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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think life in England must be much easier

245 replies

Heatethelastwaffle · 02/08/2024 20:21

I’m British but live abroad.
We are struggling a lot financially at the moment, life is hard, although the sun shines.
Where we are, if you fall into a hole, you’re pretty much screwed. Benefits exist, but you have to be very much on the breadline and even then it’s not enough to survive. There is a national health service, but it’s not great, so I’m having to pay out of my own money for private consultations. I have a chronic illness but no benefits whatsoever exist, my Dd is potentially suffering from Pans/pandas, they haven’t heard of it where we are, I’ve been to three separate Drs who had no idea what I’m talking about, There’s no help with rent, with housing, with bills and so on if you fall on hard times.

I want to go home, it may be depressing in some ways in England but you’re secure.

OP posts:
Greenshed · 04/08/2024 21:04

Where are you OP and how long have you been away from the UK? Things here are definitely not great, so I hope you are not viewing the UK through rose tinted specs. Waiting lists generally, are dire here, (depending, I suppose, upon what it is you’re waiting for), but generally, things are not as good as they once were. Please do your research if you are considering coming back. Not everything is wonderful, honestly (unless you have a huge bank balance and can pay for things privately).

gizatwirl · 04/08/2024 20:53

Hummingbird75 · 04/08/2024 12:34

Ummm drum roll. Some people actually WORK!
Yes that thing called earning a living.
We were working there - and believe me I left as soon as it was humanly possible because of well, exactly what you describe, boozy brunches, ladies nights, tacky as hell. Not a fan. It was one dimensional. I am glad you are enjoying it though.

Yes, I know some people actually work so no need for the snark. My husband worked damned hard here and we both went through great hardship while he launched his own business here. No expat all inclusive package for us...unlike the soft ass package I'm sure you received to soften your whole TWO YEARS in the Gulf. As I said before you lived here for 2yrs but have continued to visit for the past 23? All the while pearl clutching and saying what a terrible place it is? Words fail me.

Toptops · 04/08/2024 20:49

I'd not heard of these childhood conditions either.
Life here feels hand to mouth for many. Health services, housing, safety net benefits, public realm and so much more, all have been laid to waste over the last 14+ years.
It may be that it would still be a positive move for you but you will need to plan extra carefully.
Good luck!

gizatwirl · 04/08/2024 20:39

TrySome · 04/08/2024 05:03

I am guessing you live in a privileged ‘ex-pat’ bubble there.

Why?

Lolaandbehold · 04/08/2024 20:18

Depends. I moved to the England years ago from a Western European country and love it. I live in a lovely part of the country and have a great life here. I only have a good experience of the health service.
That said, the housing situation of many is precarious, and not much social housing these days, if that was a requirement.

Cityandmakeup · 04/08/2024 20:08

Heatethelastwaffle · 02/08/2024 20:21

I’m British but live abroad.
We are struggling a lot financially at the moment, life is hard, although the sun shines.
Where we are, if you fall into a hole, you’re pretty much screwed. Benefits exist, but you have to be very much on the breadline and even then it’s not enough to survive. There is a national health service, but it’s not great, so I’m having to pay out of my own money for private consultations. I have a chronic illness but no benefits whatsoever exist, my Dd is potentially suffering from Pans/pandas, they haven’t heard of it where we are, I’ve been to three separate Drs who had no idea what I’m talking about, There’s no help with rent, with housing, with bills and so on if you fall on hard times.

I want to go home, it may be depressing in some ways in England but you’re secure.

This sounds like the Uk. Crap hole.

Kjpt140v · 04/08/2024 19:53

InfoSecInTheCity · 02/08/2024 21:49

@Lilysgoneshopping "Unless you arrive at Dover in a dingy of course"

Where you will be blessed with:

  • hostel living, possibly on a docked ship in a cabin room smaller than a prison cell
  • a prohibition on being able to work and earn money
  • massive delays in being able to claim asylum and gain any kind of legal right to live and work in this country
  • a grand sum of £49.18 per week to fulfil all of your basic needs like food, hygiene products, clothing....

Where did you get your financial information? It's massively inaccurate, you shouldn't be using this forum for your racist spite.

Treesnbirds · 04/08/2024 19:12

QueenRainbow · 03/08/2024 05:38

The UK has many issues, however I don’t believe any country is without its problems. From a purely personal perspective I would be dead if I lived anywhere else. My health is appalling and (I am well aware how lucky I am) the treatment I have received from my GP/hospital/specialist(s) has/is outstanding. Only this year the NHS have saved my life at least twice. We could not afford the myriad of treatments/medications/procedures I have needed/still need. I am still struggling with physical and mental health issues and (again I know I’m lucky) the amount of support and the speed of treatments I am receiving makes me feel blessed to be English. We don’t have an extravagant lifestyle but also we don’t have the additional concern(s) about how to pay for my treatments/prescriptions. If I had my health then maybe my view would be different (or if I didn’t get such good care) but as it stands I am beyond grateful for my country.

♥️
You sound so positive despite obviously having a really tough time, that's so good and I'm so pleased you've received great care. Hope things improve for you. ♥️

Hummingbird75 · 04/08/2024 17:00

AvrielFinch · 04/08/2024 13:04

Ummmm drum roll. For most people who work visiting international countries every year as part of work is outside of their frame of reference.

And?!
Most people are not so utlra wealthy they can relocate WITHOUT working.
Unless you have another 'frame of reference' you can share with us on how to live internationally without millions in the bank and not working...

Frogpole · 04/08/2024 16:17

iamtheblcksheep · 03/08/2024 08:50

My universal credit? Good one. I don’t have a job. I do run several companies though if that’s good enough for you to allow me to have my own opinion. I do after all pay rather a lot of income and corporation tax.

You should not be allowed to use out NHS if you have not paid into our system. This is the OPs clear intention. I don’t give a toss. My universal credit you think I’m getting, also known as multiple income streams from my businesses allows me private health insurance, education…Anything I want I can skip the queue. For many this is unfortunately not the case. You might want to think before you insult someone again.

"You might want to think before you insult someone again."😂😆You might want to stop embarrassing yourself, but I don't think you're capable of doing so. In no particular order:

You are the worst liar on planet Earth - in some situations that could be a compliment, but in your case it's more to do with the Dunning-Kruger effect rather than a strong moral compass. Absolutely nothing you've said in either of your posts is even remotely based in reality and that is glaringly obvious. I'm more than happy to point out every place where you've given yourself away, but it'll be a looong post.

You tried bullying OP, and several people called you out for it. Instead of standing in the corner and thinking about what you'd done, you went for double or nothing and tried to bully me - and that's not working out so well for you either, is it?

Why have you launched in to a tirade about your Elon Musk like riches (in which you entirely contradict yourself) but gone to such great lengths to avoid answering the very simple question I asked you? Where is this vast horde of former expat's that only you know about? (in your imagination is where they are).

Something's just struck me here... you don't actually know what an expat is, do you? Heh.

AvrielFinch · 04/08/2024 13:04

Ummmm drum roll. For most people who work visiting international countries every year as part of work is outside of their frame of reference.

Hummingbird75 · 04/08/2024 12:34

gizatwirl · 03/08/2024 11:25

See,I'm confused now. If you hate the place so much why have you been travelling back there for the past 23yrs? If I hated a country as much as you seem to I wouldn't set foot in the place ever again,yet you've been travelling back there for the past 23yrs? Why? I think you're a raging Hypocrite.

Ummm drum roll. Some people actually WORK!
Yes that thing called earning a living.
We were working there - and believe me I left as soon as it was humanly possible because of well, exactly what you describe, boozy brunches, ladies nights, tacky as hell. Not a fan. It was one dimensional. I am glad you are enjoying it though.

Tomatina · 04/08/2024 11:02

TonTonMacoute · 03/08/2024 10:37

I think you will find that absolutely none of the problems you describe will be in any way better in Cornwall.

In spite of its reputation as a beautiful place for holidays, the reality of living here is very different - especially in terms of access to good NHS treatment.

You would be much better off somewhere with a good hospital. Bristol maybe.

I have relatives in Cornwall and they wouldn't agree - the standard of medical care, research, and nursing care is excellent. The Royal Cornwall Hospital is also excellent. GP appointments can be a bit slow, but no worse than anywhere else.
There is certainly a housing crisis in Cornwall mainly due to second homes and Airbnb taking housing out of from the local housing market (like so many other tourist hotspots).

FarmGirl78 · 04/08/2024 08:57

Heatethelastwaffle · 02/08/2024 23:33

@DancingPhantomsOnTheTerrace Waiting over 6 weeks for a normal Dr in the system, Jane paid privately out of desperation, those appointments you can get sooner

I think you're going to be shocked by the state of the NHS and what it's crumbled to since you were last here. Not being able to get an appointment for a couple of months is fairly normal for a good proportion of the country, and private GPs are on the increase. If you have anything that can't wait a couple of months then the advice is generally go to A&E. And A&E are just a one stop shop for treating the absolute immediate need and nothing more. If you're coming back because of concerns for your child's condition then you really need to reconsider. The waiting list for child mental health, anxiety, psychotherapy etc is at about 2 years.

I really wish the country was in the state you seem to think it is but you'll be absolutely shocked.

Bellaboot · 04/08/2024 07:07

I'm from aboard and have lived in many countries and I often think people have no idea how good it is here compared to most other countries.

Baital · 04/08/2024 06:50

There are many countries that offer a great quality of life if you have a job that pays well and are relatively fit and healthy.

'Lovely skiing resorts' and good weather might be a big attraction in those circumstances.

That is irrelevant to those who are struggling with the basics.

And re: face to face GP appointments, thank goodness my doctors DO telephone and remote appointments! They then follow that up with an in person appointment when it is needed, but far quicker and more convenient if the initial consultation is by phone. I have always been given that initial telephone consultation within 24 of requesting it (not weekends, obviously).

TrySome · 04/08/2024 05:03

gizatwirl · 03/08/2024 11:00

You really have absolutely NO idea what you're talking about! I'm going to show your ridiculous diatribes to my lovely friends later at our Ladies night I'm sure they'll be most entertained. Also,just out of interest,why do you find it offensive that my Muslim friends wear bikinis on the beach and enjoy a drink or two? Do you think they should be covered from head to toe and walk two steps behind their husbands? Quite frankly I find your assumptions to be extremely offensive. I'll tell you something else as well that will probably blow your mind,I know not one Muslim person here,man or woman that goes to the Mosque because not all Muslims are religious. Just in case you blow a gasket can I make it clear that I'm referencing people I know only,not the general population.

I am guessing you live in a privileged ‘ex-pat’ bubble there.

mathanxiety · 04/08/2024 04:36

VividQuoter · 03/08/2024 14:19

Life is the same absolutely everywhere. Benefits or not. Even English people suffer from lack and all sorts of issues

An online contact in the USA, a veteran eats a cup of porridge every second day and in between is just water. His divorce and three car crashes wiped his savings. They don't give him nothing

That sounds like a very hard case. Veterans in the US get access to the VA health system, which is very good. People (including veterans) who earn under or.slightly over the poverty level in each state qualify for Snap (food) benefits, and can also qualify for cash benefits, plus Medicaid if under 65, and Section 8 housing vouchers.

Veterans also benefit from preferential hiring in federal , state, and local government agencies, and many private employers also hire many veterans.

Three car crashes sounds like an extraordinary amount of bad luck - or is there some underlying reason for this string of disasters, do you think?

XelaM · 04/08/2024 00:24

inamarina · 03/08/2024 08:48

Well, that’s your experience, but I do think you’re generalising a bit.
I’ve lived in Germany before. The weather where I am in the UK is much better than where I was in Germany.
Taxes are similar in both places, at least in our case.
Prices have gone up in Germany in the last couple of years, as they have in many places. Some things (like alcohol) are more expensive in the UK, both not the general food shop in my experience.
What I did find better though was healthcare provision and how affordable childcare was.

Healthcare, childcare, education, housing are all of a much higher standard and a lot more affordable. It all equates to a higher standard of living. For those in need, benefits are also a more generous in Germany than in the UK and German social housing is absolutely NOTHING like it is in the UK.

I agree about taxes being equally enormous though, but at least you can see what you're paying for. Prices have definitely gone up in recent years and the weather depends on where in Germany you live I guess. It's very hot in the summer for much longer than in the UK in the area my parents live. In the winter, you have lovely skiing resorts as well.

ForGreyKoala · 03/08/2024 23:05

NasiDagang · 03/08/2024 12:17

It's $50 just to see the doctor in Malaysia and you have to pay for medication as well.

Well yes, you have to pay to see a doctor here, but it's free for children, and low earners pay less. Most medication costs very little, hospital treatment is free. You might have to wait a couple of weeks to see a doctor, but at least you actually see one face to face, and have been able to since lockdowns ended. I've never heard of any surgery where they have this phone at 8 am and go in a queue to make an appointment nonsense I keep reading about on MN. Despite what many on MN seem to believe the NHS is not "the envy of the world".

Baital · 03/08/2024 20:42

British citizens who are permanently resident in the UK are entitled to free NHS care. DD and I have returned in the past 5 years, and were immediately able to register with a GP

Destiny123 · 03/08/2024 19:44

Baital · 03/08/2024 08:57

There is a residency requirement to claim benefits.

If you are a UK citizen you can use the NHS from day 1 if you return permanently

They were both (mum and daughter) born here and lived for 40 odd years in the mums case

Yogayogayoga · 03/08/2024 15:14

Getonwitit · 03/08/2024 14:56

Many many British males live in hostels or bedsits, they are given £71.70 per week but they have to pay for their gas and electricity along with their food, hygiene products, clothing....... Don't hear anyone giving a shit about them but they don't matter do they.

But those males can find work to better their situation or, if eligible, claim disability benefits. Immigrants are unable to work legally and have no recourse to public funds.

inamarina · 03/08/2024 15:01

VividQuoter · 03/08/2024 14:19

Life is the same absolutely everywhere. Benefits or not. Even English people suffer from lack and all sorts of issues

An online contact in the USA, a veteran eats a cup of porridge every second day and in between is just water. His divorce and three car crashes wiped his savings. They don't give him nothing

While it’s awful what that veteran is having to put up with, how can you say life’s the same absolutely everywhere?
Do you really think there are no differences in state support between different countries?

Getonwitit · 03/08/2024 14:56

InfoSecInTheCity · 02/08/2024 21:49

@Lilysgoneshopping "Unless you arrive at Dover in a dingy of course"

Where you will be blessed with:

  • hostel living, possibly on a docked ship in a cabin room smaller than a prison cell
  • a prohibition on being able to work and earn money
  • massive delays in being able to claim asylum and gain any kind of legal right to live and work in this country
  • a grand sum of £49.18 per week to fulfil all of your basic needs like food, hygiene products, clothing....

Many many British males live in hostels or bedsits, they are given £71.70 per week but they have to pay for their gas and electricity along with their food, hygiene products, clothing....... Don't hear anyone giving a shit about them but they don't matter do they.

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