AIBU to move my young family abroad?

[BonVoyager]

This is purely hypothetical at the moment.

Would you move a young family abroad for work? I have two preschool aged children. I'm at a point where I'd really like a change of job but a lot of the job openings are abroad.

I really love the idea of moving abroad for a bit. It feels like an adventure, I'd love the kids to learn a second language, I'd like to see the world a bit.

The logistics of it could be (relatively) simple as I work in an industry where it's a very international job market and normal to move around. So I'm not too worried about the practical side of things but I am worried about the emotional effect on my family. It's not a given that it would be easy for DH to find work in another country and it would be a big upheaval for the children.

So my question is, would it be mad to do this? Have you moved abroad with a young family, how was it?

@Shinytaps

I would love to do this too. Keen to k ow what jobs people do and where they went to!

DH is Army. We went to Cyprus and Germany. BIL is a teacher. They've been to Italy and China so far, and looking at Thailand next.

It’s much easier with younger children than older ones. So if it’s something you and your husband are keen to do, now is the time. You can always come back if it doesn’t work out.

I have lived and worked abroad but didn't have DC at the time.

My only worry would be what if your marriage breaks down and one of you wants to leave and one wants to stay? You wouldn't be able to leave the country with the DC if one of the parents wanted to stay there...

We moved abroad when our son was 1.5y. It is very hard being without a family support network and put a lot of strain on our relationship, but then I think having a small child who never bloody slept does that where ever you are.
Language barriers and general culture differences can really get you down at times...but our son is bilingual and had a great early childhood - we were able to give him experiences we could never have afforded to here.
We stayed away for 5 years and have returned to the UK now....but are planning on leaving again next year.
Despite the challenges, the lifestyle is worth it. Having a definite plan for your partner is essential. He needs to feel he can work/build a life for himself too.
good luck

Do it while the kids are young. I moved at the beginning of this year. Our deal was if one of us hates it, we go back - we both have to love it to stay. And we do both love it and it's been the best decision ever. We did keep our home in the UK and are renting it out. DH had to take a leap of faith as he quit his job and had to find one here. It was a bit tricky but he's doing what he was doing in the UK for more than 3xsalary. So we are better off and we have sunshine all year (and a pool!). Win win.

You do have to factor in visits to the UK which gets expensive. And you both need to have the right attitude because it is very stressful. If one of you starts this journey reluctantly and is negative every time there is a hiccup, it will be a disaster.

Dh and I have moved from the UK to Bahrain with our 5 yo DD just over 2 months ago.

We're loving it so far and so is she!