Annie79 Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 Hello I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get some objective opinions as we're in such a massive dilemma and genuinely don't know what to do? It's a bit long winded so please bear with me.... In 2011 my husband and I moved to Queensland with a permanent residency visa, after twelve months of being there we had a beautiful little girl (so she has an Australian Passport!), we had found it difficult to settle and wanted to move back to the UK to be close to family etc which we did two and a half years ago. When we were in Queensland we both had well paid jobs and lived quite comfortably. Since moving back to the UK we have really landed on our feet, we really consider ourselves to be very lucky we own a fantastic house, both have jobs and our little girl is looked after by an amazing family on the three days that I work however....we constantly have Australia in the back of our minds and it's always raising its head, the weather and the better lifestyle it can offer our little girl long term is very attractive and we feel that we want to offer her the best chance in life; with this in mind we were able to get a RRV which expires later on this year. At the time of obtaining the RRV our old employers in Australia had said that they would re-employ us however with the time that has lapsed, they are no longer in a position to do so; after speaking to an old colleague I am under the impression that the downturn of the mining industry has had a knock on effect to industry in general and thus impacted on jobs. My hubby is an electrician by trade (although doesn't have his QLD licence) and has been working both in Oz and UK as office base technical support in the lighting industry and I am an experienced Administrator, the thought of moving back to Australia (although it is what we both want in order to give our daughter the best life we can) with the chance of not being able to get jobs is so, so scary; we have a lot to lose and can't keep ping ponging back and forth (I also don't think we'd be able to get another RRV if this one expires later this year)! I suppose what I'm asking is are we getting nervous over nothing, are there jobs for people who want them and would you take the gamble and give up what we have to move? Our little girl means the world to us and we want to do the best for her, the fact that she is Australian and we don't yet have citizenship is also a consideration for going back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gbye grey sky Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 I am moving to QLD next month but have to say, in your situation, I wouldn't. Leaving all the jobs issue to one side (not that that isn't very important) but I am drawn to your comment that you found it hard to settle there. What has changed that would stop that from happening all over again. If being close to UK family was important to you then why would it not be now. Our daughter is 11 but I am not deluding myself that she will have a better life in QLD than in England. It will be different and we will strive to make it at least as good. But if you have a good home and jobs where you are the chances are that you will be giving your daughter a worse life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jac2011 Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 Would it be worth your hubby going out alone for a month to see about the work situation? Plenty of shared accommodation he could stay in... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 I agree in that you need to examine what made you unable to settle - it seems like you have massive support in the UK .. there would be a very big gap if you leave that behind - how will you cope? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie79 Posted June 16, 2015 Author Share Posted June 16, 2015 I agree in that you need to examine what made you unable to settle - it seems like you have massive support in the UK .. there would be a very big gap if you leave that behind - how will you cope? Hello and thanks for your replies, the reason we didn't settle initially was mainly the cultural differences for us as a couple, we were used to going out of an evening, enjoying the multi cultural restaurant environment, pub culture etc that is so prevalent in the UK whereas now our priorities have changed, we now want to go out during the day and enjoy family focused activities, all the things that Queensland offers in abundance as we've seen for ourselves but weren't necessarily important to us when we were there as a couple; I don't suppose we envisaged how much having a little one would change our lives and priorities, we had 11 years of life as a couple and now we are a family! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungo Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 I feel it is a shame you are not going back because you missed Australia or realised you made a mistake in leaving. Then I could understand better why you want to give it another go. But for a couple that did not settle last time, you are going back on the debateable notion of a better life. Many people and I am just one would believe that a child's quality of life will be primarily down to the parents, not what (first world) country you are in. You seem to have it pretty good where you are and are moving on something rather tenuous. I just don't know if I would in you shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gbye grey sky Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 Hello and thanks for your replies, the reason we didn't settle initially was mainly the cultural differences for us as a couple, we were used to going out of an evening, enjoying the multi cultural restaurant environment, pub culture etc that is so prevalent in the UK whereas now our priorities have changed, we now want to go out during the day and enjoy family focused activities, all the things that Queensland offers in abundance as we've seen for ourselves but weren't necessarily important to us when we were there as a couple; I don't suppose we envisaged how much having a little one would change our lives and priorities, we had 11 years of life as a couple and now we are a family! I don't know if this is what you are going to want to read but our daughter has gone from birth to age 11 and had a very happy life in the UK with plenty of activities of all sorts (as do all her friends). She is really keen to make the move now but was not at all sure a couple of years ago when it first came up. Essentially that change is because of our enthusiasm and the fact that we did a recce and she got a try out day in a school there and loved it. The weather really rarely bothers children at all especially the little ones. As an adult couple I fully understand the attraction of the QLD climate (it is our prime motivation) but please don't consider (or delude yourselves) that missing this 'opportunity' to utilise your RRV is somehow letting your child down. If you want to do this for yourselves again then there is nothing wrong with that but go on that basis. Your OP attributed your failure to settle though to lack of family which is something more credible and understandable than an apparent lack of multi-cultural restaurants. Tellingly you also moved back after the birth of your child so the lifestyle changes should have been evident to you by then. I sense that you are probably going to do this and that the same ties will drag you back again - only much poorer for the experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 One first world country is much like any other. Nothing magical that Australia will confer on your daughter at all. If you have a much better offer on the table then go for it but all the things that made you want to leave Aus are still there and don't underestimate the challenge of parenting without support - it's hard yakka! Sounds like you already have a life it would be silly to break just because you hope you might pick up something in the bargain bin. lots and lots and lots of family activities around here, you don't need to move to Qld to access those! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1Perth Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 If you really liked it in Aus I would come back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Since moving back to the UK we have really landed on our feet, we really consider ourselves to be very lucky we own a fantastic house, both have jobs and our little girl is looked after by an amazing family on the three days that I work Our little girl means the world to us and we want to do the best for her ^^these 2 quotes go hand in hand and are much more important and definite/concrete than the below. our old employers in Australia had said that they would re-employ us however with the time that has lapsed, they are no longer in a position to do so; after speaking to an old colleague I am under the impression that the downturn of the mining industry has had a knock on effect to industry in general and thus impacted on jobs.My hubby is an electrician by trade (although doesn't have his QLD licence) and has been working both in Oz and UK as office base technical support in the lighting industry and I am an experienced Administrator, the thought of moving back to Australia (although it is what we both want in order to give our daughter the best life we can) with the chance of not being able to get jobs is so, so scary; we have a lot to lose and can't keep ping ponging back and forth (I also don't think we'd be able to get another RRV if this one expires later this year)! I suppose what I'm asking is are we getting nervous over nothing, are there jobs for people who want them and would you take the gamble and give up what we have to move? If it aint broken........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Continuum Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Moving to Australia is always a good idea. Are they up to it though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonrbh Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Like it has already been said on elsewhere on PIO, Aussie unemployment is on the rise. I can't say about other states but in Queensland, the last premier, Campbell Newman, slashed local government positions dramatically. Nationally, the mining boom has finished, Ford & Holden car manufacturing are finishing in 2017, Toyota is also rumoured to be reviewing its' Aussie operations. All this means there are more people looking for less positions! The fact that you were here in 2011 you'll see a big difference with regards to jobs. Prior to 2014 we were last here for a visit to OH's family in 2010 and things are rather different to then and with all the current news I think things are going to get worse for quite a time! We are based in the country, about one hour North of Brisbane CBD, close to Petrie, Samford and Strathpine. My OH is Aussie and arrived Aug 2014, having had a telephone interview and securing her job before she left. She is a senior vet and found her job through a specialist agency. I came out in October, once I'd sorted the house move and worked my notice. I took redundancy. I worked for a large multinational chemical business in the UK for 23 yrs in various roles. We moved for a lifestyle change. I'm struggling to find work since the move and some of the companies that would be a 'natural fit' for me are just too far away. This would mean a 90km+ trip each way and with the highways being so congested what is a 75 minute journey(each way) on Google maps is likely to be 105-120 minutes in reality! Also, a lot of the jobs are advertised through recruitment agencies, which means having to register with them, attend their offices to complete mountains of paperwork, watch safety videos, have an interview and complete other online assessments at home, etc. Personally, I have found that if I do get a response from an agency, it tends to be one's that have a Brit working there. They seem more helpful as they've 'been down that road'! Also a lot of jobs are contract to start off with, with the possibility of becoming permanent, but not all though. Be prepared for lots of driving about, train journeys etc to find what you want. If you decide to head back at least you have prior knowledge, which should help big time! It is worth considering where you want to be based in relation to the areas that will be easiest to find work. With us being rural and myself not working, it can be hard at times. I miss social contact (have family and great number of friends back in Cheshire) as I don't even see our neighbours, but to move would also mean that my partner would also have to find another employer, and having only recently bought a house we'd lose money in the sale costs etc. My general feeling at the moment is that if you have kids it's a better place to bring them up than the UK. As my mate says, who has been in Perth for 12 years, 'Oz is not always better, just different'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booma Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 i ping ponged & very glad i came back to oz but you need to be confident you will give it a proper chance if you spend money to do it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 One first world country is much like any other. Nothing magical that Australia will confer on your daughter at all. If you have a much better offer on the table then go for it but all the things that made you want to leave Aus are still there and don't underestimate the challenge of parenting without support - it's hard yakka! Sounds like you already have a life it would be silly to break just because you hope you might pick up something in the bargain bin. lots and lots and lots of family activities around here, you don't need to move to Qld to access those! You don't have Movie World, Sea World, Dream World, Wet n Wild, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Bird Sanctuary etc etc. What exactly do you have that is in anyway comparable to the attractions in Queensland ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 You don't have Movie World, Sea World, Dream World, Wet n Wild, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Bird Sanctuary etc etc. What exactly do you have that is in anyway comparable to the attractions in Queensland ? Other than wet n wild we have only been to the others once...kids say 'weve been there already"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Sounds like the Apple didn't fall far from the tree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Sounds like the Apple didn't fall far from the tree Correct, my kids dont have the memory of a goldfish either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gbye grey sky Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 You don't have Movie World, Sea World, Dream World, Wet n Wild, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Bird Sanctuary etc etc. What exactly do you have that is in anyway comparable to the attractions in Queensland ? If Theme Parks and Zoos are want you are looking for in life then the UK and Europe has plenty of those. I cannot believe that anyone would emigrate for Theme Parks though as you may as well look to live in Florida if that is what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Que Sera Sera Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Alton Towers :tongue: Sorry to the OP. If your seriously thinking about it, it may just be an itch you are going to have to scratch. Perhaps come out for a holiday to see how you feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelensvaleHoward Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Other than wet n wild we have only been to the others once...kids say 'weve been there already"! We've been here 5 years and the coming year will be the first year none of us have a yearly pass I gave up because of my health and not being able to go the rides ( I used to love em) Pam and Becki have them and they expire in just under 2 weeks So cheap to buy them now even if you go to 2 of the parks your in front I didn't move here because of them for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 As others have said if it ain't broke. Australia is no better or worse than this country for bringing up kids. You sound as though you have it pretty good here so it really is up to you whether you try again. No one on here can tell you whether you should or shouldn't go. Also there is MUCH more to life than a few theme parks lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Continuum Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 As others have said if it ain't broke. Australia is no better or worse than this country for bringing up kids. You sound as though you have it pretty good here so it really is up to you whether you try again. No one on here can tell you whether you should or shouldn't go. Also there is MUCH more to life than a few theme parks lol Agree my kid doesn't do 'theme parks' in Oz, far too busy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 We've been here 5 years and the coming year will be the first year none of us have a yearly pass I gave up because of my health and not being able to go the rides ( I used to love em) Pam and Becki have them and they expire in just under 2 weeks So cheap to buy them now even if you go to 2 of the parks your in front I didn't move here because of them for sure We are going to run ours out at the end of june and now renew them. Now my eldest has started school there never seems to be any time, plus they are only keen on wet n wild. Might get white water world ones in a year or 2 if we are still here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight7 Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 If I were Annie I wouldn't come back because there seems no reason for it that I could figure.Maybe come on an extended holiday just to get it out of your system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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