Finally returning home to the UK after 3.5 years. What’s changed?
Posted by PicadaSalvation@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 47 comments
I’ve been in the USA for 3.5 years and am coming home in August, I will bringing my American partner and new son with me. What has changed? What do I need to know?
Mr_Miyagis_Chamois@reddit
Nuthin'. You've only been away 3.5 years..
Existing-Leg-238@reddit
"The US isn't run by an orange"
josh5676543@reddit
The Simpsons is on E4 now
PicadaSalvation@reddit (OP)
Pretty sure it was when I left
Existing-Leg-238@reddit
No. That was only if it was the movie.
Ysbrydion@reddit
We stopped picking up litter or doing bin collection about 3.5 years ago.
haggisneepsnfatties@reddit
Everything costs more, housing market is fucked so hope you have somewhere to move to when you arrive, another 3 years and we could be speaking russian, so just the usual
GodOrDevil04@reddit
Could you elaborate more on the housing market? I'm from a different country but go to the UK on quite a regular basis. On Reddit I see a lot of people stating the housing market is messed up, but when I'm there, I see an absolute boatload of new houses being built and loads of existing for sale. In what way is the housing market messed up?
haggisneepsnfatties@reddit
The area I am in had a worse life expectancy than north Korea, yet the new builds in the same postcode are going for a quarter of a million, a one bedroom ex council house 10/15 years ago would go for about £50/60k now it's £125k, mortgage rates can change overnight and triple in price, due to remote working people from down south with higher wages are able to offer much more than locals can.
GodOrDevil04@reddit
Thanks for explaining! I was under the impression it was regarding a lack of housing, while it's (more of) an issue with the affordability of them.
Ok-Presentation-7849@reddit
You can get arrested for internet posts now
DogtasticLife@reddit
Don’t listen to this lot, it may not be perfect here but it’s a lot better than most places and at least here you know the government here is not tracking your cycle, or will happily let you die if your next pregnancy is non viable.
Herne_KZN@reddit
It’s very much the same. I mean, obviously we all tithe to the Lord of Harvest now but one’s firstborn is really a small price to receive his manifold blessings.
YouIntSeenMeRoight@reddit
The same as anywhere. If you have a decent wage it’s great. If you are struggling it will be depressing.
Radiant-Pickle-4826@reddit
Communism. Err. When you get here, you tell us!
BackgroundGate3@reddit
There has been a lot of house building in the last few years, so depending on where you're going you might see a few changes. Some small towns are no longer quite so small and, as a result, traffic has increased. In my town, it's important to live on the side of town where you can easily access your route to work because having to cross town in the rush hour can add an extra 30 minutes to your commute on a bad day.
PraterViolet@reddit
Northamptonshire is now little more than sprawling new housing estates (without a shop, pub, dentist or GP on sight) sandwiched between vast logistics warehouses/soulless business parks and ringroads.
pothelswaite@reddit
Nothing has changed apart from everything is more expensive than it was 3.5 years ago.
WPorter77@reddit
Not much but we live under water
username_not_clear@reddit
Beat me to it!
Plastic-Count7642@reddit
And your great great great granddaughter is pretty fine
Horrorwriterme@reddit
I came back last year after living in Australia for 10 years. All anybody ever say to me Why did you bother coming back here.
PicadaSalvation@reddit (OP)
Yeah I’m seeing a lot of that. Honestly before I left the UK I’d probably have said the same thing to people but I have a new appreciation for home now
GuybrushFunkwood@reddit
I swear they’ve changed the Greggs sausage role recipe in the last 2 years but I’m told I’m just imagining it.
PicadaSalvation@reddit (OP)
You aren’t the first to tell me that
bob_dazz@reddit
Nothing. We’re broke, grumpy, cold, selfish, unkind and ignorant. Business as usual.
MidnightRambler87@reddit
A man after my own heart.
PicadaSalvation@reddit (OP)
Ah nothing has changed! Excellent! Can’t wait to be back
SaltyName8341@reddit
The drizzle will be warmer
MidnightRambler87@reddit
I know you are desperate to escape that orange-wigged tosser, but you can do better than the U.K. in its current state.
IndividualConflict97@reddit
Why the fuck do you wanna come back? It's fucking awful here
Low_Spread9760@reddit
Queen's dead. Economy's dead.
bouncer-1@reddit
Double back my friend.
Civil_opinion24@reddit
It was sunny today and about 13c. Which was lovely.
Candid-Bike-9165@reddit
Price of fish and chips has gone up its over £2 for a large on the market now
Cmaggy86@reddit
More people
EducationalTell9103@reddit
Cost of living. We're only able to afford special deals at Wetherspoons now. Also, it's definitely harder to get a job now. Seems like a lot of people I know are only finding jobs through connections.
PicadaSalvation@reddit (OP)
I keep hearing about the jobs but I sent some text messages this morning and have 2 offers immediately. If you don’t mind me asking whereabouts are you?
b1acksunshine@reddit
I returned last June after 5.5 years in the US, I also brought back my American spouse. It doesn't feel like much has changed here at all :)
PicadaSalvation@reddit (OP)
That’s good to know! I’m gonna be honest I have not enjoyed America
b1acksunshine@reddit
It wasn't for me either.. I was happy to return home.
WRONG-World4299@reddit
What do you mean new sonn
Interesting_Text_@reddit
It’s great to see you’re brining some “American here” with you.
CrazyCoffeeClub@reddit
Cost of living... and that was it.
ErisedFelicis@reddit
3 years is the blink of an eye. Feels like only five minutes since 2020 and that was 5 years ago!
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