Any South Africans moved back?

[AbsOfCroissant]

I moved over with the whole of my family in my late teens, but after three rubbish summers and sick of commuting in London etc., I have started to seriously think about moving back.

I have extended family there (cousins, aunts, uncles etc.) who I miss terribly, even though I do have immediate family here.

So, has anyone done it? I don't have DCs yet. Ideally, DP and I would like to move to Cape Town (I'm from Jo'burg).

How easy is it to get work (I'm a professional)? Was there anything in particular that was horribly shocking and unsettling?

[AbsOfCroissant]

Just to say as well, I am rather in two minds about this, because of the diametrically opposed views you get on SA. I have friends and family who would never leave, love it too much, others who couldn't wait to leave (convinced it's the next Zimbabwe) and then recently met someone who has moved to the UK from SA, willing to backtrack on career, leaving his own penthouse apartment etc. etc.

It's so difficult

[Meid]

Have you looked here for advice:

www.homecomingrevolution.co.za/

We moved to Joburg just over a year ago and have no regrets. My DH is South African (I am not) and he was homesick. My advice would be to do it now, before you have children to consider. If it doesn't work out then a move back to the UK will be easier just the two of you.

As far as surprises go... the only thing that comes to mind was the cost of groceries and lack of choices in the shops generally. But really its stuff I can work around!

Good luck with your decision!

meid

[AbsOfCroissant]

Thanks! I don't think it would be a permanent thing, with my immediate family in UK and DP's in France (an 11 hour flight is too long for regular visits).

It would be nice to go home ...

[Meid]

I don't think we'll be here for ever either. But we are really happy we are here now. Its a beautiful country and such a nice feeling to know that you settle happily in more than one country. We're making the most of being here and visiting as much of the country as we can.
Its nice to have two places to call home.

[toccatanfudge]

my SIL is Zimbabwe, her DH SA they moved to the UK years ago, but about 2yrs decided to move back as their oldest daughter was unsettled here.

They moved back to the UK again not very long afterwards as none of them settled again at all.