To emigrate, or just move down South...

[Meridian]

No go to Iceland. Why are you even thinking about this?

If the OP doesn't want the Iceland job, can I have it? Seriously, no contest here.

 

[Windle]

Went to Iceland last year and absolutely loved it, friendly people, hot dogs everywhere! The duty free is in baggage reclaim when you arrive by the way and take the full alcohol allowance you can. Also as its outside the EU you get the good duty free prices when you fly out!

We stayed well out of Reykjavik, about an hours drive on a good run. I really want to go back and explore the highlands in one of the super jeeps!

 

[blitzwing85]

As far as I can tell from your post, you want to take the job in Iceland but are worried because you see it as a big change and, crucially in this context, as a much bigger change than moving to Essex.

But is it really?

if you move down south - you might feel out of place

Yeah this was certainly a point I considered. Even though moving to the South would be staying within the UK, i'd still be more isolated because the people down there all have their established lives.
Moving to Iceland will put me among many others who are also going through the same move and are thus starting a new life so the social side will be easier.

And as said, they still have a modern infrastructure of transport, communications etc.

Iceland isn't necessarily cheaper than Harlow, though. Rejkjavik would very likely be considerably more expensive.

From what I've seen it's deff more expensive. One thing I have to do when looking for an apartment there is get over the prices compared to what I'm used to. I have a fairly decent sized 4 bed house currently and the monthly mortgage over 30 years only costs £430...
I'll be looking at around £1200pm for rent now. But, the wage is a lot more and after the income tax and increased housing costs I still end up on the same because I won't need a car - which here costs me £340 a month excluding petrol, insurance etc. So that helps a lot on the financial side.

Either way, the choice between Iceland and Southern England is a no brainer. Especially as (at a guess GSK) is perpetually downsizing and making redundancies from Harlow sites.

Yeah they were honest about this as they are moving things to their site in Ware.

I mean the original post was never just about which location is better - there was a lot more involved in the decision (social, financial, relationship, family, lifestyle, location, hobbies/interests) but when I break it all down Iceland wins are everything for me personally.


I look forward to starting the process off in the new year.
Only thing i'm unsure of is the shipping container and how that's all going to work but they will be advising me on that soon and arranging it all for me.

 

[Freefaller]

You're in the land of strongman too! Very jealous!

 

[bastic]

my fav add of Iceland

 

[blitzwing85]

Well - just thought I'd do a quick update.

I've been at my new job in Iceland 1 week now!! Been in a hotel the entire time but moving into an apartment today - then just have to find my own long-term.

Not explored any of the country yet as concentrating on settling into the job at first but looking forward to getting my own things.

Seems like a great atmosphere for work and social life and I already know the countryside is beautiful so can certainly see myself fitting in here

It deff seems very 'me'

Tuesday night 5 of us went to the pub, where they played Galaxy Quest (full large hd projection and surround sound) so that was a Tuesday evening activity I wouldn't normally do at home.

Loads of people at work ski/board too so just want to get my own apartment so I can have my gear delivered and hit the slopes before the winter ends.

 

[MikeB]

just scene this thread, thank god you made the right choice, Harlow is a hole, have fun!

 

[doofer]

I'd move to Iceland faster than you can say Vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúraútidyralyklakippuhringur.

 

[Dj_Jestar]

Superb. Happy for you, blitzwing.

 

[Gilly]

Sounds great, and you wouldn't believe how jealous I am

 

[Richdog]

Any expats here have any thoughts on their own move abroad? Things you may not think of that need consideration?
Anything you miss? (apart from the obviously friends or family)

Emigrating is the best thing I ever did, I heartily recommend it.

I miss nothing except trivial things like English supermarkets and food prices... the rest is another league in terms of quality of life.

Do it.

 

[blitzwing85]

I had my first 1 hour Icelandic lesson yesterday.
The first word she said was Sky (Cloud) and then the rest of the 59 minutes just went in 1 ear and out the other.

Still, it's free once a week so I'll pick up the basics then start taking it full time when I settle in

But man...i suck at languages!! Give me calculus any day

I'm 100% sure I made the right choice - not just over Harlow...it was more vs the UK in general (I just happened to have a couple of job offers in Hertfordshire and surrounding area)



As noted though...only things i'm missing so far are the supermarkets and having my own car - which I can get later and the former I just have to slightly adjust my diet

 

[Richdog]

I had my first 1 hour Icelandic lesson yesterday.
The first word she said was Sky (Cloud) and then the rest of the 59 minutes just went in 1 ear and out the other.

Still, it's free once a week so I'll pick up the basics then start taking it full time when I settle in

But man...i suck at languages!! Give me calculus any day

I'm 100% sure I made the right choice - not just over Harlow...it was more vs the UK in general (I just happened to have a couple of job offers in Hertfordshire and surrounding area)

As noted though...only things i'm missing so far are the supermarkets and having my own car - which I can get later and the former I just have to slightly adjust my diet

ANNNDDDD... quality of the women you've seen so far?

 

[blitzwing85]

Haha

Just based on walking about during the day...couldn't be happier on that front
And based on what guys at work have been saying - good times ahead it seems.

Quiet night tonight just sorting my things out but out drinking tomorrow night so let's give things a closer look then

 

[Evian]

Nice! Have a great time blitz.

 

[Uther]

Definitely the right choice!

 

[blitzwing85]

Well I know people here don't know me but it's been cool seeing everyone even outside of friends/family all backing it.

If anyone is ever over on holiday feel free to drop me a message for a drink, or if you ski/board, hike etc.

 

[RoboCod]

I might hold you to that one day.

 

[blitzwing85]

Well I've been messaged online by people I have never spoken to who travel solo -wondering if i'd be interested in heading out to do some hobbies/interests with them while they are here etc.

I met some people online before to go snowboarding and ended up having a great time so happy to do so.

 

[itchy]

Right decision and well done.