PaulRaynor

Crikey thanks for that! I must have passed this place a hundred times on the way to Mount Tambourine and hadn't even noticed it. I must be blind!

I don't think there is anything negative about your post Sarahelle, from what I read of posts on this and the other forum this is something that is happening now with alarming frequency. I do believe when you are married to or with someone from the other country and want to take them home with you one needs to realise that it might not work for them. In your case as was similar with mine. The spouse has to realise that their partner has no past in their country and as much as your life with them is to be cherished one runs the risk of all not being well. This is something I feel that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later and that it is a problem for both of you and not only the one that feels unsettled. Paul

I agree. there will always be the knockers. There will be some who say "I think you are being very brave" when they really mean they think you are being really silly! they also say "Good luck in your NEW life" But its not a new life, its the same life with a new chapter on your journey, a positive journey. One that you can look back on and say I had a go. I know when I get home the adventure will continue.

:biglaugh: I'll see that and raise you the lady who does the weather on ABC news for the last 100 years! Can't remember her name

Lawrence Mooney! oh god yes... who is he anyway? what about Julia Zemiro?

I won't miss turning on the telly and finding the actors Asher Keddie and Marta Dusseldorp in everything! lol!

London, the greatest capital in the world! Other than that or as a contrast the Gower peninsula near Swansea. The coastal path, great beaches, fantastic pubs!

People not places that matter ... its almost a cliche isn't it? After 15 years I am still homesick for England every day. I was married to someone who despite my unhappiness would never entertain the idea of returning. We are not together anymore. I have no advice Stuart other than to say you have shown yourself to be a very caring and thoughtful man to make this enquiry in the first place. Good luck.

I'm going to stick my neck out and agree with most of the list the OP has put up. Yes some may be true of the UK but I don't feel the need to balance the whole thing by listing the contrary. jb is allowed to do that and this is a forum for people wanting to move back to the UK

Hi Lynne, I've now been in Brisbane for 15 years and have felt the pull of home for some time. I am divorced and the kids have grown up so really think its time to move on but I need to line up a job before I return to the UK. Family reasons are the predominant issue on this forum and the MBTTUK group. I have no family left at home but still feel I want to take it as a new life chapter. Kids? well no one followed us out here so they have made great friends easily as a family substitute, that's what I have noticed the most and I think that's the main issue, as a teacher my advice would be to make the decision before secondary school. Last year I wrote down a list of reasons for and against returning. I filled a full page on reasons for, against there were 2 words. "The Kids" Yours are still young enough to re-adapt I think but in my experience as I'm sure in many others, the teenage years are not so easy and nowhere on holiday is the same as living there. I'm looking forward to it though and hope you will make the decision that makes you happiest. Good luck Paul

:laugh:

First I thought you were going the other way, I wondered why on earth you wanted to bring your BBQ equipment to Australia? Just go to barbecues galore and knock yourself out! Then I realised what a good idea, do you think if you took your stuff home and parked them outside Homebase for a sausage sizzle the idea might catch on? haven't been home for a while but all my friends still think that bbq's involve lighting coal in a spherical drum, adding fuel and chicory tips from tesco's ! What about the outdoor heaters? do they do them at Homebase or wherever? Not taking the p... but I'm not sure they do! paul

After 20 years with someone I knew there could be many things that could drive us apart but never did it occur to me that an exciting shared adventure of moving to another country with our young family could be it! It was supposed to be about us, if one or other didn't like it and the problem was insurmountable then that would be the end of it, we would move on together. I empathise with you so very much, why should it take something as prospectively life changing as this, so exciting, so potentially pleasurable with the one who makes your life complete to discover that you hardly ever knew them at all?

When I came with my wife and young family 15 years ago we had an exit strategy. If either of us was unhappy we would go home together as a family simple as that. I never for one minute thought that my wife would fall on her feet alone. Great job, great female friends etc. We always did everything together at home. It just didn't work for me as much as I tried but she stopped listening and that was the key. She left and is now blissfully happy with another partner. I have my boys Helz just as you have your lovely daughter. I have been to some deep, dark places but one day, I know I'll be happy again. You must go home, even without your partner I truly hope that he sees your peace when he doesn't have you and realise that the important decisions in life have to be made together.

I have never once in all my time here heard anyone tell a funny joke. It is the British ability to laugh at one's self, the irony, Aussies just don't do irony!

Nothing wrong with the airline, its the airport that's the problem if you are stuck there for a while. You can get a visitors visa while you wait though and have a look at the wonderful markets.

I agree with that!!

My goodness, and I thought my life was bad. Go home arrumac to where you belong. I know I am. So sorry for your loss.

Hey Ani, You are in Brisbane sounds like you need a good night out in the Valley! My kids are there all the time great clubs and meeting places apparently.

Interesting times in QLD. Many will know that year 7 changes from primary to high school next year to join the new junior secondary phase of education. As a result the Newman government say that an extra 1300 teachers will be required across the state for this purpose. In addition there are now around 120 schools who have joined the"Independent Public School" sector gaining more autonomy for their affairs and this includes staffing. This could well mean that a Principal could well appoint staff directly from application instead of or as well as using the pool of applicants from country service and the transfer method. I came across this from the website of one of my local schools https://kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au/Curriculum/Juniorsecondary/Pages/Teaching-in-Junior-Secondary.aspx Also check out flying start.qld.gov.au and follow the link to Teaching in Junior Secondary. Interesting. Any thoughts?

Best I PM you I think

Didn't tell you I lived in Bermuda did I ? ha ha ha!

I'm a British trained primary teacher, worked for 15 years in supply and contract work in both the private and public sectors in Brisbane. Happy to help with questions. Paul

I've got a PGCE and had no trouble, however rules change from time to time. Not sure you can get work on a WHV though

Jimmy if you stay on and are looking for anything longer term I may be able to help you. I am returning to the UK in August for an extended stay and would like good tenants for a lease of 6 months. Doesn't help you now of course. I live in Oxley 8kms from CBD