AIBU to stay in the UK rather than move back to Switzerland?

Just because people who've probably never lived there are saying it 'must' be better, it doesn't make it true does it?

You're the one who knows why you left, and why you value living here.

I see no reason for you to suddenly go back just because others picture some cutesey chocolate box village or people with lots of money living next to picturesque lakes or whatever.

That's not to say you can't go back to visit regularly. But you haven't mentioned anything negative about your life here to make me think moving would be sensible.

I lived in Switzerland for 2 years. I wouldn't go as far as saying I hated it, but I really didn't enjoy it. I lived in 2 locations, a 'resort' type environment, which was too much like living in a snowy holiday camp, and a more normal village, which was preferable to the resort.

But still. As a Brit, used to having a huge variety of cultures and ethnicities and their influences around me, I found Switzerland claustrophobic. Certainly, it was very beautiful. But boring. And a minor consideration for me was the variety of food. We're used to a huge range in the UK, due to our cultural diversity. The constant focus there on cheese, carbs and bland foods was so blah. I've lived in other overseas places also and I think other than the US, which I have no desire to visit again, Switzerland was my least favourite. The huge cost of health insurance is staggering too. I had the very very bare minimum of insurance, which required a telephone call before any kind of actual visit with a doctor and paid over £300 a month, for a single, healthy, not too old person.

If I wanted a walking holiday, I'd go because it is stunningly beautiful. But I don't want to live there again.

If you are happv where you are, why would you consider moving because other people think it's better?

I moved from a place that's considered desirable to somewhere considered less desirable, but I am I much happier here.

Follow your heart - not other people's.

Decisions about where to live are so hard to make arent they. I also think, should I stay in the UK or move back to Spain where I lived for years. I am originally from the UK.

The decision on where to live is a lot of pressure as it is an important one. And we dont really know what its like until we go. If you are happy here, why move?

Other people thinking that the grass is greener is not a reason to uproot your entire life and move to Switzerland! I’m Canadian and we have lived in both countries; people here go on at me “why would you live in the UK when you could be in Canada?” But these tend to be people who have only ever lived in one country and don’t appreciate that everywhere has pros and cons.

I'm from the UK but spent some time working in Switzerland (seasonal hotel work in an alpine valley), what you've said about the insular mentality really resonates and while I loved my time there I found it hard to connect with people. If you're happy here and kids are too then there's no reason to uproot your life but equally maybe you could keep your options open by keeping an eye on job opportunities in your field there? I imagine in cities people might be less conservative and it might be easier to settle?

My DH is Polish and we met there so I have similar thoughts sometimes, seeing how things are in the UK right now and wondering whether we made the right choice to settle here. It's a tough one!

Would you have to go back to the Valley?
Ive been in Switzerland for about 15 years.
The job market is tough at the moment. I wouldn’t move back without a job.
And I guess you know about the education system and the streaming.
I love living in Switzerland- compared to the Uk the health care is better, it’s generally safer, cleaner, more efficient and affordable public transport.
However it is expensive to live there, it can be insular and I think the education system is a bit sink or swim. I do love the apprentice schemes tho.
I think British people have a very sort of ooh/exotic opinion of living in Switzerland but lots of what you write is true. It can be difficult to make friends outside of the main cities/expat bubbles of international school and it is very expensive.
Maybe have a long visit over the summer holidays and see how you feel?