Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

Don't you mean "Pils"?

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

Nope, I was thinking more along the lines of Lloyd Bridges playing the part of the Air-Trffic Controller in "Airplane." - :)


Jim.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

Leaving to move back has been considered. My husband is ready to go anyday. But, we're down to only a couple months rent in the bank and thats it. It's scary to think that in a couple months we would have nothing - absolutely nothing. I know that the UK takes care of their people but I would think that stress would be worse than what we have now? Don't know.

Couldn't move in with family - they don't even have room for us when we visit!

We have no reserves. In this economy with his limited job skills he would have a hard time getting a job. And the year before we moved here, 2011, I tried to get jobs and had no success - in any field. I got the feeling that they would hire locals before hiring me, an American.

It's too risky giving up our only income source. I'm thinking that our 2 yr olds toys just get more and more expensive.

I've supported him on the option to leave and go back to try and find work while we stay here. We'll see how it goes.

This first year back flying you don't make much but in another 3-5 years it's a great living. And the benefits are fantastic. Flying for free around the world is hard to give up to go work at ASDA. This is my hubby's issue too - very conflicted.

Thanks again for the chat...Think that happy pills might be a good solution...maybe mix them in with his Cheerios

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

I'm tempted to say, given both your ages, the UK might be a better bet. Heathcare as you've found out is expensive even if you have good insurance. One incident could set you back several thousand. I know, it happened to me 3 years ago. Even though you may earn more here, you don't have the worry "what if' at the back of your mind if the worst happens (no job etc). You're only ever 6 months away from loosing the FAA medical (I lost mine in 2010, took 6 months to get it back).

Having said that, I also agree that UK and Europe are ageist. I was told many years ago that even at late 30's I probably wouldn't progress beyond flying a turboprop in UK. That was another reason for remaining here for me. And yes, flying stacking shelves at ASDA can't compare to flying a plane for a living. If you do decide to go back, check out flying corporate jets. I know there are quite a few operators offshore in the Channel Islands, often on N-regs. They tend to be less worried by age and older age is often viewed as a positive factor.

It's a tough decision. Good luck.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

It's a scary thought - to lose a medical. So true about just not knowing if and when it could happen.

We do have a good insurance plan but could still be in a situation that costs us a lot of money. I do have permanent residence, for the time being, in the UK so I do feel a bit of comfort in that fact.

Maybe the best of both worlds is living over there and commuting to the US to work. I would miss my son terribly - would only see him a few days a month but maybe that would solve things in the short term. I have my JAA - Full ATPL so I'm eligible for any job that would come up. I've been trying network with some corporate pilots - that market seems to be all about who you know.

We need some luck on our side right now...

Cheers

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

Corporate aviation is very much who you know. A very recent example of that and being in the right place at the right time. One of our long time pilots just left for a bizjet job earlier this year. He got it because he took his truck into the shop for an oil change, got chatting to another customer while waiting discussing drywall techniques (yes really LOL). Turned out the guy owned a jet charter company in the same town! It's often that way breaking into corporate jobs.

Ryan International used to have a base in Manchester UK. They employed US Citizens typically and based them in MAN. I believe they went bust recently though. Check out Atlas/Polar. They fly extensively in Europe and worldwide. They might base in UK, I'm not sure.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

I'm also married to a Scot. My husband is from Carnoustie. The first year here was pretty difficult for him. We went back to visit last year after him being here for two years. He said it was like being in a time warp and he found it very depressing. He said he can't imagine going back there to live now.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

I grew up just up the road in West Ferry

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

I'm Scottish, from Glasgow, and have been here 25 years now. And I can truly commiserate with your husband. My first few years here were miserable and all I wanted was to go home. I missed so much about Scotland, not least the humour and all the camraderie with my friends. My husband (American) just did not understand and said basically to get over it. The only thing that got me through it was meeting fellow Brits here and starting a Celtic Society and getting involved in my heritage. After a few years and time passed, I started to feel much better and more settled. Needless to say my marriage didn't last, but I did.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

I've been to the Broughty Ferry

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

I used to like Bryan Ferry.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

What about Brian Moore?

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

Roger Moore.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

Patrick Moore.

Re: Hubby needs Counselor specializing in expats!
 

Patrick Stewart?