Considering going back (Perth)

[Newbrummie]

Utter madness in theory, the three years we lived there were the most stressful, traumatic period of life.
But I miss the place, the lifestyle, my friends.
We literally have nobody here.
I came back due to the benefits safety net which I thought would reduce my stress levels but frankly the whole claiming thing has been horrendous and I want to work I hate being reliant, praying the money comes through, begging when it doesn't.
I think I'd rather be poor out there than ok here, I'll never be rich whereever I live, too many kids.

I'm sure I don't need to say it, but make sure you research jobs very carefully - the economy here is in great difficulties, with hundreds being laid off from individual companies. To some extent it's "right-sizing" to get rid of the hordes of overpaid consultants who have been on the books since the boom days, but there are lots of "normal" people being laid off too, and a lot more competition for the jobs which do exist.
Housing is getting better, slowly, rents are slowly coming down, but sale asking prices are still waaaaaay too high and properties are on the market for months and months, and don't sell.
Good luck with your decision.

Which area would you look at? Move a little further from Perth and costs go down a lot. Might help.

How old are your children?

Kids are 15 - she is an aussie citizen but hates it, 13 - desperate to go back, 11 - doesn't mind and 5 doesn't mind.

I know it's carnage there at the moment - I couldn't go without a job and visa anyway and i'd be going to live with a man who could support us but I would need to work.

Area's i'd be going back to Shenton Park for the kids friends, I've hreard the rents have plummeted there.