movingback

Lol Armadale is where I was looking. Its crime ridden is it? I visited a few yrs ago, had a friend living in Roleystone, seemed to be a nice area which is why I was browsing around that area.

I was just looking at property prices in Perth, and TBH they don't look as expensive as I thought they would be. You can get a decent 3 bedroom house 35min train trip from the CBD for 350,000. Couldn't get a 1 BR apt in the far reaches of Sydney for that. Really wished I'd settled elsewhere in Aus now, but I've my sights set on back in the UK now!

I strongly agree with this. I am basically Maryrose02 (-25 years). I make $26/hr doing data entry and general administration work. I could not possibly afford to buy a flat ANYWHERE in Sydney without a significant inheritance or a massive pay rise. He obviously could. So either things have got a lot more expensive relative to incomes or Maryrose02 had a much better paying job than we are aware of OR he had significant help to buy a flat in Surry Hills. And no, I don't spend money frivolously (my phone is a used iPhone 4 that cost $80) - it all goes on rent in a 4 person share house, food and transportation expenses! (BTW this isn't a dig at you Maryrose02 - just pointing out the glaring differences in Sydney between now and 30 yrs ago)

I've heard awful things about Manila airport, so be prepared for that, otherwise I'm sure the flights will be fine!

If you're 12 months away from moving back can you not wait 18 months until you can apply for citizenship? It'll make life much simpler in the long run.

Or Leeds even - it has a very impressive city centre.

I'd bite the bullet and stay in a hostel in the city - at least on weekends until you make some connections. I doubt you'll find many other backpackers in Penrith..

My picks - Manchester, Liverpool or Bristol. Stay away from London (except for weekend visits!)

Likely Manchester, from Sydney. Absolutely cannot wait!!

Partly, yes. I have work colleagues here and some friends but haven't found the deeper connection I have with my UK friends. Maybe its just me. Not sure. I just find a superficiality to most of my interactions here. I actually quite like most Aussies but I miss the deep heart to heart conversations I used to have with my friends at home. It is what it is.

Go home bwatt99. Seriously nothing in your post indicates there is any reason at all to stick around. Plus, if you've only been here 22 months, I think you'll have to wait until 2017 to get citizenship (4 yrs resident in Aus - unless you validated PR visas and then didn't make the permanent move until a year later).

The WHV is included in time towards citizenship

Ok that gives you lots of time - sorry I was just curious!! I'm sure if its right in your heart then it'll be right in your head as well. Best of luck with the planning.

Oh and agreed, I will miss the coffee and breakfasts!

Haha you're on bencrom81! My family is from Yorkshire and I'm actually looking at heading back to either Leeds of Manchester on return. Absolutely cannot wait for pubs, open fires, real genuine conversations and a feeling of 'home.' After my time in Sydney I can definitely see why people compare it to Los Angeles. Thinking I will likely stick it out to get the passport now, and busy planning lots of small trips; I don't think I have the energy to up and move somewhere else in Oz where I know no-one for a few months, but a few holidays will be ideal.

Is it Octboer 2016 or 2015 you are going back?

To be fair I don't 'hate' Australia. I've had some good experiences here and enjoyed aspects of my time. It just feels like a chapter of my life that has now ended. However, I don't want to retire at 55 and decide to spend a couple of winters here and NOT have that option. I've made some great Aussie friends. Its about keeping options open I guess. However, some of you are right. I don't feel connected or committed to the country..

I initially came on a WHV and did travel for about 6 months. There are some beautiful parts to these country, theres no doubt. Its just not home and TBH never has been. I thought it would be - but its not. At least I know now Will mull it over a bit longer but will likely stay for the year. Planning a few trips is a good idea. I have saved some money and might do a blow out road trip in my last month here. I would love to do the Qld coast north of Brisbane, most of my travels were in NSW, Vic and Tassie.

This is what pretty much all my friends and family have been saying! Its the whole 'stuck in limbo' feeling that so many can identify with. I might try and book a UK summer holiday, or if not, an xmas trip to have something to look forward to. A year is maybe not a long time to some, but now I've made my mind up to go home it seems like a lifetime

Hello. I have a 'first world' dilemma. Wondering if anyone has any advice. I've been in Australia (Sydney) for about 3 years now. I'm now 31 and want to go home. I have PR. I loved it for about a year but am now sick of living here. Little things - expense, arrogance, traffic, sun etc are all getting to me. In short I'm over it and want to go home. I'm in a stable but moderately low paying job (for Sydney). I'm single. I want to move on with my life, meet someone, buy a house. I can't see myself doing that here. Its just too expensive and a long way from anywhere and anything I value in life. Every week I look at one way flights home and wish I could just book. However I'm a year away from citizenship. Do I stay for it or not?? Its the one thing holding me back. I can't see myself living here again, but who knows. Maybe when I'm 60 a few winters in Oz will look appealing again. Grr my heads all over the place!! Any advice??