Originally Posted by chance to be

Tracey, if its any consolation to you, heres how my first year and a bit back home has been. OH DIDNT want to come back. Came back because of me. Sometimes when things were hard, I'd catch an expression on his face and thinks he hates it/resents me etc etc and boy, was it hard to keep it all together.
I went into overdrive like a demented tour guide for the UK (spent a fortune) arranging things to do we couldnt in Perth to help see the good in moving back. So, in a year we have been to 3 different European city breaks, the theatre, gigs etc and it has been much more fulfilling than we ever did in the UK before we left - and what we ever did in Perth for that matter. The kids, with no word of a lie are in fantastic schools and have a varied out-of-school activities. They are happy. They miss the "holiday weather" of Perth and the feeling of being on holiday that goes with it but thats it. They go out on their own and it is as safe as anywhere else.
Anyway, fast forward a year. As you know, I never got C-Ship, like you and regret it terribly. If I had it, I think I would be ok now....but the guilt I have (that you feel too) is still here. But you have C Ship so an easy option to return - you havent deprived your family of anything. You are just giving them an opportunity to experience a different lifestyle again, which they can or cannot choose long term.I applied recently for a job in Perth. I didnt get it - but my reasoning was, "if we can go back one year and i get the C Ship", it wasnt all for nothing after all. Its the guilt and sense of failure talking. BUT, and this is the important BUT for you, Tracey, When I told OH, id applied for a job, he said theres no way he'd want to go back to Perth now and cant even think about it. He said, "why when lifes on track here after all this upheaval." He said what can we get there (apart from weather) that we cant achieve or havent already got here.? So, it took a good year - but he's settled. I dont know if its cos I was the instigator in all this that I'll ever get over the guilt/regret (in that sense, its made no difference what country Im in) but, for him....he has moved on and is happy with his life.
Yours will be too (but it takes a lot of effort and patience)
Try not to worry
If you set shorter term plans (2yrs at a time maybe?), then it seems more manageable and a heap less scarey.
A Happy and productive year to you
Chrissy

Originally Posted by pommybird

Ditto to that Chrissy - my OH did not want to come back to the UK AT ALL but 16 months down the line he is happy and settled here (although unlike yours he would deffo go back to Perth given the chance!) - as for guilt - well that's just all part of being a Mum I think - whatever we do we feel a certain amount of guilt - are we doing the right thing for the kids etc etc. but at some point we must think about ourselves and our needs.

Me and the OH had many many arguments about the whole Perth/UK thing but it all came good in the end.

Originally Posted by pommybird

Tracey - How do you know crime, muggings etc are more prolific in the UK? What can I say that I haven't said before - it's all just a load of media garabage!

I must admit one of the main reasons we moved to Perth in the first place was because we felt our kids would have a better life out there - we were worried about drugs, anti social beahviour, the stressed out education system etc. all not being perfect enough in the UK for our little darlings!

Once out in Oz I realised what a crock of sh*t it all was - life for them was no better in Oz - and in fact I felt they missed out big time not having family around and I was not impressed with the education system at all! I also realised their lives in the UK had been pretty damn good but I had just let the media rule my head and was totally taken in by all the crap constantly in the papers and on the telly (GMTV in particular!)

Like everyone says you've got to pick your areas in the UK but isn't the same true in Perth! I know there are some places I would not have stepped foot in in Perth!

We have been home for 16 months now and my kids are happier than ever - they are both loving and thriving in school, they play outside most days - if it's cold they wrap up - we spend days on the beach, at the park, in the New Forest - to say kids don't play outside 'cos of the dangers from weirdos is just bloody ridiculous (not having a go at you but whoever has told you this!). And when it is cold we can cosy up in the evening with the central heating on full blast and watch some decent telly!

But more than all that the kids have cousins, grandparents and uncles that love them very much and can be part of their lives as they grow up.

I know you've been deliberating for a while now and at then end of the day only you and you OH can make the decision but please don't let all this 'nonsense' about the UK put you off - 'cos that's what it is - complete nonsense!

Anyway best of luck with the decision making - it'll all come good you'll see!

Originally Posted by ezzie

Can anyone suggest an area of Britain that's not too inaffordable for housing, isn't crime ridden and close to major cities for jobs...yes, I know, if there was a perfect recipe for this, everyone would be there - but I'd be grateful for suggestions. Already someone mentioned St Albans. We're originally from a nice part, near Birmingham but would prefer to be a bit further out from Brum. Have loved everyone's comments and wish you were all our neighbours...wouldn't have to move then!

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl

I just want to wish everyone who is going through turmoil and those of you who have gone through it and come out at the end successfully,............

'A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY, DECISIVE, FRIGGING NEW YEAR'.


http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/2125/meeeepx3.gif

Originally Posted by TraceyW

Hiya...we originally come from near Brum...Bromsgrove to be exact. The house prices there aren't too bad, about 225k plus for a 4 bed detached. If you stick south Bromsgrove the high school there is pretty good. My niece came out with some decent A levels. It's close enough away from Brum not to be close if you get my drift.

Alternatively, you could head for mid Devon villages. Affordable (250k plus, four bed det) and fab high school in Uffculme. SATS results as high as private schools! Close to Exeter and Plymouth. Cullompton is closest town, then Tiverton a bit further on. Both decent places.

Originally Posted by ezzie

Thanks Tracey,
Prices aren't too bad "225K" Yikes!

I think we'd get around 250K if we're lucky for our place in Sydney - which has 6 bedrooms, swimming pool, backs onto creek etc. I presume the 225K would get us a small 3 bed semi-detached?

I shall check out the places you mention. Pretty hard to plan anything without knowing the places hubby could get a job though. Ideally, I love Wiltshire and Dorset but would probably be better off nearish Brum as most family & friends are there...mind you, so are the in-laws which is reason enough to steer clear!!!!

In the doldrums today and just keep crying at people...miss the Pommy banter and country walks so badly. But then there's so much that's better here...not even talking about the weather. I can't believe I'm saying this but I think Local and National gov't's just function better in Oz than the UK...I'm still recovering from finding pay & display parking 'everywhere' in England...even in the middle of nowhere, it seems you can't pass wind without being clamped and fined (my husband would stand no chance!)

Originally Posted by Elvira

Are you guys for real...............talk about trivialities...

Originally Posted by Elvira

Happy New Year, Sweetheart.

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl

...and the same to you Elvira. Enjoy your trip back.

I agree with Elvira, some things that have been said are only trivialities and you may find that some of these things have changed for the better if you go back. I know I did on our last trip home. As for paying to park your car, that's a local tax and I have found Australia to be the tax capital. Tax on second hand cars, FID is a tax, tax on childrens books, school text books etc. much higher income tax, so come on people, it's swing and roundabouts.

Originally Posted by ezzie

Was back in the UK in June, that's how I discovered how expensive things have become. Parking fees and clamping seem to be in the UK news a lot so it seems I'm not the only one irked by it. One person's trivia may be important to others...and helpful to know that others feel the same, so please, let us 'de-burden' in peace. Live & Let Live and all that.

Originally Posted by St.Georges Girl

...and the same to you Elvira. Enjoy your trip back.

I agree with Elvira, some things that have been said are only trivialities and you may find that some of these things have changed for the better if you go back. I know I did on our last trip home. As for paying to park your car, that's a local tax and I have found Australia to be the tax capital. Tax on second hand cars, FID is a tax, tax on childrens books, school text books etc. much higher income tax, so come on people, it's swing and roundabouts.