pommiecheeks

I totally get what you are saying, Melbourne has a buzz, great nightlife, food, sport AND sunshine. I wouldn't argue that it's better, but I was certainly happier there.

Unfortunately it was out of our hands, on a 457, work finished tried to find work in Australia, no joy, time running out with 2 good offers here in the UK. We still have a house here and a few loose ends to tie up, but I really can't see us staying.

We too have just returned from Melbourne, not through choice, work forced the move. We were very happy, despite being broke. I totally get your point regarding the blanket of grey. And will someone show me where to get a decent cup of coffee! In many ways we were still in the honeymoon phase of our life in Melbourne, only living there 18 months, life wasn't perfect but we were happy. I feel like we have gone backwards in our life. It's super hard as my family are so pleased to have us back and I can't wait to leave!

We have been here for nearly 18 months on a 457. My husband has been told that by the end of the year his job will be gone. With little redundancy to look forward to he has been forced to job hunt. The only suitable job is in the UK, so we leave Australia at the end of May. We are all sad about going back, especially my youngest daughter who has thrived here. Get PR if you can, we so wish we could have.

I had moved out by the time I was 16 and have always managed. For your own piece of mind get neighbours and friends to check in on them.

Sorry to hear things have not worked out the way you planned. I really think you should return to Australia, see it as an extended holiday, maybe 6 months or so. London is a fantastic city and will still be there if you decide to go back to Europe. And if not Australia is not a bad place to be either Things have a way of working themselves out if you give it time, I wish you all the best for the future x

We flew Emirates and they were fantastic. It may be tempting to save a few quid but seriously spending a little extra on a decent airline is money well spent.

Back to our house in Stratford-upon-Avon...then who knows. This adventure has taught me not be afraid of the unknown.

Our daughter is 18, we came over on a 457 visa, our agent has told us that after the age of 21, she cannot stay in Australia on our visa as a dependant.

One of the best posts I have read on here. Balanced, unbiased advice.

Would you cash be better spent gaining formal qualifications?

We brought our 18 year old with us. She was initially negative about it and given her age could have stayed in the UK. In the end she decided she would give it a go, she could always return if she really didn't like it. 8 months down the track, she is studying and working part time at a beach cafe and more importantly, happy. Good luck with your adventure, Michelle

Having done the the London-Dubai-Melbourne flight with just a 2 hour gap to connect, I would guess that stop overs could end up being a pain. You may find that you are too tired and confused to enjoy your stops. It took weeks for my brain to adjust, but that's probably just me!

Must be a different Stratford-upon-Avon to the one I left 8 months ago ;-)

We brought ours over, a Sony smart TV, LCD thingy, its only 18 months old now. It has a built in digibox and it all works fine, just plugged it straight into the aerial socket on the wall.

Great post! We have been here for 6 months too, I am now kicking myself that I didn't think about taking photos of the house being packed up etc.

It is cold, but we have solved the problem of useless heating and draughty windows by going to bed at 7.30 with a pot of tea and biscuits and a UK tv boxset.

Loving life here, thinking of buying, possibly where Melbourne meets the countryside. Somewhere with a train route into the CBD. Any ideas......?

We are on a 457, took 5 days...no medical.

How exciting. I remember looking forward to the flight as a chance to rest, we came out in a bit of a hurry, so everything was manic for a while! Good luck

Thank you. I trained as a beauty therapist, but then worked as a postie. Done lots of different things while following my husband around the UK with his career. I think thats why I am having trouble finding work here, my cv is a bit patchy. I even applied at Coles and heard nothing!

Oh that sounds less than ideal, I know how you are feeling. My husband is working but I am struggling to get anything at all. Even jobs that I would not have considered in the UK ask for 2 years experience...its making want to throw in the towel, shame really, because I quite like it here! Good luck!

Its hard to say, it could be that your hormones are causing you to be more inclined to homesickness, making you feel worse than you otherwise would. I hope I am making sense. Could always give meds a try, there is certainly no shame in it and it may just help. they don't for me. Are there any mothers groups in your area? If you are in Melbourne I am happy to meet with you for coffee and a chat, I could do with some daytime company too! Michelle x

Have you thought about a vocational course? Once you qualify and gain some experience it could prove a quicker and less expensive way to get you into Australia? Good luck!

We shipped ours, but I cleaned it with disinfectant and a toothbrush, removing all the parts, it took ages...now renting a place with a ducted vacuum system!