Rainman

It certainly an easier way of life here, not just Brisbane but Australia in general but is that always a reason to do nothing? We could just stay here and enjoy the good weather and the laid back lifestyle but after 13 years we're over the hot summers anyway. Plus I hate seeing my family looking older each time I go back and only sharing a few weeks every 3 years with them. I'm 50 next year and I feel if I don't grab this opportunity to transfer back into my old job then I may not have another chance to get a job over there willing to pay me what they're offering now. Seems I've already talked myself into accepting their offer!

I'd be driving to work which is outside of the Congestion charge area and there'd be no parking fees so the commuting costs would be cheaper than going by train, I assume. But you're right, I don't think there'd be much left, if anything after all the monthly bills are taken out. At the end of the day we have to ask ourselves why we're going back and are those reasons enough to take a hit in the pocket. The way I feel right now, I'd say yes but I'd be interested to hear the opinion from someone who also thought that and have made the move. Was it worth it?

I grossed $82.000 in the last tax year. I went back in June for a visit and it did shock me how expensive things had become. I was doing the usual cost comparisons and allowing for the exchange rate, everything seemed to be about the same price as here, if not more expensive. We manage fairly well on my wage in Brisbane and although money is definitely becoming tighter, we never use more than I'm paid. I don't think they'd offer me any more unfortunately, all I can hope for is I get more overtime. I thought earning around 33 grand might be doable but obviously not. How do people make ends meet over there?

Hi, I've been offered a job back at my old work in London. My question is, what is considered a decent, liveable wage in the southeast? The basic salary that has been offered to me is 33,500GBP p.a and with overtime I could possibly be earning at least 38,000GBP Gross. We'd be looking at living outside of the M25 in the Home Counties somewhere, renting a 3 bedroom house for around 800-900GBP per month. I realise there are a lot of other variables but to get an idea, would this be enough for a family of 4 (kids age, 14 and 18) to live on, without life being a huge struggle? Thanks,

UK Spouse Visa.

You're probably right, just wishful thinking on my part. What scares me is we go through the process of applying for her Visa, just for her to be refused on some silly technicality as has been reported in the UK papers occasionally.

Or form a coalition Government, can anyone see the current Spouse Visa rules reverting back to something like they use to be prior to the changes in 2012?