England versus Australia

[Anonanon1]

Has anyone lived in Australia and moved back to the UK, only to question this decision later on?
We are UK born and raised, but have lived in Oz for 10 years. After an epic decade - getting engaged, married, buying a house, having two little ones - we made the leap back "home" a few months ago to be closer to family and try life back in the UK.
The initial buzz of being home was hard to beat. Kids loved being close to grandparents and vice versa, weather was lovely and we appreciated the long Summer days. People were friendly and countryside beautiful. Houses are more affordable and we could really see a life in the UK developing. We just fit in seamlessly and, both working in the NHS, finding a job was fairly straight-forward.
However now a few months in we are starting to question things. The NHS is tough in its increasingly financially stretched state and the imbalance of resources is clear. I think that makes job satisfaction slightly less. We have also calculated an approximate 40% reduction in income which does not match the reduced cost of living. Weather is an obvious issue and something I didn't think would bother me. The cold is fine but the wet weather is a bit limiting even with the best will in the world and waterproof clothing! Brexit looms over us and I'm not sure how that will affect the NHS even further..
We have carved out such a lovely life in Oz with lots of opportunities for us and the kids, but England is homely and close to family as they also age (although still spring chickens now). I miss Oz a lot and tnk about it daily, yet seem to continually change my mind about which country. We are so fortunate to have this option and I don't take this for granted one bit. We have had a lot of loss in our family and I don't want to create more by leaving again. But I'm just not sure the UK will make my immediate family as happy longer term having now lived elsewhere and seeing what we have out there. Any advice from people who have been through similar (or not) is most welcome.

[mbosnz]

Anonanon1 having relocated to the UK just over a year ago, can I just say that you really need to give it a bit longer before you call it quits? It's a huge adjustment, and no matter that you're closer to family and friends, of course there are things you miss about being in Oz, and you're going through the pain of adjusting to the weather and the NHS and Brexit to boot.

Personally, for me, I really feel that at least two years is needed to settle and acclimatise. (And also, remember the expense, stress, and WORK of relocating!)

[Anonanon1]

Thankyou.I really appreciate that advice.

[BrokenLogs]

We did the exact same, except it was 10 years in London, great careers, 2 DC, bought a house, totally settled, and then moved back to Aus.

I do think you need to give it longer, even if you return to Aus. Just to be sure.

Even though we LOVE being back, it takes a while to find your routine. We're back a year, everyone is settled, dh has a great job, but I'm still figuring myself out.

But, I'll be honest, what possessed you to move back with Brexit looming?!! That was pretty high on our list of reasons to leave.

[Anonanon1]

Thankyou. We had an opportunity career wise and before our eldest due to start (Oz) school in January 2020 so couldn't really pass it up. But I have to say that Brexit has certainly been at the top of our negative list for the UK and a a huge factor in our decision-making....

[mbosnz]

I also find that autumn and winter tend to lead to peak frustration induced home-sickness as a result of smaller houses, and not having a dryer. Along with the bleak grey days . . .(shut UP mbos. . .) once spring comes (or Christmas, which makes sense over here, although New Years doesn't, lol) and the finer weather, the blossom and everyone so much happier around you, it's much easier to remember that actually, there were a lot of good reasons why you came. . .

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

My DH did 2 stints in America-one for business school and one for a job.

When he came back from sunny Atlanta and it was a very dull, grey January.

He says there is no culture shock like the one you get returning to your own culture.

Hang in there-it is still very early days and Christmas with family to look forward to!!

[Velveteenfruitbowl]

I’m originally from Australia. I would never work for the NHS. It’s madness. When I decided to move here I had to make a quick change in career plans out of a desire to stay out of the NHS.

If you’re not public sector then it’s slightly different. More opportunities here (which I why we live here). The private schools are also excellent in comparison, although much less affordable.

In your position I would move back being a doctor here just doesn’t seem worth it, it’s no kind of life. Even in my position we keep having the discussion. It’s just much more pleasant over there.

[Anonanon1]

Thankyou so much for those comments. Really grateful.

[Cordial11]

Hey there’s a facebook group called ‘ping pong poms’ basicly lot’s of people in the same situation and very helpful ☺️