Jamwolf

Thanks for your post. Your nine year old sounds old before his time !! Definitely a sun worshipper !

Thanks everyone for your comments. Some really helpful insights. Ozzie, that is a great way to look at it. I think you know my answer ! I've got to get the finances in order, then I think the decision will become a little clearer.

We emigrated from London to Perth in 2004 - combination of career issues, having a couple of young kids who we didnt want to bring up in the rat race, and simple wanderlust. Kids now 17 and 15- the older will probably spread his wings to Europe, the younger may be more of a homebird. Perth has delivered on the “great place to bring up kids”, but nobody tells you what to do when they start to grow up ! Both sets of parents are still alive in UK, in their early 80s. We are going through the motions in Perth now, although there’s much to like about the weather and ease of life. We have the same issues as others in the difficulty making good friends, lack of roots etc. Neither my wife or I want Perth to be the final stop on the life journey. I’m 54, self employed, and I don’t kid myself that life would be so easy job/business wise on our return. It’s silly, but it would hurt me from a pride level too - we were in better shape when we left 14 years ago. If we returned, it would probably be to my home city Manchester. Mixed feeling whether it would be a great feeling to rediscover my roots, or end up “walking with ghosts.” The bottom line is that our hearts tell us that it’s time to return home, but our heads tell us that it’s too soon (or too late !), especially with the boys at the age they are and economically. Sorry to waffle on, but I’d appreciate any insights from readers.