Can't get the balance right!

[The Ryders]

My hubby and I are considering returning back to Devon in about 18 months. I say thinking because we have turned into to people that seem to change their minds about everythink since we have been here!

I would go back tomorrow if I could but we will stick it out to get citienship first. It isn't just friends and family, it's people with a sense of humour, people that can drive properly, people that don't party in their garages until the early hours, shopping at Woolworths or Coles (which I hate), but it is freedom of having people to rely on and genuinely help.

i miss walking my dogs in a park - off the lead. Being able to holiday with dogs. Football. Not having to drive everywhere. Jogging at night.

Not happy and I hope it hurries up and passes. Hubby feels the same which helps...

[Quoll]

Hey, you are not alone! I think there are loads of us who find that despite all attempts, we just dont "belong". No shame in that at all. I am one of those who thinks there is more to life than a nice house in a warm climate - for me, the people, the environment, the sense of belongingness is the key. Hope it all works out for you - you are lucky to have an OH who shares your feelings.

[ali]

I agree with Quoll, there's no shame in not feeling that you belong here, hope you don't struggle too much with the next 6 monts

Ali

[calNgary]

Have you tried different areas? Reliable friends are hard to make but after being in this area for nearly 2 years now ,i have met some nice people,they have the kids so me and Gary can have a weekend break,and think nothing of going out of their way to help if we need them.It does work both ways and ive babysat their kids a few times too but it sure helps knowing you have someone to fall back one.Keep smiling ,remember deep down only you know whats best for your family.
Cal x

[Edinburger]

Why can't you jog at night?

[Stuju]

I really do think that home is where the heart is and where you are at your happiest,life is too short to be unhappy & you should grab it while you can.
good luck
giz

[taffy 62]

Originally Posted by calNgary

Have you tried different areas? Reliable friends are hard to make but after being in this area for nearly 2 years now ,i have met some nice people,they have the kids so me and Gary can have a weekend break,and think nothing of going out of their way to help if we need them.It does work both ways and ive babysat their kids a few times too but it sure helps knowing you have someone to fall back one.Keep smiling ,remember deep down only you know whats best for your family.
Cal x

I agree why not try some other areas whilst you are here, then even if you go back you would have seen more of Oz, maybe treat it as a working holiday.
I arrived in 1989 went to south aust. Couldnt settle as everyone was so clicky, so it was a case of moving back or trying somewhere else. we decided on victoria, what a difference we settled straight away made good friends and felt that we belonged. we had some hiccups along the way but overall it was a lovely place to live.
We have since moved to brisbane and i hate it, havnt made friends, hate the humidity, and realise that i should not have left victoria. in hindsight i moved cause i was in a bit of a rut and a bit bored so the sand sea and weather looked really appealing. where maybe i should have chanelled by energies into something else, more demanding job or new career or something.
Im going back in july for a holiday and hopefully make my mind up where to live after ive been back there, it cant come quick enough for me. but you never know i may see it in a different light, and in that case i may be more inclined so make make more of an effort to settle in brisbane.
Tme will tell, but i think you are being very brave as i dont think i would last that long 18 months to be unhappy is a long time.
best of luck hope things work out for you.