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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to turn down Australia job offer because son has started A levels?

241 replies

FergussSingsTheBlues · 10/09/2026 07:57

My husband has been offered a job in Australia. Neither is us can find full time work in the uk and we know we’ll need to sell our house in two years if this carries on. We are relieved to say the least. We’ve both lived abroad plenty so it’s something we know we can deal with.

The problem is my eldest son has literally last week just started a levels.
There are zero schools or colleges that do a levels where we would be going, it’s all IB.

Boarding won’t be an option or living apart, we’re a very close family and would find that traumatic.

Has anybody else been in this position? I don’t see how we can make this work because of education and think we’ll have to turn it down. (We know he’d be allowed domestic fees for university but I don’t know further information). My son is bright and hardworking and we don’t want to wreck his prospects

OP posts:
CheeryOP · 10/09/2026 09:16

TheSandgroper · 10/09/2026 08:04

Are you prepared to say where this job is? You will hopefully get more targeted information rather than a bunch of randoms (who do make some valid points).

Your DH takes the job, you stay behind and follow on once your son has finished his A Levels

FergussSingsTheBlues · 10/09/2026 09:15

AllJoyAndNoFun · 10/09/2026 09:02

I think A levels via an online school would be really isolating for him as he wouldn't have an existing friendship base , and tbh I don't think it's ideal for teens - they spend enough time online as it is. However, I would view IB as a good option unless he has a really spiky academic profile (i.e. great at STEM, terrible at arts and humanities or vice versa) when A-levels generally are a better choice. The Jan academic year start could work well in terms of timing.

Agree… he needs to be in a school

OP posts:
FergussSingsTheBlues · 10/09/2026 09:12

Tillow4ever · 10/09/2026 08:55

How long have each of you been looking for work in the UK? If longer than 3 months, i definitely wouldn’t turn it down without looking at all of the options and costs.

How did this job offer come up? Presumably your husband applied and interviewed for it if he’s been offered it - so why didn’t you discuss all of this before he even applied? Even just a basic chat about what you would do if he got the job! Did he only apply because he’s receiving whatever the jobseeker benefit is these days and he has to apply for a certain number of jobs and he didn’t actually expect to be offered it? If so, would declining it affect any benefits you are receiving and can you afford for that to happen (I am fortunate enough not to be in a position where I know how that all works, so please excuse my ignorance if it wouldn’t be an issue).

You seem confident that your son would only pay domestic fees for university. How do you know this? Is one of you Australian so you could move there as permanent residents (I’m assuming spouses and children can do this without issue?) or do you already know the type of visa you would be getting? Have you checked and confirmed you will be eligible for visas and the right to work there?

Can you afford to live off just your husband’s salary in Australia? If not, will you have the right to work out there? Will your son?

All of the above I’d have researched and asked about before he applied for jobs in Australia.

You mention living apart from your son isn’t an option as you’re a close family. But it also sounds like you’re anticipating he will go to university - so in 2 years time he’d be living away from you anyway. How long will it take to get visas sorted out and move? That would reduce the time down, so maybe look at options for your son staying behind. Do you have family that would be prepared to take him in
whilst studying A-Levels maybe?

I would definitely discuss the whole topic with your son. He’s at an age where he should be involved in decisions that will affect his life. Would he be wanting to come back to the UK for university? Would he be happy moving to Australia and living out there permanently? If you all moved out there and he was unhappy so decided to return home when he turns 18, how will you feel about living on the opposite side of the world to him? Or conversely, what if you’re out there for a few years and you two decide to move home but he decides to stay?

How solid/happy is your marriage? If you were to separate and divorce, would you have the right to stay in Australia? Would you still have the right to work there? Could you afford to? Would you be entitled to any benefits should you need them? Have you ever in the past discussed emigrating to Australia?

How soon does a decision need to be made? I presume not long - and you have a lot to think about and discuss.

Good luck - to be honest, from your post, I get the impression that you don’t want to move there and are looking for reasons to block it, but your husband would like to (hence applying for a job there). If that is the case, you need an honest discussion with your DH so that he knows that this is not an option for you - and if that’s forever it just until your son has left home for example. If he’s Australian and homesick, you may have to be prepared that he will choose going home over staying if he thinks you will never want to move there though.

You have me all wrong, it’s massively exciting for me and we’re really up for it. It’s entirely about our sons welfare.

we’re not on jobseekers no…been living off redundancy money for two years. When I read that line my heart sinks really that’s terrifying

We’re a close family and either we all go or none of us go.

OP posts:
5289843DM · 10/09/2026 09:12

What town/city would you be in/near?

I'd recommend renting out your UK home if that is possible?

Snoken · 10/09/2026 09:08

Sounds like a no-brainer considering he would start the school year there at the beginning of 2027 so he wouldn't even have to join mid-way through. You should definitely go.

Watchoutfortheslowaraf · 10/09/2026 09:04

I’d go for it. He can do the IB there if he’s up for it. Sounds like a fun adventure

AllJoyAndNoFun · 10/09/2026 09:02

I think A levels via an online school would be really isolating for him as he wouldn't have an existing friendship base , and tbh I don't think it's ideal for teens - they spend enough time online as it is. However, I would view IB as a good option unless he has a really spiky academic profile (i.e. great at STEM, terrible at arts and humanities or vice versa) when A-levels generally are a better choice. The Jan academic year start could work well in terms of timing.

LorenaWood · 10/09/2026 09:01

You knew he's be doing a levels, you knew you didn't want him boarding yet you applied for a job in Australia?!

Rewis · 10/09/2026 09:00

Moving is a big deal and if you don't want to do it, that is totally understandable. But if his A-levels is the reason not to, then IB is totally fine and won't hinder his opportunities.

WavyDaizy · 10/09/2026 08:57

Is IB not a choice he’d want to make? The Aussie term starts in Jan/Feb so it might not be impossible to switch. There must be a FB group for ex pats in this position…

WavyDaizy · 10/09/2026 08:57

Is IB not a choice he’d want to make? The Aussie term starts in Jan/Feb so it might not be impossible to switch. There must be a FB group for ex pats in this position…

Tillow4ever · 10/09/2026 08:55

How long have each of you been looking for work in the UK? If longer than 3 months, i definitely wouldn’t turn it down without looking at all of the options and costs.

How did this job offer come up? Presumably your husband applied and interviewed for it if he’s been offered it - so why didn’t you discuss all of this before he even applied? Even just a basic chat about what you would do if he got the job! Did he only apply because he’s receiving whatever the jobseeker benefit is these days and he has to apply for a certain number of jobs and he didn’t actually expect to be offered it? If so, would declining it affect any benefits you are receiving and can you afford for that to happen (I am fortunate enough not to be in a position where I know how that all works, so please excuse my ignorance if it wouldn’t be an issue).

You seem confident that your son would only pay domestic fees for university. How do you know this? Is one of you Australian so you could move there as permanent residents (I’m assuming spouses and children can do this without issue?) or do you already know the type of visa you would be getting? Have you checked and confirmed you will be eligible for visas and the right to work there?

Can you afford to live off just your husband’s salary in Australia? If not, will you have the right to work out there? Will your son?

All of the above I’d have researched and asked about before he applied for jobs in Australia.

You mention living apart from your son isn’t an option as you’re a close family. But it also sounds like you’re anticipating he will go to university - so in 2 years time he’d be living away from you anyway. How long will it take to get visas sorted out and move? That would reduce the time down, so maybe look at options for your son staying behind. Do you have family that would be prepared to take him in
whilst studying A-Levels maybe?

I would definitely discuss the whole topic with your son. He’s at an age where he should be involved in decisions that will affect his life. Would he be wanting to come back to the UK for university? Would he be happy moving to Australia and living out there permanently? If you all moved out there and he was unhappy so decided to return home when he turns 18, how will you feel about living on the opposite side of the world to him? Or conversely, what if you’re out there for a few years and you two decide to move home but he decides to stay?

How solid/happy is your marriage? If you were to separate and divorce, would you have the right to stay in Australia? Would you still have the right to work there? Could you afford to? Would you be entitled to any benefits should you need them? Have you ever in the past discussed emigrating to Australia?

How soon does a decision need to be made? I presume not long - and you have a lot to think about and discuss.

Good luck - to be honest, from your post, I get the impression that you don’t want to move there and are looking for reasons to block it, but your husband would like to (hence applying for a job there). If that is the case, you need an honest discussion with your DH so that he knows that this is not an option for you - and if that’s forever it just until your son has left home for example. If he’s Australian and homesick, you may have to be prepared that he will choose going home over staying if he thinks you will never want to move there though.

TruffleSlinky · 10/09/2026 08:53

IB is great. I wouldn't let that put you off if it's your main objection.

CheeseMakesMeFart · 10/09/2026 08:53

Do it.

Remember the academic year runs Jan to Dec in Australia, he could do Y11 and 12 there and be university ready.

You aren't going to get a second chance like this.

ForestHog · 10/09/2026 08:47

Boarding school isn't traumatic for everyone.

However the IB system in Australia is well ahead of the UK A level system and the lifestyle offers so much more for a teenager.

Your son would be starting on January / February though so be mindful of that and how that would work.

I moved between Australian, UK and IB system and UK was the worst in terms of allowing children to follow interests and develop as individuals.

FergussSingsTheBlues · 10/09/2026 08:44

Sereine · 10/09/2026 08:34

Would the family really be traumatised by your son being at boarding school given that he's presumably 16 or 17 and may be going to university in two years' time?

Yes and I speak from experience … my parents did this to me at the same age and shoved me into boarding school.

OP posts:
Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 10/09/2026 08:43

Presumably the job won’t start until January or so? Then you and children can go to Australia for the summer. Back again to the UK for the autumn, winter and spring (perhaps DH can come back for Christmas?). By mid June exams will be over. You really don’t need to be separated for that long.

Seriestwo · 10/09/2026 08:41

Poverty would wreck your son’s chances.

beaglescurleduplikebagels · 10/09/2026 08:38

DH should go to Australia, you should stay with DS while he does his A-levels and decides what he wants to do re. university.

Extrainfo · 10/09/2026 08:36

I think your husband should take the job and you should travel to see each other in the holidays. It is only two years. He can continue job hunting for roles in the UK if he wants. As long as the numbers stack up on that basis.

My DH currently lives an 8 hour time difference away for work. I‘ve started in UK with the kids for educational reasons. Of course we miss him but they need a parent with a career more, they speak to him everyday and we have proper quality time together.

Sereine · 10/09/2026 08:34

Would the family really be traumatised by your son being at boarding school given that he's presumably 16 or 17 and may be going to university in two years' time?

Vibrantelephant · 10/09/2026 08:27

Is this a temporary visa or PR? Are you planning on staying in Australia or is it only temporary? Education is different here. No GCSE equivalent. Year 12 is equivalent to A levels and this gives you access to University. If a long term move, send your son back to school to complete years 11 and 12. This will provide him with the best opportunity of making friends and settling in.

deancastielsam · 10/09/2026 08:24

Discuss it with him. Have you got any family who could look after him?

Needmorelego · 10/09/2026 08:21

Can't he just do the Australian equivalent to A-Levels?