canadianaussie

Congratulations Bora! Definitely sounds like the right decision for you. I'm in 2 minds about the whole thing. I actually really enjoy my role, job, location. I'm just bored socially and looking for a change. Time will tell if its the right move or not!

Thats an interesting perspective. You're right, I don't really have a "home." It's good and bad, and I do feel like I want to start establishing something more lasting, permanent in the next few years. As for giving it all up, I'm only planning to spend about 6 months in the UK. Then I can make an unbiased decision on where I want that permanent place to be. I don't have much baggage so don't have to worry about shipping, etc so can (relatively) easily change countries. Good for now I guess, but not for the long term!!

What are your plans Helz?

Thanks again for all the information. An update - I quit my job! - yesterday. Feels scary and exciting at the same time. I'm staying on until March. Then plan to get up to Sydney for a month or 2 and back to the UK in May, just in time for summer!! Still unsure where I'll end up in the UK but will hopefully get a tentative plan in the next few months. Onwards and upwards...

No, I'm not that bothered about the footy scores However, Newcastle is interesting, hadn't given it much though TBH, will have to do a bit of research! I do have a cousin living there and have passed through it once, all I remember is sprawl on the drive up from Middlesborough! I'm currently on the south coast of NSW, about 2 hrs from Canberra. Driving home from work tonight It struck me again how beautiful it all is! Argh!!!!

Most of my family is in North Yorkshire - towards the coast. I have a few friends scattered around (London, Edinburgh). Work will probably involve short Locum stints in various locations. Any advice on where to base myself? I was thinking York/Leeds area - close to familiarity but still with a bigger city vibe? Other options - London, Edinburgh, Manchester. Any thoughts? Thanks for all the help, feels good to get this off my chest!

I think its 'unlikely' to be a problem. I certainly didn't get asked for proof of funds on arrival. And if you have somewhere to stay and people to vouch for you then i think you'll be fine. 100% guarantee? No, of course not. But does anyone know anyone who has been sent home on arrival on a WHV, for lack of proof of funds??

Thanks for all the thoughts. One good thing about the past few years is I have managed to save a bit of a nest egg (at the expense of a social life!). I think part of my hesitation is security. Coming to australia was a big jump for me, and I've found a position where I'm comfortable, fit in at work etc. I'm finally financially secure. It would take another leap of faith to do it again. However, re-reading my post I realize I need to leave this position. I see no long term future here, which isn't fair on my employer. I'm thinking about going over to the UK in April/May time and finding work for 6 months and then making a long term decision from there. I have talked to my partner about this and he is happy to try the long distance thing while I sort myself out. He may even come and visit for a few weeks. Just need to resign now!

Long time follower, first time poster here. I have a rather long story so please bear with me I was born in England, and emigrated to Canada when I was 10 with my parents. Grew up on the prairies, went to uni to get a professional degree,worked for 2 years there, got fed up with the winters and came to Australia on a WHV. Loved it, applied for PR (189) which was granted last year. Currently living in a beautiful coastal part of Australia doing a job I enjoy for the most part. However, I'm not happy. I'm over the 'honeymoon' phase of being in Australia. I miss real people, seasons, life. I get up every day, wander down to the beach and think how can I be unhappy? It's beautiful. But that's it. I'm over it. So, what to do? I'm 29, gay, not out in my location (small town, professional job etc etc). I have a partner who lives in Sydney who I get to see a few times a month which helps. It is a great relationship, but I'm unsure if it's a long term one for me or him for a number of reasons. He is not able to move due to work and business commitments. I feel like I need to make a decision but I can't! My options are: 1) Move in with my partner in Sydney. I would be happy to do this, but would struggle for work in the field I am in, in Sydney, and find it incredibly expensive (career change might be necessary??) 2) Move back to Canada - I miss a lot about Canada. However, a move back would put me back on the west coast, away from all my family and most of my friends. I simply cannot handle another Canadian prairie winter. 3) Move back to the UK where I can easily get Locum work, and have many extended family and some friends. I've always wanted to move back there and 'try it out.' See what I missed growing up etc etc. However even at 29 I feel like I'm getting too old to keep drifting around! 4) Stay where I am - it's paradise, I have a good job, I can afford to buy a house etc but I m bored!! I think I just have too many options and it's doing my head in! Helps to write it down. Any suggestions?

No problem, good luck!

Just an FYI - I have a couple of pharmacist friends here in Oz. Apparently the field is getting extremely saturated, and it is very difficult to get jobs. Wages have also taken a hit, down to $25/hr in some metros. I think its a bit better in the country so hope that is where you're heading?