Guest pegasus 90 Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I'm new to PIO & have been reading the threads for a few days to get a feel for it. My OH has got me onto this as I grapple with her desire to move back to U.K. I wanted to hear from people who have returned (or planning to) return after a fair few yrs. We have been here for 9 yrs & from most of the posts I hve read, it is mainly migrants of 2 yrs & under who seem to be going back. OH has been talking about going back for a few years now but basically it's been on the back burner so to speak. I agree with some of the sentiments but am struggling with the concept of moving back to U.K I agree that we love to travel but the distances & costs prohibit us from doing a lot of things, & also I have to admit Oz is very light in the culture dept!. One of our other concerns is that we have two kids (13 & 9) and from what we have seen & experienced we have not been impressed with the education system here in W.A. Please don't think I am into Oz bashing, I try hard to make my kids aware & proud of where they come from, but my daughter is 13 yrs old & has never had a Geography lesson!!! Luckily we are in a different position to a lot of the new migrants, I have made a good career (after paying my dues!) & we are financially comfortable. I haven't been homesick for many years now, but I am sometimes envious of the amount of opportunities & things to do in U.K. Nevertheless I am battling with the reality of what we would be giving up. If anyone is in similar position I'd love to hear from you. BTW I really feel sorry for the new migrants who've come over in the last few years, especially those struggling for work. There wasn't a lot work around when I came over in 2000, but a 4 bed house was $160k & cost of living was much,much cheaper. I found things alot easier once I'd got my first Aussie job, then doors seemed to open. Not much consolation I know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kdal Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Hi, Sorry can't really answer your dilemma but just wanted to say Welcome to PIO and I am sure you will get lots of point of views soon!! I know what you mean abt the education system but to be honest not all schools in the UK are that great either, pretty much depends on the child and the teacher, although you would have thought your 13 year old would have had a Geography lesson by now. Have you been to the UK for holidays since moving here? I should imagine that the UK has changed somewhat since you departed. I spoke to a friend of mine that has just returned from visiting the UK and he said it was very sad to walk along the high street and see so many empty shops. Not saying there is still no hope for the UK though, it just seems that the UK is tired and worn out (bless), personally I feel that Australia still has alot to learn, so like a teen lol Hey lifes here for living so you could go back and let your children finish their education in the UK, and then if you wanted you could always return here later if you felt you needed to. Might be good for your children to give them an opportunity of living somewhere else. Good luck in what you decide and keep us posted on your decision:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kdal Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Oh and would just like to add that your son having no Geography lesson now explains why my son was asked at school here in Aus 'do you come from England or Britain':biglaugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest John Locke Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Hi, I`m in a similar situation. We`ve been here 7 years and I too have struggled with the concept of ever moving back, so much so that I just supressed it. We are now in our baby steps in our return home. We`re far from wealthy but we get by and materialistcly, we`ve done well, children are happy and have plenty of space but.....it`s been like living in a gold fish bowl and the emotional pull of going home started to outweigh the pros of living here. I mean, in all honesty what would I be giving up? A big house with a big backyard and the sun! It might be a fair trade for happiness and my on/off switch flicked back to ON. I was back there last November and to be honest it hadn`t changed much, crowded high streets, raining...God, I`d never felt so alive, lol! Just everything, people, atmosphere so much more engaging. As for things to do and opportunities I`ve been thinking a lot lately of the things we used to do as a family (we only had one child then) not just in and around London, but we used to jump in the car and drive all over the place. What I`ve found here is once you`ve exhausted the things to do in your own area that`s it, really, you`re just left with the beach, no days out to amusement parks ar zoos because they`re all so far away (we take the kids to the Gold Coast most years but only because it`s a big and expensive family holiday), in the U.K we would take a day trip somewhere and go on the same rides!!!! Visit Museums that take longer than 10 minutes to walk around!!! Anyway, feel like I`m going on a bit but hope I helped in some way. I`ve found the comments and support on here a great help in coming to a decision. Also, PM me if you just feel like chatting... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Susie Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Hi Pegasus Interesting to hear how you feel after 9 years here. We are in our 9th month and considering going home. Also, wish we come in 2000 when the house prices were so low!!! My husband and I are both high school teachers and would definitely say the standard of education is far better in the UK, well Scotland anyway as never taught south of the border! We both worked in state schools there for 10 years. I do relief teaching here in state schools (better not mention them!) as I can't get a proper job due to the strange recruitment system and as I won't go out to the country for 3 years. I think your daughter probably will do geography but its under the subject of S&E (society and environment), which also includes history, politics and economics. Geography these days, here and in the UK, is not about places around the world but more about volcanoes, natural disasters, environmental concerns etc. My husband has a permanent position in a private school teaching S&E and also thinks standards better in Scotland. However, we both agree that the kids here are far more confident and better at public speaking, they teach them to be more independent than we did our Scottish kids in school. The focus in Scotland was more on exams and academic achievement but here social skills seem very important. Good luck with whatever you decide to so. Susie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JoanneHattersley Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I have been here 4 years and I can say although I have had homesick periods, I have no desire at all to go back. I call here home! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I am "home" on holiday at the moment and the places I have been to have been vibrant and apparently thriving. Apart from Bradford (why is it that Tim the Tom Tom man always drives me round wills mothers in Bradford?) which definitely had dingy bits and which I would be clamouring to leave, the rest has been dynamic and apparently going well although I admit it could all be a facade. I havent seen any signs on doors like the one on our local map shop which basically blamed the economic downturn and said not to expect a fire sale. The only glimpse I have had personally is the poor showing at a pub I quite like and that one of my rellies (oop North) has been made redundant. Also the man next door to my folks is rueing that the property market has taken a dive because he is now in negative equity for his rather large and quite ugly over renovated mcmansion and he cant sell it either! I guess it all depends on what you would come back to job wise. If you have a recessionproof occupation as do my son and his partner you should be fine. On the plus side the countryside has blossomed in the month that we have been here, we have had good weather (it does happen in UK) and we have even "eaten outside" without the pleasure of being invaded by flies and mozzies. The culture thing has recharged my soul, one of my boys went to Switzerland and the other to Egypt for 10 day holidays, I have slipped into friendships which have stood the test of time beyond any that I have made in the last 30 years in Australia. I get on the plane to go back tomorrow and my "mood" will be the opposite of cloud 9 I know because I have started with the nightmares already. To the OP, if your wife hasnt "belonged" by now then chances are she wont ever belong and that can be very wearing the longer it goes on. I wouldnt call it "homesickness" so much as being out of place. Your kids are the right ages to be moving but you wouldnt want to leave it much longer for the 13 year old. With the $ being strong against the £ you could be laughing! I'm not saying it is an easy decision though, good luck with it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Hi and welcome to poms in oz, i want to wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide, no-one can say after so long you havnt given it a good go. Does your hubby not fancy trying another state before giving up on Oz for good? or is it just that he misses the UK? Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest June Pixie Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I couldn’t give any advice on wanting to leave Oz as I’ve never even been, but I know one thing, we are very exited about the prospect of living in Australia with our family. It was an easy decision to make after over 2 years in actually deciding to start the process. I worried what my children would be like when we initially started to research the prospect, they are 12 and 7. My daughter (12) initially was reluctant so we left it and a few months then she said after thinking about it she would love to give it a go. There are so many aspects of the UK that depresses me and specific incidents that have happened to me whilst trying to get on with life in Britain. I physically fear for my safety sometimes and have stopped my daily running regime after being chased by a group of drunken girls along a bridle path (at 11.30am!!) There are too many unruly elements now and don’t want my children to be scared or me to have to worry about their safety. I’m by no means a cloying overprotective parent and allow my eldest daughter the freedom I had as a child but after so many individual incidents we have to question the fact that standards are dropping. I don’t presume Australia will be utopia but my uncle who lives in Brisbane keeps me updated with events and I read Aussie papers online to get a feel of life overall down under. Here was a pro’s and con’s list that as a family we drew up before making a final decision: Bear in mind that our children helped with this and some of the good things about Australia is based on what we perceived to be good. UK GOOD Nana is here (son 7) Garden (it’s taking us ages to nurture) Northumberland scenery Indian Takeaways BAD Chavs hanging around streets. Swearing & aggressive youngsters (not to mention the adults. Litter (everywhere) Fly tipping, general mess Over crowded and expensive tourist attractions Bad weather/rain/ DRIZZLE/grey Drunk & stoned people on streets (day & night) AUSTRALIA GOOD Weather Making new contacts and friends Being outdoors as a family more More laid back/less stressed lifestyle More space/ not as claustrophobic as UK BAD May be too hot? Flies Lack of culture We are all drawn to the fact that Australia seems to have a more sports focused and outdoors existence; my son can continue in a trampoline club down under and my daughter can do her rock climbing outdoors as opposed to an indoor windowless centre. I can still cycle to work (I do that in UK anyway) and my OH can wear flip flops everyday (big dream of his). For us we are 100% together on the lifestyle we want to enjoy and we truly believe Australia has that on offer and hopefully we can give something back to Australia. Sorry this post is overly long and opinionated, but personally I love hearing about the good and bad in every thing as it makes informed decisions so much easier when personal experience is given. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest treesea Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 We came home when our children, who are both Australians, were 4 and 9, but to Scotland, rather than London, where I am from. Good things about being back: - The weather. Sunny and cold pretty much all year round, and now and then the haar rolls in to give a change of atmosphere. Edinburgh doesn't really do rain. Or snow. The last exciting weather by Australian standards was probably the hurricane that hit in 1968. - Insects - there aren't any. - Extended family - they're mostly here. And actually visit if they are not, which didn't used to happen in Australia. - The housing. Inner city flats with 12 foot ceilings that don't cost and arm an a leg to rent and have huge rooms. - Schools. I would say the standard of state education is on par with good private schools in Australia, maybe even higher. I'm really impressed with the amount of PE children do at secondary school here. Also, home economics, woodwork, metalwork and the like are genuine courses here, rather than just run as side shows for kids who can't cope academically. Also, I really like the 4.5 day week, i.e. an extra half hour Monday to Thursday, then early finishing on Fridays. Very civilised. - The health system. I know it is over stretched down south (in London it's very patchy quality wise, likewise Manchester) - but up here its amazing. The Royal Infirmary is like a five star hotel. - The coffee. Neros and Wetherspoons (yes, even the pubs) do a great brew and it's reasonably priced. - Birds of prey. There are a fair few pairs around Edinburgh and they are great to watch. - There's lots on year round, and all within a 10 to 20 mile radius. Things I miss about Australia: - Family members who live there. - South East Asian food. Back here in the UK there are curries galore. Occasionally I long for some genuine Malaysian or Thai food. Even Japanese food here, which is genuine, thank goodness, is thin on the ground choice wise. - The shopping. Chadstone is better than Bluewater...imho :-) The supermarkets are better in the UK though. - Driving. Scottish roads are pretty good but I do miss my 4.1 litre car. No one could afford to run a car that size here. - Owls - I haven't seen a single owl since we came back. - The friends I left behind,some of whom are Brits. Things I don't miss - the weather (if I feel like getting sunburnt, I'll visit Spain), flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, frogs, cicadas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Swing low sweet chariot Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 See how you feel once you've been in Oz 6 months!!!!!! I couldn’t give any advice on wanting to leave Oz as I’ve never even been, but I know one thing, we are very exited about the prospect of living in Australia with our family. It was an easy decision to make after over 2 years in actually deciding to start the process. I worried what my children would be like when we initially started to research the prospect, they are 12 and 7. My daughter (12) initially was reluctant so we left it and a few months then she said after thinking about it she would love to give it a go. There are so many aspects of the UK that depresses me and specific incidents that have happened to me whilst trying to get on with life in Britain. I physically fear for my safety sometimes and have stopped my daily running regime after being chased by a group of drunken girls along a bridle path (at 11.30am!!) There are too many unruly elements now and don’t want my children to be scared or me to have to worry about their safety. I’m by no means a cloying overprotective parent and allow my eldest daughter the freedom I had as a child but after so many individual incidents we have to question the fact that standards are dropping. I don’t presume Australia will be utopia but my uncle who lives in Brisbane keeps me updated with events and I read Aussie papers online to get a feel of life overall down under. Here was a pro’s and con’s list that as a family we drew up before making a final decision: Bear in mind that our children helped with this and some of the good things about Australia is based on what we perceived to be good. UK GOOD Nana is here (son 7) Garden (it’s taking us ages to nurture) Northumberland scenery Indian Takeaways BAD Chavs hanging around streets. Swearing & aggressive youngsters (not to mention the adults. Litter (everywhere) Fly tipping, general mess Over crowded and expensive tourist attractions Bad weather/rain/ DRIZZLE/grey Drunk & stoned people on streets (day & night) AUSTRALIA GOOD Weather Making new contacts and friends Being outdoors as a family more More laid back/less stressed lifestyle More space/ not as claustrophobic as UK BAD May be too hot? Flies Lack of culture We are all drawn to the fact that Australia seems to have a more sports focused and outdoors existence; my son can continue in a trampoline club down under and my daughter can do her rock climbing outdoors as opposed to an indoor windowless centre. I can still cycle to work (I do that in UK anyway) and my OH can wear flip flops everyday (big dream of his). For us we are 100% together on the lifestyle we want to enjoy and we truly believe Australia has that on offer and hopefully we can give something back to Australia. Sorry this post is overly long and opinionated, but personally I love hearing about the good and bad in every thing as it makes informed decisions so much easier when personal experience is given. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pegasus 90 Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Hi June Pixie, Thxs for reply. Don't get me wrong, I'm not into bashing Oz at all; in fact I've thoroughly enjoyed living here. the problem is that our kids are older now & to be honest they need more than the sun & beach & are not interested in the pool either. i know that might sound strange & I dont want to sound blase but basically they have grown up with it & are bored!! (you will aprreciate this when you have lived here a few yrs). Anyway, I have been in your position & I dont want to dent your enthusiasm for your new life. Oz is a great place & I'm sure you will enjoy it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pegasus 90 Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Hi treesea, thxs. How did your kids adjust? How long were you in Oz & did it feel like you had missed out on a lot of living while you were away?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LondonGal Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 I couldn’t give any advice on wanting to leave Oz as I’ve never even been, but I know one thing, we are very exited about the prospect of living in Australia with our family. It was an easy decision to make after over 2 years in actually deciding to start the process. I worried what my children would be like when we initially started to research the prospect, they are 12 and 7. My daughter (12) initially was reluctant so we left it and a few months then she said after thinking about it she would love to give it a go. There are so many aspects of the UK that depresses me and specific incidents that have happened to me whilst trying to get on with life in Britain. I physically fear for my safety sometimes and have stopped my daily running regime after being chased by a group of drunken girls along a bridle path (at 11.30am!!) There are too many unruly elements now and don’t want my children to be scared or me to have to worry about their safety. I’m by no means a cloying overprotective parent and allow my eldest daughter the freedom I had as a child but after so many individual incidents we have to question the fact that standards are dropping. I don’t presume Australia will be utopia but my uncle who lives in Brisbane keeps me updated with events and I read Aussie papers online to get a feel of life overall down under. Here was a pro’s and con’s list that as a family we drew up before making a final decision: Bear in mind that our children helped with this and some of the good things about Australia is based on what we perceived to be good. UK GOOD Nana is here (son 7) Garden (it’s taking us ages to nurture) Northumberland scenery Indian Takeaways BAD Chavs hanging around streets. Swearing & aggressive youngsters (not to mention the adults. Litter (everywhere) Fly tipping, general mess Over crowded and expensive tourist attractions Bad weather/rain/ DRIZZLE/grey Drunk & stoned people on streets (day & night) AUSTRALIA GOOD Weather Making new contacts and friends Being outdoors as a family more More laid back/less stressed lifestyle More space/ not as claustrophobic as UK BAD May be too hot? Flies Lack of culture We are all drawn to the fact that Australia seems to have a more sports focused and outdoors existence; my son can continue in a trampoline club down under and my daughter can do her rock climbing outdoors as opposed to an indoor windowless centre. I can still cycle to work (I do that in UK anyway) and my OH can wear flip flops everyday (big dream of his). For us we are 100% together on the lifestyle we want to enjoy and we truly believe Australia has that on offer and hopefully we can give something back to Australia. Sorry this post is overly long and opinionated, but personally I love hearing about the good and bad in every thing as it makes informed decisions so much easier when personal experience is given. It's all very well having a pro's and cons list but until you have actually lived somewhere it's very difficult to really know how you will feel about a place. It seems easy sitting in your living room in the UK to take your children away from their grandparents but the reality is very different. To live in a place where you have no history, the majority of people you meet don't have the same sense of humour, the isolation and the oppresive summer sun that looks so nice in pictures but is not much fun when you have to go about your daily life in it can be harder than you realise. I do hope your new life in Aus works out for you but you should be aware that all the cons you list for the UK are here in Perth too and many of the other major cities. AUSTRALIA BAD Chavs hanging around streets. Swearing & aggressive youngsters (not to mention the adults. Take a trip to Joondalup on a Friday or Saturday night Litter (everywhere) Fly tipping, general mess you can add Beer bottles to this item as well Over crowded and expensive tourist attractions same in Perth as everyone goes to the same few tourist attractions Bad weather/rain/ DRIZZLE/grey HOT/Humid/Hot then 3 months of driving rain in winter Drunk & stoned people on streets (day & night) Freo or Forest Chase anyone?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pegasus 90 Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Susie, wow! 9 months isn't long!!! please don't let my dilema influence you!!, we are a lot further into the journey. I'm interested you say that about the education system. We've had that same feedback from others plus our own experience. I really didn't really settle into OZ for at least 3-4 yrs, but my wife just never did regard this place as home. As I mentioned previously, I am not homesick at all but I do find myself becoming more frustrated that UK & Europe offers so much more opportunities for travel & enrichment. I suppose for me though, I have great anxiety that I would be giving up a lot here & also I may hate it. Let's face it I haven't been on British soil for nrly 7 Yrs. Kids seem keen but I am totally not sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Susie Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Hi Londongal I have to totally agree with you. My parents were over here for a few weeks over Xmas and loved it. However, on a day trip down to Fremantle, my Dad witnessed for the first time ever a young girl injecting drugs into her arm in a doorway in broad daylight, near one of the ice cream shops. He is from Glasgow so not exactly sheltered. I think there is a seedy side to here, and once you get away from the beaches a lot of it looks scruffy compared to where I lived in Scotland, anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Susie Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Susie, wow! 9 months isn't long!!! please don't let my dilema influence you!!, we are a lot further into the journey. I'm interested you say that about the education system. We've had that same feedback from others plus our own experience. I really didn't really settle into OZ for at least 3-4 yrs, but my wife just never did regard this place as home. As I mentioned previously, I am not homesick at all but I do find myself becoming more frustrated that UK & Europe offers so much more opportunities for travel & enrichment. I suppose for me though, I have great anxiety that I would be giving up a lot here & also I may hate it. Let's face it I haven't been on British soil for nrly 7 Yrs.Kids seem keen but I am totally not sure Hi Pegasus I guess I just think, if we know its not right what is the point in hanging around, and giving it the 2 years. The longer we leave it the harder it will be to readjust to UK. I think that is what you are more or less saying. In recent years I went on a few city breaks in Europe as well as holidays to Spain. Now, these holidays, we couldn't afford a few days in Melbourne. I been whinging on here for a few days, some people prob thinking, well why don't you b****r off back to the UK then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LondonGal Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Hi Londongal I have to totally agree with you. My parents were over here for a few weeks over Xmas and loved it. However, on a day trip down to Fremantle, my Dad witnessed for the first time ever a young girl injecting drugs into her arm in a doorway in broad daylight, near one of the ice cream shops. He is from Glasgow so not exactly sheltered. I think there is a seedy side to here, and once you get away from the beaches a lot of it looks scruffy compared to where I lived in Scotland, anyway. I agree that a lot of the older suburbs here are scruffy and are really no better than a council estate in the UK. Like the UK Perth has it's good and bad points. Unfortunately no one (ie: government etc) seems to acknowledge the bad parts and it gives the impression that all is OK. I worry for my children when they are older and going out in Perth as there is nothing much for kids to do here apart from get stoned or drunk then drive around the streets in their 15 year old V8's doing burn outs. I also never felt unsafe on a night out in London but I have here in Perth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest June Pixie Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 I aim for Adelaide -- Hopefully not a big city feel. I live in a village here so not city based but the drug problem is much more than just a city problem. I even have my own police 'hot line' number to call when the chavs congregate at the end of the street smoking whatever it is they smoke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verulam Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 I aim for Adelaide -- Hopefully not a big city feel. I live in a village here so not city based but the drug problem is much more than just a city problem. I even have my own police 'hot line' number to call when the chavs congregate at the end of the street smoking whatever it is they smoke. Hi June Pixie As you can see i'm from Northumberland...just up the road LOL. Can you go over for a holiday? get a feel for the place? I am in a "mixed" marriage-in that I'm British and hubby is Australian, from Adelaide. I just could not settle there, and I am so pleased that he loves it here because if he didnt it would have caused major problems. All his family including 2 grown up kids are over there, and he misses them very much, but he prefers the UK! Everyone says "Are you mad?" but its mostly people who have never been down under and believe all the wonderful travel progs on tv. I love going for a holiday, but the feeling I got when we touched down at Heathrow after deciding we wanted to be back here in the UK was unbelieveable. felt like kissing the wet tarmac! LOL Be prepared for the fact it may not be what you expect. Like the UK, there are good and bad areas, drugs, drunks,graffitti, and at weekends and holidays the parks and beaches are packed as the whole of the city tries to escape for the day, and its too far to travel anywhere else. My advice would be..go first..check it out..and see how you feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Susie Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Hi again Pegasus If your wife has never settled here and your kids are excited about it then it will be an adventure for all of you if nothing else. You have a lot to lose but also may spend the rest of your life thinking what if, if you don't do it. I think nothing could be tougher than emigrating out here in the first place. In the UK your kids will be like celebrities, particularly if they have cute ozzie accents! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.