Toots Posted December 30, 2019 Share Posted December 30, 2019 3 hours ago, Amber Snowball said: That made me laugh! I find myself staring at people even after being here over a year now. I want an example of what a Scouse brow looks like please.  Post a pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie78 Posted December 30, 2019 Share Posted December 30, 2019 6 hours ago, MACBETH said: Hi everyone We returned to the UK after 2 years in Oz followed by 2 years in NZ. We have been back 4 years now. Our daughter missed a full year school year through the move, no they don't keep them back but to be honest she has coped fine, still complains that she missed out on the long NZ summer holiday as we returned on the 23rd December and she was literally straight into school. I suppose if you had valid reason for them to go back a year then the school may consider it but she went straight into the year related to her age. I never even gave it a thought about the variations of schools, between Grammar and High Schools and the tests to get in!! We were lucky in Yorkshire that the local Grammar school had space so they accepted her straight away, we moved down to Cheshire a year later and it took 3 weeks to get her in!! She had to sit the entrance exam for the Grammar school, got accepted then we got told the place they had open due to a child emigrating was off the cards as the family had postponed their move. No other Grammar or High Schools had space, luckily our local High School took pity on us and took her in. She picked up the difference in schooling without too much issue however it is GCSE year this year and she said the pressure is awful. She does say that school life in Oz and NZ was much better and less stressful. Although she has made a fabulous friend group she was shocked by the day glow tans and Scouse Brows adorned by 90% of the school population. Oz and NZ the kids just seemed more relaxed and the majority weren't as into make up plastered on and Scouse brows. It has probably all changed now down under and they are all sporting the caterpillar eyebrows   Great Info thank you. LOL Scouse brows, I assume they are similar to Instagram brows, with the full lips (I call them fish lips) and yes fake tan and Snap chat filters, well I can assure you and your daughter it is the same in Australian High schools well from what I have seen walking around my area hehe. Not all the girls of course, and probably more over there but I can see it catching on here. I remember when I came to School here, there was a group of about 10 girls who were the 'popular' group and they would literally sit in class slapping on the make up with a trowel mind, and they got away with it. The one time I went to School with nail polish on I got a bloody detention! LOL. Anyway if your daughter can miss a full year and still do well, I guess I can relax a little  I'll just have to hope a school has space it seems, what on earth happens if there are none? In Aus they have to accept locals as they have to be in School between 6 and year 10. Interesting. 15 hours ago, LKC said: No, no extra homework or anything. The gaps just got filled in in class. It hasn’t affected them academically at all, and they’re both doing well. They’ve not been bullied for being foreign at all, remember that the UK is generally accepting of migrants. There was curiosity from the other kids, and lots of questions (like did you have a kangaroo as a pet), but they made friends easily and were just accepted for who they are. A bit over two years on and they’re both doing well, and although I’d thought they’d have lost their Aussie accents, they still speak the same as the day we left Funny you should mention accents, my eldest can't wait to get a British one he says, I shall have to report back once we have been there a while to see if he does indeed pick one up. He can do a mean Scottish accent already, I'm actually impressed. LOL. Thank you for replying, much appreciated and fingers crossed my boys can transition with ease too.  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinbjulieb Posted December 30, 2019 Share Posted December 30, 2019 21 hours ago, Toots said: Academies are state-funded, non-fee-paying schools in Scotland.  I would think they would be the same in England but somebody with better knowledge will be able to confirm. That’s correct. Council funded but with the ability to make own decisions on some things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber Snowball Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 23 hours ago, Toots said: I want an example of what a Scouse brow looks like please. Â Post a pic. Can you see the picture? It is basically over darkening the eyebrow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toots Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 22 minutes ago, Amber Snowball said: Can you see the picture? It is basically over darkening the eyebrow. Bit over the top. Â It will wash of I suppose though. Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber Snowball Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 Just now, Toots said: Bit over the top. Â It will wash of I suppose though. Â Some people had them tattooed on!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toots Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 Just now, Amber Snowball said: Some people had them tattooed on!! Oh dear! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skani Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 3 hours ago, Toots said: Bit over the top.  It will wash of I suppose though.  They also dye them, like eyelashes.  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gummygirl Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 On 30/12/2019 at 14:28, bunbury61 said: Brum today 30th dec - smashing day Nice! Hard to complain about the weather even if the reasons behind it aren't always for the better -- but that topic belongs to a different forum. We spent Christmas in Vancouver with my brother's family.  The weather there was pretty much the same as what we left behind.  It struck me that many Canadians move to Vancouver because of the mild weather and consider it quite ideal, while many of the English complain about similar weather conditions.  Maybe it's because the Canadians have Toronto and Montreal to remind them of what fierce winters are really like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunbury61 Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 2 hours ago, Gummygirl said: Nice! Hard to complain about the weather even if the reasons behind it aren't always for the better -- but that topic belongs to a different forum. We spent Christmas in Vancouver with my brother's family.  The weather there was pretty much the same as what we left behind.  It struck me that many Canadians move to Vancouver because of the mild weather and consider it quite ideal, while many of the English complain about similar weather conditions.  Maybe it's because the Canadians have Toronto and Montreal to remind them of what fierce winters are really like I have 2 different parts of the family in canada . Both , unrelated are in toronto , or its surroundings . One loves it , wouldn't live in oz or the u.k ( where he was born ,) again - he will never go back to oz . The other one , hates it . He said the people are friendly enough ,but one dimensional , no conversation , other than ice hockey. And the 5 months of cold weather , he cant stand . He would come back to the u.k tomorrow  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennyrose Shields Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 Mm read all the positives . We are in our late 50s been here in Sydney 17 years . 3 children grown up here,3 grandchildren here. But husbands hating his new job after been made redundant 4 years ago . (No other jobs in his field in Australia hence how we got to be citizens here in our late forty’s ). Grown up kids all busy with their lives and we are just wondering about returning back to the UK . Not really made friends here so not really settled . Brexit is a worry and difficult finding work for over 50s . But our eldest Son is in Cheshire and a grandson so feel really torn Our property is in Tasmania so would have to totally start again . Went to the UK twice in the last 5 years and noticed a difference but it was home . Fitted in but ... mmm would love to hear if other mature couples have done the return to the UK Brexit ?    1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toots Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 2 minutes ago, Jennyrose Shields said: Mm read all the positives . We are in our late 50s been here in Sydney 17 years . 3 children grown up here,3 grandchildren here. But husbands hating his new job after been made redundant 4 years ago . (No other jobs in his field in Australia hence how we got to be citizens here in our late forty’s ). Grown up kids all busy with their lives and we are just wondering about returning back to the UK . Not really made friends here so not really settled . Brexit is a worry and difficult finding work for over 50s . But our eldest Son is in Cheshire and a grandson so feel really torn Our property is in Tasmania so would have to totally start again . Went to the UK twice in the last 5 years and noticed a difference but it was home . Fitted in but ... mmm would love to hear if other mature couples have done the return to the UK Brexit ?    Some forum members here have found the UK isn't as ageist as far as employment is concerned.  There is also a form member @Amber Snowball who returned to live and work in Cheshire and she seems to have found it a good move.  1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennyrose Shields Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 My husband has applied for jobs uk but so many companies don’t reply . Not sure if it’s down to age or distance dispite saying we would fund our own relocation . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie78 Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 1 hour ago, Jennyrose Shields said: My husband has applied for jobs uk but so many companies don’t reply . Not sure if it’s down to age or distance dispite saying we would fund our own relocation . They much prefer you be in the UK some will respond, most won't unless you can do a direct in house transfer, you won't have much luck. Pretty rare to secure employment before going from everything I have researched/read here and elsewhere , aside from specialist roles. Nurses etc. Annoying, but it is what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 4 hours ago, Jennyrose Shields said: Brexit is a worry and difficult finding work for over 50s . But our eldest Son is in Cheshire and a grandson so feel really torn I wouldn't worry about finding work. In my experience, Australian employers are very ageist but it's not nearly as bad in the UK. We moved back four years ago (when I was already over 60).  I had no trouble getting interviews and had a job offer (but by that time we'd decided to move).  Just don't expect to find a job before you arrive - no one is going to hire you while you're still in Australia. They'll want you to be back and settled first. I wouldn't worry about Brexit either.  I know there's lots of speculation about it hurting the economy, but if you listen to economists, Australia's economy is on the skids too - so you'll be no worse off. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber Snowball Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 (edited) 6 hours ago, Toots said: Some forum members here have found the UK isn't as ageist as far as employment is concerned.  There is also a form member @Amber Snowball who returned to live and work in Cheshire and she seems to have found it a good move.  I’m insulted @Toots I’m not 50 yet!!! Finding work probably depends on what you do. Anything in the NHS you might easily get an interview prior to arriving but you would need to be able to tell them when you were arriving I would think. Certainly talking to people generally no one seems to worry about finding work whatever their age.  ETA. I am very much enjoying Cheshire! Edited January 29, 2020 by Amber Snowball 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 3 hours ago, Marisawright said: I wouldn't worry about finding work. In my experience, Australian employers are very ageist but it's not nearly as bad in the UK. We moved back four years ago (when I was already over 60).  I had no trouble getting interviews and had a job offer (but by that time we'd decided to move).  Just don't expect to find a job before you arrive - no one is going to hire you while you're still in Australia. They'll want you to be back and settled first. I wouldn't worry about Brexit either.  I know there's lots of speculation about it hurting the economy, but if you listen to economists, Australia's economy is on the skids too - so you'll be no worse off. I've just been made redundant Marisa. I'm 53. I started looking for a new job about two weeks ago. I've had two first interviews so far, and have just been invited for a second interview. I work in IT. I wouldn't normally consider this time of year to be active for recruitment so close to Christmas, so I'm quite pleased. I had hoped for a bit of a break but doesn't look like I'll get it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s713 Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 I work in IT too, am nearly 50. I had 4 interviews when we got back here last year and got offered 3 of the jobs. There might be some sectors where age is important but for the vast majority of jobs, it isn't. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennyrose Shields Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 Thanks everyone for such supportive remarks . 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Home and Happy Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 On 29/01/2020 at 12:31, s713 said: I work in IT too, am nearly 50. I had 4 interviews when we got back here last year and got offered 3 of the jobs. There might be some sectors where age is important but for the vast majority of jobs, it isn't. Agreed, age is not a problem in many professions. I work in Engineering, and there is a skills shortage.  All they want is experience. The more you have the better. Great Britain has so many opportunities for any engineer looking to return home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namron1 Posted October 18, 2020 Share Posted October 18, 2020 We moved back 2018 and fitted back into the life we left behind when we emigrated in February 2010. I felt we had returned home and have missed very little of our Aussie experience. We lived initially in Hoppers Crossing and then Waurn Ponds, about 4 years in each place and I never new a neighbour in either place, neighbours all loved their electric garage doors, press the button as you approach, drive in door down and into the house. If my neighbours were lined up in an identity parade I would not know whom they were. I found Australia to be very difficult to integrate into, I found it difficult to get any kind community feeling, it was rare to speak to anyone, but even rarer to find anyone to speak to who had any interest in conversation. It might have been unique to the two suburbs we lived in, and we only lived in one house in each suburb so I expected to get to know neighbours.  Where we now live in the UK is the same house we owned before we emigrated in February 2010, we did not sell because the housing market was in the doldrums due to the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, there are 66 houses in the road and I speak to and know well approximately half the people living in the houses in the road, it a cul de sac. The issue is more going to the post box which is 0.5 miles away and getting back within 1 hour. We have been back to Australia twice since we settled back in UK, because our emigration has resulted in a common result where we have one son and grandson back now living in the UK and 2 sons and one grandson living in Australia, and one of our sons in Australia is uncertain where he wants to live which is troubling us. Australia has some pluses and a number of minuses, UK has a number of pluses and some minuses, I feel at home in the UK and no one can measure what that means in living feeling, each day in the UK living means a bit more that living in Aus, but I approach our life that due to family distribution, which emigrates cannot even contemplate when leaving their country, we will spend our time between Australia and the UK, as long as we can travel. But I have now retired to life in the UK and would only retire to life in Australia when I can no longer fly the trip so I will settle where the most of my children live. I don't dislike Australia , I like a lot of things about the country, but it lacks any feeling of belonging, community contact was zero, and in Hoppers Crossing we did have 4 years living in road with people from mixed cultural backgrounds, and Australia claims to have managed to mixed multiculturalism successfully but I could no see it on the road I lived In Hoppers Crossing, my neighbours were friendly but no matter how hard we worked we could not find common community working. We have many people here in the road we live in the UK originating from different countries in the world but I find they are integrating much easier in the local community than I ever found to be the case in Australia. When I lived in Australia I spent a lot of time on this site to try and understand the experiences of others and relate them to my experience, as I found it difficult to enjoy my life in Australia, there was always an emptiness feeling. But many people seem to try evaluate the situation by doing comparisons between the 2 countries varying from the TV programmes to the other extreme of have I got a pool in my backyard. For me none of that mattered, all that matter was where did I feel at home ,where was there a welcome feeling, and I did want to make Australia work for my family, but as I approached retirement I knew for me it was a better feeling in UK than in Australia      12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 18, 2020 Share Posted October 18, 2020 1 hour ago, namron1 said: When I lived in Australia I spent a lot of time on this site to try and understand the experiences of others... many people seem to try evaluate the situation by doing comparisons between the 2 countries varying from the TV programmes to the other extreme of have I got a pool in my backyard. For me none of that mattered, all that matter was where did I feel at home , At the end of the day, that's what really matters. All the money and success in the world can't buy you happiness, if you have that feeling of emptiness inside.  7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennyrose Shields Posted June 9, 2023 Share Posted June 9, 2023 Thank you all for pointing out the feeling of belonging . Yes that is exactly how I feel . been her 20 yrs and on 2 yrs left before we have to decide Tasmania ( we own our home there ) or back to the UK  yes we will leave behind our grandchildren but they will soon be an age where they will want to visit. I feel we only came do to my husbands job and it has been so hard on us all . so fingers crossed we will take our dog and cat with us . And do a move cube . Delighted we can now buy a house cash immediately. will let you know how we get on . 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARYROSE02 Posted June 10, 2023 Share Posted June 10, 2023 On 09/06/2018 at 12:36, Toots said: When we lived in Perth over 30 years ago there were huge numbers of Poms living there - suburbs full of them.  Still don't know why they all chose Perth rather than the east coast.  We were in Sydney for a year before we moved to Perth.  OH had a job to go to and I went after him - on the Indian Pacific train.  It was the same price as flying in those days.  We were in Perth for approx 4 years then there was a real slump so we moved back to Sydney and never looked back.  I did really like Perth though.  I had my two babies there so I was kept very busy with one thing and another plus I made a couple of very good friends so I had no chance to get bored   ................................  beats me why so many people label Perth as boring but there you go. I had the idea that, in earlier times when people travelled by ship, they'd spent all their money by the time they arrived at Freemantle (Fremantle? There's a burb in Southampton), so they got off the boat there. I flew to Singapore and got a ship to Freo 45 years ago. I loved Perth but I couldn't get a job and ended up where I never planned on going - Sydney. Now, after a 16 month "holiday" in Surfers I've decided I want to stay here. I had a great time when I went back to England for a 12 year "holiday" and I could still be there now but I had family in OZ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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