Seriously thinking about leaving the UK - AIBU?

I've lived all round the world now. Got to the stage where I really miss the UK (well, Scotland and Yorksire, where my roots are.) There are problems everywhere tbh, and a lot to love in the UK. Of course there are other places I could be happy. But I'll be coming home when this job ends in a couple of years and I don't know if I'll leave again. I certainly don't think there's anywhere I'd be particularly financially better off, with my skillset and degree.

@Bignanna really tasteless.

I agree to a certain extent, but I do think low pay and high cost of living conspire to squeeze a lot of people in this country who face challenges in terms of how and where they are able to work. Our climate isn't as good as warmer countries for certain conditions, either.

You don’t like that net migration is rising here but you’re encouraging your children to migrate to another country and become part of that country’s figures, am I hearing that correctly?

Can’t she go with you?

I would love to but at 45 and not skilled in anything desirable I don’t think any other country would want me!

From experience, running from something you dislike will make it unlikely you become happier if you are only running towards something else because it is NOT your origin. Emigration to a different country is serious, on a practical, cultural and emotional level. I would know, I've done it twice.

So much to consider:

• Language: do you speak it well enough to get by and support yourself? Will you be able to work without proof of this?
• Cultural ties: is where you're looking to go vastly different from here? What would you miss? (and "nothing" is a childish answer) I have moved between 3 European countries which are, supposedly, very similar in culture and attitudes and yet each time I found them very different from each other, and a huge culture shock when I found that things just didn't work the way I was used to. How warm people are upon meeting you, how quickly friendships form, how formal work places are, what the buerocracy is like.
• Safety net: will you cope without one? No family to help, no friends close at hand?
• Financial: can you actually afford to move? Can you afford to sustain yourself while you look for work? Will you be allowed to? What restrictions are there? Not many countries allow benefits until you have lived, contributed, become resident, and even gained citizenship in many cases.
• Practical: what rights will you lose? The right to free healthcare? The right to vote in elections? The right to walk alone?
• Education: if you have children, how will they cope with different demands?
• How will you cope with xenophobia? It's everywhere, in every country. How will you like being looked at as "not belonging", a "bloody foreigner", an outsider, and all the other prejudice you will face? Because you will face it.

Do whatever you want. I’m really happy here. I live in London, the neighbourhood is friendly and had great amenities. I love England with all my heart (I am English but grew up in the US and lived for two years in France and spend a lot of time in Spain where I have a house).
It’s not without issues to be sure, but where isn’t?

This. ^ Makes no sense does it?

I don't think you are being unreasonable but lots of places are in a similar state. Just make sure you do your research and don't just assume the grass in greener.

An earthquake?

No way - everywhere we could go would be just as racist or more so than the UK, education for disabled children would also be just as bad (though some places have niche issues).

It's so ironic that people are saying "I would if I didn't have a disabled child" or "I would if I was younger". People think social care/health care has gone down hill but won't move anywhere else because it's better here?

I'd be interested to know which country you are going to that isn't facing decline issues.

Why is it better?

How does your security look there long term?

Brexit was the final decision maker for us as well. No regrets in leaving.

I’ve told all my family to get out as soon as they can.
Ds left with his Dw and Ds over two years ago, they live in Malta and absolutely love it…
They were lucky as Dil’s Df was Maltese and all that side of her family live there.
My Dd says she won’t leave but intends moving to somewhere very rural and Gs who is only 16 is adamant he won’t be staying in Uk, he says he’s not too bothered where, as long as it’s not here….but is looking to Canada, Iceland, Greenland and Alaska.

The difference is, people, especially retirees, who go to live somewhere like Spain , Cyprus, plough a lot of money into where they live, buy a house, make improvements to the area etc, contribute to the community etc whereas some coming to U.K. illegally shores drain money and are a burden.

The grass is always greener on the other side

I don't agree with all these doom laden posts about the UK going downhill.

Most similar countries who industrialised at the same are seeing the same economic struggles that's true but if you look at our standard of living its still incredibly high. Of course there are some places where things might appear more shiny and new like Dubai but there's always a catch such as human rights inequality, exploitation and discrimination. There are lots of positives about the UK and if the press weren't so intent on clickbait headlines we might learn more about all the good things which are happening here all the time too.

If you feel done here, of course make plans to leave. I'm pretty happy in the UK and think my son has done well being brought up here, but I'm aware I have a nice life.

Nowhere in the world is great for unhealthy or disabled low earners. In most other countries, they get far less help.

I totally get where you're coming from OP. I'm not at that point myself, but I do feel UK society is getting more uncaring and dangerous virtually by the day. I also get fed up with how much more changeable the weather has become here in recent years, although I do count my blessings this country doesn't see the kind of weather and climate-related calamities some countries have to reckon with.

Then again, I've no way of knowing if anywhere else would be better, I think the whole world has turned cruel under the pressure of all sorts of global calamities in recent years. Ugh, I've depressed myself now typing that. 😬But I get where you're coming from. I suspect most people who think the UK is great are fit, healthy high earners, because otherwise things can be grim.

OP- From experience, do check how your financial situation will affect you re tax, assets , inheritance living in a different country.

"Presumably all Tory MPs past and present will be for the chop."

That's definitely worth consideration but returning to main point, I personally think the whole world is pretty fucked. There's nowhere really to run unless you've got oodles of money.

Where did you have in mind?

How do you feel the UK is declining?

Do you need a visa? If so will they want you, do you have the skills they want there? Can you speak the language? Will you be eligible for health care/ schools etc?

I know of 3 families that have moved to Dubai in the last year.

My husband and I are considering it (not to Dubai). We both have families in other countries (Canada, US and some around Europe). We're job hunting atm and soon as one of us gets one we'll go.

But I'd say this - it's not easy to move. I've done it once before. It's a lot of planning, logistics, and takes you a good long while till you feel 'settled' into your new place. So personally the place has to have a lot of pros in order to make it worth it.