Move interstate or back home?

[canadianaussie]

Hi all - long time browser here. I have a dilemma and am looking for impartial advice

 

Currently in Sydney, have been here for 4 years. My relationship is breaking down and it looks like I'll need to move out. I'm 32 and currently live in the inner west. I have a reasonable job, but not a high income for Sydney. If I move out I'll have to rent and given the cost of living - it will need to be out west. I like Sydney but have come to the conclusion that I cannot afford to live here on my income and have much quality of life and/or live in a half decent area for a single person. I also would like to get my own place (buy) in the next few years and know this will never be possible in Sydney. So what to do.

 

I have Aussie citizenship. I am trying to toss up moving either down to Hobart - which I love and feel is a perfect size for me - or back home to northern England. I don't have much family (but some) in England, a few friends, but I know nobody in Tasmania. Work shouldn't be an issue as I am a health professional so should be able to work anywhere. The thought of starting over in Hobart is a bit exhausting at my age, especially not knowing anybody. However, I do feel in the long run it will be a good move for me. Moving back to England would be an 'easier' move, but I just have this nagging feeling that it will get to January and I'll hate the place and my life!

 

I've been tossing around what to do for a week. Any suggestions from others who have been in a similar situation?

[LKC]

I'm not in the same situation as you and never have been, but I am happy to offer advice if you would like it. Why don't you try Hobart but look at it as not necessarily forever. Does it really matter if you move back to the UK in a year, rather than now? You could Hobart a go for a year or two (you have citizenship and probably a job if you were to look for one as a health professional), and then move back to the UK if it doesn't work. From what you have said, I wonder if you move back to the UK that you will probably end up moving to Hobart anyway? It sounds like you have an itch that you need to scratch, if you know what I mean. Try it, if it works out then you have a life in Hobart. If it doesn't work out then you've not really lost anything and can move back to the UK later.

[Marisawright]

I feel for you, because we had much the same dilemma.

 

We lived in Sydney and loved it - but, like you, we realised that we couldn't afford it unless we moved way out west. I agree with you that by moving to the far edges of city, you get all the disadvantages of Sydney but lose all its advantages. If you like a lively city life then it makes more sense to move to another city where you can afford to live close to the action.

 

We decided to move to the UK but it hasn't worked out for us. It might work for you, but in your shoes I'd recommend giving Hobart a try first. As LKC says, what have you got to lose?

[canadianaussie]

Thats the problem with Sydney, if you're not on a massive wage. Very frustrating. I hope Hobart would have enough 'action' to still be interesting - my UK options are Liverpool, Manchester or Leeds. I have thought about trying Hobart for a year or two, its just the thought of starting off again completely new is a bit daunting. Especially as I do have some war wounds after this relationship breakdown. But maybe a fresh start in a new city is just what I need?

[Skani]

I just had a deja vu moment reading this...having answered a rather similar post only a week ago. You could pm Butters who started this thread: then you'd know at least one person in Hobart. :cute: (Unless you and Butters are the two halves of the one relationship...in which case ignore this advice.)

 

http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/tasmania/248388-brand-new-start-tassie-sydney.html

 

I'd second LKC's advice. Why not try it while you're here? There's still the option of the UK if it doesn't work out. 32 is actually not old to be "starting over". The fact that it seems daunting at the moment is probably just a result of stresses in your current situation. Having lived in Sydney (many moons ago) I think you will find it easier to establish your own friendship circle in Hobart. It's just more relaxed all round.

[Quoll]

You're still young, nothing to say you have to settle down and set your feet in concrete just yet. Give it a go and if you like it you win and if it doesn't float your boat then move on.

[Bungo]

You don't sound ready to move back to Auaa right now. I would also favour giving Hobart a go and see how things pan out for you over next twelve months. The North of England is going nowhere and will still be there for you to try if things should not work out.

[BacktoDemocracy]

Hi all - long time browser here. I have a dilemma and am looking for impartial advice

 

Currently in Sydney, have been here for 4 years. My relationship is breaking down and it looks like I'll need to move out. I'm 32 and currently live in the inner west. I have a reasonable job, but not a high income for Sydney. If I move out I'll have to rent and given the cost of living - it will need to be out west. I like Sydney but have come to the conclusion that I cannot afford to live here on my income and have much quality of life and/or live in a half decent area for a single person. I also would like to get my own place (buy) in the next few years and know this will never be possible in Sydney. So what to do.

 

I have Aussie citizenship. I am trying to toss up moving either down to Hobart - which I love and feel is a perfect size for me - or back home to northern England. I don't have much family (but some) in England, a few friends, but I know nobody in Tasmania. Work shouldn't be an issue as I am a health professional so should be able to work anywhere. The thought of starting over in Hobart is a bit exhausting at my age, especially not knowing anybody. However, I do feel in the long run it will be a good move for me. Moving back to England would be an 'easier' move, but I just have this nagging feeling that it will get to January and I'll hate the place and my life!

 

I've been tossing around what to do for a week. Any suggestions from others who have been in a similar situation?

I would suggest giving Hobart a try , you can rent and try it out if you can get a job there, if it doesn't work you can make the really long trip back to the UK

you are right about the winters here, they are a drag and hospitals here are in turmoil with staff shortages and pay under severe curtailment, senior management seem to think they have a god given right to take the p? ? S, they don't have a clue about medicine and are only interested in getting thro CQC inspections with flying colours, look up problems at ADDENBROOKS Hospital and Aussie CEO Dr Keith Mc niel

Having returned after 10 years we found old friends had moved on and although were friendly they really had little interest in us as it seems everyone is struggling with the aftermath of the recession and the money pressures being imposed by the govt, so making friends in Hobart would only be replicated back here and as regards age we moved to Aus at 55/42 And having been back 2 years are now looking at Spain if these wassock Tories don't get us out of the EU.

And we have just found everybody here so uptight and very wrapped up in themselves, that maybe about the area which is agricultural and in the south.

Edited May 30, 2016 by BacktoDemocracy

[Pb65]

A long shot but ever thought of NZ ? Apart from Auckland property can be reasonable.

Edited May 30, 2016 by Pb65

[Guest]

For us there was too much risk involved in trying another part of Australia so we returned to the UK, but our circumstances were entirely different and my gut feel based on what you have said is that you should give Tasmania a go - my dad has just started again in Scotland at 84 so unless you're older than that I reckon you'll be okay

 

Think of it as a couple of years of 'me time' - live simply, indulge your passions and learn how to be you again. I think after the end of it you will know where you want to be, now is not the time for a 'big' move so leave the decision on moving back to the UK until you have recovered.

[canadianaussie]

Interesting. I thought the advice would be to go home to what I know for a bit - but it seems that people are thinking the opposite, even some hardcore UK fans

 

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've also just seen a job opportunity in Melbourne. I've done some searching on realestate.com and it is much more affordable than Sydney, I could actually afford a half decent apartment close to the city. I've enjoyed Melbourne when I've visited, but there is just something special about Hobart. Hobart seems like a good place to relax and heal.

 

Will let you know what I end up deciding to do when I know. Thanks for all the advice, its much appreciated.

 

Oh and to the poster who mentioned NZ - I love the place. I would happily live there. Just not sure I'm up to a brand new country move at this point in time.

Edited May 30, 2016 by Globalcitizen

[Skani]

I hope Hobart would have enough 'action' to still be interesting

 

From another thread, these are the words of Tastastic, a PIO member who moved to Hobart from the UK last December:

 

It's beautiful, friendly, interesting, vibrant and easy to get around

 

http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/tasmania/248342-charmed-tasmania-we-mad-2.html

 

I"m sure she wouldn't mind responding to your concerns in this area if you were to pm her.

[hotpotato70]

I'm in a similar situation. I split up with my partner just after Christmas & am still under the same roof & things are so bad now that I need to move out. The other complication is that my work (QLD government) reduced my hours to virtually nothing back in November, the same week that I became a citizen! I can't afford to move out without a job to back me up & even if I do I can't really afford a place on my own & I'm 46, so don't really want to share with a load of 20 year old students etc! I have been thinking that once I get work sorted that I will advertise for a like minded person to jointly rent a house with, which could be a solution for you. If you wanted to buy then you could maybe move them into a spare room to help you out with the mortgage. I saw other people advertising to jointly rent on flatmates.com.au & I thought that may be a solution to my problem as I like the quiet life these days!

 

I've also got the dilemma of whether to return to the UK, I'd definitely go back in a flash, but the weather is all that's stopping me, otherwise I far prefer the UK to Oz, although wages are better here. My parents tell me to stay in Oz, my brother says I should go back to the UK! I've been waiting to hear about a job that I had an interview for, I was certain that I'd got it as my references were taken, but still not heard. I was really planning on getting it, so I'd be able to get on with my life, it's really thrown me into confusion that 4 weeks later I've not heard. I have contacted them, but they told me to email, so waiting to hear still.

 

With moving interstate, the only thing that I found when I moved from QLD to NSW was that changing over the car rego was very expensive and seemed needlessly complicated. I think if I include all of the repairs that my car needed for it's roadworthy, it cost about $2500, nearly $1000 just for the rego. I live on the QLD/NSW border, so if I want to move back to QLD the rego will need swapped back again! Obviously a lot of people don't bother, but legally you should & the cost of the rego in NSW is cheaper than QLD, about half the price. I didn't change my rego for ages after I moved to NSW, I was stopped at an RBT & was certain that I get busted for not changing my rego over, but they didn't say anything, despite questioning where I lived etc.

 

Where ever you decide to settle you will make friends, it may just take a bit of time. At least with your work you will be around people & more than likely can start friendships and socialising from there initially. Obviously there are clubs that you could join depending on your interests & you'll make friends there. I became a volunteer firefighter when I moved to where I live now & I know loads of people through that, but there are plenty of things like that around, such as SES, wildlife rescue etc., (I can't think of any more!), there a loads of voluntary things to do if it's what floats your boat. I personally get a lot of satisfaction out of what I do, I help my community & I get my fill of action a few times a week!

 

It's a real tricky one knowing what to do, but I reckon give it 6 months or a year in Oz as a single person at least then if you think being single here is not for you at least you've tried it. You won't be wondering in the future what may have happened. It will probably be difficult at first, but once you get things in order with somewhere to live etc., things will be easier for you. If Tassie is really where you want to be, I'd go for it, as you said you have a job where you will get work almost anywhere, I'd love to move there myself, work is all that's stopping me, I don't think I'd get work there. The great thing these days is that if you do decide to move & start again that you have things like Facebook, Skype etc., so you can keep in touch with friends & family, which can really help support you going through a break-up, or just when you're a bit lonely starting over & not knowing anyone. I don't know about you, but I often push myself to be more social when I'm on my own.

 

Hopefully something in that lot might be useful, because I waffled on for quite a bit lol!

[Paul1Perth]

The weather and lifestyle in Hobart won't be too much different from the North of England would it? Do you like warm weather and plenty of sun? Maybe want a complete change and be near a beach? You're pretty young yet, I would give Queensland a shot. Depending on how lively you like it maybe the Gold Coast. If you've never been there try a couple of weeks holiday and have a look round.

There's always Perth too.

[hotpotato70]

I lived on the Gold Coast before moving to NSW, it's very accessible for driving around, busy at rush hour like any where else. Lots of good weather too. I moved because I didn't like suburbia & while it does have a reputation for crime, I didn't see much in the 3.5 years that I was there. There is loads to do there though, you've got restaurants galore, beaches, sea, hinterland with loads of bush walking, there are the theme parks etc. I think if you don't mind suburbia then it's a great place to live & only about 1 hour to Brisbane from the southern end of the GC. Personally, I think the best part of the Gold Coast is Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta, a bit more relaxed feel to it than other parts IMO. I lived in Robina, which wasn't too bad, a fairly quiet suburb, despite the large shopping centre, which I thought was pretty good. You've also got the GC Airport near Coolangatta for travel.