Ruth1

I genuinely think he is not bothered in that he said he is up for it, but wouldnt lose sleep if we didnt go. He is quite sporty so I think the lifestyle would suit him

Yes all good advice. The trouble is I have been failing miserably at drawing a line under it. I do worry about rose tinted glasses, although I did live and study in Aus for 2 years in the mid noughties so have a good idea of what to expect, but then again I was young and carefree during those times so my glasses are definitely rosy..

So true, yes I would definitely take this advice

And regarding the job situation. Having been working in the NHS during the pandemic, this is one of the main drivers. I feel burned out, underappreciated, and as if I am working on a sinking ship. I can see healthcare isnt perfect in Aus but genuinely looks like the sunny uplands compared to here atm..

I did say I didnt I!? Freudian slip maybe as its my dream really, but hubby would be coming along too, no kids. However he is very much happy to go with the flow either way so it does feel like the decision rests soley on my shoulders.. hes not happy in his job and fancies a change (or break!), but equally hes happy where we live with the golf club around the corner You are so right about the house-I do love it, and would definitely rent it rather than sell, but get nervous about the horror stories you hear-people setting up cannabis farms in your house or just never paying rent! Given ours is a 4 bed family home in a nice area, I suspect unlikely but you never know. I may have scuppered my chances of the initial job offer anyway as, after signing contracts, I freaked out and pulled out, but it is still being advertized and there are several other options I could go for, so I think I can still work something out.. Whats your situation Marisa if you dont mind me asking?

For those of you in Aus who know of Missy Higgins, she has a song with the lyrics 'I can't move on but I can't stay here'. It speaks to me loudly right now

I used to be someone who could make decisions quite easily and took risks etc when I was in my 20s, but as Ive got older and with the decision to move to Aus I feel like I am absolutely frozen with indecision and cant seem to get out of my comfort zone anymore. I swing from feeling desperate to emigrate ASAP as its my lifelong dream and its now or never, to completely the other way, thinking its completely crazy to leave a nice life here, often within the same day! Its driving me mad now and I know I just need to make a decision. I am getting on the cusp of being too old to move and job offers will soon be retraced I think. Did anyone else have the same experience and how did you decide in the end? Honestly, it feels like it is all I think about at times.

Exciting, but so aorry to hear about your family! Out of interest, where abouts are you going?

Thank you for your advice. Yes I am not really worried about the drugs issue as it is a problem here aswell but it doesnt have any impact on me personally and I am sure I will be oblivious to it. Feeling excited now, just wish the whole process wasnt so long winded and expensive!

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies-that has cleared things up for me!

Sorry if this is a stupid/obvious question but I just wanted to double check which bills you pay as a tennant. I know that council tax is the landlords responsibility in Aus unlike when renting in the UK, but I assume the tennant pays gas/electricity. I wasnt sure about water rates as Ive read conflicting things about this. Also what other hidden charges are there such as bonds etc that I need to budget for?

Thanks so much for your reply. Great to hear you still love it there. Id be heading to Port Macquarie, so moving from one medium sized town in the UK to a comparable sized one in Aus

This is so reassuring to hear, thanks. So glad everything is working out for you!

Thanks everyone for your helpful and considered replies. To answer some questions, I was a student at university whilst in Aus previously, so my experience was probably somewhere in the middle between mundanity of work and the carefree life of a backpacker.. I work in healthcare, and my job in the NHS has changed beyond recognition since the pandemic hit. We have been working harder than ever, which is fine, but have been treated pretty badly in my opinion, so genuinely do think the prospects in Aus would be better. Also, I hate to say this, but seeing the state the NHS is in makes me worry for if myself or my husband ever needed medical care and I know the healthcare system in Aus ia one of the best in the world. My job would be on a temporary 482 visa but costs are covered.. Finally, its just me and my hubby, no kids which undoubtedly makes the decision easier. He is up for it, even though it is my dream really, as he is feeling a bit bored with his work atm. I think the idea of treating it like a sabbatical is a good one.. Nothing to lose by trying it then (except perhaps a bit of money)

Ive got my job offer and the move to NSW is all set, but now I am paralysed with indescision about moving to Aus.. I have wanted to come for years after spending a couple of the best years of life in Aus in my 20s, and also for a better quality of life, better weather, adventure etc. However I keep reading about how its not the same in Australia anymore and about people wanting to come home etc. I am just wondering if it is still worth it Also, we do have a good life in the UK, nice house, confortable jobs, and close to our gym and hobbies, and I keep wondering if I am crazy giving that up. Family isnt an issue and if anything a push to Aus, but I do have good friends here in the UK. At the same time though I feel that things are going downhill here, everything is getting so expensive, so much rubbish everywhere that my leafy, rural part of England looks like a 3rd world country, and everyone seems so angry and miserable. Plus work has been a bit unbearable at times during the pandemic and Ive been offered a job that pays well with hopefully good work life balance. Id love to hear peoples thoughts and experiences. I know I just need to make a decision but any insights might help.

Thank you for your advice-really helpful!!

Great, thank you. Really reassuring.

I am still in the UK. I just want a better work life balance, more time spend in the outdoors, a more relaxed pace of life..

I have been offered a job in Port Macquarie and would love to hear from anyone living there. How you are finding it.. Is it easy to make friends? Is it very expensive? I live in suburbia of a medium sized town currently so not worried about it being quite small and quiet. Im getting very nervous now its becoming more real!