anyone returned recently to UK???!!, considering returning to Sussex or Somerset.....

[phil&Sue]

hi, anyone returned to UK recently????!!!!!, we have been here nearly 2 yrs, q worried tho' about the economy, husband has been in meat trade for 20 yrs, I will be looking for something part time as a mum!!!, can anyone give me their opinion on the state of the UK at the mo, or are we just "overworrying????!!!!" (the uk media is quite "doom and gloom?") , like Oz, like Adelaide, NO family have come to visit in 2 yrs!!!! (sore point!!!) and son is 3 now, so feel we need to be settled soon for school decisions (will start school at 4 1/2 in uk) we are having some relationship issues and think therefore maybe that old friends and family is the prob. the way to go, otherwise would prob. stay here:(!!!!!! ,,

 

pls can anyone throw any light on it,

my background is airline work, but fancy retraining possibly,,,, massage/childcare maybe??? childcare, being recession proof i hope?!!!!!

 

Thank you very much,

[Guest vikkiann]

In my honest opinion .....

 

We got our visa back in 2008 but due to family commitments i refused to give a new life in australia a go.

 

We are now hoping to exchange on our house this week and fly by the end of May!

 

The uk economy is terrible and getting so much worse. There are job cuts left, right and centre. The coalition government are making cutbacks everywhere. I don't know if you would qualify for tax credits but i believe they have cut the threshold are also cutting child benefit for 40% tax payers, i don't know if this has been approved yet though.

My husband is self employed, has been a plumber / kitchen fitter / carpenter for the past 7 years, he has 20 years experience and at the moment he is only working every other week.

The economy is a big driving force in us making the move.

 

Good luck with your decision though.

 

Vikki

[phil&Sue]

In my honest opinion .....

 

We got our visa back in 2008 but due to family commitments i refused to give a new life in australia a go.

 

We are now hoping to exchange on our house this week and fly by the end of May!

 

The uk economy is terrible and getting so much worse. There are job cuts left, right and centre. The coalition government are making cutbacks everywhere. I don't know if you would qualify for tax credits but i believe they have cut the threshold are also cutting child benefit for 40% tax payers, i don't know if this has been approved yet though.

My husband is self employed, has been a plumber / kitchen fitter / carpenter for the past 7 years, he has 20 years experience and at the moment he is only working every other week.

The economy is a big driving force in us making the move.

 

Good luck with your decision though.

 

Vikki

 

ok thanks vikki, i am very worried about it, but think it may be only option,, cheers

[Guest Helchops]

Trust me...friends and family sticking their nose in is exactly what you DON'T want if you're having any relationship difficulties.

 

Having said that, I think the UK will pick up in the next few years, so I wouldn't worry too much but maybe try and secure employment before you come back if it's an optional thing.

 

However, if things are working out in oz, I personally wouldn't come back. Friends and family move on very quickly, and you're morning the loss of your previous close relationships which essentially stops you building new ones.

 

We also don't expect people to come out to see us (although we'd like to think they will try because of our Daughter) but we can't say they're not making the effort as at the end of the day, we're going to be the ones who are moving away...it would be hypocritical to say, 'you haven't come to see us'!

 

I also find on these sites, that once people have made up their mind about something they will think of any excuse to justify that decision. You're asking for honest advice which is really refreshing, and i do feel for your predicament. I guess if it was me in your shoes, I would stay. You intimate that you like Australia. Moving again is likely to put even more strain on an already strained relationship, and it might make it easier to leave one another rather than sticking it out which you will probably do in Oz...

[Cherrypecker]

Hi Phil & Sue,

 

I totally agree with Helchops, except I don't believe that the UK will pick itself back up. I think it is on a slippery slope that will get much worse before it begins the long and slow process of recovery. Just my opinion though.

 

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing relationship difficulties. I can only imagine how difficult that must be for you. Are there professionals over here who can help ? As for retraining, I think that is a fabulous idea. I think that opportunities in Australia to retrain are far better and far easier than in the UK.

 

All the very best

Paul

[keldaz]

Hi Sue, we haven't been back to the UK recently as have only been here 8 months. It's fair to say that none of our family and friends were thrilled about us emigrating to Aus. During a recent skype chat with my Dad he said 'don't come back mate, this place is falling apart'. I was stunned to say the least, and nearly choked on my cup of tea. When I told the OH, she said that her Mum says 'your in the best place' every time they speak. We have a friend currently visiting Uk and her words were 'seems in a bad way, looking forward to returning to Aus'.

Sorry to hear no family have visited, thats a tricky one, OH's family coming next year, but I don't think I'll ever see any of mine here. Remember its expensive and many just can't do the flight, fear, age etc. We're still in good touch with family, but we haven't had so much as a text from close friends we've known for up to 25 years. Not going to dwell on why?, we've tried and can do no more.

I'm not much of a relationship counselor, but unless Australia itself is the problem, I doubt returning to the UK in it's current state will help you much. At least here you know your situation, returning to UK is a massive risk, as was coming here in the first place. Your son will probably have a better long term future in Aus as well, but thats just my opinion.

Wish you all the best, whatever you decide x.

[jim and adel]

To be honest, the last place I'd ask for opinions about the state of the UK is a migration site for people moving away from the UK, but here's my input:

 

We visited the UK a few months ago and all the people who used to be in work when we lived there were pretty much still in work (and probably those that never used to work are still not working!) There were signs of the economy going through a rough ride - plenty of old pubs I used to frequent were closed (although apparently some just have strange opening hours these days!) and I'd say that rough suburbs looked rougher. There was also, though, plenty of signs of spending; we had to phone around quite a few places when trying to book a meal in a posh restaurant in London because they were fully booked, and wandering around more affluent suburbs in different cities suggested plenty were doing quite nicely if new cars were an indicator. When we went evening shopping to the Trafford Centre in Manchester you wouldn't think there was a recession - we drove around for twenty minutes trying to find a parking space and the shops/restaurants were crowded.

 

Good luck with the decision!

 

Jim

[phil&Sue]

To be honest, the last place I'd ask for opinions about the state of the UK is a migration site for people moving away from the UK, but here's my input:

 

We visited the UK a few months ago and all the people who used to be in work when we lived there were pretty much still in work (and probably those that never used to work are still not working!) There were signs of the economy going through a rough ride - plenty of old pubs I used to frequent were closed (although apparently some just have strange opening hours these days!) and I'd say that rough suburbs looked rougher. There was also, though, plenty of signs of spending; we had to phone around quite a few places when trying to book a meal in a posh restaurant in London because they were fully booked, and wandering around more affluent suburbs in different cities suggested plenty were doing quite nicely if new cars were an indicator. When we went evening shopping to the Trafford Centre in Manchester you wouldn't think there was a recession - we drove around for twenty minutes trying to find a parking space and the shops/restaurants were crowded.

 

Good luck with the decision!

 

Jim

 

Thanks for the mssge Jim, sure lots of people are migrating out here, I was aiming my mssge at anyone really, those that live in UK and those that have recently returned/returned for longer,,, Am getting info. from as many places as poss to make decision, depends a lot on area u are in UK too I think,, and reasons for giving Adelaide a go,,, Thank you for the info - shopping malls, restaurants, it is interesting,

All the best,,

[Guest benj1980]

Again I would be another person who is looking to migrate however, the reason for this is the state of the economy! It is a serious mess, we don't have sufficient border controls, there isn't enough industry or other services to maintain respectful jobs and there is no real pride in the country anymore. This is my opinion of course but many people of my age are looking to get out! I am 31 with a young family and you have to look to the future and not to the past and the good old British Empire!

[Guest Helchops]

Again I would be another person who is looking to migrate however, the reason for this is the state of the economy! It is a serious mess, we don't have sufficient border controls, there isn't enough industry or other services to maintain respectful jobs and there is no real pride in the country anymore. This is my opinion of course but many people of my age are looking to get out! I am 31 with a young family and you have to look to the future and not to the past and the good old British Empire!

 

The economy is poor, but Australia might too have recession in the future. I don't think the number one priority for a move should be the economy, else you'll be moving every time there was a bust!

[phil&Sue]

The economy is poor, but Australia might too have recession in the future. I don't think the number one priority for a move should be the economy, else you'll be moving every time there was a bust!

 

Sure, good comment, thank you, I think for a lot of people it is one of the main reasons presently?!!,,,

[snifter]

Drop me a PM We live not far from Bristol and I'm happy to give you info about stuff around here (Bristol airport and Filton nearby also fwiw). Its a lovely part of the world and we are very happy here. The town we live in has some great schools and the facilities for families with kids are top notch.

 

Honestly, we have a good life here and there is always stuff to do, places to go and so on. Just hubby (and I) want to spend a bit of time in Aus living, he is ready to go home and I'm happy to go. And our son getting to know his heritage and his family there is also important to both of us.

[jim and adel]

Again I would be another person who is looking to migrate however, the reason for this is the state of the economy! It is a serious mess, we don't have sufficient border controls, there isn't enough industry or other services to maintain respectful jobs ...

 

Reading this I honestly wasn't sure whether you meant the UK or Aus - it was only the latter part of your post that made it clear to me which it was. I hear quite a few people say these same things about Aus, which perhaps suggests that many places have similar issues!

 

Jim

[trevorpayne]

I think I would go back for a couple of months first before moving lock stock and barrel.

I know this would be expensive but a lot cheaper than moving back and then realising you had made a big mistake as plenty have.

We have some friends that went back for just over a month and his words where no ones progressed or moved on, its the same people stood at the same spot in the

pub moaning about the same things they moaned about 7 years ago.

Other than seeing his family he would not go back as it offers very little for him his wife and kids.

 

I hope you make the right decision for your selves and wish you all the best.

[Guest benj1980]

That's fair enough but I can't see it being rosey for quite some time and I think that Australia's vast resources will take care of the country for quite some time. I read this earlier!

 

“Five more years of pain are expected for much of the UK, with unemployment continuing to rise in almost every region,” Rob Harbron, a CEBR economist, said. “The outlook is tough for UK households, particularly those in places with a high dependency on public sector employment.”

[Guest Helchops]

That's fair enough but I can't see it being rosey for quite some time and I think that Australia's vast resources will take care of the country for quite some time. I read this earlier!

 

“Five more years of pain are expected for much of the UK, with unemployment continuing to rise in almost every region,” Rob Harbron, a CEBR economist, said. “The outlook is tough for UK households, particularly those in places with a high dependency on public sector employment.”

 

I think that's an accurate timeframe, but things will go back to pre-recession, it's just a matter of when and not if.

[Misplaced]

The Public Sector is being battered and another 40,000 are to be cut by next year!! The Private Sector is not taking on so the burden on Public Expenses will increase. Come back to the UK by all means but make sure you have a 'safe' job to go to. Oh! And if you earn a decent wage you'll not get working tax credit anymore - (I think it is if the household earns more than £25,000).

[Guest mandy.s]

our reason for wanting to migrate are to slow down a bit, i work full time as a Nursing Home Manager, my hubby runs his own very busy business in roofing and roughcasting, we are in scotland and just cant keep up with the work demand, so we have plenty work but want a more laid back lifestyle for the kids and us.

 

we also met a family who had wanted to move back,,, which they did and within 3 weeks they were making plans to go back, that was over 3 years ago and they are still in oz. I think the comment about coming for a holiday is wise good luck

[Guest ebstar]

Hi. We moved with our 3 children to Oz about 10months ago. We had many reasons but right up there were: lifestyle,childrens school and future,our cost of living and wanting to travel. My brother in law was getting married and it was important we were there, so we went back to UK for most of April. The area we had previoesly lived (between tunbridge wells and maidstone kent) was very different! We lost count of the number of both small and even larger chain stores that had closed and were standing empty and also were in administration. Most people we spoke to were having a very hard time trying to make ends meet. Those that are self employed were saying work is very slow. For us and the area we came from this confirmed we had made the right decission to move.

If you feel the move back is right for your family, then make sure you find out all you can and try to secure work first. The above is what i found where i had lived and like an earlier poster said on their trip back things seemed ok. The UK has been hit hard but some areas are suffering more than others.

One thing that concerned me reading your post, is that you seem to be happy here apart from your relationship issues. It is very unlikely that old friends and family will heal problems between you as a couple. Maybe it would be better to try and work out the relationship problems before making a decission on this move.

I wish you all the best whatever you decide

[Guest James]

Hi I have been back for 4 months now and I do love England. It is so beautiful and for my family having Waitrose is so much better than anything in Adelaide, the quality of food in it and variety at reasnoable price is great. I just love the food here! I love the gentle and reasnoableness of the English people and the interesting converstaions you can have here about life na dpolitics that I never had in Australia. However, I have not tried looking for a job as i am a full time carer for my mother for now and living in her home. I also can tell you it was such a relife to be in the country as I parted from my father, no hurried air flight home panicking. England is stll a very great country and the people are very kind. I have found far more kindness here but evidently I rubbed Australians up teh wrong way!

[Guest skoobzz03]

I moved back to the UK (Surrey) last year, had two interviews lined up for work in the specialisation I'm qualified for and I got both jobs. However, I've tried to get another part time job since then (11 months) and haven't even managed to get ONE interview!! In fact, I'm amazed when employers even bother reply. The job situation over here seems diabolical and I am lucky that my first job supports me financially. But that's only cos it's niche work that pays very well... Goodness knows how anyone survives on minimum wage. All my friends tell me they are just lucky to have a job. I'm not saying this will be everyone's experience, but it does seem to be a trend that is probably worth considering before you head back home. Maybe contact some employers before you leave and do a bit of research as that was really helpful to me. Best of luck with your move and I hope you manage to sort things out soon

Edited May 22, 2012 by skoobzz03
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