Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

This may not be a popular suggestion, but here goes! At this point, is it worthwhile for the pair of you to bite the bullet for -- say -- six months, while he goes to the UK alone to take up the job and see how it goes. If all is well, you could join him then, rather than uprooting both of you immediately, only to find that it isn't the perfect move. Whatever you decide on, the best of luck.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

I've never had personal experience with it, but the one statistical drawback is that specialists are, in general, in shorter supply in the UK than in the US or even other parts of Europe. (GPs are not.) But I would presume that this would vary from locality to locality and from specialty to specialty, so that may not be relevant to you personally, particularly in a major city such as Edinburgh.

You may also be worse off if you need an organ transplant because they have fewer organ donors. But that obviously impacts relatively few people, and there isn't a country on earth that has more than enough organs to meet demand.

On the other hand, medical care won't bankrupt you there, either. If you have serious issues, then you might be better off.

The lion dude, er bloke, has a good point. Follow your heart. If you prefer it in the UK, then go. If it's six of one, half dozen of the other, then ask yourselves whether the lower pay might be an issue.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

I believe that she has a visa issue that would require her to use it or lose it by the end of the year.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

Yep! Good memory RoadWarrior. If I don't return before Dec. 5th (the 2yr anniversary of when I left), then I have to have a new visa under the new rules, which there are definite drawbacks to. Basically I lose my Permanent Residence and have to start all over.

As far as medical goes, I have no worries about needing an organ transplant (hopefully never!), but I do have multiple sclerosis. Currently I have just started a med that was just approved here in the US, but it hasn't been approved for the UK yet. Its being evaluated now, and could be approved next year though. So my access to a good neuro, or a GP that is comfortable with a person with MS is one of my concerns. From what I hear, Scotland is a 'hotspot' for people with MS, and I wonder if there would be pretty good facilities there?

There are at least 4 major problems with him going over for 6mo without me (not even mentioning the relationship hardship) is #1 - I have a contractor position that could end at any time (there is no direct hire possibility), #2 - my salary would barely cover my living expenses here, #3 - I likely wouldn't have health insurance and #4 - I would be left by myself 3000miles away from anyone I know (no friends or family in Seattle) that could help if I got sick or injured. While it is a possible solution, I wonder if our being separated for 6mo would negatively reflect on his experiences in the UK and affect where we decide to stay? And he doesn't feel comfy leaving me on my own for a long period of time. I know that may sound rather odd, but given my med. condition, I agree with him.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

If it were me, I would jump at the chance simply because your existing visa is still valid and with the current spouse rules in the UK, it might be difficult to get another later on.

As to the NHS, I only had positive experiences in Scotland and would say it is is better than the care you get in parts of England where my sisters live.

There are lots of good suburbs in the area and the schools if you need them are some of the best in the UK.

Add to that the multi cultural aspect of Edinburgh and it just seems like a win/win from my stand point.

Must admit I am jealous as when my kids were small, our plan was move to Edinburgh (we lived in Kinross which in Perthshire) when they left home. Just love that side of Scotland.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

A quick google reveals that you are right, and that Edinburgh is positively stuffed with research and treatment centres for MS.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

I was completely unaware of your medical status -- so of course my thoughts are completely irrelevant to your situation. As the saying goes, never mind! Having an OH who for twenty years was away for work more than he was home, the alone in a strange country scenario is one I'm familiar and comfortable with, but I had no health issues. Once again -- all the best in whatever you decide.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

A few basic points for you to consider:

-Did you like living in the UK before?

-Are some of the things that you dislike about your US experience resolved or mitigated somewhat by living in Edinburgh?

-Do you have skills, experience, etc. that would permit you to make a living in the UK?

If the answers to those questions are "yes", then I'd say that it's a no-brainer: plan your exit.

If you are looking for permission to go, then permission granted. I've only visited Edinburgh as a tourist, so my opinion may not count for much, but I can think of a lot worse places to be.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

I have to agree with this. If you think you will ever want to live in either the UK or possibly Europe (the latter possibility is of course dependent upon the UK retaining membership in the EU)... I would do it simply and solely for the British citizenship aspect. The old spouse visa rules for ILR are SO much easier and quicker to meet than the new ones, that I think whatever happened with your husband's job in Scotland and however much you yourself may find the move difficult, the money (and aggravation) you save by getting your British passport this way would make it all worthwhile.

Just my opinion, though. I loved Scotland personally when I lived there! And American relatives of mine love it -- they feel the Scots are more friendly & welcoming to an American than some English folk.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

Things just got more interesting. We received the details today, and they are offering a £5k relo assistance, plus 2 weeks of temp accommodation when we arrive. The twist is, instead of him flying over for 2-3 weeks for training and coming back here until early Sept, they instead would like us to be there by early/mid Aug. full stop.

And with me working a crapload of overtime at work, I'm just not sure how we could it get all done in 6weeks or less. There's just so much crap to sell, and logistics of shipping to figure out! Not to mention getting the cats sorted - thank God the PETS scheme is so much easier now! And I did I mention my passport is expired, so will have to sort expedited processing!

Hope we can survive the stress of this move!

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

Wow - you have some decisions to make. Is there no leeway on the time frame? - you don't want to get sick trying to get it all sorted out.

As for the MS support, yes unfortunately MS is very prevalent in the north of England and Scotland but the support network is very good. My sister has had amazing care and access to resources in York. She was diagnosed when she was a student in Glasgow. Unfortunately, or perhaps I should say fortunately, depending how you look at it, she has 24 hr care now and is doing as well as can be expected.

Good luck.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

It sounds like you've decided to go for it?

You have certainly had a lot of changes in your lives recently! It sounds like a good, positive move, but a big rush. All the best.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

Sounds good to me. :)

Good luck with the move, I wish I was being asked to go back that soon. :thumbup:

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

Yes. The last 2 years have been full of nothing but changes. We are just hoping that this will be the one that sticks. Hubby is worried this may not be the right move, but since we don't have a crystal ball, we have no way of knowing the future. We just gotta keep our fingers crossed it all works out.

Re: OMG! Should we try this again?!?
 

Is he unsure about the specific job, or the whole idea of moving back?