Is it even worth going back?
May 27th 2019, 4:54 pm
#1
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12
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.
May 28th 2019, 7:12 am
#2
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Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Muscat, Oman
Posts: 1,125
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.
May 28th 2019, 8:49 am
#3
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Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Riyadh.
Posts: 1,882
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.
May 28th 2019, 9:47 am
#4
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Buraydah , Saudi Arabia
Posts: 2,297
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.
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.
May 28th 2019, 11:55 am
#5
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Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 1,167
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by nonthaburi
..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.
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.
May 28th 2019, 1:37 pm
#6
Onwards and Upwards!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 772
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by UKCityGent
+ 1 (not sure where i would do the winter 6 months though)
May 29th 2019, 7:03 am
#7
WWLLCJD?
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Dubai
Posts: 22,706
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Johnnyboy11
Andalucia, Spain? Decent weather, great food, 3hr flight from Malaga to the UK. Reasonable property prices just now.
Shudder.
May 29th 2019, 8:38 am
#8
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Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 1,167
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Scamp
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.
Shudder.
May 29th 2019, 10:50 am
#10
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3,842
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Scamp
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.
Shudder.
May 29th 2019, 10:57 am
#11
Millhouse is not a meme
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Disneyland, Dubai
Posts: 14,950
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Moses2013
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.
May 29th 2019, 10:58 am
#12
WWLLCJD?
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Dubai
Posts: 22,706
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Moses2013
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.
May 29th 2019, 11:04 am
#13
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3,842
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Millhouse
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.
May 29th 2019, 1:51 pm
#14
Millhouse is not a meme
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Disneyland, Dubai
Posts: 14,950
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Moses2013
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.
May 30th 2019, 6:40 am
#15
WWLLCJD?
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Dubai
Posts: 22,706
Re: Is it even worth going back?
Originally Posted by Millhouse
I’m not interested in being near the Germans. And I’ll be using a 50cc not a mobility scooter.
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.....
