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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To stay in Aus or be back to the uk

104 replies

Lottemarine · 18/10/2024 09:09

Hi,
We are a family of four (two young children-2 and 4 years old) who live in Australia. My husband and I are Brits, have lived here 13 years and our children were born here.

All our family are in England. Since having the children and having older parents in 70s/80s I feel drawn to move back so the children can grow up with their grandparents as my husband and once did.

The issue is we have a very good quality of live here, the medical system is good, we have good jobs that are well paid to the point we’ve nearly paid off our mortgage, but I miss Britain-family/friends, the culture, Europe and have done for years etc. We would never get the same pay over there, but would that matter…Everything I hear/read about England is a bit of doom and gloom, the politics the healthcare system is a concern especially with young children etc.

So what to do? The reality is we can’t go back every year, flights are expensive and there just isn’t enough annual leave, we might go back every couple or three years.

In the meantime, I have real guilt about not seeing my parents, I am an only child. My husband is indifferent, likes the lifestyle over here but would move if we decided too.

If we did move, it would be to the Lake District and in the next year or two, so the children could settle into school without it being too traumatic. Anyone gone through similar?

OP posts:
sentfromiphoen · 18/10/2024 09:51

Not to be doom and gloom, but what if your parents sadly pass away in next couple of years and then you have committed to living in UK. I speak from having been in this position. Be honest with your parents too, I'm sure they would want you to do what's best for your family not them.

NicolaOhNicola · 18/10/2024 09:46

Good healthcare alone would swing my decision. After my mum spent the last 24 hours in A & E with very severe bleeding, this is following weeks of bleeding and waiting on a referral which has so far taken 14 weeks, and has been sent home without a scan or hysteroscopy because it's not her turn yet, I'd stay in Australia.

ScienceDragon · 18/10/2024 09:30

Do you have Aussie citizenship yet? If not, get that sorted before you think about moving back to UK. That way, it gives you and your children extra options for the future.

fashionqueen0123 · 18/10/2024 09:12

I’ve had friends move back from Aus and Nz.

Yes you will always hear doom and gloom but tbh if I go on Aussie news sites it’s just the same.

You definitely won’t get the weather in the Lakes though :) however the house prices there are pretty good! So you may do well especially if you have a house to sell and can buy outright.

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