CatMoose

Hi all

I'm moving back to Oz next January, possibly Melbourne for work reasons.  While I loved Melbourne 15 years ago for its hustle and bustle, I'm now after a quieter life without it being completely dead! I'm after nice cafes and restaurants and not too far from the CBD. 

Any ideas?

Hi all

In brief, I adopted my cat as a kitten in Australia 9 years ago . I flew him back to the UK with me through JetPets who were absolutely brilliant. He was fine and adjusted no problems. Due to personal circumstances it now looks like I'll be returning to Australia next year. 

He's my best mate and I can't imagine not having him by my side, but I'm anxious about another long haul flight for him, especially given that he'll also need to go into quarantine. I will use another company to transport him and I'm taking him to the vet this afternoon for a health check and to get the vet's opinion.

Just wondering what other folks think. 

Jo

* Please spare me the 'Aussies don't like cats'  thing. I adopted him over there as a kitten and god knows there were hundreds to choose from. Aussies are the same as us, a nation of animal lovers. I'm aware of local and state guidance around pet containment and was advised about keeping him indoors by the Aussie vets and followed local and state guidelines. Interestingly my Aussie girlfriend refused outright to keep her own cat inside. 

2 minutes ago, Wanderer Returns said:

In 2018 we rented a very nice bungalow in rural England for the equivalent of $1,200/month. Last year we rented a similar property here in regional Queensland for $2,100/month. If you are convinced renting will be cheaper for you here in Australia then you must be living in a very expensive part of the UK. As Marisa said, there's a significant lack of affordable property throughout most of Australia and that is driving rental prices through the roof.

Rural England? So did you commute? How much did you spend on petrol? How much council tax and insurance did you pay? How much of a single person's salary do you think is left over from renting here in England??

I'm not going to to get into debates here because when I moved to Oz last time I learned that much of what is on here is nonsense. Likewise, the fearmongering I was subjected to regarding how difficult I would find things when I returned to the UK was also garbage. 

Might have made myself clearer by saying the affordability of renting in Oz is so much better for me given salaries and other outgoings. 

And leave it at that.

34 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

To be honest, I wouldn't worry too much.  One of the huge problems about comparing costs is that some things are much  more expensive and some things are much cheaper, and then you've got a difference in salary too.   On the whole, if you work on the basis that it all evens out, you'll be fine.

I'm interested in what single people are paying for utility bills, transport and so on.... helps with then working out rent and commuting options

Hi all

I'm probably about to start a  bit of a debate but .....

I'm working out the logistics for a move back to Australia next year (Covid dependant). I lived in Adelaide for 7 years before returning to the UK in 2017.  I didn't keep any old bank statements so I don't recall ball park figures for utility bill costs etc. I know that Victoria isn't South Australia obviously and MUCH will be relative, but some costs are absolute like MYKI etc

If there are any single folks out there, are you okay to advise me of to monthly costs? I already know my rent target.

Thanks in advance

On 18/09/2021 at 00:25, Wanderer Returns said:

 

Having returned to Australia fairly recently (18 months ago), I would say this is a very valid point. Salaries are better for most professions in Australia, and significantly better for menial workers. The UK minimum wage is currently £8.91/hour, which equates to a little under $17/hour. In Australia it's $20.33. However, casual staff here receive 25% loading which takes it over $25/hour. My wife's a housekeeper in one of Caloundra's resorts and receives $27/hour, so a solid $10 more than she'd be paid in the UK as a cleaner on a zero-hours contract. I'm at top of the teaching pay-scale and would receive a salary of £41,604 if I was back in the UK, which equates to around $79k. I'm currently on $97k, and next year that will go up to $102k when I reach the Senior Teacher classification. Then there's superannuation. In the UK the employer contribution is 3%, compared to 10% here in Australia.

I'm sure there are niche professions, consultancy etc, that pay more in the UK, but comparing apples to apples most people will earn more over here, and depending on their lifestyle, will be significantly better off.

Brexit has cut off the supply of cheap European labour that has been subsidizing the British economy for the last two decades, so businesses will simply need to pay better rates to retain workers. This can only be good news for the low-skilled British worker.

Brexit has battered us here (financially and culturally). The pandemic has also (obviously) severely affected the economy while the wealthy get wealthier from it. I'm done, if I can work out the logistics, I'm back to Oz in a heartbeat.

On 18/09/2021 at 00:45, Marisawright said:

More than just "niche professions".   From what I've seen, if you're in the corporate world (i.e. you work in an office), then you'll be worse off in Australia, especially if you work in Sydney or Melbourne (because of the very high cost of housing compared to earnings).  I understand that some IT professionals are worse off here, too, but I'm not clear if that's just for certain specialisations. 

@CatMoose, I assume you've been checking the rental market, wherever you're planning to move back to.  The housing market has gone really stupid in many parts of Australia.

I am working on the costs - very much so because it's a big move.

Please also remember than in the UK, I will pay almost $200 a month in council tax, national insurance out of my salary, MOTs are law and if your car fails you will need to fix it before you drive it, I also pay $30 a month simply for owning a TV. Petrol is also much higher than in Australia as are our trains.

There's a reason I was managing to save money back in Australia and not the UK.

Finally, you'll need to consider the amount of work available in your profession. Much healthier in Oz.

On 18/09/2021 at 00:28, Wanderer Returns said:

If you think renting is expensive in the UK, then you're in for a rude awakening when you arrive back here!

Not at all ... given what I would earn in Melbourne, accommodation is a) more readily available and b) more affordable than in the UK

Just now, Marisawright said:

This is a valid point, BUT only for some occupations.   I'm sure you're well aware of how the salaries compare in your industry, but it's worth mentioning (for the benefit of others) that for some occupations, salaries are actually much better in the UK.   It used to be that moving to Australia automatically meant a better standard of living no matter what you did for a living, but some migrants these days get a rude shock.

For sure, I would only ever comment on my own situation, wouldn't have a clue about any other profession. But with rent being what it is over here in the UK, my quality of life is now far less than it was in Oz.  Also...god I miss Australian coffee!!

Salaries. Which is the main reason I'm planning on moving back to Australia. I moved back to the UK for multiple reasons, but 4 years later, I'm broke and simply can't afford to do what I wanted to. Don't even start me on Brexit. 

On 04/09/2021 at 15:12, KateofGrace said:

Hello, I've just signed up to the forum specifically to ask Bob of PetAir a question. I'm unable to get in touch with PetAir, it seems no one is answering calls or emails. Could Bob please advise? Thank you. 

Have also done the same and heard nothing. I flew my cat back to the UK with Jet Pets who were brilliant. This doesn't inspire me with much confidence.

I'm glad too...

Meanwhile... if you think I was alone you're very wrong. Most renters I knew had a pet they had to sneak in. If the laws were sensible at the time we wouldn't have had to. Damage is damage at the end of the day. Also, the animal rescue places in SA were in a critical state as so many people were being forced to give up pets. It's this factor and a LOT of lobbying by tenants that eventually led to law changes.

As for my situation? He was a house cat and ALL of my properties were professionally cleaned on leaving them. The last two properties I was given permission.

Cheers

I'm now back in the UK (lived in Adelaide from 2009 to 2016) and looking to return to Oz with my Aussie cat Ralph. Myself and everyone I knew did not admit to having a cat - otherwise we would have had VERY FEW rental options in Adelaide. For me, I knew I would be an exceptional tenant and I was - in 5 properties. Houses were left immaculately clean and I had no problems with cat, owners or bond returns. Some people might not like it, but ...... had no choice. Bad tenants are bad tenants and won't care about someone else's property irrespective of whether they have pets or not,

Let me answer that for you

I'm earning £38,000 a year in Australia- the salary I left in the U.K. was £24,000 and it's what I'll be going back to. Not to mention a crap pound thanks to the Brexit genii.

In South Australia we talk about how hot the summer will be, not wonder if we'll even have one.

People are more open and friendly in Australia

I couldn't believe the litter and dirty streets when I went back for a visit to the UK in July compared to South Australia

I find Australia, far more family friendly than the UK

Australia offers a better outdoors life than the UK does

I would suggest that Australia would offer most people a better life in a lot of ways, particularly if you have a family.

There are many ways in which I prefer the UK, my civil rights being a big one. However, my main reasons are family and the opportunity to reimmerse myself in European culture.

As always, to each their own. What works for one - will not work for another and that's as it should be. Life would be dull if we were all the same.

Happy decisons and travels people

Great response - 2 thumbs up duck !

Ha! I'm a Leicester lass and I'm moving back to the UK In January (not Leicester though - a bit TOO near the family! But that's kind of the point. Nowhere in the U.k is all that far away is it? I went back to Leicester in the summer and me and a friend had tickets to see Leicester play Celtic. We drove there... Certianly helped to make my final decision to return.

golf courses in perth better than Scotland.. St Andrews, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Muirfield, Gullane, Loch Lomond, Prestwick, Gleneagles. Probably the finest cluster of golfing acreage on the planet. This disturbs me.

 

no idea what 'opportunities' lie in Germany that aren't in the UK. Maybe youre comparing Berlin with Scarborough here. Im in Manchester and the city is buzzing.

 

I am still bemused by the anti UK stances of British people on here generally. I think ultimately peoples reasoning revolves around the need to be in permanent sunshine. when that doesn't occur in Australia anyway.

I'm also bemused and the poor OP must be dreading reading these threads to get some rational points. I came over to Australia 7 years ago and used Poms in Oz to garner much needed advice in advance. Once here, I refused to consider myself an ex pat and threw myself into the lifestyle. I can't imagine spending all those years on an ex pat forum having a dig at people choosing to return. I was too busy getting my citizenship and enjoying myself.

Im back on here now because I'm moving back to he U.K in January - but dear god, the negativity! To be honest, the people I want to hear from are those who have moved back and can give me some ideas and advice. If you love Australia and have no desire to return to the UK then I'm genuinely chuffed for you - seriously- but carping on about how 'crap' the U.K. is is pointless.

The OP is hopefully picking thorugh the thread and getting the info needs.

Sorry - but I find the attitude of the British government towards foreign employees (and school children ffs) sickening. To each their own, but even over here in Australia I registered to vote by proxy to try and avoid Brexit. That's for another forum. Like I said, the state of UK politics is not a factor in me returning and I'm not going to get into it here.

Hi everyone

I apologise if this has been answered anywhere else but I can't find it.

I'm returning to the UK in January and I'll only be taking maybe 4 boxes of personal items back too (oh and a fat cat who at this point has NO idea :nah:)

Other than Aus Post - does anyone know of a company I could use to send that stuff back? It literally is only about 4 moving boxes full.

Again, apologies if it's had a mention elsewhere

Cheers

hello all, just thought id pass my experience over from my recent move back to england. I moved back from Sydney to Manchester 6 weeks ago after approx. 7 yrs in NSW. I got my passport prior to departing, and am so happy I made the choice. it feels like home, something a beach or a 35 degree day or a good coffee can replace.

Have already done a trip to Ireland (galway/Dublin), trip to the Lakes, Harrogate, seen grandparents, parents, cousins, old mates. its a comforting feeling being back.

There's nothing ill miss, in fact the thought of returning to Oz makes me recoil. The fact I can return has taken the 'what if' out of proceedings, and the fact I gave it a good run and got it all out of my system means I have absolutely no regrets or pining for Australia. all the facebook posts from Bondi beach in the sunshine are lovely from mates there. do I miss it? no, ive swam there umpteen times and theres better beaches in Europe which I aim to get stuck into next summer.

Manchester is fantastic, has changed so much in the last 7 years. its a really modern looking city, great restaurants, cafes, old pubs, beautiful old buildings. been to old Trafford (not so great I admit) with the lads, had some amazing indian food (was craving this massively!) and just had plenty of family time.

im in construction and got a job at the first interview and there is plenty of work in the North west.

for the remainder of the year, im looking forward to the colder months - a cold Christmas and off skiing to france in December.

despite this being a pro UK post, its reassurance to people who have that nagging 20% doubt moving back. just do it, its worth it. Will

I'm typing this from my sunny office in Adelaide . I'm on my way back to the UK in January. I've all but given up getting a job in advance (though I won't stop trying). Your post is very reassuring and a lovely way to finish my week. All the things you describe are what I miss, so it's nice to hear someone else mentioning them. I'm also looking at Manchester work wise but it'll probably have to wait until I get back to Blighty now.

Good to hear your thoughts - would be interested in future updates too

We've been talking about moving back to the UK for a few years now and have decided to do it next year. It's the same old expat story, I'm very homesick, have no feeling of belonging here and sick of the xenophobic shite coming out of Australian politicians' mouths.

I desperately miss being with my family in the UK even though we usually end up arguing when we're together! As each year passes I struggle with the fact I'm so far from my Dad and siblings, my Dad's 79, my brother and sister and me are in our 50's. It's hard seeing them having aged a bit more each time I go back for a visit. Not to mention my kids are missing out on spending time with their cousins, who are now in their early 20's. There are many other reasons why I want to go back but of course family is the primary reason.

I have been fortunate that my old firm have been keeping a job open for me in the hope I would return but they said recently, they can't hold it open much longer. I've only got until June next year to come over, otherwise the door shuts. It's a good job, doing what I do now, in a sought after specialized field and the pay's not bad, close to 40,000 pounds with overtime. This is my last chance to get back home knowing I've got a job when I get there, which is important as my wife needs a Spouse Visa. I feel we have to go, I can't miss this opportunity. Plus, the recent bounce in the Aussie dollar against the pound thanks to the Brexit vote has made it possible to get quite a bit more for our money than compared to last year. Who knows how long it will last, so I feel this is the time to take advantage. So, the house is on the market, we had an offer fairly quickly which we accepted though it wasn't quite as much as we had hoped. We're waiting for it to go unconditional, so it could still fall over. But once sold, the plan is to move into a rental for 6 months get rid of the stuff we don't need, then I go over to start work and find a place over there. A couple of months later the wife and kids come. Sounds straight forward enough...

 

The problem is I am seriously stressing out that it is going to be a massive mistake. In my heart it's the right decision to go but when I think about it too much I come up with so many reasons not to go I just don't know what to do:

 

Reason no.1 - We won't have as much money as we would have liked to buy a decent house remotely close to where I'll be working. I'm hoping we'll end up with up to 150,000 pounds as a deposit (if the exchange rate stays where it is).

 

2. Our 19 yo daughter loves it here but is willing to come back with us because she loves her Parents more and couldn't bear being away from us. I am so worried she'll absolutely hate it living there and will come to resent me for making her come back. Of course, she could always go back to Oz eventually but then my wife will resent me, I'm in a no win situation!

 

3. Our son is in year 10, but will be 16 when we return, so not sure if he would be able to go to 6th form college without us paying international fees (have to be resident in the UK for 3 years). I'm worried sick he won't be able to do any further education over there and end up in some dead end job for the rest of his life - because of me.

 

4. We have a good life here. We have (until its sold) a lovely large home lots of space in a good area. I have a well paid job and my wife has a job she loves and only needs to work 3 days a week. I have an easy drive to work against the rush hour traffic, zero stress when I'm there. Once in the UK it's likely my wife will be on a zero hours contract, working 5 days a week for crap money and I'll be stuck in a bedsit 5 days a week as the drive to work is too far because we can't live closer and my work in London will be stressville.

 

Is it enough to risk the happiness of my wife and kids and our quality of life for my selfish reasons of wanting to be back in the land of my birth because I'm homesick and want to spend the time remaining with my Dad and siblings?

 

I'm the first one to admit I am a worrier, and tend to think of the worst case scenario happening. I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts, especially from those who have gone home with teenage kids.

 

Thanks.

You've a job to go back to?? And you're still concerned??!!

Sheesh! I'm planning on going back in January. I'm trying to get a job in advance but it's proving difficult. At this point it looks like me and my cat will be moving into a friend's spare room in Wolverhampton while I job hunt.

£40,000 salary?! Christ I've never earned anything like that amount. My line of work pays mid twenties.

Mate to be honest, if you're going back with cash, AND a job to go back to, you should be able to save up enough to return to Oz in a couple of years time if it doesn't work out. Why not bank your cash in the UK and rent for a year to see how you get on back there?

Your daughter is an adult, she'll do as she likes and rightly so. Can't speak for your son but teenagers adapt.

I agree with people's concern about xenophobic shite in the UK at the moment, but it still won't put me off. I'm personally tired of how far behind the times Oz is in many ways, but that's my own personal opinion.

I won't be returning to my home town - an hour away from my family is a minimum requirement! I love them dearly but I've no desire to be at their beck and call again.

If I were you I'd go and treat it as a bit of an adventure, Couple of years seeing a bit of Europe and enjoying the cultural delights of the UK.

Remember - it's the UK, not Mars. You can always come back, best of luck!

A lot more terrorism over there

Lot more bigotry over here.

You're in for a shock mate.

'Mate' ??

Just spoken to Lloyds in the UK, I'll keep you posted. No, really.

The rules are similar to many Western countries who are upping security against terrorism and fraud. I'd still refute the suggestion that closing mine before moving here was a bad move. The negativity and judgement of people on this forum is embarrassing.

But one size doesn't fit all, you make it sound really negative that people have had a positive experience - we sold up, closed accounts and haven't needed a bank account in the uk.

I have no concerns whatsoever of opening a new UK bank account after living for 7 years in Australia. We are talking about the UK aren't we not North Korea??