Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
Mar 18th 2011, 10:12 am
#76
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Location: Gaadnah MA
Posts: 597
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
I have to say I haven't found this at all.
Mar 18th 2011, 11:14 pm
#78
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: England
Posts: 118
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
I have very positive memories of the States, but I can also see why others have negative views (many of which I sympathise with - health care, social care, etc.). One of the good things about this part of the site is that, other than occasionally being scolded for getting off-topic 
people aren't too precious about what you can and can't say.
people aren't too precious about what you can and can't say.
Mar 18th 2011, 11:28 pm
#79
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,010
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
"Sorry, hubby, we have to divorce because I can't possibly move with you to your homeland as it would mean I can't complain about the healthcare system". Now THAT would be silly ...
Besides, there are plenty of USC's who complain about US healthcare. Is complaining about the US only the prerogative of US citizens?
Last edited by dunroving; Mar 18th 2011 at 11:35 pm.
Mar 18th 2011, 11:43 pm
#80
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,477
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
I came here to meet father had not seen for 20 years. I think my reason was personal but also a necessity..
Mar 18th 2011, 11:47 pm
#81
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
Maybe a lot of Brits don't go to the US through personal choice - have you read many of the threads on the US forum?
"Sorry, hubby, we have to divorce because I can't possibly move with you to your homeland as it would mean I can't complain about the healthcare system". Now THAT would be silly ...
Besides, there are plenty of USC's who complain about US healthcare. Is complaining about the US only the prerogative of US citizens?
"Sorry, hubby, we have to divorce because I can't possibly move with you to your homeland as it would mean I can't complain about the healthcare system". Now THAT would be silly ...
Besides, there are plenty of USC's who complain about US healthcare. Is complaining about the US only the prerogative of US citizens?
Mar 19th 2011, 1:17 am
#82
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,547
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
Maybe a lot of Brits don't go to the US through personal choice - have you read many of the threads on the US forum?
"Sorry, hubby, we have to divorce because I can't possibly move with you to your homeland as it would mean I can't complain about the healthcare system". Now THAT would be silly ...
Besides, there are plenty of USC's who complain about US healthcare. Is complaining about the US only the prerogative of US citizens?
"Sorry, hubby, we have to divorce because I can't possibly move with you to your homeland as it would mean I can't complain about the healthcare system". Now THAT would be silly ...
Besides, there are plenty of USC's who complain about US healthcare. Is complaining about the US only the prerogative of US citizens?
Mar 19th 2011, 3:01 am
#83
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 2,060
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
.
Mar 19th 2011, 12:52 pm
#84
Just hanging around
Joined: May 2008
Location: Back in England
Posts: 1,447
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
Re Americans not thinking anywhere else matters, or really exists.
I've found that. Not with all, of course, but a surprising number. It's not conscious. They simply never see meaningful input from anywhere else, and don't get world history in school. I've been told they invented democracy, and someone assured me that the British people supported the Americans in the Revolution. That it was only bad King George and the worst parts of his army that caused any trouble. Is that what they're taught?
A reasonably educated friend was surprised that Normandy wasn't part of Britain. She'd assumed the Norman Conquest involved crossing a river into England. And another, very intelligent friend, said she'd love to follow world history, but there was just too much going on within America for her to have the time. "It's a big country," she said, as if I might not have noticed.
I replied that it was a big country being seriously affected by things going on elsewhere. She didn't really get that then, but she's changed her news-following in recent years.
Bev
I've found that. Not with all, of course, but a surprising number. It's not conscious. They simply never see meaningful input from anywhere else, and don't get world history in school. I've been told they invented democracy, and someone assured me that the British people supported the Americans in the Revolution. That it was only bad King George and the worst parts of his army that caused any trouble. Is that what they're taught?
A reasonably educated friend was surprised that Normandy wasn't part of Britain. She'd assumed the Norman Conquest involved crossing a river into England. And another, very intelligent friend, said she'd love to follow world history, but there was just too much going on within America for her to have the time. "It's a big country," she said, as if I might not have noticed.
I replied that it was a big country being seriously affected by things going on elsewhere. She didn't really get that then, but she's changed her news-following in recent years.
Bev
Mar 19th 2011, 1:06 pm
#85
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,547
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
Re Americans not thinking anywhere else matters, or really exists.
I've found that. Not with all, of course, but a surprising number. It's not conscious. They simply never see meaningful input from anywhere else, and don't get world history in school. I've been told they invented democracy, and someone assured me that the British people supported the Americans in the Revolution. That it was only bad King George and the worst parts of his army that caused any trouble. Is that what they're taught?
A reasonably educated friend was surprised that Normandy wasn't part of Britain. She'd assumed the Norman Conquest involved crossing a river into England. And another, very intelligent friend, said she'd love to follow world history, but there was just too much going on within America for her to have the time. "It's a big country," she said, as if I might not have noticed.
I replied that it was a big country being seriously affected by things going on elsewhere. She didn't really get that then, but she's changed her news-following in recent years.
Bev
I've found that. Not with all, of course, but a surprising number. It's not conscious. They simply never see meaningful input from anywhere else, and don't get world history in school. I've been told they invented democracy, and someone assured me that the British people supported the Americans in the Revolution. That it was only bad King George and the worst parts of his army that caused any trouble. Is that what they're taught?
A reasonably educated friend was surprised that Normandy wasn't part of Britain. She'd assumed the Norman Conquest involved crossing a river into England. And another, very intelligent friend, said she'd love to follow world history, but there was just too much going on within America for her to have the time. "It's a big country," she said, as if I might not have noticed.
I replied that it was a big country being seriously affected by things going on elsewhere. She didn't really get that then, but she's changed her news-following in recent years.
Bev
The terrible thing about the way they teach history in schools here is that it is infantilising and didactic.. certainly not a good introduction to historical scholarship & research methods that are expected of students when they get to the University...
Mar 19th 2011, 1:06 pm
#86
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,010
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
Re Americans not thinking anywhere else matters, or really exists.
I've found that. Not with all, of course, but a surprising number. It's not conscious. They simply never see meaningful input from anywhere else, and don't get world history in school. I've been told they invented democracy, and someone assured me that the British people supported the Americans in the Revolution. That it was only bad King George and the worst parts of his army that caused any trouble. Is that what they're taught?
A reasonably educated friend was surprised that Normandy wasn't part of Britain. She'd assumed the Norman Conquest involved crossing a river into England. And another, very intelligent friend, said she'd love to follow world history, but there was just too much going on within America for her to have the time. "It's a big country," she said, as if I might not have noticed.
I replied that it was a big country being seriously affected by things going on elsewhere. She didn't really get that then, but she's changed her news-following in recent years.
Bev
I've found that. Not with all, of course, but a surprising number. It's not conscious. They simply never see meaningful input from anywhere else, and don't get world history in school. I've been told they invented democracy, and someone assured me that the British people supported the Americans in the Revolution. That it was only bad King George and the worst parts of his army that caused any trouble. Is that what they're taught?
A reasonably educated friend was surprised that Normandy wasn't part of Britain. She'd assumed the Norman Conquest involved crossing a river into England. And another, very intelligent friend, said she'd love to follow world history, but there was just too much going on within America for her to have the time. "It's a big country," she said, as if I might not have noticed.
I replied that it was a big country being seriously affected by things going on elsewhere. She didn't really get that then, but she's changed her news-following in recent years.
Bev
Mar 19th 2011, 1:15 pm
#87
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,547
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
Fortunately, I think this Rep Peter King with his Congressional Hearings singling out Muslims as terrorist-supporters is shooting himself in the foot... ordinary Americans are being made aware of the degree of support that King and other powerful "Irish-Americans" gave to terrorists during the troubles, as recently as the 1970s and 80s..
Mar 19th 2011, 10:59 pm
#88
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
I have lived in California, USA now for nearly 8 years. I have never really adjusted from my old life back in England.
After much soul searching I have broken silence to my wife that I cannot spend the rest of my life in California. I think it will take some time for her to come around. But we will be moving within the next 2 years once I finish college.
One of the biggest issues for me is that I miss my family back home and I have no quality of life here.
Weather: In Northern California it rains just as much as England. And similar grey sky. The summers are great but Autumn, Winter and Spring are cool cold and damp. Everyone moans about the weather, but it is not much better over here.
Work: I get decent money for IT work. But America is crazy about work. I get 10 holidays per year (which I have to earn) compared to 27 I used to get at my old job in England. At first this is not a big deal as you are generally excited to be in a new country, but after time in really gets to me and I am constantly tired and burnt out. Yes you can take weekend breaks but as I say over time you get worn down. There is not light at the end of the tunnel and I cannot continue to work like this for another 30+ years of my life.
Can you imagine going on a 2 week holiday and then being told you cannot do that again for another year and have no time off in between either. Think hard about that if you decide to live in the USA.
You may also say why not go contracting? Great, but then I get no health care coverage...
Healthcare: Why would you move from England where you get healthcare coverage even if you have no job to a country where you could be paying an average of $500.00 USD per month for health care. Or get a permanent job in the USA where the company gives you health coverage but it may not cover everything you need. It's like buying car insurance. Check the small print and see what you are covered for.
There are more reasons but this is the main reasons for leaving. I am worried about not re-adjusting to life back in the UK, but I fear I have no other choice now as I feel tired with America.
I also personally have made few friends, due to lack of free time. The only friends I have is my wife, my animals and another expat who lives close to me. I have an uncle and cousin that live 1 hour away. I wish I could see them more, but again I have no real free time or decent vacation. It can be lonely living here and disconnected.
I try to integrate myself and have friends at work, but I never feel really part of their culture. I am not even sure if America has any defining culture. It's a mix bag. I do miss my culture.
The one thing I have gained by this whole experience is the appreciation of my own culture, history and more knowledge of Britain.
I do like the US people, but I do feel sorry for them and how they could have so much more but are sold the American dream which is a dream.
Now I just need to try and salvage the value of my house in a sale,figure how to get my dog and cat back to England and some cash on the hip.
Thankfully, I am working on a career exit strategy to earn more cash when I return back home.
After much soul searching I have broken silence to my wife that I cannot spend the rest of my life in California. I think it will take some time for her to come around. But we will be moving within the next 2 years once I finish college.
One of the biggest issues for me is that I miss my family back home and I have no quality of life here.
Weather: In Northern California it rains just as much as England. And similar grey sky. The summers are great but Autumn, Winter and Spring are cool cold and damp. Everyone moans about the weather, but it is not much better over here.
Work: I get decent money for IT work. But America is crazy about work. I get 10 holidays per year (which I have to earn) compared to 27 I used to get at my old job in England. At first this is not a big deal as you are generally excited to be in a new country, but after time in really gets to me and I am constantly tired and burnt out. Yes you can take weekend breaks but as I say over time you get worn down. There is not light at the end of the tunnel and I cannot continue to work like this for another 30+ years of my life.
Can you imagine going on a 2 week holiday and then being told you cannot do that again for another year and have no time off in between either. Think hard about that if you decide to live in the USA.
You may also say why not go contracting? Great, but then I get no health care coverage...
Healthcare: Why would you move from England where you get healthcare coverage even if you have no job to a country where you could be paying an average of $500.00 USD per month for health care. Or get a permanent job in the USA where the company gives you health coverage but it may not cover everything you need. It's like buying car insurance. Check the small print and see what you are covered for.
There are more reasons but this is the main reasons for leaving. I am worried about not re-adjusting to life back in the UK, but I fear I have no other choice now as I feel tired with America.
I also personally have made few friends, due to lack of free time. The only friends I have is my wife, my animals and another expat who lives close to me. I have an uncle and cousin that live 1 hour away. I wish I could see them more, but again I have no real free time or decent vacation. It can be lonely living here and disconnected.
I try to integrate myself and have friends at work, but I never feel really part of their culture. I am not even sure if America has any defining culture. It's a mix bag. I do miss my culture.
The one thing I have gained by this whole experience is the appreciation of my own culture, history and more knowledge of Britain.
I do like the US people, but I do feel sorry for them and how they could have so much more but are sold the American dream which is a dream.
Now I just need to try and salvage the value of my house in a sale,figure how to get my dog and cat back to England and some cash on the hip.
Thankfully, I am working on a career exit strategy to earn more cash when I return back home.
There is a thread in the forum - somewhere - about how to take your pet back on the Queen Mary - turns out to be less expensive. You do the quarantine out of your own home here in the USA. They have to have a certain UK-accepted microchip and tests for rabies through an org called something like DFEA. MUCH better than six months quarantine in the UK. You can take them back either on the plane with you or by ship so long as they have been through the DFEA process which is merely shots and tests six months before departure, I believe.
Mar 19th 2011, 11:55 pm
#89
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
I've heard the same, many times.
Mar 20th 2011, 12:29 am
#90
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: England
Posts: 118
Re: Pretty sure we are moving back to England from the USA
I agree .. my wife was born & brought up in America, I moved here voluntarily as a mature adult. We both complain bitterly about the health care system, piss-poor public transport, inhumane bureaucracy, lousy infrastructure etc. etc. Does she somehow have more right to complain than me, just because I came here voluntarily? I don't think so.