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Didn't mean to put you off Kellie, go for it in Australia. There are some definitely better things here. I have had a wonderful time here and the decision to go back is not easy for that reason. I think, many people are trying to give your their advice, before you go, so that you go with your eyes open. And some of the advice is meant for the OP which was a different issue. If you want an adventure, better climate (IMHO!) and outdoor lifestyle do it. Just don't look back and expect some bumps along the way, starting from scratch etc. there is also a certain amount of racism to incomers here. As you are the blow in, not the other way round! This site will give you a taste of the problems to be expected, but if you go for it anyone can make it.

More details please!

Hi, When you have kids things change a lot, as you have found out. As someone who has two smallish children 6 and 2 and has spent the past 10 years in Australia with an Australian husband, I can honestly say (as quoll mentions) that bringing them up without family support is hard and you do need to be self sufficient and more than a bit tough. It can be lonely and hard work although I think this is true of all mums doing the majority of the parenting. However doing it on the other side of the world complicates it. I would have a heart to heart with your family back home to see if/ how they would help you, because not all families want to look after kids etc. even if they are round the corner! I also agree that the statement 'we are doing this for the kids future' etc, is a way of rationalising the reasons for coming. Making the parents feel better about something they actually decided for everyone. It sounds to me like you have made you're mind up to go back, but are wobbling about what you may be giving up. I can relate to this, as Australia does have a wonderful outdoor lifestyle and a good standard of living. But the UK is not that bad, just different. I am trying to be realistic about what we will be giving up when we go back, but also remembering the pros. Kellie, Australia is great but education and health standards are similar and not sufficient reasons to move. Many schools are tightly zoned and the hardest thing is house prices are astronomical making getting into a good school a question of money. Write down how many times you see family/ have help and note that in Australia that will not exist. Australia does offer an escape from the dreary English weather and endless motorways, but for most of us there is a cost. Loss of family closeness being the top one.

Hi we are thinking of returning to UK. I am a British citizen with Australian citizenship also. We have two kids. My husband is Australian. Because of the new UK Immigration laws we cannot return without significant financial requirements. Applicant sponsor(me) would have to secure a job in UK earning $18,000 held for 6 months before applying to have 65,000 pounds in the bank held for 6 months. This would mean myself and two children would be separated from their dad for 6+ months. I would like any recommendations for an immigration lawyer so we can figure it out. We are in Adelaide. Thanks!

Thanks for that Chicken, my parents live in France so we have considered applying from there, didn't know you had to work though. My parents told me that a Aussie couple in the village let them stay until she tried to get work then they deported them as they had no rights to work. Although my mum does get her wires crossed every now and again so I prob should look further into that.

Can I ask how you have handled the financial requirement of returning to the uk? I too have a Aussie husband and have thought about returning only to find I know need a job of $18,500 pounds in the uk before he can enter or 62500 pounds in the bank untouched for 6 months. This is a major hurdle to returning and if I had only known etc.... Definitely makes returning harder.

Why not go now and then work for a bit then have a baby. How old are you? When you have a baby you will want close family members around it really helps, if you get on ok and they are available to help. Having a baby somewhere you are not settled just adds to the stress IMO. Goodluck.

Hi I can really relate to your thread. I have a 6 yr old and a 2 yr old but no twins! I have been here for 10 years and have had good and bad years but always toy with the idea of going back. I think it is hard when you have a young family as you feel so torn about extended family etc. I have had close family members dissuade me from going back saying how good it is in Australia. However they do not know what it is like to be here without extended family. I know that it is a big deal as I get quite jealous of all the aussie mates who can just pop down to granny's or get them to look after the kids overnights etc. Australia offers a great standard of living and lifestyle and that is what you will give up the dream of an outdoor, laidback life. But if you can accept that and are realistic about what you are returning to why not do it? Sounds like many of your rellies are taking their stresses out on you. when i use to complain about things in australia my sister used to say things like well at least it is always sunny!!!! They may not want to talk to you about it when you get back so prepare yourself for no sympathy....they dont understand and are probably jealous in some small way that you had the guts to do it. I would love to hear more of your journey back. I am very close to doing the same. House prices here are sky high and with the aussie dollar being good, going to the uk is not such a daft idea. a

Here is a really useful site that lists professions in each state, demand and amount of people applying for vacancies. Wish I had found this years ago instead of trying where there clearly aren't any jobs. http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/LMI/SkillShortages/Pages/OccupationalReports.aspx

This is prob same as in South Australia where I am. I graduated 5 years ago but becuase of PT work outside schools, I have not made the hours to qualify as a full(?) teacher. It doesn't really effect anything, as I can see, other than your registration. Just wait till she has the hours and update the reg. If in doubt ring Registration board and ask.