Shiney

Thanks Wozzie, I think once we tell Mum we are serious then it will be the elephant in the room too, just not mentioned, I would hope Mum will understand though. I agree we only have one shot at life, I don't think it's selfish if the opportunity you're taking is too good to miss. I definitely need to go with my heart, my OH is very good at encouraging me to think like that, he's going to miss his family too but as he's from the north and moved down south for work, we only see them 4/5 times a year as it is. We'll probably see his family MORE if they come to see us in Oz! I think we will just wait til we know if we have a good chance of success and then start breaking the news to family. I can imagine it's becoming very real for you now at this stage, I hope it all goes well!

Hi Everyone, I'm new here so please bear with My partner and I are set on beginning the route to emigration; I've visited Australia a number of times and when I was 19 my Dad and Brother emigrated. In 2011 I spent a year on a working visa, living for the most part with Dad in Perth, it was the best time of my life. I returned to the UK and met my other half, who had always had an idea he'd like to live in Australia. We recently came back from two weeks in Perth and my OH fell in love, and I was reminded of how amazing Perth can be, it was my first time back since my year out. We're very lucky in having my Dad there, as well as my Brother I have an aunt and various cousins near too. Dad has said we could live with him for minimal rent whilst we settle, get jobs, and save for a house; we are so, so lucky and can't believe we could potentially have such an opportunity. My one problem is my Mum. When Dad emigrated she was asked to sign some paperwork which would have given me the option to join Dad (I don't know the full ins-and-outs) at any time. She refused and at the time it didn't bother me. We have mentioned our potential plans and she's reacted very badly. She's told me she's had sleepless nights; she's asked my other brother here in the UK to dissuade me, and she's said she would be devastated if we go. We've decided to keep things quiet for the time being, but we are going to an expo at the end of the month and provided we find out if we have a good chance of being able to emigrate, will set the wheels in motion. I feel bad that I am determined to go despite knowing I'll break Mum's heart, we're really close and I'd miss her terribly, but I know this is right for my OH and I. I'm sure others here have had an equally bad reaction from family members; how did you manage? Did you keep things quiet for a while? And did the relative ever accept your decision? And do you still see your family as much as you hoped you would? Experiences and advice much appreciated x