Kapri

Im another one who doesn't watch much TV. If I do then I tend to binge watch Netflix series. I can't imagine willingly watching an advert in either country ?

Of course there are days in the UK with clear blue skies, and spirits tend to lift when they arrive. My point is that they are not as common as they are in Australia. There's plenty to love about the UK but IMHO the weather isn't one of them.

Emma, most people who are happy in Aus don't tend to spend a lot of time on these forums. Whereas people who want to move back do. Thats why there are far more anti-Aus, or at least unhappy -in -Aus posts here. Give it a try, give it at least two years, and you will probably be fine. Unless you are super close to family and rely on them a lot. Then you may struggle.

This thread has made me laugh Of course the UK has some good weather, but it's not generally known for it. I much prefer the weather here in NSW. I expect sunshine and it's odd to see grey skies. Its not that the UK has severe weather, it's more the heavy, low grey sky and dreariness.

Newey is fab, we love it It's a small city with plenty of beach and bush Its a lovely, family friendly environment Nelson Bay is 45 minutes away and is beautiful but you don't need to go that far join Newcastle and Hunter Expats on FB for more local advice ?

I live in Fern Bay, it's Port Stephens but close to Newie. You have chosen a great spot, we love it here

I lived in Valentine for a couple of years - it's very pretty round there with fab bush and lake views. There are also quite a few expats. Valentine is about half an hour to Newey (central) at commuting time, Warners Bay is about 25 minutes. The local primary schools are good and the local public high schoool for that area is Warners Bay high and it has a good enough reputation. There are also several private and catholic schools. Its a lovely place. We have now moved to the other side of Newcastle as we built a house but we enjoyed living there.

Welcome! Im just up the road in Newie, glad you're settling

Hi Whitey WB high school has a good rep, Belmont high doesn't.

Newcastle isn't grim! Its surrounded by beaches, beautiful countryside and trees! We we love it here

Rebecca, if you decide to leave, please make sure you get citizenship first. i know someone whose 20 year old daughter left and now cannot return.

I was in the Hunter Valley this weekend too, at the vineyards. Fab day out

I contemplated emigrating to Australia for many years but for some reason, I never considered NSW. Originally, we were going to Melbourne. Despite having never been there, I did so much research on it that I feel I know it inside out. We eventually concluded that it might not be what we were looking for. Then, we decided on Perth as we have friends there. I got offered a job there and we put our house on the market. However, a series of events meant we had to postpone our plans. When we started looking into it again, we decided we wanted to be east coast so we began looking at the GC and Brisbane. I did a huge amount of research on both and duly I was offered a job on the GC. It looked like it was a done deal! Then, Qld health had a crisis and started shedding jobs. I panicked and applied for a job in Newcastle, NSW. I had had never considered NSW before. Mainly because I was initially on a 457 and I knew I would have to pay school fees. After 5 years of planning, I ended up in a state that I had never researched or planned for. And I'm glad I did! Sydney Blue Mountains Hunter valley vineyards North coast - perfect climate and outstanding beauty snow in winter, if that's your thing Where else is great in NSW?

I agree with Marissa. Try for a job in Newcastle and see what happens. It's a great place, some very beautiful areas around, plenty to do. The city centre is run down in places, but it's not the kind of place where you need to go to the city centre very often. Newcastle is all about the beaches, its suburbs, the lake, the hunter valley vineyards, port Stephens etc.

Hi Murta I struggled with similar feelings before I left. It is hard to leave a single parent, I think it would have been easier for me if my a Dad was still alive. My mum is here at the moment, at 73 years old, she flew out on her own. I didn't ever think she would! Personally, I think the one year scenario is only for those who are young and have no family. The financial and emotional cost is huge. But, there are benefits too. Like you, the thought of emigrating never went away, despite me thinking of every conceivable reason for not doing it! Today, I still have moments where I miss people dreadfully. But, I'm sitting here in the warmth, listening to the whip bird and I'm glad I did it. The truth is, you won't ever really know until you try.

Mozzies love me. The only spray that works for me is Bushmans. Smells awful but means I don't get bitten. I do seem to be reacting to the bites less than I did last year, but they are still itchy and swollen. We have one of those buzzy things that zaps them, which is fine until a large moth flies into it and the crackling and smell of singeing goes on for about 30 secs :confused:

Best of luck Jac. Keep us updated. Feel free to PM me if you need any advice,

It sounds like you've had an awful experience. Toxic workplaces are soul destroying. i agree with Parley. For the sake of your health and dignity, just walk away. You have a new job thankfully!

Those kind of bugs are part of life here. You can have your house sprayed which will keep them at bay. I was bordering on phobic of cockroaches when I arrived, but they don't bother me much now. The only spiders that can give you a nasty bite are the Redback and white tip - they are both easy to spot. The funnel web is deadly but the chances of you ever encountering one are very slim!

We arrived in winter and our short- term holiday accommodation was certainly cheaper!

I guess for me, it's the opposite. I posted a lot before I arrived and was on here every day. Now, I pop in once a week to see if I can help anyone out or just to watch the banter. I'm very happy here and if I can help out others, then great! As as for visiting the UK, I've been back once in almost 18 months and that was because my mum had a heart attack. She's ok now thankfully and is currently staying here in Aus for a couple of months.

It really does depend on where you settle in Aus, and your weather preferences. We have storms here sometimes and winter nights feel cold. We have occasional grey days like today! But we have endless days of sunshine and to me, that is priceless.

You sound like a wonderful person to me! How lovely of you to have supported your family in this way I think you have a very hard decision to make and I don't envy you at all. Unfortunately, emigrating is a bit of a selfish thing to do and it is also a big gamble. I know lots of expats here and some have settled really well and others will always feel the draw of "home". Unfortunately, you don't know which camp you will fall into until you get here. I don't think you should feel guilty for following your dreams - but I have a feeling that you will feel guilty anyway! Best of luck

I really feel for you. You are in a difficult situation and it sounds like you are now becoming depressed. its very important to get your depression treated so you can cope with this. See your GP about counselling and anti-depressant medication, plus a couple of weeks off to recover and gain some strength. When you get back, keep a record of any bullying and start plotting your escape by making sure CV's are up to date, you are making contacts, and getting any training needed. As soon as you are PR, get the hell out of there. Best of luck - I spent 3 years in a job I hated, never again!

Newcastle / Port Stephens? Newie's catchphrase / slogan is sea change. edit - I've just read that you think it's too close to Sydney. Port Stephens is about 2.5 hours to Sydney so easy access but not the same lifestyle at all.