Would you leave the UK if you had the opportunity?

GypsyQueeen · 2025-08-16T21:59:44+00:00

Hey, Considering a move to the Channel Islands (probably Jersey). Although rent/ living costs are high it will put us in the best possible financial position (mainly thinking about the kids futures - money wise). Kids are 8, 11 and 14. Feel like the UK doesn't have much to offer now and will only get worse when the kids are older. Just interested in what other people think? Would you leave if you had a good opportunity for a life somewhere else?

abouthome · 16/08/2025 23:44

Yes I would leave - the one thing that would make me pause are my young adult children. Two of them are still at home and of those one is not settled in any way at all with a plan for studying or working.

Do you have a country in mind?

Slightyamusedandsilly · 16/08/2025 23:49

I would and have in the past. However, despite having lived a few places, there was really only one that I've loved and would be happy to live in long-term.

If I were taking children with me, I'd have to be very certain that the place I was going to would be a place we could all be happy.

YourUglySister · 16/08/2025 23:50

No, I love it here, it’s my home and I’m proud of it and consider myself very fortunate to have been born here.

NightPuffins · 16/08/2025 23:51

Yes I would definitely leave if I had the opportunity. I’ve been considering it for several years but it just doesn’t seem possible to move to another country unless you do a job that’s in demand (I don't!) or you have relatives somewhere else. I don’t understand how people decide they want to live somewhere then just go. In your position I would jump at the chance.

SummerEve · 16/08/2025 23:52

Yes, no question

1apenny2apenny · 16/08/2025 23:54

We can leave as we have options, we are waiting a bit longer to see what happens with this government. Any more tax take, messing with IHT etc, then we will look more seriously at options. Already advising DC to look overseas for a better future.

NowYouSee · 16/08/2025 23:54

I could but I choose not to.

People I know in the Channel Islands largely seem to enjoy but do find it small and claustrophobic compared to London. Do carefully check education opportunities and outcomes as that apparently seems to be an area of concern for secondary - I am no expert but a friend with kids is thinking of returning before secondary because of this.

Candlesandmatches · 16/08/2025 23:55

We did. And on balance it was a good decision. Just returned from a weekend visit to the Uk. And it just reinforced we made the right decision. There are some lovely things about the Uk but it really is in a decline. That is speeding up in the last few years. Makes me sad to see. If it’s a good opportunity I would take it
My kids now have EU passports and better opportunities.

ReignOfError · 16/08/2025 23:57

I had planned to retire overseas, to a country I’ve lived in before. My husband being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness means the cost of mandatory private health insurance, now a requirement thanks to bastard Brexit, has put the kibosh on that.

I realise that I could move to other places with somewhat cheaper insurance, but I was moving for the love of a particular place, rather than just wanting to leave the UK.

NapoleonsToe · 16/08/2025 23:59

We had the chance, and left. When we go back now, we're shocked at the amount of traffic, litter, terrible state of the roads, and just how angry people are. I used to feel proud of the UK, but when you look at it from outside, it's a broken dysfunctional mess.

Original poster

GypsyQueeen · 17/08/2025 00:05

Thanks all for the comments and advice.

I understand the Channel Islands aren't for everyone but I really like the idea.
Have heard/read quite a lot of negatives about Guernsey so think Jersey would be better (bigger, more going on, schools look better than Guernsey).
I think if we don't take the chance now then it'll be too late.

My only real concern is the kids. We always try to get them involved in any big decisions but tbh I'm of the opinion that me & dh know best when it comes to something like relocating.

OP posts:

Original poster

GypsyQueeen · 17/08/2025 00:07

abouthome · 16/08/2025 23:44

Yes I would leave - the one thing that would make me pause are my young adult children. Two of them are still at home and of those one is not settled in any way at all with a plan for studying or working.

Do you have a country in mind?

The Channel Islands (probably Jersey) 😀

OP posts:

HeadNorth · 17/08/2025 00:09

No - I live in a village in Scotland near a big city and it is wonderful- best of both worlds. The weather can be challenging but the beauty is unsurpassed and I can easily get to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe- indeed the world. I love where I live & never plan to move.

FoundNeverland · 17/08/2025 00:09

NapoleonsToe · 16/08/2025 23:59

We had the chance, and left. When we go back now, we're shocked at the amount of traffic, litter, terrible state of the roads, and just how angry people are. I used to feel proud of the UK, but when you look at it from outside, it's a broken dysfunctional mess.

Can you share where you moved to?

Where do you visit in the UK when you come back? I don’t recognise what you are experiencing.

Original poster

GypsyQueeen · 17/08/2025 00:10

ReignOfError · 16/08/2025 23:57

I had planned to retire overseas, to a country I’ve lived in before. My husband being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness means the cost of mandatory private health insurance, now a requirement thanks to bastard Brexit, has put the kibosh on that.

I realise that I could move to other places with somewhat cheaper insurance, but I was moving for the love of a particular place, rather than just wanting to leave the UK.

I'm really sorry to hear that 😔

OP posts: