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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to want to live ANYWHERE other than here?

30 replies

Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 13:19

Been toying with the idea of emigrating for years
Currently looking into Oz (I'm a nurse) but might fall short on the points selection to get a visa. USA too difficult, rest of Europe - my rubbish language skills!

Theres's me (32) DD (7) and nana (72)
Sick of the horrid culture in UK of bullying, general miserableness, crappy weather, consumerism etc etc

Would it be crazy to go to Africa? Some remote island in the middle of the ocean? ANYWHERE?

OP posts:
RunShooFleeOOOOoooops · 26/10/2012 13:22

I think you'll probably find those things wherever you go.

Have you considered a remote Scottish Island for a slower pace? Not such a culture or weather shock there, also easier to visit family etc.

Loveweekends10 · 26/10/2012 13:22

As a nurse you can go on a sponsorship visa easy enough then get onto the other visa when you are there. Loads of my nurse friends have done that.

corlan · 26/10/2012 13:27

You don't need to go that far Hippymum.

How about Jersey? It's nice there and you don't have to learn to speak foreign.

Cahoots · 26/10/2012 13:27

Have you ruled out a big move within the UK? There are lots of good thing about the UK. I've live in four developed countries in three different continents and I still love the UK.

Original poster
Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 13:29

Think you have to be a millionaire to move to Jersey! [hgrin]
Don't have a lot of cash [hsad]
must remember to play lottery!

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CailinDana · 26/10/2012 13:31

I don't think it's sensible to believe that moving country will solve your problems. Humans are what create the problems - they exist everywhere that humans live. Also, don't underestimate how difficult it can be to adjust to a different culture.

If you do move, be realistic about what it'll mean for you your family.

Gravenwithdiamonds · 26/10/2012 13:33

A sunny climate helps everything.

Other stuff is swings and roundabouts - the UK has its bad points but it's also very tolerant and open-minded, great for work (for many sectors, don't know anything about nursing). I found the low-level racism and sexism shocking when we lived abroad - you just don't get that in the UK to the same extent (despite the best efforts of the Daily Mail...).

But the 250 days of sunshine a year were fantastic.

Original poster
Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 13:34

Where is best place in UK?
We're in North Yorkshire, beautiful scenery coast & moors etc, just the people(!) Either snobby and smug or the other end of the spectrum (trying not to offend anyone!)
its mainly for DD - I want her to have some nice little friends, play out safely, be able to enjoy the outdoor life (weather problem) and when she gets older, to realise her dreamsand aspirations, do/be whatever she wantsSmile
There seems to be such a negative outlook on life here....

OP posts:
ScaryFakeNails · 26/10/2012 13:34

I think the only thing you're likely to find any different when you really get down to it is the weather.

Maybe you just need a good holiday.

RichTeas · 26/10/2012 13:35

Go to Oz. If your short of points there are other ways, if you set your mind to it. Marriage, for example. Your still young enough that age doesn't count against you, but if your serious about it you need to get a move on.

Original poster
Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 13:35

where were you gravenwithdiamonds?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 13:39

Where can I find an Aussie husband RichTeas?
I think my confidence got a knock with the points thing... thought it would be a shoe in being a nurse Blush
You don't get owt for nowt, that's for sure!

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Gravenwithdiamonds · 26/10/2012 13:44

We were in Spain and it was great. I think living abroad is fantastic for all sorts of reasons but other countries are not necessarily 'better' than the UK. In fact, if anything made me really appreciate the UK and British people, it was living abroad. Which could be a reason for doing it alone.

And I really think sunny weather gives you a better standard of living - but you will really appreciate a drizzly autumn when you come back to visit!

Snorbs · 26/10/2012 13:47

Canada?

Original poster
Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 13:50

I think if we don't do it I'll regret it, I will be thinking 'What if....'

Would be nice if someone organised it all for me Smile

Tis quite difficult doing everything by myself Sad

OP posts:
Narked · 26/10/2012 13:51

'bullying, general miserableness, crappy weather, consumerism etc etc'

And you considered the US?

Original poster
Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 13:55

LOL narked
My mum (nana in the OP) moved from Denmark to California in 1962 lived there for 12 years, still goes on about how fabulous US is, and the people. I do tell her that 50 years on it is totally different!
I think I have inherited her wanderlust, or is that dissatisfaction with where I am? [hconfused]

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SabrinaMulhollandJjones · 26/10/2012 14:04

I've toyed with the idea of emigrating in the past - I fancied NZ - but when it comes down to it I think I'd miss the UK too much, it just feels too much like home.

I did read an article a while back about how a lot of people who emigrate come home a few years later, because the grass ins't always greener. It also said that a lot of the problems people cite as reasons for emigrating can be solved by a move to a different area of the UK.

I do understand the wanderlust though.

Claireabella1 · 26/10/2012 14:06

You are definitely not being unreasonable, go for it! What about Fiji or Samoa? I'm from NZ but stuck in UK , I'd give anything to go home :( it's just a completely different way of life.

CailinDana · 26/10/2012 14:07

Moving around is great - I've moved a lot - but you have be very clear on the reasons why you're moving. If you're already struggling, being in an unfamiliar place, with a different culture, where you don't know many people, won't help.

fedupofnamechanging · 26/10/2012 14:29

Tbh, I think sunshine is overrated. As soon as we have a run of hot days here, we get a bit antsy and want it to rain. Endless hot days would drive me batshit crazy.

I think maybe a move within the UK, might be a good start. See if it is just where you live now that is bothering you, or if it is the country generally.

Gravenwithdiamonds · 26/10/2012 16:08

It doesn't have to be hot, just sunny - cold and bright (eg, north-east coast of Scotland) is lovely too. My favourite season in Spain was late autumn/winter - blue skies, warm enough to eat outside at midday or go to the park but not tiresomely hot.

sadie3 · 26/10/2012 16:16

The grass always looks greener but trust me its not.

Phacelia · 26/10/2012 16:21

I definitely think you'd find the same problems elsewhere. (just look at the different expat forums out there, lots of people posting who are very unhappy/homesick)

But, having said that if I were you I'd go somewhere for a year, just for a break, some fun, some excitement (maybe backpacking somewhere really cheap if you can't find work). Then I'm come back. Then you get the best of both worlds. It's miserable to be surrounded by people who are negative. That said, I think because of the economic climate most places right now will have their fair share of people being the same.

I actually heard the other day that Brazil was a really great place to go. Lots of progression, ambition, warm people, great weather.

Original poster
Hippymum89 · 26/10/2012 17:21

A year out would be great, did it when I was 20. But have DD who is 7 to consider too.

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