Is 46 too old for a completely new start?

[Cravingtoffeeapples]

British, but live abroad, ok life and some nice friends, but feel something is missing and miss my family too.
Parents and siblings now live in another part of the uk, somewhere Ive never lived and know no one apart from them, no old friends there etc. Considering moving there, have a young dd, 7 and dh. Its always been easy to make new friends in the ex pat community as everyone makes the effort and is in the same boat. Where we would be moving wouldn’t have that or our old friends from school and uni, we’d have to start all over again and i’d imagine people would have their friendship groups from growing up and might not be that open to needing to make new friends, especially where we’d be going-Cornwall

Has anyone done similar?

I guess it may be then 😅

I think it will be fine- maybe hard work but 46 is not old and there will always be things to join/ school stuff etc etc.

Of course it's not too late. I started again in UK at 48 after 20 years abroad. 2 dc no dh. Single mum.
Get a job where you'll meet new friends like I did. Don't wfh.
Volunteer you'll meet locals. Like I did.
Arrange meets with dc school mates mums. Like I did.

If you are social and outgoing you'll have a new life zingjng along in 5 years time. Like i have. No regrets!!!

I don't think you're ever too old. I was just talking to a woman at my running club tonight who's moved to my city in retirement. She has no connections here apart from husband and adult son and is starting from scratch.

I think if you approach things with the right mindset, people are generally open to meeting new friends at any age and stage.

Go for it!

Hey - I don’t think it’s too old. Well hoping not - I’ve done something similar a few months ago… I’m just a few years younger than you.

Do you like the place and feel like you could make it home? What it is you feel is missing currently or can you not put your finger on it?

Cornwall is a fabulous place to live, whereabouts are you looking? I’m in east Cornwall. It’s probably not as easy to meet people as expats but there are plenty in the same boat and there are a number of social options to build connections

You will meet plenty of people through your DCs school

@Apricotsucre Perranporth/Newquay way most likely 🤔

@Cravingtoffeeapples Check out girls in Cornwall which is based around that area and there is a women’s surf social group

Of course you are not too old. New beginnings and take it one step at a time. Your child is still young enough to make the move

I don't have any advice but I also live overseas, in my early 40s, about to have my first baby. I often think of moving home as I get very lonely here but my family have also all moved from my hometown to Cornwall!

I would go for it. Being close to family is important to me but I would do it sooner rather than later, ideally before your child is secondary school age.

@giadaros Yep, exactly the same for me, where are you now?

New Zealand so pretty far away! Great lifestyle but I miss Europe a lot.

The time will pass anyway. Make a start on building the life you want.

Do it.. I have moved abroad 2 x now, and had to build up a completely new life from scratch both times, didn’t have a partner or friends in the new place. The most important thing to make it work is to start integrating into a community immediately. Join small clubs of people that meet regularly (yoga groups; painting class; running group; language class etc). If you have a dog.. join dog walker get togethers. Make an effort to meet the parents of your children's friends. Invite people for tea, make an effort with your neighbours, volunteer etc. If there is a village fair, even if you don’t love it, just go :) I have built a new life in Sussex and I love it so much here. However it is not easy. It can feel awkward at times, however it also teaches you so much resilience and gratitude for everything you have & have built for yourself xx good luck 😊 Cornwall is lovely too! Lots of creative & surf and other water sports communities there