Dasha_Dee

Hi everyone, I've been in Aus for nearly ten years, and in about a year and a half I'll graduate with my primary school teaching degree. I'm very, very seriously considering going home after I graduate, but I was just wondering if there was anyone with any advice on what it's like being a primary teacher in England (particularly Lancashire, where I'm from and where I'll go back to). Also, how difficult is it to get a job as a NQ primary teacher, especially if you've graduated from an Australian university? I'm going home in two weeks for a holiday, and I absolutely cannot wait. I'm hoping that it 'scratches the itch' for a little while, and then I can to talk to my partner about us moving to the UK. I made the decision last night once and for all that, regardless of if she wants to come with me, I have to go home. I'm sick of feeling like half a person here, like I'm always censoring who I am and feeling 'half a beat' off the rhythm of Australia. It feels good to know that no matter what, I'm going home in a couple of years. Thanks all

I just signed up so I could reply to you! I feel like I can understand at least a little bit of what you're going through - my parents moved us all to Australia in 2008 when I was 18 (to Brisbane!) just after I finished college. I know all about the feeling of limbo (because I really wanted to go to university but permanent residents had to pay fees up front, and there was no way I could afford the ridiculous amounts of dollars each semester). I found it really difficult to make friends too, because all the people my age had just finished year 12 and already had all their friendship groups/inside jokes and no room for an awkward northerner with crippling homesickness. And I felt completely alone because I felt like nobody else understood me and what I was going through, because it seemed like the kids of people who moved to Australia either did so really young or at 11 (like you, and my brother) for high school. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone! For what it's worth, I'm really glad that you managed to stick out the three years and can apply for stuff next year. How are you feeling about your parents applying for jobs back here? Do you think you'll stay in the UK? -Dasha_Dee