What’s keeping you in the UK instead of moving abroad?
Posted by GrowthUsual2221@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 367 comments
With the cost of living, rent, and bills climbing so fast, I keep finding myself wondering - why do we stick it out in the uk?
I know for some it’s family, nhs, jobs, community... But with so many people talking about moving abroad lately, I’m curious:
If you’ve ever seriously thought about leaving - what made you stay?
And if you did leave or know someone who did, what pushed them to finally go?
No judgment either way - just trying to understand the pull factors that still keep people here.
Am_I_Miriam@reddit
As someone who came to the UK a few years ago, it's everything. The countryside is beautiful, I actually like the weather (I don't do well at over 25°C). The people are nice and I can do what I want when I want and am living my best life. Things are manageable for the time being... I am that fortunate that I can leave at any point (EU citizen), but things aren't as bad in the UK for me to be happier elsewhere if I moved. But the main reason- I like living in the UK, it's that simple🖖🏼
thebuttonmonkey@reddit
That’s the British positive altitude in action! ‘What’s great about the UK?’ ‘Well, things are manageable for the time being…’
You have fit right in, congratulations!
Necessary_Umpire_139@reddit
Or to make it clearer 'it ain't shit'
Am_I_Miriam@reddit
Thanks!
Hour_Kaleidoscope723@reddit
Same I moved from Australia no intentions of moving back I love the uk it’s just so easy to live here.
Gold-Collection2636@reddit
Family and I worry I wouldn't be able to get a job. My SIL moved to Canada and she is thriving. No real reason she left, she's just not very good at staying still
Doug62a@reddit
Nothing really. We are certainly considering it. Had enough of the borough we live in. Had enough of London. Had enough of the labour government. Had enough of the UK. Definitely had enough of all the high bills.
PirateEducational168@reddit
Elderly parents.
Elderly parents.
Speesh-Reads@reddit
I left (for Denmark, in 2004. Because I met someone. It was easier back then because of being in the EU. I didn’t leave because I had any negative feelings about the UK, it was mainly because I’d had enough of my job and couldn’t see a way out, until my(now) wife showed up. I felt as well, that I should grab the chance, as I was worried about regretting not trying it if I stayed.
I seem to have fitted in rather well over here, speak the language fluently all day, every day and have a job I love - working in a hospital. And I am Danish now, dual citizenship anyway, though my British passport has run out. So I get stopped at customs while they figure that out.
I made sure, when I was making the decision, that I was ok with not moving back. I also, once my heart had said yes, wrote two columns of advantages and disadvantages down. I figured my head would go with the longest column.
I don’t dislike the UK at all, it’s just now, after only having been over a handful of times in the last 21 years (the last three times, for funerals), ‘my England,’ doesn’t exist anymore outside of my head. I’m visiting Leeds where I lived from 1978-2004, this July and the people I’m visiting reckon I won’t recognise the place. Exciting!
I don’t know the actual rules for moving to Denmark nowadays, but I can’t think they’ll be so much different than they were when I moved. You probably either need a job to move to, or move with enough money to ensure you do not need state support, until you do get something sorted. I had sold my house, so was fine.
I say, if you’re curious, try it.
LumpyTrifle5314@reddit
My friend lives in Denmark on a sponsored Job role.
He's not picked up the language because it's company policy that everyone has to speak English if there are any non-native workers in the office, his partner is also Swedish...
Like it's not because he's British, it's because they're an international company and that's the lingua franca they've chosen.
Speesh-Reads@reddit
I’ve said since I first came here, that I could have survived perfectly well without learning Danish. The vast majority of Danes can get by in English. They learn it in school and social media and most of the internet is obviously in English. I wanted to learn and learn quickly, so I could get a job. And understand football commentators.
I feel that Britons are too harsh on themselves about not learning other languages. The question is ‘why?’ The rest of the world can communicate to ‘us’ in English. And which language should ‘we’ learn? It’s also easier to pick it up when you’re surrounded by it all day. In the start, and sometimes even now, Danes will hear your accent (you never lose it) and will answer your broken Danish, in English. You have to be strong and tell them to continue in Danish, as otherwise you ain’t gonna learn nothing…
Nowadays, I don’t think about it at all. I communicate. Sometimes I even surprise myself with how much Danish I know and can speak really quickly. Plus, language also gives insights into their way of thinking, generally. On a simple level, if I say to you, we’ll meet at 7.30, I say ‘half past seven.’ Danes say ‘half TO seven.’
And, knowing how to say Jan Mølby properly, is always a plus. Also why it’s called Lego. And ARLA… and Mærsk, etc ;-)
ettabriest@reddit
So you had a house and presumably savings. You’ve even said it was easier back then ‘because EU’.
Interesting-Ad-9330@reddit
I'll be moving to denmark this summer (also for a girl)
I mean it's extremely hard these days and often ranked as the hardest country to move to, but marriage is a way forward
Any tips for beginners? Will be learning the language too of course. Have loved my visits over there, even if there is a slight hostility once they clock you're not danish haha
Sounds like you've had a good life there. Hoping I can achieve similar
doc1442@reddit
The municipality provides free lessons - sign up and do them!
doc1442@reddit
Nu bruger du et job med på positivlisten eller med løn over 514,000/år. Det er osgå muligheder til forskere (men selvfølgelig meste skal har løn over 514,000)
watchingonsidelines@reddit
England is not where I am from, however I’m “stuck” here now because of my child. It’s been my home for many years, however I do feel the temptation to leave is stronger now for the reasons above. However - there is no perfect place.
I’ve lived in five countries around the world and just like this comment -my time and place - my memory and experience of that country doesn’t exist anymore either. It brings a lot of nostalgia, however it also brings a lot of freedom.
Kingsworth@reddit
Because the UK is great and life is good despite all the misery and negativity spewed on Reddit.
StereotypicallBarbie@reddit
It’s not just on Reddit though is it? There are plenty of people tired of the state we are in.
Kingsworth@reddit
The state they* are in. Mostly down to poor life choices.
StereotypicallBarbie@reddit
I know people working two jobs that are struggling! Rising grocery and energy costs are not down to poor life choices..
-_-___--_-___@reddit
Yes it's exactly this. If people actually looked around where they live and experienced it themselves (not through the lens of Internet ragebait) they would see the UK is a great place to live with great opportunities and great people.
popcornelephant@reddit
I love when people say how brilliant a place is, and how much better it is than the UK, when their experience was their time on holiday.
You’re saying that you had a great time sat outside in the sun, not working, drinking beer and cocktails? NO WAY!
ettabriest@reddit
Are you moving to Rochdale or Bolton or Luton then ? You go first.
popcornelephant@reddit
I am very happy where I live thank you.
ettabriest@reddit
And there we have it. Not everyone lives in nice parts of the country. Maybe get out a bit more.
popcornelephant@reddit
I don’t understand what you’re saying, sorry.
ettabriest@reddit
I’m saying not everyone lives in a nice desirable part of the UK. We’re well aware that elsewhere has disadvantages but it cannot be worse than where we live. Some places have been neglected and have had very little investment, town centres are hollowed out shells, poor job opportunities but anywhere nicer is much more expensive. Some of us are stuck here. It’s not all roses.
-_-___--_-___@reddit
I've just looked at the average rents in those three places you mentioned and they aren't exactly cheap. I know many nice areas which are cheaper to live than there so no idea where you are getting "anywhere nicer is much more expensive".
ettabriest@reddit
Which areas are these then ? I live in a town north of Manchester. It’s a running joke how bad it’s become. Look on the Manchester subreddit. But because it’s literally 12 miles/ 20 mins outside Manchester on the train and has good motorway links it’s relatively expensive for what it offers. Still can’t afford to move back to my big of Leeds for a similar house.
-_-___--_-___@reddit
You live in a commuter town near a big city and you even say it's expensive, but can't imagine there are cheaper areas that are nicer?
Theres plenty of really nice places in Devon and Cornwall with very low crime rates compared to anywhere near a city, great communities with properties cheaper than any commuter town.
ettabriest@reddit
I don’t live in a commuter town. It’s a post industrial shite hole. We don’t have the same affordable public transport up here either so commuting on a poorly paid job really isn’t worth it. Look up Bolton. There’s a good article in the guardian about it. It’s as far from Guildford as it could be. I want to see these lovely properties around £200k, please show me them.
-_-___--_-___@reddit
Well you said you have train and motorway links for a city that is only 12 miles away. Sounds like a commuter town to me.
I'm sure you have access to Rightmove to see what £200k buys you somewhere in Devon or Cornwall vs what it does where you live.
ettabriest@reddit
We don’t have ‘commuter towns’ here. It’s not the south east 😂 have you hear of northern rail ? and the bus takes 1:30 to get there.
-_-___--_-___@reddit
So nobody who lives outside of Manchester commutes there for work?
ettabriest@reddit
Not saying that. It’s not a commuter town like you get in the south. Like I say, public transport is hopeless and expensive. We don’t have a tube network. We’re reliant on northern rail. Some of the south Manchester towns are commuter hubs because the area is more affluent, like Chorlton, Stockport, Altrincham. But holes like Bolton and Oldham not so much. A lot of the work in these areas is NMW and not much of that either. Take Tesco. No jobs whatsoever at our superstore. Or Sainsbos. Why would I lie.
-_-___--_-___@reddit
I'm not saying you're lying it just doesn't make sense that you say you live somewhere where there isn't much work and where there is work it's mostly NMW. Yet just 12 miles away by motorway there is a big city with lots of opportunities, yet enough people aren't going there to work to make it a "commuter town".
No-Ferret-560@reddit
Lmao how naive are you if you think that somewhere like Luton is as bad as it gets in the world. A UK council estate is still nicer than 90% of the world. I could show you worse tips in other first world countries too. Go do a little research on the world.
ettabriest@reddit
So we’re comparing ourselves with Somalia. Righto.
No-Ferret-560@reddit
Nah we're comparing ourselves to the rest of the world, as we should. If you have to ignore 90% of the world to make a point then it doesn't really prove much.
I've been all over the country. I grew up in Birmingham down the road from Druids Heath, widely seen as the worst estate the country.
The fact you're metric is 'lack of opportunies' demonstrates a hilarious amount of first world privilege. Yeah let's ignore the fact billions in the world don't have flushing toilets or 3 meals a day because Gary from Sunderland doesn't like his job at Tescos which gives him a lifestyle most could dream of.
Have you actually travelled outside the Uk? Let's bet you've only been to Benidorm
Upstairs_Two_180@reddit
Yeah honestly, for all its flaws, there’s still a lot to love, nature, humour, NHS (mostly), and that weird sense of community you only get here. It’s not all doom and gloom.
kayzgguod@reddit
lol what sense of community u literally get that in every country
ElizabethHiems@reddit
Everywhere has its issues.
H7H8D4D0D0@reddit
I'd be curious to know a bit more about why you feel this way. I suspect it's very swayed by where you live and the lifestyle you can afford.
thebear1011@reddit
It would be a bit weird if their opinion wasn’t swayed by those things! Point is, you can go and live in those places and get a job that gives you that lifestyle.
ettabriest@reddit
Erm, you can’t now. We don’t have freedom of movement. Why are people forgetting we’ve left the EU. It’s made it very much harder.
wildOldcheesecake@reddit
Funny how leavers are dead quiet about this too.
fucks_news_channel@reddit
It may still be good for many people, but it could have been absolutely amazing. We were robbed of an incredible society by greedy boomers.
Imagine waiting days for major surgery instead of years, always able to see your GP that day, dentist that week, free childcare, high wages, no potholes, no urban decay, thriving towns and cities that are clean, low crime, the list goes on. We could have had all this except some incompetent and corrupt politicians and bigoted billionaire media owners stole it from us to enrich themselves.
Ambitious_League4606@reddit
The UK is a decent spot to fly from and explore other countries too.
Opening-Fortune-4173@reddit
Yes if you don't mind sharing a couple reasons that would great? I think we are all desperate for the brighter perspectives
popcornelephant@reddit
You live in a wealthy, exceptionally safe, politically stable, tolerant country with beautiful natural landscapes, interesting vibrant cities, unrivalled history and cultural output.
There are always going to be problems but there’s plenty that’s right with the country too.
Majestic_Owl2618@reddit
You mean like many other western countries?
No-Body-4446@reddit
Why do Redditors think something has to be exclusive the Britain to qualify as a good part of it? See it all the time with the ‘akchully Britain has no culture’ idiots.
Next doors house is similar to mine, but I don’t necessarily want go and live in it.
popcornelephant@reddit
Yes like lots of other western countries.
Lots of other western countries don’t have my family and friends, nor my job, nor my home. They also have their own issues as well as not having the things about the UK I love.
Hard to say what I do/don’t like about every other western country, the Netherlands seems nice as an option if I ever did have to leave the UK.
Firstpoet@reddit
In my late 60s but well off enough to travel and then come back to a lovely bit of Britain well away from the crappy bits.
That said, my kids took their tech businesses abroad. One would like to return at some point but is in a country with zero corporation tax and 20% max income tax so no incentive.
We go and stay with them a lot so we know their cities well. Best of both worlds really. Beautiful less trod bit of the Midlands plus two international cities we live in for parts of the year. Coffee by the Baltic or the best street food in Asia.
If I was under 30, though, I'd be off like a shot! Travel and work is MUCH easier now for a working class boy than in the 1970s. No EU then. No Internet. Closed professions. Who you knew and old money vital. Research? Bits of paper. Something like streetview on Google was undreamed of. Working class people still hardly ever went abroad. Flying before cheap airlines was incredibly expensive- the days of the BA cartel as it were. Sexism- young working class women never moved abroad. The tiny number who did were remarkable.
Life all seems difficult now, but believe me, something like moving abroad was unheard of for the huge majority of Brits. Born in, say Nottingham- work, live and die in Nottingham as it were.
ettabriest@reddit
Not sure what your point is. Things are worse NOW compared to 10 years ago, not the 1970s. And the fact is unless you have money and a particular skill you can’t move abroad permanently like you could in 2014. So big deal what it was like in 1978, we’ve virtually gone back to that. You sound very smug tbh.
Firstpoet@reddit
It was the best of times it was the worst of times. Just trying to convey the idea that for working class people- say 80% it was worse than now in term of opportunities.
We've always been terrible at foreign languages so that's neutral. The way out for working class boys was the armed forces- advertised as seeing the world as that was the only way you'd see 'abroad'.
I think under 30s are pretty gloomy about things but if you're an 'ordinary' wage earner without any wealth you've still got the opportunity to travel and find out about living abroad that we didn't have in the past.
Was always different for the upper middle classes and above. Still is.
ettabriest@reddit
Yes but an ordinary wage won’t buy you a property. I was in my early 20s in 1990. I was a student nurse on £4k and my partner on not much more. We still managed to buy a tiny home for £23k, all be it in a rough area. Travel for a bit and you can end up doing worse because of the years in lost wages/savings. And house prices are considerably higher.
Firstpoet@reddit
Fair point. Bought my first house at 22. Not at all wealthy. Hand to mouth. Was getting married then not! House was cheapest wreck in town. Learned DIY rapidly. Carrying stuff from.a builder depot on a bike was.. interesting.
That said housing isn't cheap abroad. One son lives in Helsinki. High taxes and housing is apartments that are pricey.
All my younger nephews and nieces in the Midlands and the North who've got modest jobs have managed to buy good houses recently. Unfashionable towns but not terrible places.
Colonel_Wildtrousers@reddit
They even had a better brand of smugness in the 70s, judging by the boomers on Reddit 😂
Robynsxx@reddit
Learning a foreign language is basically impossible for me. I’ve never been able to manage it. All the other English speaking countries aren’t in much better shape.
Psittacula2@reddit
May I ask which foreign language you would have wanted to learn and how you approached?
I think a lot of language learning is not effective and that ends up deterring people. With that said to learn a language effectively does require a lot of intense learning also which is the other barrier. But they are surmountable once these 2 barriers are understood.
Even if you stay in the UK, learning a language can be extremely rewarding if you have spare time and also passion or energy for doing it.
Robynsxx@reddit
My dyslexic. In school I couldn’t learn either Spanish or French
Psittacula2@reddit
Ah sorry to hear, does make it harder, clearly. Can you clearly read “phonetic spellings of words”?
Because if so then listening and speaking is still possible? Anyway just exchanging info, of course you may have more than enough alternative interests already. Some people are like auditory parrots and soak up the language purely by listening and “squawking”!
Robynsxx@reddit
lol, sorry to hear that? You’re acting like I’ve got a disease or something lol.
I could just never get my head around learning a new word/phrase and then the masculine, femininine, they/them version of the word. Then how words would change when stringing a sentence together.
Like, I was so bad at Spanish when I was 15-16 (having already dropped French out of choice), that I was kicked out of Spanish class along with a few other students for being too bad. They didn’t want the people bad at Spanish bringing down the grade average for the year in the upcoming exams.
Psittacula2@reddit
Well I did work with a number of dyslexic students and it makes school work a lot harder, for them. The apology was more for assuming you had full access to language learning. Always good to see them go on to excellent jobs later on, however.
Yes that is very true concerning how schools prioritise results over the quality of learning experience, unfortunately.
As stated, if you ever have a passion for learning languages, the sound and culture within and so on, a lot can be done with speaking and listening.
cricklecoux@reddit
Agreed. I take night classes at my local university, 2 hours twice a week, and it’s exhausting. I feel like I’m getting nowhere.
Straight-Buy-7434@reddit
I moved to Australia 17 months ago, nearly everything is better here, weather, salary, parks, most of the cost of living.
But we are staying until 2028 and then coming back home.
The reason is house prices, if your from the south im sure you will think the prices arnt bad, but since im from the north I cant justify a £400k mortgage at 42 years old, just something im not interested in and even then I wont earn enough to qualify for it.
So when we come home I will be mortgage free and hope to retire at 55, get a cheap motorhome and spend 6 months around europe
Travontual_9@reddit
Have you checked the logistics of getting a VISA for a 6 month Europe Road Trip? I know about the 90 days in 180 days Schengen visa free rule for UK Citizens.
Straight-Buy-7434@reddit
I havent checked but could happily do 3 month on, 3month off, I suppose it depends where I want to go, winter will be what I most want to avoid in the Uk
happylurker233@reddit
The grass is greener where you water it. I'll have money issues no matter where I live.
Product_of_Yakub@reddit
Unless you find a job somewhere with much lower cost of living.
Ashamed_Nerve@reddit
Do you know what goes hand in hand with lower cost of living?
Product_of_Yakub@reddit
You'd be surprised. Some work online and earn UK wages still but I personally moved to China and work for a local company. I earn similar to what I did in the UK but rent costs £250 for a really nice duplex, food, bills and transport are dirt cheap. I save about £2,000 a month and I would be a pretty average earner in the UK.
No-Ferret-560@reddit
Yeah so you're cherrypicking. Brits have some of the highest wages in the world.. The average Brit earns well over double what the average Chinese person does. It shouldn't shock anyone that cheaper places have lower wages.
Product_of_Yakub@reddit
Yeah so basically exactly what I said? Move somewhere with a lower cost of living and try and keep a western salary.
lozz79@reddit
The only problem with that is you have to live in China
Product_of_Yakub@reddit
Yeah poor me. Have to live in a clean megacity with hardly any crime, amazing cheap rent, transportation and food and I can save over £20,000 a year. Fuck! I wish I could be back in England :(
Opening-Fortune-4173@reddit
Or a higher income 😅.
Product_of_Yakub@reddit
Also a possibility for many.
OrganizationFun2140@reddit
Because moving to another country is actually pretty difficult! There aren’t many places you can just rock up and move in; they have immigration rules too. Also, we used to have more options before 2016.
IMABUNNEH@reddit
This post has "if you don't like being poor have you tried just having more money?" energy
TinyDemon000@reddit
If you're < 35 then you're honestly sweet as in many countries.
Ok_Neat2979@reddit
The issues OP mentioned like rising rents, house prices, cost of living are all exactly the same in NZ, Aus, Canada and many popular European countries. Plenty of posts about new arrivals in Australia who can't find a place to live, and shocked by the costs even for a flat share.
TinyDemon000@reddit
Yes and no. I'm sorry but a lot of that is skewed by the fact people are arriving in Sydney and Melbourne.
Yeah of course you won't get housing easily there.
But greater Adelaide, an hours train ride from the CBD is affordable and available.
Perth has a great transit network and again, affordable outside of the CBD.
It's no different to living in South Kent and working in London, it's a similar commute.
Ok_Neat2979@reddit
Sorru your info fromn. People are sleeping in cars and tents in Perth. Rentals open for inspection have 30 plus people turning up hoping to get the place. .More and more suburbs have an average price of a million dollar plus, way outside the cbd. If you're moving across the world for a better life, living in a bland outer suburb with an hour commute isn't it. Aussie outer suburbs aren't like the British ones that still have some community and character.
OkayTimeForTheTruth@reddit
I thought it was actually very hard to move to Aus, NZ or Canada unless you've a job lined up and a sponsor?
I know some that tried and failed.
TinyDemon000@reddit
Working holiday visa. Just walk in the front door. NZ is very easy to be sponsored in once you're there with a job. I managed a hotel and remained on sponsorship for a long time.
OkayTimeForTheTruth@reddit
Interesting. I hear it's very very beautiful there but very expensive.
Will bear that in mind, although I qualify for German citizenship so that would probably be my route out if I wanted to take the plunge.
Makkel@reddit
I believe it is very expensive, yes. Keep in mind that it is quite remote, most stuff have to be imported, and because it is out of the way so the ship would actually have to specifically go there or take a detour, which imacts the price.
Depending on your personal situation too, it is maybe a 24+ hours flight from Auckland to London. You will be seeing your family or friends maybe once a year, and that will probably use up most of your Leave allowance.
OkayTimeForTheTruth@reddit
Yeah the remoteness is definitely an off-putting factor 🫤
If I fall out with everyone I'll keep it in mind 🤣
Ok_Neat2979@reddit
Housing can be very expensive
willuminati91@reddit
How do I move to Chile?
TinyDemon000@reddit
Ah I'm sorry, i stand corrected. Chile has stopped the whv you used to be able to get with a British passport. Just Kiwis, Aus and Canadians that get it among some European nations now! That's a shame.
BroodLord1962@reddit
You can't just move to Aus, you need to have a job earning a set amount or you won't be allowed to stay
TinyDemon000@reddit
Working holiday visa is available to under 35s. No job required mate.
BroodLord1962@reddit
Yeah working holiday visa mate, not the same as been able to move their permanently. OP was asking what's stopping people moving there, not taking a working visa holiday.
TinyDemon000@reddit
Moving there for 3 years, is moving there. Once you're on shore, it's a lot easier to work out.
Ok-Fig-7510@reddit
I believe there is now a Whv for Uruguay instead though! I looked into it a little but seems pretty hard to get
TinyDemon000@reddit
Wow didn't know that! Just looked into it and seems you must have a degree level education and evidence of Spanish language skills.
Ok-Fig-7510@reddit
Apparently they only allow around 50 a year or something like that? So it’s quite limited too!
Ok-Fig-7510@reddit
(My facts may be wrong but I remember something like this)
willuminati91@reddit
That is a shame! Would love to see Chile.
TinyDemon000@reddit
You can still go visa free as a tourist for 90 days by the looks of it, if that helps
No_Researcher_3755@reddit
Exactly, people act like you can just pack a bag and bounce, but most countries aren’t handing out visas like candy. Pre-2016 it felt way more doable, now it’s a paperwork minefield.
GrowthUsual2221@reddit (OP)
Yeah that’s a big part of it tbh. Even if you want to leave, most places don’t make it easy unless you’ve got serious savings, a job lined up, or citizenship links. Kinda feels like being stuck by default.
Itchy3lf@reddit
The whole learning a new language fluently thing, cannot be overlooked
Lauantaina@reddit
I know it was 2007 and a very different time, politically and personally, but I was able to rock up in Belgium with just a rucksack full of dirty clothes and a few bits and bobs. I lived there for almost 6 years. It's now almost 18 years since I left the UK. Most places still allow 90 days, and it's a damn sight easier to find work and accommodation while you're on site than it is to ponder it from abroad.
I know it's difficult if you're settled and impossible if you have a family. But if you're young and single you should do it.
BenidormEnjoyer@reddit
“big part”
have you seen how difficult it is to get a visa out there?
these questions make me realise people have no clue how the world moves out there
tiptoptattie@reddit
Agreed. I find it insane how often people talk like this as if you can just decide to move and show up somewhere. Even if you have speciality skills, it’s not like other countries just welcome people with open arms - there are rigorous processes and checks and requirements to go through, even for the most desirable of immigrants.
Ambitious_League4606@reddit
We lost freedom of movement in Europe. Ironically they jacked up incoming migration numbers same time.
OnlyExit4116@reddit
This, honestly.
adamjeff@reddit
Pre 2016 you could literally do this in Europe though, you just needed a job and off you went. Sure, still pretty difficult to get but process and paperwork-wise there was fuck all.
fr1234@reddit
Didn’t even need a job. You could just rock up and sort something out after you arrived
Careful-Swimmer-2658@reddit
Which is why many people, myself included, find it incredible that 1.2 million people got visas to live here.
TabascoFiasco@reddit
Yup, immigrating here is hard. But companies hiring from abroad helps.
Careful-Swimmer-2658@reddit
It certainly helps companies avoid the expense of training local people that's for sure.
tdrules@reddit
Most countries hand study visas out for fun
Self_Proclaimed_Best@reddit
Upvoted - This is exactly my reason for being stuck here. Feels like I’m trapped in a place I don’t want to be simply because it’s too difficult for to gain citizenship in the USA…. Meanwhile movies and TV constantly tease me with glimpses of the places I’d rather be…
tdrules@reddit
Good morning Mike TV
Opening-Fortune-4173@reddit
Out of curiosity, fellow internet stranger, do you still have the same desire to go to the US since all of its recent changes? And what draws you over there the most?
Appropriate-Cycle-31@reddit
I was just in the states visiting family in Wisconsin, nothing has changed from the last time I was there in 2023. I think what youll see when you visit the USA depends on the state you’re going to on your trip.
willuminati91@reddit
You can do a working holiday visa if you are 18 to 30 (some up to 35).
I did mine in Japan and my sister went to Australia and managed to find a job that sponsored her visa.
kittystillbites@reddit
I'm always one foot out, because I'm an expat. But I have a good life, fun hobbies ( tied to the location), people I adore. I even prefer cloudy weather, which is not that as often as people like to complain! And the cultural character is close to mine, even if overly polite. Not everything's about money, and you can always make more. My rent/bills haven't changed that much over the years, so it's another sign that it's not time to move.
And other places will have their time, I have immense curiosity to every one of them, even my own country has more to offer in some regards, but there's a few things I'm not ready to say goodbye to
ThrowRA678397@reddit
1) family and friends 2) language barrier+ visa/beauracacy barrier 3) the desire not to feel like an outsider and just general emotive reasons
ThrowRA678397@reddit
1) family and friends 2) language barrier+ visa/beauracacy barrier 3) the desire not to feel like an outsider and just general emotive reasons
ThrowRA678397@reddit
1) family and friends 2) language barrier+ visa/beauracacy barrier 3) the desire not to feel like an outsider and just general emotive reasons
Several-Support2201@reddit
Honestly, I think if you're leaving 'from' something your move will be less successful than if you're moving 'too' something, even if the thing you're moving too is just an intense curiosity to try living in a new country.
Leaving to escape is a negative starting point and to me implies that you may potentially have built up the new destination in your head and being vulnerable to disappointment.
This is always my overwhelming impression reading these "how to escape the UK" posts - there's big problems here no doubt but it's never as awful as the posters make out and it makes me question how much they know about, forever example, the housing crisis in Aus, NZ, Canada, Ireland etc.
Brilliant-Writing693@reddit
To
Psittacula2@reddit
All those housing crisis are from mass immigration as well to note.
But your insight of having a positive to move towards is excellent observation on the subject. Noted.
intergalacticmouse@reddit
Because I have lived abroad and travelled the world and I am exactly where I am supposed to be,it's that easy.
ok2888@reddit
It's still far better here than most other countries. Granted there are some that are quite a lot better but its still not a bad place at all to be from. Even places like New York make London look like a soft play area. I might move to Australia though.
TFCxDreamz@reddit
Most high earners (over 100k) from London I know have left. Mate at google moved to Tokyo, mate at PWC moved to New York, mate at BCG moved to Qatar, I moved to Saudi/Dubai, mate a KPMG went to Singapore, and one from Meta debating a move to Switzerland. Mains drivers are high taxes, cost of living, weather, and crime/safety
CallumVonShlake@reddit
Moving to New York City to escape crime and cost of living.
TFCxDreamz@reddit
He has double the disposable income he had in london.
CallumVonShlake@reddit
Whatever you say! Loving the low-crime Arcadia that is New York City too I bet!
mattjadencarroll@reddit
I think you’re being disingenuous. He didn’t assign the “low crime” reasoning specifically to the guy who moved to New York. It was part of a list of reasons for all the various friends moving.
Most likely the New York guy didn’t move there for low crime. But the Singapore, Switzerland, Japan guys most likely did.
tobotic@reddit
I wasn't born in the UK so the UK is abroad to me.
Checkmate, atheists!
Simbooptendo@reddit
I can't afford to leave
Racing_Fox@reddit
The NHS.
Vconsiderate_MoG@reddit
There's quite a few countries with a pretty good (if not way better) free healthcare system.
Racing_Fox@reddit
Such as?
flauschigerfuchs@reddit
We live in Germany and my boyfriend is disabled. He can only work three days a week, but his health insurance top up his wages to compensate for the lost days. He actually gets more than if he were working full time as the top up is tax free - I don’t think the UK would offer that.
Racing_Fox@reddit
But you speak German so that’s fine
Vconsiderate_MoG@reddit
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/best-healthcare-in-the-world
I mean, here's a list, countries like Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, just surrounding us and I can assure you just as good as NHS (a tad better in fact, COVID crippled all of them NHS included but before COVID there was no comparison...)
Racing_Fox@reddit
But none of those countries speak English
And because of our shocking education system, I don’t speak their languages either
Vconsiderate_MoG@reddit
Most they do. Maybe not Italy, Spain, but others definitely do. English is so easy...
Racing_Fox@reddit
There’s a big difference between speaking English and it being the main language
wroclad@reddit
Did you know you can actually learn a new language any time you like?
I speak 3 languages fluently and only one of them was included in the national curriculum.
Racing_Fox@reddit
I tried learning German, wasn’t able to, I’m jealous of people who can but unfortunately they just not how my brain is wired :)
wroclad@reddit
I suppose I feel like that about Maths. It's an 'in one ear and out the other' type of learning experience.
Language learning has also been challenging, but unlike Maths I had much more motivation so I got there in the end.
Racing_Fox@reddit
I was seriously motivated with German, my dad lived there, my stepmother and stepsisters are German, I’d spend weeks there in the summer and ultimately I planned to move there
I knew enough to catch a bus somewhere or order food but I was absolutely nowhere near fluent
I’d listen to German radio stations to try and pick it up and wouldn’t have a clue
I genuinely think that some people are just wired to learn languages and others aren’t, the same way some people are wired to understand mechanical things and others aren’t
Makkel@reddit
Can't speak for the other ones, but as a French person living in England, I can tell you that everything I hear about the NHS here I hear some variation of about France. I don't think the system is better or worse, it is very comparable, and unfortunately on the same path.
wurst_katastrophe@reddit
There is either “you pay it all yourself” (the rest of the world) or the NHS (world’s envy) - that’s what is being hammered into people’s minds. Genius move by the government.
Flugelhaw@reddit
Everywhere has its problems. The phrase "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" exists for a reason.
At least here I know what the problems are and can take steps to mitigate them.
Also, in terms of language, I am pretty good at the language spoken here. I'm less good at the languages spoken elsewhere, although I do have some basics and skills, but it would be a very difficult variable to deal with if I were to move abroad.
My family is all here. That's a strong anchor to stay.
Are the problems really all that bad and you can define them and why in exquisite detail, or have you been spending too much time on social media to the point where you "have heard" that it's worth moving abroad to escape the UK? If the former, then you have knowledge and can make up your own mind; if the latter, then your best choice is to stop spending so much time on social media, and that will improve your life much more than trying to move to another country because you heard that that is what you should be doing.
PlasticFamous3061@reddit
Everywhere is the same. It's what you make it. Visiting on holiday is not the same as living there.
Wide-Cash1336@reddit
My wife. She is blind to the deterioration and rotting of the country. Not sure what will wake her up and get us to leave. She is a doctor and I'm in an in demand healthcare professional, along with lots of wealth, so we would have our pick of countries. Maybe she'll wake up once a third worlder Uber driver gropes her or something
No_Watercress8348@reddit
Awful thought that someone with your attitude is a health care professional
Wide-Cash1336@reddit
I separate work from my political/societal opinions. Just because I work in healthcare it doesn't mean I automatically think opening our borders is a good thing
Psittacula2@reddit
Certainly, the UK is set to loose wealth over the coming years, so anyone with wealth would in that perspective do better moving abroad for that rationale. But the question posed is multi-faceted hence why many variables dictate which is better, to stay or to go?
BoxWonderful5393@reddit
As long as you don't read and buy into the Daily *ail then the UK is great. We are cheaper than many countries despite the current economic climate, the NHS is an absolute godsend, great culture, great history, incredible countryside and by and large, great people.
I like that we don't take ourselves too seriously and compared to e.g. the USA, we are light years ahead in terms of education, tolerance, culture and making the country a great place to live.
djashjones@reddit
Stick with what you know. The UK is a shit hole but it's my shit hole. Other countries have just bad issues as we do.
Larnak1@reddit
By international comparison it's certainly among the bunch of least shit-holy countries though
Dry_Interaction5722@reddit
Not enough money to move and not really enough skills to get a job in a nice country.
But my goal is to move away before the idiots in this country shoot us in the collective dick next election.
worldofecho_@reddit
Aging parents - would not leave them.
worldofecho_@reddit
Aging parents - would not leave them.
Vast-Struggle7891@reddit
Im moving out next month
sanehamster@reddit
Past working age, not really rich enough to support myself. Most countries dont really want extra pensioners
Gerrards_Cross@reddit
The NHS and the absurdity of thinking that other countries can’t do it better is definitely not a reason
No-Agent3916@reddit
Id be surprised if anyone who uses the NHS as a reason has any experience of another health service .
Makkel@reddit
My job is here, and I don't think I'd be able to find the same salary level + work-life balance somewhere else. Yes, life in London is very expensive, but I have a good job and a London salary. Sure, I could go to a country where the cost of living is lower, but salaries are usually lower as well there, so I don't know if I would be winning in the end. Also, depending on the country, I am not sure I would enjoy the work culture ; whether it is longer hours, presenteism, less holidays, etc.
This may be tied to my experience too, I made the choice to leave my home country (France) for a variety of work-related reasons, and found the right balance for me here, so this is tainting my opinion about that.
Fragrant_Bandicoot54@reddit
I like the UK more than I like other countries.
I'm lucky to be in a position where I can work from pretty much any country (remove work, location does not matter) but I prefer the UK.
I like to visit places, but love coming home.
Illustrious_Bus8440@reddit
Because I literally cannot be bothered. Even getting up and feeding the dog in a morning is more effort than I want to exert, never mind moving to an entirely new country.
thedrums2012@reddit
this is me
Enceladusese@reddit
Everywhere else is the same but at least I can speak my the language fluently here. Few other countries in the world actually have English as official language, and I can't understate the importance of language in daily life, bureaucracy, social etc. Not knowing a local language fluently makes you second class citizen imo
DietSoft6792@reddit
Moved with my family to East Asia. Education related jobs.
Despite having the same kind of jobs here as in the UK our standard of living has been transformed. We live a life that would be inconceivable for people like us in the UK; free apartment in the middle of the city, eating out every day, frequent international holidays, private school for our kid, amazing private healthcare, and we still save £££ every month meaning we are building up wealth for the first time in our lives.
As a bonus the city we live in has effectively no crime, amazing infrastructure, and 24/7 convenience.
And what's more jobs themselves are actually less intense than the same roles back in the UK.
Looking back at the 10+ years we spent toiling away in the UK to just get by seems like a fever dream now. What were we doing!?
Ornery_Dimension_728@reddit
whats the salary like in comparison to the UK?
DietSoft6792@reddit
For my wife, her base salary is slightly higher than what she was being paid for a similar role in London (management level role in education), but she pays way less tax and the local cost of living in our city is at most 1/3rd of London, and that's only if your living a luxurious lifestyle, i.e. going to the most expensive restaurants, taking taxis everywhere you go, etc. On top of that we get a housing allowance that covers our rent in full. And our medical insurance, kid's school tuition fees, and annual flights home are also covered.
With me it's different and not comparable to my employment in the UK so I can only go on her situation but it seems like a much better deal to me.
easy_c0mpany80@reddit
I dont think this is a fair comparison.
Your high quality lifestyle is due to the fact that you have high paying jobs in a low CoL city with many perks attached.
I also spent time on Asia (not China) earning good money and did all the same but its not reality.
I also know people in London on 500k+ and they think its the greatest city on Earth (which of course they would)
DietSoft6792@reddit
Absolutely, I'm not claiming that the average person is better off here (although in some ways they arguably are, but that's a debate for another time).
I mean only to comment on the opportunities open to me and my family, as ultimately that is our reality and is what will drive our decision to come back to the UK or stay abroad.
Ornery_Dimension_728@reddit
Well done on the move hows the weather in comparison? I cant tolerate the winter and long dark days here in UK
DietSoft6792@reddit
The weather is a bit of a pain to be honest! We are in south western China. It's very hot and humid in the summer to the point that you end up doing stuff at night rather than the day, unless you want to stick to air conditioned shopping malls. The winter is mild but it's a very cloudy place in general so it's often overcast and grey. Honestly the weather is the one thing I miss about England!
LumpyTrifle5314@reddit
It's so funny that Brits moan about the weather but nearly uniformly when I talk to people from abroad it's one of the benefits of living in the UK to them.
I was once in a taxi in Spain and he told me he goes on holiday to Newcastle each year because he feels ALIVE with the cool weather.
IncidentNegative54@reddit
Which country are you in may I ask and what sort of education jobs do you have? Sounds dreamy!
DietSoft6792@reddit
China, my wife's job at an international school brought us here.
Product_of_Yakub@reddit
Also in education in East Asia and moving here was the best decision I've ever made. I save more than my lawyer friend who's still renting in the UK.
No-Agent3916@reddit
I left I. 2011, I didn’t realise it would be forever . My life is now in this country and despite there being things I miss about the UK I can’t think of any reason to make my family move there . Life here is just better., we would experience a big step down in quality of life . It’s a lot easier to judge a country when you have experience living somewhere else. There are a lot of great things about the UK and we love to visit as tourists but we live much better in Berlin than I ever did in london.
SpartanG188@reddit
We looked at moving to Canada. Then realised they work way too much like the US. 10 days standard holiday per year? No thanks.
Mithent@reddit
The weather also put me off Canada as a place to live, as well as quite high cost of living in desirable areas without the salaries to match.
bbshdbbs02@reddit
Canada is going down the toilet rapidly right now anyway so probably dodged a bullet there
MagnificentBollocks@reddit
Why’s that?
SpartanG188@reddit
Oh yeah definitely. We went 3 years ago and had a look around. Look at jobs etc. But then we weighed up between here and there. UK won by a lot.
bbshdbbs02@reddit
A friend from Ontario Canada that lived in the uk for 15 years went back in 2019 and now wishes he hadn’t bothered. Still comes to England every summer.
SpartanG188@reddit
Such a shame really. Beautiful place, plenty of space. People are nice and we have family there.
Opening-Fortune-4173@reddit
Yeah, that's hard to sign up to voluntarily. This fact alone would give so many doom thinkers about the UK some perspective. We are still liberal in many ways.
SpartanG188@reddit
Oh yeah. Literally the biggest reason we stayed.
Larnak1@reddit
Do you really think other places don't have problems?
I've moved to the UK 6 years ago from Germany as I got an exciting job offer. Almost all developed nations have the same problems these days - housing costs, ageing population, populist and extreme right-wing movements rising, economic difficulties, struggling healthcare.
Yeah, you will get different shades of grey depending on where you move in different areas, and there are probably places where you can say it's overall better than in the UK - but moving to someone foreign is always a net negative on your ability to integrate, your familiarity with things, and a lacking support network. It's great if you are looking for an adventure or have another good reason to do it, but "it's shit in the UK" is not a good enough reason to move.
coffeewalnut08@reddit
Mild climate, green landscapes, our native flora and fauna, the history, my family and partner being here, low risk of natural disasters (relatively speaking), the NHS, how small and compact and easily navigable the country is, it’s a broadly safe and organised society, good drivers, English-speaking, high educational standards.
Leglesslonglegs@reddit
Family and friends, and general british culture/attitude.
But fundamentally as someone who has been fortunate enough to travel a decent bit im not convinced there's anywhere out there which is more compatable with what i want out of life. The sad thing is that the uk just continues its slow descent with not much signs of reversing its course. If I were to ever leave it would be somewhere as (culturally) close as possible like france or the netherlands (or ireland btu they seem to have our problems but even worse tbh).
JamzFromTheDiff@reddit
Becsuse you csnt just up and leave and just go to a random country for the rest of your life, it takes a lot of time and a lot of money
TinyDemon000@reddit
I disagree with that. I left England 14 years ago with £1500 and worked. I lived in 4 countries and worked awesome jobs eventually becoming a kayak instructor in NZ and a snowboard instructor in Canada.
You don't need money if you can live without possessions.
Renting was easy. I've had vehicles in all those countries. Never been out of work when I wanted to work. It's just your tolerance of not having luxuries in life.
I now work in healthcare and have a career and now's the time in my life for money.
Distinct_Sir_9086@reddit
Key word: 14 years ago. Times have changed my friend
MagnificentBollocks@reddit
How much more difficult would it be now for Canada or New Zealand and why?
TinyDemon000@reddit
They really haven't. I only settled down in one spot when covid hit and continued working casual jobs.
The world is still very accessible if you're willing to forgoe luxuries. Admittedly this is easier in your 20s when you have less desire for luxury in life.
Distinct_Sir_9086@reddit
If you really think life now is the same as it was 14 years ago then I’m concerned.
Any-Plate2018@reddit
Friends family life
If I was a money obsessed sociopath it'd be easier to leave.
sharps2020@reddit
As soon as I can afford it, I'm gone. My kids are grown up and have their own houses so there's no parental stuff required now. Will I miss the UK? Maybe a bit, but I've invested my life to embrace it with pretty much zero given back so I feel like travelling to South East Aisa and mooching around with people who actually appreciate my being. Friends will be missed I suppose, they can visit, but they won't so that seals the deal, selfish? Most definitely, care? Nope.
FatBloke4@reddit
I lived in Germany for 14 years and few of my colleagues were British. Every country has problems and many of the problems we have in the UK are not better elsewhere. When you visit on holiday, you see only a positively filtered snapshot of live in that country. For example, the UK has a consistently lower unemployment rate than any EU country and it's less than half than that of Spain. Food is cheaper here than in many European countries. Clothes are significantly cheaper here than in Ukraine or Russia and many people buy stuff here to send or take to relatives back home.
Most of the people who bitch about life in the UK have not actually lived abroad.
InsideOutOcelot@reddit
I’m not skilled enough to walk into a job anywhere with a language barrier and I don’t see any other english speaking countries as a viable option for me personally.
SwitchSea181@reddit
Because I love this country.
lostfox28@reddit
The fact that coming to the UK healed me from years of traumatic childhood PTSD and made me the person who I am today. Although I am many light years away from fully feeling like my younger self, this country gave me a purpose. I felt safe being some 13,000 km away from home despite how unsafe it can also get here.
Qyro@reddit
I’ve always been tempted to up and move to Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, and more recently Iceland, but to be honest life in the UK isn’t that bad at all, and nowhere else is going to be noticeably better. Every country has its problems, and in the grand scheme of things our problems aren’t that great
Tildatots@reddit
I lived in France for a number of years and it just isn’t worth it. I like England lol
AlarmedAppointment81@reddit
Anyone who has the option to move for work and see the world should consider doing it. The UK will be there when you get back. Australia, NZ, Caribbean, Canada, Singapore etc. Why the hell not? Life is short. Some countries have more opportunities for lawyers and qualified accountants, others much more interested in those in hospitality, construction, teaching, nursing. It’s a big world.
Big_Attempt8912@reddit
I’m too old. Most work exchange schemes stopped at age 30-35, and I’m now 39.
Straight-Buy-7434@reddit
I moved to Australia at 39, your not to old as long as you have a skill (I dont have a degree)
LumpyTrifle5314@reddit
I'd love to do a brief stint elsewhere, my job could be done remote but my bosses are old school.
JordiLyons1995@reddit
You can’t just pack up and move lol 😂 it doesn’t work like that. That’s why.
Typical_Math_760@reddit
Privileged people sometimes make it a bit too obvious lol
adamjeff@reddit
Pre 2016 it did
Electricbell20@reddit
It was easier but not simply.
cricklecoux@reddit
I moved to the EU in 2022 and the process was an absolute nightmare. Not impossible, but too hard for most.
wroclad@reddit
Once upon a time it was possible.
25 years ago I packed a bag and moved to Amsterdam. I lived there for 15 years.
Sadly this is a luxury we no longer have.
Product_of_Yakub@reddit
Worked like that for me
Real23Phil@reddit
I was born here and lived here most of my life, other than when I was in the Army and got moved about.
There's better and there's worse, it's not a bad place to wait till I expire.
No-Ferret-560@reddit
Because the 'cost of living, rest & bills climbing so fast' isn't just a symptom of being in the UK. Go look at other countries and their problems. It's similar if not substantially worse.
running_on_fumes25@reddit
Because the UK is, objectively a good place to live. There are 140 odd countries in the world, we are in the top 10 or top 20 for every positive metric out there.
Colonel_Wildtrousers@reddit
You missed the recent survey on self reported happiness levels then where the U.K. finished second from bottom only above Uzbekistan then 😂
running_on_fumes25@reddit
Us being a bunch of miserable bastards doesn't change the other tables though lol
Warriorcatv2@reddit
Because moving is a pain in the arse, I'm broke, jobless & have to care for my family.
Lots of people in this thread on their high horses about how amazing the UK is to other countries & yeah, I agree. It's also in decline & is significantly worse than a fair few countries too. Take off the rose tint glasses & give your head a shake.
Your disabled? A good part of the country & government would rather you dead then get help.
On benefits? You're just a lazy chancer that can't be arsed to get a job.
Look or sound foreign? You're a dirty immigrant that just wants to steal jobs.
Why are utilities much higher than the majority of Europe? Because obviously share holders need their money more than you or your gran need the heating.
Special mention to all water ways in the UK now being contaminated with sewage or other pollutents.
Colonel_Wildtrousers@reddit
To say the U.K. isn’t that bad is the definition of privilege in itself. I somewhat doubt the people who are saying that are the same people who can’t get on the property ladder and/or are trapped in low paid, low quality work that lacks meaning.
Warriorcatv2@reddit
Exactly. The UK is the epitome of a crab bucket mentality. The majority would rather pull others down with them then help each other up & the majority that do succeed pull the ladder up behind them.
(For those not aware, if a bunch of crabs are stuck in a bucket, when one starts to escape the others pull it back down)
iEmDMA@reddit
My wife.
Kind_Focus5839@reddit
Currently living abroad. The UK is definitely easier in many ways. Free education and healthcare are definitely things I miss. There are a host of things I miss about the UK, it wouldn't take much to go back to be honest.
cricklecoux@reddit
By free education, I assume you just mean for children? Because higher education certainly isn’t free in the UK…
PailYes@reddit
It is in Scotland. Don't fall into the trap in thinking the UK and England are synonyms.
LumpyTrifle5314@reddit
Even then it's also not a proper loan in England...it's more like a tax.
doc1442@reddit
Plenty of other countries have tax-funded education and healthcare. You just picked a shit country.
IncidentNegative54@reddit
Which country are you in may I ask?
LumpyTrifle5314@reddit
You only have to chat to anyone from most other countries to realise it's pretty great here... I'm so bored of people shitting on this country.
The real issues here can't just be fixed by emigrating... if you're in a position to do that then you're probably not having it too tough here.
My sister has had a hard time... disabled... single mother of seven... like she needs more support medically, psychologically, financially, etc... moving abroad is the LAST thing that would help.
My Spanish friend loves the weather and architecture here, Spain is too hot and looks like shit he says.
Italian friend doesn't love the weather here, but came for the CULTURE, friendly people and opportunities. Back home in Italy everyone is rude and in your business and there's nothing to do as a young person.
My American friends in Germany love it... but they will be coming back to raise their kids in the UK.
My British friends in the USA loves it but will also be coming back to raise their kids.
My Canadian friends can't afford to buy a house back home, London is much more affordable, not just the property but also the cost of living. Also there's nothing to do and it's cold and rains too much, the weather here is much nicer.
My NZ friend in Canada will also be coming back to the UK for the above reasons, she earns ridiculous money in Canada, but it buys you nothing, a pay cut back in the UK will see her way better off.. She's also looking forward to coming back to some CULTURE and seeing more of Europe.
My British/Swedish friends in Denmark miss the FOOD scene in the UK, especially London. But I think they're the only people I know who are planning to not come back to the UK... Sweden is calling next...
My other Swedish friend will never move back though because everyone is too cliquey and won't make welcome new friends and judge you if you're a childless single women in their 40s.
will_i_hell@reddit
My wife, she won't move away from family. i would sell up and go right now if she was on board with it..
Keeeeeech@reddit
Can't afford to leave but got no love for the place
tokavanga@reddit
Absolutely fantastic independent school for my kids.
Even when it has got significantly more expensive recently.
And of course, Lake District, Snowdonia and other beautiful places.
TheTruth_329@reddit
As someone that lived in Italy for three years and returned, everyone asked ‘why did you come back???’ My simple answer is living in a country is different to going on holiday somewhere- most people’s point of view is that living in southern European country is that every day is idyllic, sat outside in the sun, drinking espresso and eating cured meats, and not that a normal life has to take place, working, paying bills, and also dealing with the bureaucracy, and learning how to live in another country not as a tourist, but actually being part of that society. It was an amazing experience but living in another country isn’t always perfect and did make me grateful for what UK life is like.
WinkyNurdo@reddit
Essentially, I love living here. I often feel that anyone moaning about the UK is being a bit too myopic in their assumptions that other countries have things “fixed”. Every country has its issues, no one has it perfect.
I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit
People go on holiday and spend two weeks getting waited on, not having to worry about bills or work. The weather is great, the areas they visit are all well-kept for tourists, and they think that living there would be exactly the same.
bowak@reddit
Yeah, no one goes on holiday to the equivalent of Rotherham!
ettabriest@reddit
Yeah but imagine if Rotherham was your permanent home. That’s the issue.
bowak@reddit
Eugh, Yorkshire.
ettabriest@reddit
Well there are lovely parts of Yorkshire which have shed loads of southerners wanting to move here. But there are some holes too.
bowak@reddit
Just on wrong side of Pennines...
Though in all seriousness there are indeed plenty of nice spots there.
winnie_poohbear@reddit
Moved abroad, and lived abroad for over 7 years. Moved back to the UK in 8 years ago and have never been happier.
Most People that are "Leaving this shit hole" have never actually lived abroad and do not understand the little things that make life so easy/comfortable here.
People just read the predominantly negative news and then get into a feedback loop of reading doom and gloom which is pushed by the media as it generates more clicks and more revenue.
Other Countries are great when you are going there for 1 week, 2 weeks, a couple of months because you are in "No responsibility mode" but once the mundane day to day boring stuff starts to be necessary it all of a sudden seems not so bad in the UK.
DidntVoteTrump2024@reddit
as a non-white British citizen, and also a minority religion which is persecuted in many parts of the world I can tell you that life in the UK is *excellent* for people like me. It honestly astonishes me how much people complain about the UK without realising how many blessings there are. The rules are simple - don't be a cunt, don't break the law and contribute to society by working and paying taxes and spending your money on local economy and you will be absolutely fine. Sure the country isnt perfect and there are plenty of people which bring it down, but I have faith that this is just a rough patch and things will turn around eventually. these things move in cycles. the current one started with the reagen/ thatcher era and is only just starting to end now but I know it will get worse before it gets better
pencilrain99@reddit
The grass isn't always greener
Ok-Chest-7932@reddit
Inertia. I'll do it when I think I can.
TwoTenNine@reddit
Nearly all my family is in the UK. And I don't want to have to adjust getting used to a different law system and a different culture.
Enflu2025@reddit
Because low wages and an education system that resulted in millions of people leaving said education without a clue of what they want to do with their lives settling for call centre insurance jobs aren't able to go to another country with said experience.
We're trapped by our own depression.
sobrique@reddit
All of my stuff is here.
Healthcare. I have ADHD and am being prescribed medication. My partner has a bunch of health complications. This isn't insurmountable, but the overhead of relocating and restarting is high.
I like my job and what I do. I'm sure I could enjoy being another job somewhere else, but finding a new job daunts me.
I like English culture generally. Sure, there's some not so good bits, but I think there's plenty of good stuff to revel in.
I like the UK - for all the weather is a bit 'meh' some of the year, we don't really get extreme weather. Likewise wildlife. And we've a lot of cultural heritage and lovely cities/towns/villages to be proud of.
nra43vr@reddit
The sea
Jc_28@reddit
Family otherwise I’d be in Australia
Dry_Action1734@reddit
So I can stay and keep reading this post every other day written by someone new. “The UK is done, Duabi, Dubai, Dubai” etc etc.
The UK is a great place and I have far more protections and freedoms here than most places.
SituationNice7520@reddit
I don't mean to burst your bubble but cost of living, rent and bills are all going up all over the livable world. I'm not sure where you could move easily that would be better.
Safe-Midnight-3960@reddit
What country would you move to that’s better?
For a start most brits would have to move to either a country that has English as the first language (US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia), in which case there’s tight visa restrictions and it’s likely the people that can get the right to work there are probably successful and not facing the same struggles you describe. The alternative is move to a country that doesn’t have English as the first language, which itself is a big struggle.
Not to mention that a lot of the issues we have here you see a lot of places in the world and it’s not a unique British problem.
We also have some of the best weather in the world, it’s rarely too hot or too cold. We don’t have earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes, monsoons, months of deep snow, no rain, etc.
I find that people will rarely mention what is a better country to go to and instead just moan about the UK.
FistedBone9858@reddit
I love this country. When times get hard, you don't run away from it. you dig in and fight to make it better!
I've been fortunate enough to live in multiple countries across multiple continents, the UK is far from perfect, but there is nowhere else I'd rather raise a family. Except maybe Iceland.
powpow198@reddit
Family
MaximusSydney@reddit
I only just got back from living abroad, so it feels a bit soon to up sticks already.
GooseyDuckDuck@reddit
Whilst it would be nice to have the freedom of movement, why would I want to move elsewhere. What would I be getting somewhere else I don’t get here (other than weather).
PsychologicalRow8034@reddit
Moving to another country is incredibly expensive, I moved to the US and the path from finance visa to citizen was around 10k in visas and that’s ignoring the thousands spent shipping the pets etc , have since moved back and so far spent around 10k again on my husbands spouse visa
TranslatesToScottish@reddit
I don't mind living here (Scotland) but I always fancied living a couple of years abroad just to see what it was like, and expand my horizons a bit.
The downside is that I'm hopeless - and I mean hopeless - with languages other than English; I've tried to learn other languages a few times and nothing ever seems to stick.
So that would limit me to living/working somewhere English-speaking primarily. Canada's fine, but doesn't appeal all that much. America's a shitshow right now. Australia... well, snakes and spiders. New Zealand might be the best option, but again doesn't scream out that it'd be a whole different way of life.
If I was a languages master and could speak anything fluently enough to get by, I'd have loved to have tried Japan or China for the sheer alien-ness of the culture compared to here, or South America because again it'd be a big departure from the norm.
Jumbo_Mills@reddit
It's my home and clearly one of the better places to live, even though the media and the most gullible want to insist it's turned into a shithole. Practically every single thing is better than the "good ole days" they pine for.
Lost_property_office@reddit
The next 5-year plan is the UAE 🇦🇪. We have been here since 2013, and everything has just gotten worse. The most annoying part is that there is money for war and housing illegal immigrants, while we see on a daily basis who and what is the subject of the next budget cut. It's disgusting.
The only thing that keeps us here are the kids in school.
Psittacula2@reddit
I notice any comments objecting or stating a preference to leave have been downvoted to zero so far in this thread… let me back up what you just stated: UK Government has its own agenda and it is not for the benefit of the UK lawful citizen eg with respect to property rights, wealth and fundamentally “Lady Justice” being the dominant principle in civic society. As you state the use of money in policy budgets is criminal by the state to put it mildly. It is the sacking of the wealth of the nation via the back-door and by design. Eg spending billions on boat people is very much by design not accident. That is just the visible version of the iceberg also.
As you say, most people have strong family bonds that keep them in their own nation as perhaps the major reason most people stay ultimately.
Let’s draw back a bit, this question is asked often here for the following major reasons:
Generates clicks and comments
The weather really gets people down
The betrayal of Trust Society by the government builds its own momentum over time and percolates through to the collective “zeitgeist” (see various disgruntled comments here)
The dream of a life that is on the path to improvement, the promised sunny upper slopes that bit closer to heaven on Earth. By dodging the slough of state made problems in the UK, this seems a viable solution abroad and it can be.
The question is multi-faceted involving many complex variables most notably Family ties vs Future improvement and the state of money and economics and quality of life eg some cultures prioritize living eg Latino and other work eg East Asia… and on it goes.
Overall, although some comments are truthful that the UK under the right alignment is a wonderful place, that is a substantial caveat for most people! Thus I find the one liner responses here drumming up the UK as all glittering gold to be fool’s gold, seemingly bot produced with no insights to offer other than advertising puffs artificial marketing, “You won’t believe how good x is…!” Empty vessels.
On the subject of schooling, if I can offer some advice:
* Focus on English and Maths core academics
* If the kids have a special flair for another academic subject then include that but focus on a few.
* Encourage the kids to branch out for skill based subjects: Art, Musical instrument (private tuition even), Language, Coding, DIY etc
* Experience exposure eg charity work, trekking and camping, team work, work experience (this is esp. solid by short sessions and many varieties of work)…
Don’t overly worry about grades otherwise. Ensure a rounded experience can be lived and then enhanced upon. Good Luck!
ldn-ldn@reddit
What cost of living? People who are complaining have never lived elsewhere.
Big_Attempt8912@reddit
I’m nearly 40. It’s too late. Plus, I have my loved one here and life here.
ReliefReal771@reddit
No ones is dropping bombs on me. if I’m sick, I’ll get look after. I understand the language and humour, I love the bacon and sausages. It’s a green and pleasant land
MCMLIXXIX@reddit
My right to live and work anywhere was rolled back by some tax dodging twats.
There's a few native mainland Europeans in my circle considering moving out the uk due to the economic situ, there's maybe another 10k a year on salaries in our sector with lower cost of living (not to mention warm sunshine nearly every day).
Doing the same sounds appealing but I can't take my family with me. Let's see what they get me for Christmas and I'll make a decision then 👍
its_a_llama_drama@reddit
As much as I like to visit and experience other cultures, I would not like to live in them permanently. I also would not like to live somehwhere I don't speak the language fluently, which limits me to english speaking countries.
I have visited lots of countries and I loved visiting, but I have never been somewhere I felt like I fit in like I do in the UK.
I would work abroad for a short time, like on temporary basis, or to work on a specific project, but I would have to keep my base in the UK.
Admirable-Web-4688@reddit
You can learn. It's a great skill to have regardless of where you decide to live.
lebannax@reddit
Yeh I don’t get why people assume moving abroad is super easy. The main thing that would get me is the loneliness and isolation and always feeling like an outsider. Most people want to stay in their ‘home’ unless they’re forced to move due to war for instance
Careful-Swimmer-2658@reddit
I've visited over 50 countries. I've enjoyed them all in their own way and if I was rich I'd happily have a second home in most of them but I'd still live here most of the time. It's home.
Admirable-Web-4688@reddit
Lived abroad for more than five years but we came back to have a child - it was great where we lived but not the right environment for having a baby and we thought we'd have more family support here. However, both our families live in the southeast which we can't afford so we've ended up hundreds of miles away with no support anyway.
I'm desperate to go back. Our quality of life was so much better, we could do regular activities, travel cheaply, eat out, experience new things - all stuff we can't afford here. It was safe, very little crime, just a much better environment. Also, living somewhere with good weather has such a huge impact on wellbeing.
We're doing a four week trip later this year to see how our child manages and, if they enjoy it, we'll probably move back at some point in the next few years - it's just a matter of planning and timing it right in terms of their development.
benroon@reddit
Left the UK for Thailand 7 years ago, not regretted it for a solitary second! The UK’s need to tax or fine everything that moves is out of control and just dampens life down! Would never return.
Ornery_Dimension_728@reddit
Was the move job related and what do you do workwise in Thailand?
cricklecoux@reddit
I moved to Germany in 2022 and the visa process was an absolute nightmare! I’m now glad that I’m here as my quality of life is so much better - job, healthcare, cost of living, social attitudes. But hell was it difficult to get that visa.
Goats_Are_Funny@reddit
The insanity of the Dutch housing market kept me in the UK
Psittacula2@reddit
Isn’t their population density even worse than England’s? Ie 1st and 2nd ignoring tiny sovereignties in Europe? If so no wonder…
andyone100@reddit
I haven’t considered moving abroad. I travel extensively and generally find that most places have had the same cost of living issues that we have here in the U.K., to a greater or lesser extent. I haven’t considered it mainly because my life in the U.K. is good. It’s a very safe place to live and I have recently retired to a LCOL area.
SigourneyReap3r@reddit
I did leave, I moved to new Zealand.
I came back because honestly, the grass wasn't greener and my sister had a bad motorbike accident so I saw it as something telling me to come home.
I'm glad I did.
Fun-Cheesecake-5621@reddit
I earn much more in the UK than I would abroad and I have loads of annual leave. My family is here, I actually like the weather, my partner and I both have health things going on and also IVF treatment which of course we have treatment through the NHS, I acknowledge the country isn’t perfect but it could 100% be much much worse.
The grass isn’t always greener.
There is a reason why people want to come live here.
I travel a lot and my favourite place in the world is Italy (I hope to buy a holiday home there in the future).
However everytime I come home from my travels I always think how lucky I am to live in the UK.
I am also one of those who is actually proud to be British. I don’t hate my country, I understand our history the bad and the GOOD as there is a lot of be proud of too.
I think we too easily in the UK, moan constantly about everything.
It could be worse, and it is in a lot of counties.
People may argue I feel like this because of my personal circumstances and yes you are probably right. But there are opportunities here for people who work hard.
tiorzol@reddit
I like it here.
No-Body-4446@reddit
Because I’ve got a god job, lots of friends, a lovely Mrs, a decent family and I live in a nice part of the country
Most people (not everyone, before anyone gets upset) emigrate because they failed at life at home. Moving to another country is a way of achieving something without really doing anything. Plenty of tiktok bros in Thailand trying to sell you a course to prove that.
Ok-Train5382@reddit
First I’d have to stop wanting to see all my friends and family regularly.
Then I’d need to change job into a sector where I can work abroad, probably consulting.
Then I would need to not absolutely hate being a consultant.
So I’d say those three things mean it’s unlikely I’ll be working abroad any time soon
BalthazarOfTheOrions@reddit
Wife, kids and the fact that my wife and I both have decent jobs here.
We wouldn't rule out moving abroad (we have a list of places we'd consider), but it'd have to be for a significant job improvement if we were to uproot the kids and be away from friends and family.
No-Translator5443@reddit
Stuff isn’t really cheaper elsewhere, unless you want to live in Thailand
MothraMoom@reddit
My cats- I worked abroad as a teacher for around 8 years, and loved all of the countries I worked in. Then the cat distribution system got me! Since then I have stayed in the UK (my cat was found on the streets overseas so she’s already had one big flight I don’t want her to have another!)
mosaiccbrokenhearts@reddit
I was going to say my two cats too.
Moving to Europe might be doable as you can theoretically drive or train and have them with you the whole time, but if I could choose to move anywhere it would be to somewhere in Asia and the thought of them being in the hold for over 12 hours makes me so nervous.
OkayTimeForTheTruth@reddit
The fact my kid's dad would never let me.
I'd leave in an instant otherwise!
Embarrassed_Ad1722@reddit
Despite everyone constantly moaning how bad the UK is, life isn't bad at all here. You have everything at an arm's length, you can order everything to your doorstep within a day, jobs pay better than most of the world and it's pretty safe if you don't end up really unlucky.
No_Watercress8348@reddit
Things may be rocky here but I can’t see anywhere with ideal situations elsewhere so better the divil you know imo.
dartarrow@reddit
I've lived and worked in 4 countries in the past 13 years. I'm not tied to the UK. I'll move again if and when it feels right.
Having money helped; I saved every penny since I started working. Having a good education and an in-demand position helped. Being childfree helped. I'm not tied to possession and luxury which also helps. I've slept on a blanket on the floor in the winter because it was needed as part of the move.
I've picked the life of an immigrant. It's not easy, but it's for me.
What you want is not just to ask the people who are here why they're here. You want to ask people who left how they left.
-qqqwwweeerrrtttyyy-@reddit
No EU passport :-(
Yes I know they're talking about bringing it back but being different. But by then, I'll already be too old.
lavayuki@reddit
The UK is “abroad” to me. I already lived in Ireland which was worse, and Japan, and now UK. I find the UK the easiest to live and also freedom, multiculturalism, overall fairness and convenience is great. You would be surprised how many countries lack these seemingly basic things.
Ireland was basically the sticks and was actually more expensive to live, super inconvenient.
Japan was nice but the working hours averaging in the 60-100 hour range, I just don’t have the Japanese work ethic to join into their work culture. You can’t just leave when you are finished, and it’s common to work unpaid overtime and get the last train home, especially in my career (healthcare, which is worse than normal office jobs for hours). So Japan is just a holiday destination for me now.
fleurmadelaine@reddit
The grass isn’t always greener. I’ve lived abroad, my husband has too.
We are extremely privileged to live in this country. 90% of our problems are first world problems.
BroodLord1962@reddit
Cost, inability to speak another language, lack of required skills to get a job, qualifications to move...it's not like anyone to can move anywhere they want. It's a bit of a daft question really. Many countries today will only allow you to move there if you have a skill they are short in, or a very large bank balance.
AGIwhen@reddit
£20,000 a year can be added to a stocks and shares ISA so taxes are actually relatively low when looked at whole income. Personal income tax allowance covers a lot that is held out of ISA.
Free healthcare, not perfect, but it's there when I need it and don't have any ongoing health issues anyway.
Libraries mean I have access to unlimited free books and audiobooks. Can read the news for free with no ads on the BBC.
Beautiful countryside.
Own my property so low cost of living.
Relatively stable country and politics.
Can get everything delivered.
Public transport that mostly works so don't need a car and can walk most places I need.
Cheap electricity during the day on agile tariff. Cheap water rates (£10 a month)
When you are a property owner and financially independent, the UK is quite a nice place to live. The weather isn't always great, but it's also what makes everything so green and pleasant.
AFletch1969@reddit
Mother-in-law
OwnApricot8284@reddit
My kid has a condition where it will likely be beneficial for us to move to a warmer country in coming years, but until grandparents are no longer in the picture, I can’t see it happening.
Key-Interaction-6281@reddit
I moved, I thought temporarily then met someone who didn't want to leave her country so I stayed. There are problems, I'm not the most outgoing person anyway and the language is difficult - I've passed my citizenship language test but conversation is still a chore.
But, I am glad I brought kids up in a country which is safe, where tradition is respected, where education is fairly old fashioned but very effective and where university is free.
And I know we Brits love the NHS but the health care here is also free as long as you pay in (national insurance) and if the wait is too long, private health isn't too expensive.
I'm in Poland by the way.
wroclad@reddit
I lived in Poland for 4 years and also loved it there. I learned the language and integrated as much as possible and had a fantastic quality of life. I also had Luxmed provided by my employer.
I lived in Wrocław.
balconygreenery@reddit
Just stump up for a holiday and discover how expensive the rest of the world is.
A lot of countries are in the same boat with cost of living increases.
Might not be as bad or in the same areas/industry but the prices are all up.
AgeofVictoriaPodcast@reddit
The only reason I would want to leave the UK is because of the cost of living crisis. My family, life, work, cultural background, is entirely based in the UK.
If I hadn't had stagnant pay for over a decade, and my food/electricity bill hadn't skyrocketed, I'd be incredibly happy here.
Moving aboard won't help that. I'm a Civil Servant, so I am not going to just walk into a job in New Zealand. My elderly parents, and my teenagers aren't going to want to move there either.
So I am fixed here, and praying that I don't go under when the electricity companies decide that their shareholders need another record profit. I'm praying I don't go under when butter gets to £2.50. I'm praying I don't go under when my pay is capped at 0.5-1.5% when inflation is at 2.3% meaning I'm yet again getting a real terms pay cut despite being more qualified and productive than I was last year.
trysca@reddit
I moved back from abroad ( Scandinavia) because of rising prices , rents and lack of job opportunities. The uk is a great place to live, we have freedom of choice and people are genetally friendly and welcoming.
trysca@reddit
I moved back from abroad ( Scandinavia) because of rising prices , rents and lack of job opportunities. The uk is a great place to live, we have freedom of choice and people are genetally friendly and welcoming.
nali_cow@reddit
All my stuff is here
trysca@reddit
I moved back from abroad ( Scandinavia) because of rising prices , rents and lack of job opportunities. The uk is a great place to live, we have freedom of choice and people are genetally friendly and welcoming.
trysca@reddit
I moved back from abroad ( Scandinavia) because of rising prices , rents and lack of job opportunities. The uk is a great place to live, we have freedom of choice and people are genetally friendly and welcoming.
Nox_VDB@reddit
Because I fucking love the UK.
Love the nature, the food, the weather, the health care,.. and I'm close enough to pop to nearly any European country quite easily to experience another culture for a bit if I want.
One-Day-at-a-time213@reddit
Because I live in Scotland and it's better than most places.
Similar_Quiet@reddit
Initially it was because my partner didn't want to move far away from her family. Now it's because of the impact it would have on my child.
I didn't want to go forever though, just a couple of years as an adventure. I like the weather here (like a discworld troll my brain slows down in > 25° weather), I like the countryside, I like that we have an effective bureaucracy.
RoutineFeature9@reddit
The only reasons I would move abroad are for better weather and a slower pace of life. The only thing stopping me is family, they are the most important thing to me.
Wonderful-Cow-9664@reddit
Well, first of all because it’s just as bad (op and often worse) in most other countries. The grass isn’t always greener.
And secondly, because of the crisps
Dracilla112@reddit
Because I like being near my family. Also, I hate the thought of 'starting over' - the pressure/need to make new friends abroad and the potential of loneliness if I don't. Also, having to find/start a new job, losing my home etc.
cgknight1@reddit
Because I have a great life here - it is that simple.
griffaliff@reddit
I was offered a job in Vienna, all visa paperwork sorted, accommodation etc but I'm married and own my house here. If I was single I would have jumped ship straight away. That and my mates are here plus having already spent three months working over in Austria, which is absolutely stunning and very well run, I'd miss the banter and English sense of humour too much.
PomPomBumblebee@reddit
The UK is a bit shit but it's not bad. Some other places have it way worse and things out of your control like extreme weather, earthquakes and worse healthcare.
We can cope with things being a bit crap, it's how we are in the UK, we just like to complain but 'it could be worse'.
I have no desire to work abroad. If I lived somewhere hotter I'd have to have air conditioning in every room as I hate the heat in my own house.
Ok-Fig-7510@reddit
Nothing much really aside from saving enough money to leave- my partner is a Kiwi so we’re going to Aus, he can work freely and a whv is easy enough for me. Hoping to get my NZ passport in the next few months which will make things easier 🤞🏻
Separate_Victory_622@reddit
Family
81Bottles@reddit
I think the real question is, what country is better?
Iforgotmypassword126@reddit
That’s where the people I love also live. Too many people for us all to move. So we’re anchored here
Pure_Cantaloupe_341@reddit
Lol, you’re making it sound like the UK is the worst country in the world, and all your problems will be solved the moment you cross its borders.
Seriously, the UK is one of the best countries in the world, and it’s one of the most attractive places for immigrants worldwide (I am one of them, as well as many of my friends and colleagues). The rising bills are an issue, but it’s not unique to the UK - you’re unlikely to espace it by switching countries.
Dax_Thrushbane@reddit
Actually, I did .. left in 2010. No regrets.
I do miss some things about the UK .. like friends and family .. bacon .. greenery (trees and fields) .. and a few other things .. but life in the sun (UAE) has been very good to me.
LabsRthBest@reddit
Perspective
Mikehaze91@reddit
Me and my other half are literally waiting for my daughter to finish her gcse next year and we are gonna assess our options. This country is just depressing at this point
sjintje@reddit
Most countries have the same issues with prices and housing. Just browse the other reddit subs.
Cultural-Eggplant592@reddit
It's not that easy to just leave. You need desirable skills to secure a work permit in another country. Not everyone has them. We lost freedom of movement, remember?
Anyway I left in 2024. Best decision I ever made.
Melian_infp@reddit
How easy is it to have a decent job and buying a house in the UK. Compared to Spain were wages are lower and the cost of living is rife, at least here I was able to buy property, something unthinkable in Spain.
Adventurous_Rock294@reddit
I am moving abroad.
Adventurous_Rock294@reddit
I am moving abroad.
Cutterbuck@reddit
As a couple with a young child we want to leave, we both have careers that are transportable to where we want to go, we both speak the language well enough to manage.
But we both have elderly parents who need us, all the other children have left the county or moved so far away that they might as well have left.
mkaym1993@reddit
Language, family, friends
cbawiththismalarky@reddit
I've lived in 5 other countries, I'd maybe like to live in NZ, but over-all I prefer the uk
Polz34@reddit
Aging parents, to be honest. I'd feel way to guilty to move away, my sister and I have already spoken about where we'd go after they are no longer here, whether in the UK or abroad we both feel we need to stay put for now. Which is sad.
Froomian@reddit
Nothing. I’m off! Four weeks to go ☺️ See ya, bus wankers!
OllyDee@reddit
Because I like it here. Stable job with adequate pay, weather is nice more often than not, healthcare is free, I live in a relatively beautiful place… sure I could move somewhere else with all those things, but why? It’s not like other countries have it so much better than ours. Many are a great deal worse.
Excellent-Brick-9020@reddit
Baked Beans and Salad Cream, too hard to find abroad!
Pure_Struggle_909@reddit
I’m not originally from the UK. I’d love to go back to my home country, but unfortunately, my partner is very happy in his job (which pays well), and we’re tied down by the mortgage. So I’m here - not entirely happy- trying to make the best of the situation. Don’t get me wrong, I think the UK is great in many ways; I’ve just stopped feeling at home here.
Self_Proclaimed_Best@reddit
My dream has always been to move to America because i love everything about it, and I truly feel like I was born in the wrong country… But you need a green card which isn’t easy to obtain unless you have family out there or are super wealthy.
So looks like I’m stuck here..
Stevebwrw@reddit
Health, age, family.
drunkenmonki666@reddit
I've lived abroad a few times. Always come back home to familiar stuff and a more or less stable country.
drivingagermanwhip@reddit
better the devil you know
Crab-Turbulent@reddit
I’d love to leave but where is even better? Unless I have an in demand skill or connections, no other country would want me. And starting from zero is tough, I saw it in my mum who came here as an unskilled immigrant a lifetime ago. I do have skills and work a ‘white collar’ job but it’s not an in demand sought after skill. I don’t have the money to leave either. I’d just like to go somewhere warmer where I’ll face less discrimination (still facing casual racism at work etc). But at the end of the day, I don’t even know if there’s a place where I’d fit in because of people’s perception of my ‘people’ and like I said I don’t have a sought after job history / skill, money or connections. But maybe someday, I’ll make it out.
3cc3ntr1c1ty@reddit
Can't afford to save enough to leave. Costs of living are screwing me in all directions.
Available-Sector-444@reddit
I mean I did leave the UK. But the biggest problems or pains in the ass I found. Migration, language, finding a job, setting up new banks, new mail system, new id's getting all documents and paperwork translated and the list goes on. It's a big fucking hassle and I had it easy compared to allot of people because my wife is from the country I'm residing in so could sponsor my permit directly instead of needing to rely on work etc. All round it's a giant headache.
geth1962@reddit
My partner won't give up her job or move so far from her children
autumn-knight@reddit
Age, probably. I’ve not long passed the upper limit for most working-holiday visas and besides, as I get older, I actually just want a more settled life. I’m at a good point in my career, I’ve got a house I’ve almost paid off, and I’ve got a nice wee family setup.
I think as well because I lived about a third of my life abroad, I’ve just less desire for it as well.
Abject-Direction-195@reddit
I left in 2005 and go back at least once a year from Sydney. It was easy. Just need the willpower to keep going
ajstrange1@reddit
Yes
Both-Friend-4202@reddit
The fact that I'm now 64..and I have a lot of loyalty to Britain. My parents migrated from Jamaica 🇯🇲..in the 1950s. They worked hard in an atmosphere of open racism..but I was the first in the family to go to university..paid for with a government grant. I was then able to give back to society in the careers I have had. It's far from a perfect society..but the fact that thousands of people in small boats are prepared to risk their lives in crossing the English Channel ,must say what we have is a lot better than where they are coming from.
Erewash@reddit
Lived in the US for several long stints. Came back for the last time in 2015. The grass isn’t always greener. And that place is an actual hellhole now, going by friends and family over there’s experience. It’s
Vaxtez@reddit
The grass isn't always greener elsewhere. And for all the flaws here, the UK is a great place to live
dereks63@reddit
Lived and worked in the USA for 5 years, my American wife and i now live in the uk, wife has just become a uk citizen........ uk has some issues, but it is great.
ClassicMaximum7786@reddit
Money
ElderBlogs@reddit
This! It annoys me when people say "if you don't like it move to another country " dude I would but I don't have the money!!!
blainy-o@reddit
Lack of finances to do so mainly.
lizardcowboy2@reddit
Inertia, and I figure it's similar enough anywhere.
DarthScabies@reddit
Been there came back. Health issues and not being able to afford medication over there is why.
oudcedar@reddit
I love London and can’t think of another city like it for variety. I can’t speak other languages much so moving to Europe full time isn’t an option even though wife and I got ourselves EU passports from different countries.
And although I’ve spent a lot of time in New York and Melbourne neither appeal long term for very different reasons.
So I’ll keep spending 3-6 months abroad each year but always I think keep my main base here.
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