plumm

Thanks for taking the time to post Jac2011, One child wants to stay here, the others want to return. I agree it would be unsettling for the eldest, the one who wants to remain here, if we returned back to the UK in 2 years, he would be 16, I haven't looked into it too deeply but he could do A'levels I think, or spend a year getting up to speed before he took them, leaving enough time to qualify for Uni assistance. All pie in the sky, honestly don't think it will ever happen. I think I will take myself and my girls back in the next year or two. My husband has said if I really need to go home, then we will, kind of a break through, as I don't feel quite so trapped and resentful as I have. I too am studying in the field of mental health, and loving it. I returned to study, to give myself a focus away from being homesick, to keep me busy.

I wish you all the very best, not at all easy, but you have to follow your heart. If I had my children over in the UK, there would be no stopping me.

Thank you so much for your responses. We are going the counselling route now, hope it helps. Unfortunately having four children does not allow us options of going home for a year or two, it's hard when their education will be affected, but not impossible. You're right Quoll- over a barrel here! I just can't see any way of achieving any compromises here. We barely manage to make ends meet, there is no available funds for trips home, although I qualify in two years, and will work, so long term things may improve, visits may help, but it's being part of my loved ones (at home) lives I miss and want. I don't need them for my happiness, but wish to be there for them, my sister has two children with a chronic illness, diagnosed the week before we left to come out here, I would never have come if I had known that would happen, I just want to be part of my nephews potentially short lives and be there for her. I lost my brother 4 years ago and it's made me feel like I want spend all the time I can with those I love. Thanks again.

Hi there, I'm keen to know how other people manage when one of you wants to go back. Been here 5 years, wanted to go home for 5 years. I consider that I have thrown myself into Aussie life 100% I've made great friends, I'm at uni and have joined sporting groups, I try my hardest to live positively, despite feeling very sad inside. Sadness is through longing to be at home with my family. Husband will not discuss the issue, only to tell me I would regret it if we did. It's now driving a wedge between us, I'm really beginning to resent his attitude towards my feelings. I'm just after any advice or perspectives of others who have been here or are here, I know there must be others in the same shoes. How do they carry on with a marriage intact? Or maybe just even just recognition from others in the same shoes may help, and that i'm not foolish or defeatist for wanting to go home. Thanks.

Hi Melissa, Just to say we moved to Mt. Martha 2 years ago and we absolutely love it! such a great place for children. We love the people and the lifestyle. I have found Mt. Martha to be a most friendly place and made many wonderful friends. The kinders are fantastic, my children attend Balcombe grammar which is excellent, but full so if you are thinking of moving here maybe you should enrol now if you want private. Our experience of the state school was not great. Loads of kid's activities, dancing, gymnastic, tennis, swimming you get the picture. Mornington Library is great. The hospitals are much like the UK for A&E i'm afraid, waiting for hours on end but my experience once admitted has been very good, I had my youngest in public hospital (Frankston)and it beat the NHS hands down. GP's all good, excellent referrals on to health care professionals, very high quality of care and treatment. I find Benton's the best and cheapest for grocery shopping and go to Aldi's once a month. Some areas in Mt. Martha are bush fire prone, so you do need to follow advice in those hot months and have a plan. I have 4 children so I would say I have had experience in all these fields! Please don't hesitate to ask any further questions, happy to help and meet up for a coffee some time. :smile: