How's it going for you so far?

The biggest PITA for me so far is losing my NI number. Takes forever to get it sent to you in the post and my hands are tied until then. Luckily a friend has given me a wee job in the meantime to fill the gap. I'll be taking notes on a court case at the Old Bailey next week thank goodness. Was getting stir crazy . Other than that I'm ecstatic to be home!!

Can the DHSS not just give you it over the phone? My Dad called them from Canada, provided them with his last UK address & within minutes they called him back having found his number in the system.

I just went into the Jobcentre and gave them my last address in England (1986) and voila........my number popped up on their computer screen.

Tried calling, tried the job centre and was given a number to ring. They sent me a form (took 10 working days to arrive) which I've sent back and then I have to wait another 2 weeks for the number. Silly thing is that I remember all but 2 of the digits. I could kick myself right now!

I may try another job centre tomorrow. Maybe I'll have better luck. Thanks guys!

I'll see if I can get you a number, my Dad, who still lives in Canada, has recently had to contact the office in Newcastle with regard to his pension. They've always been very helpful.

Just FYI you can start work without an NI number.

Squirrel's right you can. Apparently you are taxed at a higher rate until such time as you provide it - that info came direct from their office. Shazban - I've pm'd you a phone #

That's not true about being taxed at a higher rate. Having or not having an NI number has nothing to do with the tax rate. The tax is decided by what statement you tick on the P46 or by what tax code is on the P45 you present. (I've worked in Payroll for over 22 years).

I'll be on Air New Zealand from LAX to London tomorrow after 10 long years and 2 kids to move in with my sister (in her 1 bed flat). DH is staying behind to sort out our apartment. Once he comes over we'll rent somewhere and start looking for jobs.

My daughter will start school on Wednesday and I need to get a nursery place for my son.

Am totally stressed and feel sick to my stomach but still think we are doing the right thing. My in-laws are totally against it and think we are stupid.

Good luck to everyone else going through this torture, I wish I had never left all those years ago!

Bon Voyage!

It's a bloody long trip but, having just arrived myself, it is wonderful being back in the land of the living!

Thanks Quoll.

I feel so sick and anxious, please let this move turn out to be the right move for us.

I will try to update once I'm back.

Thanks to everyone for holding my hand lately.

Aw good luck.. you will be fine, just keep an open mind and what ever you do please give it time.... at least 6 months.

Quoll are you home for a visit!?

Thanks, in my head I'm going to give us year. I know there'll be bad days, moving into my sister's one with 2 kids is not going to be easy but as soon as DH arrives we will rent somewhere and start job hunting.

Good luck to all who are on this journey!!

Yup, two glorious months ahead of me. Sadly my mum is in hospital this week and my son is getting married on Friday so not sure if she will be able to make the wedding. I love it and feel like I am on the right planet at last. People have universally been great - more casual chats in the past 3 days than in the past 3 months in Aus. The grandkids have taken to it like a duck to water, the kids have been wowed by the car boot sales and farmers' markets and we havent even really started to get doing all the touristy things.

quoll..... I am sorry about your Mum I hope she gets better soon. Hope the wedding is the best and the weather is perfect. Two months make sure you get the most of it. My thoughts are with you.