Anyone considering emigrating?

[Terminal_Boy]

What about the UK didn't you like when you visited?

The noise, how dirty everywhere was, how everyone was rushing around like their bums were on fire and the traffic.

Not that my old leafy suburb in NE London didn’t have a traffic hum 24/7 and it’s own share of litter and very busy people; but I’d grown used to it over my 20 years there. It was a huge shock after living somewhere with none of the above for four years.

The traffic and the state of the U.K’s roads have definitely gotten worse. Every single road we drove on was rammed with traffic, had roadworks or both. The single track road that serves the old church and the 6 homes scattered around it where I live is better maintained than some of the A roads I used in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex during our trip.

 

[Martynt74]

Yeah. That’s something my dad always comments on when they drive back from Spain. Says it’s a lovely experience and then you land at Portsmouth and it’s just horrific all the way up to Manchester.

 

[Hades]

I worked for JPMC for a few years (based in HK at the time). The deal was very much (and my boss said this to me) "we pay you a lot, so you work when and where we need you to". I did some insane crunch, 20 hour days for two weeks at one point. Bloody daft.

Yep. They employ people for their skills and experience on x hours per week. Then expect them to work 2x hours per week without extra pay. So the actual hourly rate isn't as good as the employment contract suggests. The money is good but the hours and pressure can be ridiculous. I think there is an argument to say it's less stressful getting two non-banking jobs, earning the same money and working the same total hours but for less stress.

 

[dlockers]

Yep. They employ people for their skills and experience on x hours per week. Then expect them to work 2x hours per week without extra pay. So the actual hourly rate isn't as good as the employment contract suggests. The money is good but the hours and pressure can be ridiculous. I think there is an argument to say it's less stressful getting two non-banking jobs, earning the same money and working the same total hours but for less stress.

I thought they just bullied consultants and went for lunch?

 

[jpaul]

I've been back for nearly 3 years now....and getting seriously itchy feet. The state of healthcare in this country is a serious concern, not to mention the economic outlook is pretty poor.

Mainly though, it's just ****ing boring being back home after you've lived abroad and seen a bit of the world. Got a nice house in a nice village here, but it feels a bit like waiting for death.

healthcare + economy in Spain would be of equal concern,

vicinity of South of France is ideal, you do need to fit in activities around the crowding that tourism brings, but, nonetheless, even though vacation allocation is usually more generous in france, everything is on your door-step;
the few days a year, like this morning, when you wake up in UK, in a balmy ambiance, you can get that for months; a few mosquitos to euthenize, avoiding jelly-fish in the sea, or washing the car at daybreak, a minor inconvenience.

If - the government could have delivered on leveling up, with wealth earning industries (hi-tech/pharma ...) up North, with some of their countryside, that could start to compete.

 

[R.P.L]

I lived in NY for a couple of years for work. It was a good experience and I was up for extending my stay for a few more years, but in the end I came back and I don't regret that either. There is a lot to like about the UK (helps if you don't read the news, as I said in the British Press thread) and it does feel like home. NY is cool, but it's also noisy and smelly. I don't see myself moving abroad again now unless I miraculously become very rich or my life changes significantly in terms of work - assuming I'm going to be grinding out a living in Financial Services until retirement, I might as well do it in London.

 

[krooton]

I already did that once moving here

And even now, with all it's warts, the UK is thousands of times better than South Africa.

I have no inclination to move, but if I did, I would consider southern Norway or southern Canada, basically where-ever the weather is best in those countries.

USA can eat a bag of ****, been offered a few jobs there (as my company is actually US-based), but no way I would put myself through all their crap.

 

[nitram100]

I'm in a bit of a situation at the moment, really not sure what to do.

I'm in Brisbane, Australia right now as I came over about 7 weeks ago to activate my permanent residence. When I started the visa journey through my Nursing Career I lived in Harrow, NW London so was desperate to leave the UK because all I could see was traffic, crime, noise and just a horrible place to live in general. But in the last 2 years prior to being granted the visa I moved to Hertfordshire and spent a lot of time exploring the UK and I think I fell in love with it. Leaving London made me realise the UK really is beautiful, the countryside, the history, the quaintness etc

I came out on a one way flight to see how I feel about the place and I really love it. Yesterday I was in the glass house mountains hiking then within an hour I was on a beautiful beach in Woorim all of this on a weekend and encountering hardly any traffic etc, water still warmish even during winter. The outdoor lifestyle is amazing here but hot damn do I miss England, just wondering if this is normal and it will subside.

Any of you guys that emigrated , did you get really home sick and just stick with it?

Job wise I am fine as I've already been offered 2 jobs (Nursing kinda easy to find)

 

[Raymond Lin]

The only other place I would want to move to is Norway or Denmark but no, already did that once coming here too. It's actually one of the better places in the world. Every country has it's problems and the grass is always greener on the other side, until you cross the fence. Even Japan, a country that i love, but moving and working there? no....not unless I have a ton of money or in a job where I don't need to get involve with their working culture. I'll stick to being a tourist there, all the perks, no downsides.

I like the weather here, no major disasters like hurricanes seasons, flooding seasons (those mild up to kitchen cupboards flooding in a single town doesn't really count), plenty of rain, 4 seasons. A T-shirt and a jacket can get you through 11 months of the year.

Healthcare is actually not bad for the fact that it's a social underpinning, no worry if you get hit by a bus and not cost you £1k to call an ambulance and there is no gun culture like the US, plus tipping is not mandatory...these 3 things alone would put me off moving to America.

 

[Lopéz]

The only other place I would want to move to is Norway or Denmark but no, already did that once coming here too. It's actually one of the better places in the world. Every country has it's problems and the grass is always greener on the other side, until you cross the fence. Even Japan, a country that i love, but moving and working there? no....not unless I have a ton of money or in a job where I don't need to get involve with their working culture. I'll stick to being a tourist there, all the perks, no downsides.

I like the weather here, no major disasters like hurricanes seasons, flooding seasons (those mild up to kitchen cupboards flooding in a single town doesn't really count), plenty of rain, 4 seasons. A T-shirt and a jacket can get you through 11 months of the year.

Healthcare is actually not bad for the fact that it's a social underpinning, no worry if you get hit by a bus and not cost you £1k to call an ambulance and there is no gun culture like the US, plus tipping is not mandatory...these 3 things alone would put me off moving to America.

Even though I've left the UK, I agree that it's a good place to live.

When I was packing up and selling things left right and centre, I was chatting with various people who were coming to collect stuff - I heard a lot of "Oh good on you, this country has gone to the dogs" or "You're better off out of it" etc. I don't really agree with any of those sentiments - the UK is a great place to live.

 

[mid_gen]

Any of you guys that emigrated , did you get really home sick and just stick with it?

I was away for 10 years before moving back. Tbh I wouldn't have come back given the choice, but I wanted to buy a home and thanks to Brexit, and all the uncertainty around visas and citizenship at the time, we opted to come back to the UK, at least temporarily.

It's certainly a decent place to live compared to a lot of countries, but it's also worse than many European countries in lots of ways, quite important ways like healthcare, services, public transport, community spirit. The medium-term outlook is pretty bleak as we're clearly looking at Austerity V2.0 which is going to further decimate what's left of our public services. Potential light at the end of the tunnel after a general election but there aren't any quick fixes. Thatcherism and the gutter press have really ingrained a culture of individuality and selfishness which is quite jarring after living and working in central Europe/Scandinavia.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Even though I've left the UK, I agree that it's a good place to live.

When I was packing up and selling things left right and centre, I was chatting with various people who were coming to collect stuff - I heard a lot of "Oh good on you, this country has gone to the dogs" or "You're better off out of it" etc. I don't really agree with any of those sentiments - the UK is a great place to live.

When you take things for granted it’s easy to say such a thing but really, look on the news and you’ll see we are not too bad. Without changing to topic into politics too much. Take Boris’s resignation last week, some African countries look on with jealousy as we are able to get someone to leave rather diplomatically.

Some people need to travel more, and look at the world with eyes from those who are less fortunate, don’t look to emigrate as someone who has millions in the bank, when you are that rich, everywhere you go you can buffer yourself against the local problems. If you look at it from the average Joe, this place is very nice. All those people risking their lives trying to cross the channel tunnel don’t do it because this country has gone to poop.

It’s easy to think that if you take everything for granted.

 

[martin363]

I'm in a bit of a situation at the moment, really not sure what to do.

I'm in Brisbane, Australia right now as I came over about 7 weeks ago to activate my permanent residence. When I started the visa journey through my Nursing Career I lived in Harrow, NW London so was desperate to leave the UK because all I could see was traffic, crime, noise and just a horrible place to live in general. But in the last 2 years prior to being granted the visa I moved to Hertfordshire and spent a lot of time exploring the UK and I think I fell in love with it. Leaving London made me realise the UK really is beautiful, the countryside, the history, the quaintness etc

I came out on a one way flight to see how I feel about the place and I really love it. Yesterday I was in the glass house mountains hiking then within an hour I was on a beautiful beach in Woorim all of this on a weekend and encountering hardly any traffic etc, water still warmish even during winter. The outdoor lifestyle is amazing here but hot damn do I miss England, just wondering if this is normal and it will subside.

Any of you guys that emigrated , did you get really home sick and just stick with it?

Job wise I am fine as I've already been offered 2 jobs (Nursing kinda easy to find)

You have to stick with it, it gets better. 7 weeks is nothing to be honest, you need to be positive, make friends, look forward and enjoy.

I have a friend in Brisbane, he says it is one of the best places on earth to live, and the coast is fantastic. Go up to the Gold Coast for a weekend and have a look.

 

[Raymond Lin]

I'm in a bit of a situation at the moment, really not sure what to do.

I'm in Brisbane, Australia right now as I came over about 7 weeks ago to activate my permanent residence. When I started the visa journey through my Nursing Career I lived in Harrow, NW London so was desperate to leave the UK because all I could see was traffic, crime, noise and just a horrible place to live in general. But in the last 2 years prior to being granted the visa I moved to Hertfordshire and spent a lot of time exploring the UK and I think I fell in love with it. Leaving London made me realise the UK really is beautiful, the countryside, the history, the quaintness etc

I came out on a one way flight to see how I feel about the place and I really love it. Yesterday I was in the glass house mountains hiking then within an hour I was on a beautiful beach in Woorim all of this on a weekend and encountering hardly any traffic etc, water still warmish even during winter. The outdoor lifestyle is amazing here but hot damn do I miss England, just wondering if this is normal and it will subside.

Any of you guys that emigrated , did you get really home sick and just stick with it?

Job wise I am fine as I've already been offered 2 jobs (Nursing kinda easy to find)

Too soon, as you've moved already I would personally give it 2 years before giving up. If the only reason is gut feeling to go by and financially you are fine. Especially if the area is a nice place to live.

 

[Chojin]

I work in a remote only role and have thought about taking casual breaks to different countries to work. I need to look more into digital nomad life and see if it's practical. My job requires a big monitor setup so it would probably be a hassle to travel around with it.

I've been feeling recently that the 25 days holiday per year just doesn't give enough opportunity to take a big trip abroad and experience another country. Well it's possible but there would be little time left for the rest of the year.

In any case I think UK is a great place to be tax resident at the moment. Pension and ISA allowances are good. No wealth tax like Norway and Switzerland.

 

[Efour]

I'm in a bit of a situation at the moment, really not sure what to do.

I'm in Brisbane, Australia right now as I came over about 7 weeks ago to activate my permanent residence. When I started the visa journey through my Nursing Career I lived in Harrow, NW London so was desperate to leave the UK because all I could see was traffic, crime, noise and just a horrible place to live in general. But in the last 2 years prior to being granted the visa I moved to Hertfordshire and spent a lot of time exploring the UK and I think I fell in love with it. Leaving London made me realise the UK really is beautiful, the countryside, the history, the quaintness etc

I came out on a one way flight to see how I feel about the place and I really love it. Yesterday I was in the glass house mountains hiking then within an hour I was on a beautiful beach in Woorim all of this on a weekend and encountering hardly any traffic etc, water still warmish even during winter. The outdoor lifestyle is amazing here but hot damn do I miss England, just wondering if this is normal and it will subside.

Any of you guys that emigrated , did you get really home sick and just stick with it?

Job wise I am fine as I've already been offered 2 jobs (Nursing kinda easy to find)

You single?
Get a man or woman, someone to share All your new experiences with. If you are alone a lot of the time you will feel homesick its completely natural....Especially if you come from a tight or a big extended family. I'm lucky i have pretty much nothing left in the UK bar mum and a sister.... Few cousins and aunt and uncle but we were never too close.... blessing/curse maybe.

Dont come back to the UK please.... You are very, very, very lucky. Dont squander your chance.
Chicks dig accents, i can impress anyone just by talking like an cockney/Essex boy for 2 minutes, its actually hilarious.

 

[martin363]

I work in a remote only role and have thought about taking casual breaks to different countries to work. I need to look more into digital nomad life and see if it's practical. My job requires a big monitor setup so it would probably be a hassle to travel around with it.

I've been feeling recently that the 25 days holiday per year just doesn't give enough opportunity to take a big trip abroad and experience another country. Well it's possible but there would be little time left for the rest of the year.

In any case I think UK is a great place to be tax resident at the moment. Pension and ISA allowances are good. No wealth tax like Norway and Switzerland.

I live in Greece but am currently tax resident in the UK. It is allowed, depending on how and where your income is generated.

 

[Hades]

I work in a remote only role and have thought about taking casual breaks to different countries to work. I need to look more into digital nomad life and see if it's practical. My job requires a big monitor setup so it would probably be a hassle to travel around with it.

I've been feeling recently that the 25 days holiday per year just doesn't give enough opportunity to take a big trip abroad and experience another country. Well it's possible but there would be little time left for the rest of the year.

In any case I think UK is a great place to be tax resident at the moment. Pension and ISA allowances are good. No wealth tax like Norway and Switzerland.

A few yers ago I looked into the Digital Nomad thing. Realistically I'm unlikely to persue it due to family. But if you can make it work then it's worth a try. As for the monitor what a lot of people do is either take a portable 15" monitor as a second screen or, if you need something larger, just buy a cheap old monitor from ebay or facebook marketplace when you arrive and then sell it again when you leave.

 

[GreatAuk]

Not actively looked into emigrating recently, but wouldn't rule it out at some point. Scandinavia or New Zealand (aware they make it quite difficult to immigrate though) would be top choices I think, never visited but the natural environment in looks stunning, much less crowded, plus good quality of life and public services etc.

I think what's more likely is just moving to a different part of the UK though. Warrington is fine, has everything you need with good transport etc, and there's some really nice Cheshire countryside within easy travel distance, and national parks 1h30 - 2hrs away. However living much nearer some mountains say up in Cumbria, or in a more consistently 'nice' area like York appeals. Scotland has a lot going for it too, would be amazing to live somewhere with easier access to the Highlands etc. From brief visits both Glasgow and Edinburgh have a lot going for them as cities too, prefer them to Manchester or Liverpool.

At the end of the day I've got a lot of ties to the UK, there are some really nice parts of the country, and moving abroad would be a real faff. I am worried about where we're going politically and economically though, might be another driver to emigrate if things have got worse in another 5 yesrs.

 

[nitram100]

You single?
Get a man or woman, someone to share All your new experiences with. If you are alone a lot of the time you will feel homesick its completely natural....Especially if you come from a tight or a big extended family. I'm lucky i have pretty much nothing left in the UK bar mum and a sister.... Few cousins and aunt and uncle but we were never too close.... blessing/curse maybe.

Dont come back to the UK please.... You are very, very, very lucky. Dont squander your chance.
Chicks dig accents, i can impress anyone just by talking like an cockney/Essex boy for 2 minutes, its actually hilarious.

Thanks mate, I am single. Bit of a long story but was supposed to be coming out here with my ex spanish girlfriend of 6 years (also a nurse who also got her residence but she hasn't activated yet) I ended it with her about 8 months ago and I've kinda come out on my own.

Think i'll reinstall tinder haha get back out there and find someone to hang out with.

Other option is as I am permanent resident in OZ I'm allowed to live and work in NZ without a visa and I'm also on the NZ Nursing Register so could work there also. Would possibly be better as I do prefer the NZ outdoors and I have a cousin in Auckland.

Cheers for the words of encouragement buddy!