3FatCats

Hugs. I hear what you are saying......as much as I am going to sound like an idiot, in a way I almost wish my OH had been more decisive about staying, because we are both back in the UK now and I know he is not happy. Yes, it was his decision, but I feel guilty that he came back because of me and I should have come back alone....he may still be in Aus right now and happy? So, what I am trying to say in a very long winded way is, sometimes you just have to do what is right for you, even if that means the most painful option, take the hurt first and reap the good times later.... If you are certain you need to go home, then just do it. The rest will work itself out one way or another after, but at least this situation will be moved on. Please try not to feel desperate....are you able to take a small break at Christmas? For me if it felt like a holiday I didn't seem to bother so much about the whole Christmas thing as I could just pretend it was a summer holiday. Stay in touch with us xxxxx

From memory Italy will issue the police docs in English but you have to request that specifically else they just send in Italian. You could also contact your local Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence and they should have the details on their website on what to do. There must be an office in one of the major cities in India? Perhaps you could go there in person.

Preso for presentation under the pump all good and the OH is always saying far out....

The poor shark was just a juvenile, Sydney waters are full of them.... the state of our oceans is shocking, articles like that just serve to create more psychosis :dull: very sad.

Both Zara and Topshop in Sydney Pitt Street area. Witchery kids? I would also try the outlet at Birkenhead point (nice views too) as there are plenty of great shops there, or one of the big malls such as Bondi Junction or Hornsby. Most of the UK stores also deliver now.

Reach out to a CV writer in the UK, there are a few on line, for around 40 quid they'll write you up a brand new CV, covering letter and Linkedin profile if you want one of thise too! You can then tweak and change parts for every job you apply for.

Sounds like you have your feet on the ground. Just maybe come back in the spring! It may make for an easier transition.

Hi Helz, I started applying 4 months before. Hooked up with some recruiters, met one the day after we landed who found me a job after 5 weeks. In all honesty, if you are not a specialized person or work in a niche market, or get a transfer? they mostly want to see you or that you be in the UK. But, if you set up appointments and hit the ground running it can take as little as 3-4 weeks. There are also temp agencies to tie you over with general work. My OH worked shifts on a shop floor for 8 weeks then moved into a manager role. Depending on your area, the market generally seems good, even recruiters say it is better niw than 1 year ago. Good luck!

I had no qualms and even the dark rainy days don't bother me. I was quite depressed in Aus though and it was situational so I knew that moving back would be easier. In your case sounds more like family is the pull? I hope it all works out for you, but beware the old ping pong cliche...moving back and forth is expensive. Have you visited much during your six years away? Will you move back to a nice area? Good luck

You'll need towels, sheets, pans etc when you arrive and will probably buy, so ditch your old stuff unless antiques! :laugh:

My wish for you is to find a little more support, some loving friends to hold your hand in person. You are admirable, but it is too much for one person to handle :hug:all the time.

Have fun, don't lose your ticket! :laugh:

Your post made me :cry: too, YNWA.... I only stayed 3 years in Oz and returned to the UK. Prior to that I had lived in Europe for 16 years and again returned to the UK. Both returns were wonderful in different ways, I have not regretted either. I guess in your situation with kids involved it is a bit more complicated, but if you feel the pull....what I would say is be very sensible about your finances, pensions, super etc and leave yourself an option either end if possible. We change, thank goodness, in our lives and there is nothing wrong with wanting this change after all you have been through. Good luck with your journey.

When in NSW I must admit parcels were always left with a note saying "near birdy" who was Syd the cockatoo in his big cage round the corner, it always made me smile! Could you try leaving out a note asking them to leave in a covered area, or saying We Are Always In, please Knock!

As Lady R said, you need to get a visa or UK passport sorted for you OH first. He will need citizenship or a visa to live in the UK permanently. As for the rest, try and get enough money in the bank to cater for at least 6 months and then it is a case of just making the move. We returned in July with no jobs but were both working within 2 months. It would be good to start making contacts with agencies, and get a pro to do up a CV and covering letter for you also. As to selling the house, or not, that depends on if you need the equity. You could keep it and rent it out but is there someone in Aus to help keep an eye on things? Good luck, it is exciting and stressful at the same time!

I have an old one I use as a bedside table in the spare room :cute:

Hello people, If anyone is going overseas and would like a pet crate for free we currently have 3 available. 2 are cat size, 1 would be for a large cat or small dog. They were purchased from our Aussie pet transporter in July and are approved for travel. We are located in the NW UK (Cheshire) please PM me to come and collect. They will be going to the tip within the next few days if we don't have any interest as we need the space.

Pm me before you do anything.....

My fav place in Aus! Lovely pics

I've been back since July. Both of us now earning more than we did when we left UK 3 years ago. I am on almost the same money as Oz but OH gets less, made better by the fact he has a 4 min drive to work (lucky sod). Are we better off here? OH seems to think life here has got more expensive, utility bills are certainly higher and petrol is expensive. The rest is down to personal choice IMO. We run just one car, shop online because we are less tempted by "offers" and don't go to posh restaurants as the pub is just fine. We will assess after 12 months as we have had a lot of unexpected costs, but my suspicion is that we won't find much difference, with the added positive that I am paying off my mortgage and living in my own home as opposed to renting.

Berlusconi will be pleased! :confused:

:smile: Great news! Let me know if I can help with any details etc, Feb is a great month almost spring! We should have a northern meet up once you are settled. X

Have a butty!

No. This is a major life change, it is understandable! I can't recall all your details (sorry...) but do you have the option of spending, say, a period of 3-6 months in the UK maybe from spring to summer? The circumstances of your husband's health do seem to point to a milder climate but if you don't feel enthusiasm really sit down and try to figure out why. Are you just a bit scared or deep down living in Aus is right for you? Whatever your decision, staying in Aus is going to be a compromise anyway isn't it? I wouldn't relish the whole vampire thing... would somewhere like Tassie be an option?

I already bought one of those tickets and happy with my choice! :wub: