British Expats

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-   -   Is it even worth going back? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/sand-pit-116/even-worth-going-back-925276/)

Mr Cenary May 27th 2019 3:54 pm

Is it even worth going back?
 
This is what I find myself thinking each time I return from London. Life here isn’t perfect but it’s easier, simpler, with better weather, safer and with an interesting mix of approachable people. Oh and we don’t pay income tax still.

hnd May 28th 2019 6:12 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 
The UK leaves us feeling despondent and depressed, much like the majority of our family and friends who are there. The place has gone into the toilet since we left in 2005 and, while things are by no means perfect here, we would far rather be in Muscat than there. To be honest, the thought of moving back fills us with dread. Having said that though the seven year itch is getting to us. We’re both mid 60s and retired, and reckon we have at least one more big move left in us, so we’re planning on moving further east - to KL - where we can get a ten year visa (MM2H) and explore more of SE Asia.

nottmbantam May 28th 2019 7:49 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 
We left in 2008, just before the economic crash, and things don't seem to have improved much since then. Similarly, the thought of moving is at times exciting - being closer to the (grown up) kids and parents ( growing older ) , but then thought of actually living there and grinding out an existence is quite heartbreaking. My line of work is in HR so in KSA with their Saudisation laws, it's one of those occupations that's almost impossible for a non Saudi to find and hang onto. Contract expires next year, and if we could find somewhere else to move to, I think we'd both jump at it.

nonthaburi May 28th 2019 8:47 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 
After nearly twenty years as an expat, I find myself wanting to spend more and more time in the UK, but not all the time. I think ideally I'd do six months in UK in the warmer months, and six months in Thailand in the UK winter months which coincides with cooler thai months.

UK isn't perfect, but everyone speaks English, is polite, and isn't trying to rip you off generally. I also like the variation of weather and landscapes in the UK. I wouldn't want to work there, but for retirement it's okay by me.

UKCityGent May 28th 2019 10:55 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by nonthaburi (Post 12690103)
..I find myself wanting to spend more and more time in the UK, but not all the time. I think ideally I'd do six months in UK in the warmer months, and six months in XXX...

UK isn't perfect, but everyone speaks English, is polite, and isn't trying to rip you off generally. I also like the variation of weather and landscapes in the UK. I wouldn't want to work there, but for retirement it's okay by me.

+ 1 (not sure where i would do the winter 6 months though)

Johnnyboy11 May 28th 2019 12:37 pm

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by UKCityGent (Post 12690159)
+ 1 (not sure where i would do the winter 6 months though)

Andalucia, Spain? Decent weather, great food, 3hr flight from Malaga to the UK. Reasonable property prices just now.

scrubbedexpat141 May 29th 2019 6:03 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Johnnyboy11 (Post 12690199)
Andalucia, Spain? Decent weather, great food, 3hr flight from Malaga to the UK. Reasonable property prices just now.

Yeah but think of the kind of Brits that reside there already. Barry and Margaret from Wigan, they look like leather, drink cheap pisswine and talk about 'the blacks'.

Shudder.

UKCityGent May 29th 2019 7:38 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 12690657)
Yeah but think of the kind of Brits that reside there already. Barry and Margaret from Wigan, they look like leather, drink cheap pisswine and talk about 'the blacks'.

Shudder.

LOL You have the makings of a wonderful snob LOL

scrubbedexpat141 May 29th 2019 7:59 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by UKCityGent (Post 12690684)
LOL You have the makings of a wonderful snob LOL

I just got goosebumps at the compliment. :wub:

Moses2013 May 29th 2019 9:50 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 12690657)
Yeah but think of the kind of Brits that reside there already. Barry and Margaret from Wigan, they look like leather, drink cheap pisswine and talk about 'the blacks'.

Shudder.

Well you can still find other parts and Günther & Ingrid aren't that bad. At least they know what a decent beer is and use sunscreen. The weather further North can also be pleasant with nice scenery too.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...37e8e7328c.png

Millhouse May 29th 2019 9:57 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Moses2013 (Post 12690724)
Well you can still find other parts and Günther & Ingrid aren't that bad. At least they know what a decent beer is and use sunscreen. The weather further North can also be pleasant with nice scenery too.

I cant wait to go - have my full English and beer each morning before getting on my scooter to go and play boules in the afternoon.


scrubbedexpat141 May 29th 2019 9:58 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Moses2013 (Post 12690724)
Well you can still find other parts and Günther & Ingrid aren't that bad. At least they know what a decent beer is and use sunscreen. The weather further North can also be pleasant with nice scenery too.

I'd rather live surrounded by Germans in Germany than the typical Spain-dwelling-Brit.


Moses2013 May 29th 2019 10:04 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Millhouse (Post 12690731)


I cant wait to go - have my full English and beer each morning before getting on my scooter to go and play boules in the afternoon.


Sorry but where Günther & Ingrid are, you actually won't find it easy to get a full English and no mobility scooters either. I prefer the Full Irish anyway, as you also get a white pudding and better butter.

Millhouse May 29th 2019 12:51 pm

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Moses2013 (Post 12690734)
Sorry but where Günther & Ingrid are, you actually won't find it easy to get a full English and no mobility scooters either. I prefer the Full Irish anyway, as you also get a white pudding and better butter.

I’m not interested in being near the Germans. And I’ll be using a 50cc not a mobility scooter.

scrubbedexpat141 May 30th 2019 5:40 am

Re: Is it even worth going back?
 

Originally Posted by Millhouse (Post 12690803)


I’m not interested in being near the Germans. And I’ll be using a 50cc not a mobility scooter.

I bloody love the Germans, they're fantastic.

When you set up your dodgy accountancy in Spain though, will you need some sort of locally based, very VERY well paid HR / recruitment type support? Maybe an add on sell? We could be the next KPMG.....


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