goldenstate31

yep, I suppose its not for everyone. My Aunt moved back to the UK, from Aussie, but then decided she made a mistake moving back (to the uk), then moved back out! to Aussie again!. each to their own, as the old saying goes, there are pros and cons for each country

DDL

We're moving back of our own free will. Hubby's Brit; I'm American. Lived in the UK when we first met/married (7 yrs ago).

We both work full-time here in the U.S. Our healthcare is partially paid for by our employer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and after everything was said and done, it still cost me close to 40K out-of-pocket.

Going back in 10 days and can't wait.

P.S. Celebrating 5-years cancer free on August 3.

ExBritFL

I'm planning on moving back out of my own free will - not visa related. In fact, I'm married to a USC and could get a GC - but not going for that option. I've had my fill of the US - it's been an interesting journey, but I'm ready to go home!

Jerseygirl

Exactly and for many it takes a move to another country before one really appreciate how great the UK is. You're still in the UK aren't you?

Englishtart

There are plenty of folks on here that realised the grass wasn't necessarily greener...try reading the moving back to the UK forum

Where are you headed?

Octang Frye

Congratulations on being cancer free.

goldenstate31

yep still here! (so i know im still looking at the U.S from a holiday perspective)
In a nutshell, (for us personally) its considered the 'better way of life'
but then what is he better way of life? It can't really be defined.
A better way of life, is not being able to afford healthcare etc, and paying (as I see on here) dentistry costs that go through the roof
so immediate downsides, are those kind of things. oh and cable etc etc, seems to be a fortune in the states for some reason?
Plus side is recreation, it seems (at the moment) after all the digging, cheaper to run a business, self employed in the states than the UK, year round sunshine.....(depending on the state!) either way, its one of those things, that we would always wonder what if? if we didnt

Jerseygirl

The 'what if' is one of the reasons we came too.

I've been here for 14 years and I'm starting to feel more at home. The reasons you gave didn't even come close to what I missed in the UK. Apart from the old friends and family reason the main thing I missed was my life...the life I'd been used to for decades.

Recreation is great here if you have the time to enjoy it. My husband transferred his UK holiday allowance to the US.

Dan725

Goldenstate - Pick from one of these phrases:

"The grass.....it's always greener".

"If you don't try, you'll never know"

Honestly, with this whole expat thang, in my experience, no-one can advise you or prepare you in advance; everyone reacts in their own way. Some things are better...some things are worse. In some regards (actually, most regards), the easy route (if you have a choice) is to stay put and never know. It's almost a bit "matrix" like - do you take the blue pill, or the red? Because once you go down the rabbit hole, there really is no turning back! Things'll never be the same thereafter, for good or bad - that's why you get a lot of "ping-pongers".

And that's my drunken Saturday night wisdom for ya! Just got back in from a belter

Jerseygirl

Good advice Dan. You should get out go on a bender more often.

NikonShooter

I would think very, VERY carefully about buying a franchise. You will be forced to sign a contract that very strongly favors the franchisor and will most likely have to pay franchise fees every month regardless of whether you make a profit. I strongly recommend that you have a competent attorney who specializes in this area of law review any franchise agreement you are contemplating in detail before signing.

Perhaps more importantly, you need to really look carefully at where you are going to starting a business. I say this as someone who lives in Sarasota--most businesses are only hanging on by a thread here. I have lived in Florida my whole life and the economy of this state is far worse now than I have ever seen. The economy in Florida has been fueled largely by population growth and the associated need for new construction. Due to a number of reasons--primarily the high cost of living--the population in Florida is now holding steady or even slightly declining. Property values are dropping like a rock. I am trying to sell my house and our realtor has told us that he expects real estate prices to drop another 30% in the next two years (it has already dropped about 20% in the past two years).

With regard to insurance, in addition to the extortionate cost of health insurance, expect to pay $1,500 or more for homeowners insurance per year (or at least twice that if you live close to the coast).

Sorry to be a downer, but just wanted to give you some facts to think about.

goldenstate31

All franchises are favoured for the Franchisor NOT the franchisee! (thats called good business) if you signed a McDonalds franchise, you wouldnt expect not to pay monthly fees, etc for the courtesy of using their name and branding. That said, according to whichfranchise.com 95% of new franchises 'make it' as opposed to just 5% of independently owned businesses.

NikonShooter

Whichfranchise.com: "Official online partner of the British Franchise Association." Good unbiased source you've cited. [/sarcasm]

ExBritFL

Whichfranchise.com: "Official online partner of the British Franchise Association." Good unbiased source you've cited. [/sarcasm][/QUOTE]

goldenstate31

It was one of those websites!, i don't know why though, you feel the need to be, in your words 'sarcastic' something rattled your cage?