Julinoz

Ive lived in both countries and for me New Zealand wins for the liveable climate, size of country and the greeness along with lakes mountains lovely beaches. We lived in hamilton North Island, could go skiing under 3 hours drive and easy access to beaches.

We we were in the same boat, from the uk moved to New Zealand for 12 years where both kids in great schools. Moved to Bunbury wa with hubbies job and hated it. Couldn't settle, local high school was a great disappointment. Moved back to the uk last year with a 14 and 12 year old. School ok, the push the kids here more than the school in Aus and although they have to stay on at school now until 18 or do an apprentiship that is not a bad thing. Moved back to the uk at the right time as 14 year old needed to choose his options for year 10 and he has settled fine. I have found it hard to settle back in the UK and hope one day to go back to New Zealand where I would happily spend the rest of my years. Have only been back a year but already find the winters long and depressing, roads full of potholes in sheffield and litter everywhere. It has gone downhill since we left in 2003. But hey everyone has a different view on things. My husband loves being back!

Everyone is different and what makes one happy is not meant for another. We returned last year with a 12 year old and 15 year old. The 15 year old is loving life here. He has made a heap of friends (who socialise and go out far more than Australian kids) and he has slotted into the school system no problem. Kids now have to stay in education here until they are 18 unless they have a job or an apprentiship so don't worry about the kids education too much. My 12 year old I feel will be off as soon as he finishes school as the UK does not appeal to him as much as being overseas, but at least we have given them a choice in life.

I have lived in both Bristol and Exeter and am from the North of England. People are less friendly in the South and take longer to get to know, although once you have been there a while they are the same as anywhere else. Personally I preferred Exeter, its smaller and Exmouth is close by. The weather in Bristol - I don't have good memories of, it seemed to be drizzling nearly every day.

We brought a 15 year old and a 12 year old back. They have both settled into school lovely and I feel the school here in the UK is far better than the school the boys were at in Australia. They have both picked up friends quickly and been accepted back. Everyone seem to know them because their accents stand out, however I have to be honest and say that the younger one is finding the weather not too appealing.

a lot of people in the UK are shopping at Aldi and Lidl whose range is not great, but their beers are the cheapest you can buy. Morrisons has a great range and is taking on the Aldi price wise. Tescos are in trouble, there are a lot of big supermarkets here competing with each other, I fear one will go to the wall.

Hi we moved back this year. Just call them upon your return and they will get this organised. They will back date if necessary so it shouldn't be at the top of your to do list

We set up with Sky broadband which is free for 2 years and basic sky package they have done this for five pounds a month for a year. Just pay 15 pounds line rental. You can get some excellent deals at the moment

YEs we moved back to Derbyshire at the end of April and we are all enjoying being back. My 15 year old has really settled here made heaps of friends and enjoying his school. Myself and oh both picked up jobs quickly. After a great summer it's now turning colder but it doesn't stop you going out. Really enjoying the countryside

For us, it was simple, we just didn't like Australia. The area may have been something to do with it, found it too quiet, but I didnt like the Summers which went on and on, am much happier with an English summer where you can actually go walking, biking and is altogether more out-doors (this is only my opinion, for those who like all the water-sports they would disagree with me). I am much happier also being around family and old friends.

I don't think any employer will offer you a job without being in the UK. Things have tightened up here, largely through immigrants coming from Europe, they have to make sure that employees are able to work in the UK by providing passport, national insurance number (this has to be on a government letter head) they won't offer you a job without these items. The best they will do is say give me a call when you arrive. Certain jobs are picking up here such as engineering, however, government jobs are on the decline due to cut-back especially around South Yorkshire.

Hi, we've just returned. Not much trouble with shipping furniture although the inventory needs to be well documented, they wanted to know what was in 5 boxes - it was hard to remember after 2 months so just had to put it down as ornaments etc so make sure this is properly itemised. We only took back non-bulk items i.e beds that were easy to flatpack etc, anything such as settee etc which are bulky they will take up a lot more space in the container so we sold these. Take back any unusual items with you as the furniture shops here I find the items a bit more run of the mill, nothing beautifully carved etc. good luck with your moves

to fOL, give the move time to adjust and just see Australia as an experience. I understand fully what you mean about wishing you'd never done it as maybe your feel you will get no peace of mind at always looking back, the mind works in strange ways and you tend to remember only the good times and not the bad. Just concentrate on what the UK does have to offer, we moved back from WA to the UK and I love being back surrounded by the Derbyshire countryside and country pubs, love going for walks in the country. For me, WA just didn't do it, hated the summers, far too hot for me and couldn't get a job in little old Bunbury so I have no regrets moving back. The UK is definitely picking up work wise, my husband who is an engineer has had a lot of job offers. We are presently living with family until our house purchase goes through so it has been difficult but I know that will change, its not the same living with family full time as opposed to seeing them once/twice a week lol! I moved from New Zealand to WA after spending 11 years there, that was my happy place and I often look back to my life there and wish we'd never moved, however, it was the work we moved for, but I see it as a great experience and now we have to look forward here. You have to work hard to make it work for you again back in the UK, but you get there eventually.

Hi, We have just made the move back to South Yorkshire, husband had no job to come back to, he is in engineering, which is going great guns here, he has managed to get contract work within a week of being back and has had one interview and one telephone interview since being back and is waiting to hear.

Hi Wattsy 1982 Not sure how long you have been away from the UK for, but we are also heading back after being away for 11 years. As well as removals and flights when you get back to the UK, I understand they treat you as if you have no credit history, i.e car insurance premiums, house rental etc. so we will pay up front to rent a house there for 6 months. Also enquired about a mortgage with a lender who we have held an account with whilst away only to be told 'computer says no' as we have been away for over 3 years. There may be other lenders though who will grant a mortgage so will have to look around when we get back.