Well, it looks like we'll be returning to the UK and a quick question...

[Alipally]

Thought I might stick my neck out and let you know what's happening with us.

Almost 2 years here...I found a job pretty easily, but not so for OH applied for over 100 jobs but nothing was giving. 9 months into our adventure his old employer emails him and offers him 6 months of well paid work, air fare paid to and from. He was pretty down by then, not having a job, so took the offer. At the end of the 6 months they offered him another contract. There was NOTHING still here for him, so he went back (truth is that he loves his job, always has done) Being apart has been difficult, but we manage with the help of daily Skype calls, but 12 months on, enough is enough. He was planning on coming back at the end of July for good and just looking for any old job, but, work have made him an offer that is simply too good an opportunity to turn down... loads more money and a big promotion compared to what he had when we left for Australia.

Son will be 18 in a couple of months and is talking about moving out, he's got an apprenticeship and really good mates here, he is adamant that he's not going back, Adelaide suits him and he's very happy. When I told him about his Dad's offer, he looked at me and said 'I can't believe that you've stayed here as long as you have Mum.....he worries about me , but the truth is that I've stayed because he's not yet 18 and it would be irresponsible of me to leave him in a foreign land before he was old enough, I also knew that I wouldn't be able to make him move back and tbh, I don't think I could ask that of him. It would be selfish to say the very least. He has an apprenticeship in a trade he loves, and great career prospects.

I don't dislike Adelaide, I've been lucky enough to make some really great mates both Aussies & expats whilst I've been here. I merely think that we landed here at the wrong time, and it's made finding employment for OH very difficult. It's possible that, if he'd found a job then it would have been different. However, if things had been different, he certainly wouldn't have had the offer that he has now. Everything happens for a reason.

It's also possible that another state could offer better opportunities, but we need to regroup and have some stability in our lives. Perhaps leaving is the easy option, but, I think that we've done enough hard yards for now. All I want to do is be able to cuddle up to my man every night and sleep soundly. I really don't want to spend anymore nights alone nor am I prepared to have my peace of mind lost because I'm worrying about him not having a job.

I'm told that if you have 2 years residency on your 175 visa that you can get a RRV if this is true then I will endeavour to stay until September to make sure that I get that right, but we have until the end of 2013 to come back on our current visa.

Well, it's been an adventure. An expensive adventure, but, I think, worth it. I didn't expect it to turn out this way, but hey, life would be very boring if everything always did!

[cormcvcr]

You have to do what is right for you and by the sounds of things your relationship with your son and OH have stood the test of time and passed with flying colours.

You have been brave, considerate, adventurous and put everybody else first........ Follow your heart and enjoy your experiences both old and new as there will be so much more to come x

[foxychick]

You seem to have had it so hard, hope it starts to get easier for you from now. Best of luck

[Rachiegarlo]

You have given it a try, now it's right for you to catch your breath again. Good luck with it all. Your son sounds like a lovely person and you seem to have been trying to do what is right for everyone else. Good luck, what ever you do in the future I know it will be right for you.

[Diane]

You have to do what is right for you and by the sounds of things your relationship with your son and OH have stood the test of time and passed with flying colours.

You have been brave, considerate, adventurous and put everybody else first........ Follow your heart and enjoy your experiences both old and new as there will be so much more to come x

Ditto what Cornelia said.

[Tyke]

Ditto,ditto.
Good luck :)

[chrisda]

Maybe you will be back. I reckon it's better here than in the UK but I understand the issue with the job.
Don't you think that you might have the same problem if your son stays here?
Best of luck .

[WhatNow?]

Hi, Just thought I'd share with you the fact that when I migrated I left my 18 year old son in the UK because he really wanted to take up the Uni place that he had fought so hard for. I never doubted that it was the right thing to do, though I have detected a few raised eyebrows from others not so enlightened. Make sure you know how to use Facebook before you go back - I have found it is such a good way of keeping up with my son's life, though I have to close my ears/eyes to the language/photographs sometimes! Good Luck

[ian mc]

Good luck on your move its no life for you being separated all the time,but then it may have its advantages lol

[HEAPS GOOD !!!]

Am shocked but not shocked if you get what i mean Ali....XXX

HG