Thanks to those who previously replied to a thread i wrote a few weeks back regarding being homesick. For some reason I am unable to access my account/password so have come back under a different name.
since that post- events transpired to make a decision about returning to the UK easier- my family were so far away in the event of a crisis and with no substantial friends nearby, it proved to me that loneliness and suffering is not worth it. Coupled with the fact that our other relatives are also relocating to the UK, leaving us with no one here, we have decided to give life a go there again.
We could be crazy, but i've had almost a decade here and i think it's important to distinguish that life changes and you have to adapt to this. I always thought my parents would join me over here, but the cost of a permanent visa and a move late in life is just selfish of me; I want my child to have a relationship with her extended family before it's too late. This is the winning factor- I don't want her to have a stifling relationship with us, with no ability to see grandparents and cousins, whilst she's still growing and in need of these people. I never envisaged sacrificing a life down under for a child, but it seems to be that priorities about family and time frames alter considerably in one's middle age.
We've had a great time but not without hardship and sacrifice- the loneliness I have felt at points has certainly been a learning curve.
I am blessed in that we all hold both passports and my job is transferable. Very lucky indeed.
To the lady who posted about thinking about Adelaide whilst stuck inside with your young daughter; there's no perfect solution but as someone else said on here, would you look back and regret not spending time with your family, or would you be glad you had a bit of extra sun during those years? if you have no real ties to the UK it's a lot easier. But most people aren't robots, and kids bring along a sense of primeval need to belong somewhere.
I've enjoyed Australia but still feel like an outsider.
I'm shitting myself about the British winters, small roads, chavs, congestion, the insane current Government, the tiny houses- but even these fears are not enough to keep me away from the ones i love.
life is short people. if you've given it a good go, enjoyed it' delights' and yet still feel like you need to return home, then do so.
We'll be back, even if it's as grey nomads, but in the meantime, I'm going to treasure my parents twilight years, watch my child hang out with those that love her, and make some memories.
no experience is wasted and life can be hard everywhere. Good luck to all those grappling with the decision. It feels good to have made one.
PS. you can still get sun in europe you know- looking forward to that!
