husband suggesting moving to mumbai/ india for 2 years - anyone experienced it? don't want to go - have 2 small ones!

[foxy1]

Hi

my husband has suggested moving to india/mumbai for work for 2 years to gain some international work experience. There is a job for him out there. He has said tat he would not choose to work there but he wants to build on cv and gain international experience.

I have a 22 month old and a 3 week old. I really am not keen on the idea but wanted to find out from anyone who has lived or been there on holiday what it is like. I am a sahm. what would you do. It doesn't feel right taking small children out there.


Please advise asap as my husband needs to let work know whether he wants to go for formal interview.


Thank you.

foxy

[colditz]

my God NO./ i know nothing about the area but the potential for isolation with 2 such tiny children would be enormous. I would not go if you paid me.

[moondog]

Well my dh works in all sorts of places and I lve going with him.
Mumbai sounds fantastic-my friend has an Indian bf and goes there with him a lot.

[moondog]

Isolation??
Eh??
There will be loads to do,lots of cheap paid help,thusands of expats.
Expat life is far more sociable than day to day life in UK.

[foxy1]

Moondog - what sort of places have you been to. I am quite scared by the whole thing. There is so much to think about and organise. what sort of age range are the expats? thanks

[moondog]

Russia
Turkey
France
Dubai
Sri Lanka
Malaysia
Thailand

Foxy,there will be thousands of expats.

What do kids really need?
You,that's all.

I have spent the last three years going back and forth from very isolated part of Turkey with two small children.
Believe me,it is the middle of nowhere.
We loved it.

[marymillington]

Very good friend - who is Indian but grew up in Brum - has moved to Delhi for a few years. Finding it quite a culture shock. And Delhi is not as extreme as Mumbai.

I think it could be hard. But at the same time it could be amazing. It probably depends in part on whether your husband's work will create some connections for you or whether you will have to build it all up for yourself. And on how hard your husband will have to work.....

[mamama]

I know people who have spent a couple of years in India and have loved it. The expat community was wonderful for them.

I haven't done it myself though so can't be more help.

[foxy1]

yes - i am worried about it being a culture shock and about not knowing anyone!. I am worried about being isolated. I have lived in the same town for 34 years, I have never wanted to go to India. I have been to Thailand, Singapore and Bali and loved them.

Moondog - wow you have travelled lots!!

[MrsMuddle]

I've replied on the other thread, Foxy

[wannaBeWhateverIWannaBe]

if my dh was offered a job abroad I'd be on the first plane out - with exception of Iraq/afghanistan. There will be loads of expats wherever you live and it will be a huge experience for both you and your children. And ultimately it's only a couple of years, so if you really hate it you can come back after that time.

Honestly what do you have to lose?