that is fine now.

The lifestyle is less materialistic here and I like that. I do miss the sun a bit but I can easily get around that one.

The food and supermarkets are wonderful.

After 30+ years in the USA, I honestly wonder where my life went because I can't remember very much of my time there. When I lived in the USA, I missed the UK every single day.

I am now where I belong.

This is exactly how I think (hope) it will be, as I'm in the process of hopefully planning a move back with my young family. Despite having done a number of moves in my life, moving back to the UK this time, with my wife, two youngish kids, and two dogs - plus having a whole house of 'stuff' to sell off/ship back, feels very overwhelming.

My wife and I miss the UK, but have to admit that we have quite a nice life here in the USA. However...life does as you say, just seem to pass you by, with one day rolling into the next, then into months, then into years....and you wonder....what have we actually experienced that makes things memorable?

robin1234 Oct 11th 2015 12:51 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by scot47 (Post 11764533)
I have no regrets about retiring and coming to live on a Scottish island. I do sometimes wish that those around me were a bit more clued up on the wider world. Maybe I should not be surprised if those living on an "insula" can be insular !

You could've compromised, moved to a peninsular!

scot47 Oct 11th 2015 2:45 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
Edinburgh ? Ah, it must be nice to be surrounded by other English folk !

not2old Oct 11th 2015 5:13 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by scot47 (Post 11769622)
Edinburgh ? Ah, it must be nice to be surrounded by other English folk !

Scot47, was there any particular reason you chose Bute to settle, other than fewer English folks?

scot47 Oct 12th 2015 8:37 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
Bute has many residents from England. Popular destination for retirement and holidays. Bute has lots of suitable property - both for sale and for rental. That was a large factor in my choice. It is also quite feasible to live here without a car. In large parts of rural Scotland that is no longer the case. Mild climate in winter.

ScotInOz Oct 19th 2015 2:36 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
Hi all,

We have lived in Australia for 14 years. My wife and I are from Scotland and have two girls born here in Australia. We have really enjoyed a lot of our time in Australia and have made a life here way beyond what I ever imagined possible. Hard work and more education has payed off.

With all that, we miss family more every year. When it was just my wife and I it was all about travel, eating out, holidays and fun with friends. Once the kids came along, our friends changed as they do when your life changes like that.

We want for nothing materialistically but all that added up doesn't replace your family or feeling like you belong. Sometimes it would be nice not to be the people from somewhere else.

We have spent a long time thinking, researching and speaking to others that have returned to the UK. We have come to the conclusion that this decision is not one you can make up front with certainty of the outcome. Our plan is to go for 3 months and have someone house sit for us for 3 months. In that time we don't expect to experience the true feel of living there again. We can however possibly determine if the next bigger step of relocation is worth it.

Not everything can be theorised to a conclusion. Some things need to be experienced, felt and decisions made on that basis. We either will learn to hate it our love it. I see this as an investment into getting the "what if" out of our life. I believe the "what if" is stopping us settling down (which we want to do).

I think a lot of people hold themselves accountable up front for trying to determine what the right thing is to do. With most things, you plan it but other things happen you cannot be aware of or control. I don't think this is any different.

For me 80% of success is trying and the other 20% is having the courage to know when to give up an try something else.

Al

spouse of scouse Oct 19th 2015 4:35 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by ScotInOz (Post 11774499)
Hi all,

We have lived in Australia for 14 years. My wife and I are from Scotland and have two girls born here in Australia. We have really enjoyed a lot of our time in Australia and have made a life here way beyond what I ever imagined possible. Hard work and more education has payed off.

With all that, we miss family more every year. When it was just my wife and I it was all about travel, eating out, holidays and fun with friends. Once the kids came along, our friends changed as they do when your life changes like that.

We want for nothing materialistically but all that added up doesn't replace your family or feeling like you belong. Sometimes it would be nice not to be the people from somewhere else.

We have spent a long time thinking, researching and speaking to others that have returned to the UK. We have come to the conclusion that this decision is not one you can make up front with certainty of the outcome. Our plan is to go for 3 months and have someone house sit for us for 3 months. In that time we don't expect to experience the true feel of living there again. We can however possibly determine if the next bigger step of relocation is worth it.

Not everything can be theorised to a conclusion. Some things need to be experienced, felt and decisions made on that basis. We either will learn to hate it our love it. I see this as an investment into getting the "what if" out of our life. I believe the "what if" is stopping us settling down (which we want to do).

I think a lot of people hold themselves accountable up front for trying to determine what the right thing is to do. With most things, you plan it but other things happen you cannot be aware of or control. I don't think this is any different.

For me 80% of success is trying and the other 20% is having the courage to know when to give up an try something else.

Al

What a fantastic post. I think that you and your wife have a very happy future ahead of you, wherever it is you choose to hang your hats. Best of luck! :starsmile:

michali Oct 19th 2015 6:59 am

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by ScotInOz (Post 11774499)
Hi all,

We have lived in Australia for 14 years. My wife and I are from Scotland and have two girls born here in Australia. We have really enjoyed a lot of our time in Australia and have made a life here way beyond what I ever imagined possible. Hard work and more education has payed off.

With all that, we miss family more every year. When it was just my wife and I it was all about travel, eating out, holidays and fun with friends. Once the kids came along, our friends changed as they do when your life changes like that.

We want for nothing materialistically but all that added up doesn't replace your family or feeling like you belong. Sometimes it would be nice not to be the people from somewhere else.

We have spent a long time thinking, researching and speaking to others that have returned to the UK. We have come to the conclusion that this decision is not one you can make up front with certainty of the outcome. Our plan is to go for 3 months and have someone house sit for us for 3 months. In that time we don't expect to experience the true feel of living there again. We can however possibly determine if the next bigger step of relocation is worth it.

Not everything can be theorised to a conclusion. Some things need to be experienced, felt and decisions made on that basis. We either will learn to hate it our love it. I see this as an investment into getting the "what if" out of our life. I believe the "what if" is stopping us settling down (which we want to do).

I think a lot of people hold themselves accountable up front for trying to determine what the right thing is to do. With most things, you plan it but other things happen you cannot be aware of or control. I don't think this is any different.

For me 80% of success is trying and the other 20% is having the courage to know when to give up an try something else.

Al

:goodpost:

pippalonghorn Oct 21st 2015 4:35 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
We returned home to the UK just over a year ago. We made the right decision for us at that time. I do love the UK but I am finding myself getting itchy feet again! Maybe Europe next time!

themajor Oct 21st 2015 6:36 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 

Originally Posted by pippalonghorn (Post 11776563)
We returned home to the UK just over a year ago. We made the right decision for us at that time. I do love the UK but I am finding myself getting itchy feet again! Maybe Europe next time!


Thats what kept happening to us. Now settled in Cyprus BUT we keep exploring other places and return here.

scot47 Oct 24th 2015 4:07 pm

Re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
 
You are lucky to have the options. I have been reading the threads on "Desperate to Migrate to the USA" and similar threads posted by people who do not have the necessary skills or capital to move abroad.


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