Hi all, long term lurker used this forum 5 years back to research aspects of move.
Spent 5 years in FNQ now, following on from 18 months in uk previously spent 18 years living in Asia as an expat. So very used to being away. Wife and I have lived in 6 countries including UK and here.
We moved to Oz after business and lifestyle in Asia mostly Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore just got too hard. Australia seemed perfect, first world and ability to own land house etc. Inbetween the big move spent just over a year in Uk in a new area away from where we both grew up, left as we grabbed the opportunity for oz
I love my work here, recognize lots of opportunity for us both, live very comfortably and have no financial issues at our current level of lifestyle. In short, life seems perfect. but.......
I am willing to give it all up and try Europe based back in Uk which I left at 22, QLD has surprised me.
Beautiful yes, but cannot stand the heat anymore, cannot swim at 95% of places, over bitey sting things when out bush. We are not soft we lived at one point on an island for 12 years intermittent power, floods, typhoons, dengue etc etc
Social dynamics are stuffed, it borders on a socialist system IMO
I struggle with the culture here banter sucks, booze, redneck mentality, I have found my own views becoming changed after an incident with local drunks (indigenous) Cairns has a real issue with transient interants, yet stand up for yourself your in the wrong as I found out. Was told wasting our time trying to charge them you, however, have used profanity in public and was cautioned. Yet I was racially abused, spat at and had items snatched from me on the way to work by 4 males in police presence at 8am
The nanny state mentality is really grinding me down, we have considered moving interstate for climate etc, but that would mean a change in work direction in which case may as well go anywhere.
Recently applied for citizenship, told upto 2 years now due to that muppet Dutton and his changes.
So Uk it is, everyone thinks we are mad. Personally, I can't wait for the cooler climate, history everywhere, access to Europe, proper friends again, and access to my ageing parents. Accept that our housing will be vastly different, Uk has its own issues, work well no idea at present. We plan to see out the present work contract, give it another year for citerzenship so at least we have options.
Interesting times ahead, but change is living I guess. No kids in tow, a dog to move who is literally my best mate here (wife aside)
Any tips ?
