Honestly feeling like moving back to the UK from Australia. Life here is just too difficult.
Posted by Fun-Potato-2407@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 109 comments
30F I’ve been living in Australia for 3 years. After jumping through various hoops and spending a sh*t ton of money on visas and getting permanent residency, I’m now considering just throwing in the towel and moving back to the UK 🇬🇧
I have not managed to secure a single permanent contract in the 3 years I’ve been in Australia. I work for the QLD government and it seems like securing a permanent job is as easy as it is as escaping the labyrinth. I’ve had three jobs in the last twelve months…
That accompanied with the housing instability. I’ve been saving diligently to try and buy a property and it seems as though as soon as I save enough, the properties I am looking at are now out of my budget. I’m being ousted out of my flat in two months, which means I now have to play the game of trying to find somewhere to live in 2 months. I won’t be able to get a rolling contract, so when I do buy somewhere I’ll have to pay a “break lease fee”. Alongside a bond clean for a property that will be dirty on move in anyways 🙄
I feel like all this stress of having to constantly find a new job, find somewhere to live has made it exceptionally difficult to socialise and build friendships. In addition to this, most the people I meet are in couples so can afford to live closer to the CBD, which means I feel even more isolated 👀
Whilst I know it’s not sunshine and rainbows in the UK, I can’t ever think of a time in my life where I had so much instability. Other than being a Uni student on zero hours contract.
Yes my wages are better here, but all of this means fuck all if my health issues suffering. Both mental and physical. I’ve been taking beta blockers more and more frequently for the anxiety that I have been waking up with. As I’m constantly on edge about being made either redundant or homeless.
I’ve had health issues the past year including an unexplained lesion, which I know in the NHS if they’re concerned about it being malignant I would have an appointment in 2 weeks. Whilst here it seems like constant back and forth with my GP and forking out money to pay for these scans - Medicare, what? 🏥
Honestly I’m just so over it, I feel like life is for thriving. Whilst I feel like I’m just fighting to survive atm.
Powerful_Ad_9881@reddit
Hey I was in your position and it’s been quite the journey! Constant grafting and fighting your way up, short contracts and huge expenses BUT now I’m 35, bought my first house with my partner, we have a dog and thinking about starting a family- I’m getting citizenship this year and I’m settled in a job I love- it’s taken 6 years to get here and it’s 100% worth the entire journey. Best of luck, you’ve done the hardest part
littlechefdoughnuts@reddit
34M and I've been in Australia about as long as you have. I was very close to throwing in the towel about nine months ago and returning to the UK, also due to housing bullshit in Perth and generally feeling unmoored. But the opportunity I was pursuing in the UK fell through and I recommitted to things here.
Since then I've got a promotion, a pay rise, a new apartment, and I've lost a shit tonne of weight (which is good in my case). If I'd gone back I'd be poorer, living with my parents again or in some damp shitbox, and likely still obese. What started out as a shit year turned into the best of my life.
Going back might soften some of life's blows but it won't stop them from flying at you. If you would be better supported by the intangible things the UK can offer you (family, friends, a support network, feeling at home) than the possible materials benefits of Australia then fair enough - that weighs heavily on my mind, too. But I think there is also value in rolling with the punches if you can and building on what you have here.
Best of luck.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Just really struggling with having no sense of belonging. Perhaps my expectations were set way too high, I just feel like a bit of a failure tbh.
I’ve just turned 30 years old. Kinda thought that at this age I would have a husband, stable career and a baby on the way lol 😂
Instead I’m jumping from one temp job to another, about to enter into another flat share with a bunch of strangers because I am getting kicked out of my flat in two months time.
As mentioned in my post, I’ve got health issues which scares the heck out of me as I have fuck all sick pay, if this lesion does turn out to be serious.
Feel like I just have no time to even invest in hobbies or friends, as I’ve spent almost every weekend over the past year either applying for jobs or trying to find somewhere to live.
Yet I’ve paid over $5k to stay here? Sorry for the rant
Unique_Ruin_4119@reddit
I’m a US expat in the UK and feel like a failure here too! I’ve struggled a lot to build a career here and get on a more stable visa just to have job opportunity tell me they didn’t like it was attached to my relationship.
My point is life is hard every where and we’ve added the added challenge of immigration to it. There is nothing wrong with turning back, but I think this guys reply is so true. We have to believe it’ll turn around
Careful-Inside-3835@reddit
I made a move to NZ this year and honestly it wasn’t the best year to migrate anywhere. I wish I stayed home lol.
Unique_Ruin_4119@reddit
lol I hear ya. I moved in 2020! Couldn’t make a single friend 😂 I now have amazing friends and a loving partner… I still don’t fit in with BRITISH Brits, and the career stuff is the last thing to wiggle out, but I’m finally stepping into a solid network.
It was super hard to get to this point and I don’t know if I would recommend waiting it out. I would think about how you want your life to look like in 5 years and what you need to get there. Then weigh the trade offs you’re making to stay in NZ?
Signed a 32f who spent her entire 20s in wunderlust.
Careful-Inside-3835@reddit
Yes I’ll be 30 next yr so I’m gonna spend some time evaluating if I wanna stay here by next July I’ll make a decision. Im obviously not going to find a partner so soon but at least my career needs to be sorted out.
Unique_Ruin_4119@reddit
You never know what is around the corner. If this helps, I set myself a career goal at the start of this year, and if I didn’t achieve it, I was going to got for plan b. I didn’t achieve what I was after and followed my plan b. So far the time limit has really helped me to feel confident in my decision and I have stopped double guessing myself. Plus plan b has turned into paid opportunities, and a tangible path forward, so I’m happy with that.
I was working at a shitty consultantcy before, and I feel way more at peace with my plan b than chasing after plan a!
Responsible_Month774@reddit
love this
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Did you move from the UK?
the_mustard_trap@reddit
It takes a good 3 years until a new country starts to feel like something resembling home, it also won't help if you have one foot in and one out... try for a bit longer, find some expat groups, making friends will help a lot. The uk is going downhill big time.
Accomplished-Ice6501@reddit
Like we all expats travel to find our true places because that's how we feel accomplished.
The feeling of not belonging anywhere is exactly what pushes me for better to explore and I think will stay for a long time until we realize it's not about finding it in any significant way. It's more like building it in a small circle.
I don't know yet, I'm 28 and the only thing I have in mind is to explore with the fastest pace. I'm not sure how I'll feel better but I'm sure I need to create things around me rather than looking for it.
I hope this resonates with anyone and helps.
littlechefdoughnuts@reddit
Hey, no need to apologise, I get it. 🙂
Ah I know that pain. I only have 1/3 of those things, and at your age I had none! But remember that it's not a race and our expectations when young are often not really in sync with reality.
To me, it sounds like you've done the best you can with the hand you've been dealt. Don't beat yourself up, you've done so well to even get where you are. You've got a career in a crucial sector even if it's in a bit of a rough spot right now, and you're on track to having a second citizenship in your thirties.
But as for the present/future, do you want to stay in Brisbane? Is there anything really tying you there? It's uniquely cooked as I hear it, even compared to the other capitals. If it's even a remote possibility, it might be easier to find a rental/perm job somewhere else in Aus?
Also do you have insurance through your super? If your lesion turns out to be serious shit then it's worth looking at what you're covered for and when it kicks in.
Sorry, it does sound like you're going through the wringer. If I was in Brisbane I'd offer to buy you a pint to commiserate. 🍺
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I do have insurance on my super, but last time I checked my super I probably had enough to last me at best 10 weeks…
littlechefdoughnuts@reddit
Your insurance doesn't depend on your super balance. If it's life-threatening you may get a life insurance payout. If you have to take a unpaid leave then you may have an income protection policy that kicks in at 0/30/90 days for a period. However you can also access your super (with a penalty) for hardship as well if your policies don't cover you.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I checked my insurance and I can’t claim on insurance unless I’ve had the policy for two years. Which I haven’t as I changed supers this year. So doubly fucked
RelentlessAdventurer@reddit
Sometimes they will let the insurance waiting period come over from your previous superfund!!
littlechefdoughnuts@reddit
Two years! The fuuuck. That seems impossibly high, especially if you just have the default insurance provided by your fund. I would honestly ring up your super to check that because that seems mental.
But other than that I'm out of ideas. 🫤 Truly wishing you all the best on all fronts. 🫂
ArbaAndDakarba@reddit
I agree year 3 is typically the worst.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Does it get better? ❤️🩹
ArbaAndDakarba@reddit
Of course and after 5 it's home.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Right
MetaCalm@reddit
Yes it does. Absolutely.
Responsible_Month774@reddit
hey how is it going now? 34F considering moving to Aus from London..
JunkIsMansBestFriend@reddit
Yea you've missed the train. 10 years ago was the time...
BikeSilent7347@reddit
Nah bullshit 40 years ago was the time.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
lol I was at uni 10 years ago still
Shark_mark@reddit
I’m British too and have been out here for 18 years. Every year I feel the draw pulling me back to the UK, and think this might just be the year.
I’ve done pretty well too. Had a job with a big income (was recently made redundant though), nice family, good house. Still, I find life hard out here. I’ve never mate any good friends. I hate the heat so 6 months of the year are really hard. I miss the countryside. The cost of living is mental. I’m very fortunate that if I left for the UK I could buy a great house outright, but here that equity is useless if I want to stay in the area I’m in, instead I have to service a massive mortgage which means I have to be cautious of what I spend. Can’t really afford holidays, etc. I just feel like, what’s the point?
I hope things improve for you and 2026 is a great year.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
What has kept you here for the last 18 years?
Shark_mark@reddit
Life I guess? Working hard to try to accomplish something. We’ve bought, built and flipped several houses over that time. High wages drew me in and to be honest I never liked the idea of joining the rat race in the UK so stayed here, but this recent property boom has put us in a completely different place financially, so to move back and not have a mortgage is really appealing.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I see. I hear the cost of living is not that much better in the UK tbh… but we move. I suppose at least you have your family here?
I’m not sure what my future in Australia holds for me. Sometimes I think I’ll leave, but I feel like I’ve worked so hard to be here 🤷🏽♀️ I do miss home a lot though and I don’t really feel like I’ve properly got real friends tbh.
Anj_Ja@reddit
Not sure whether you're still looking at this post, OP, but I'm 44 and in the same boat. Was in Qld too, with similar work to you. The housing was absolutely cooked. I left everything and drove to a different state. I'm yet to make it work, but I'll give it a crack, before I call it quits and head back. I just want to alert you to "sunk cost fallacy". From what you're saying, it sounds like you should probably just go home. It's not a failure. There's a good podcast episode on sunk cost fallacy by Alexis Fernandez (do you f***ing mind pod). Good luck.
Shark_mark@reddit
I have my wife and kids here, but all my relatives are in the UK. Wife is Australian with very little family. She has a skin condition which prevents her from being able to be exposed to sun). Kids are duel citizens.
Cost of living may be the same, but without a mortgage, for us it would be way better.
Just don’t stay for the sake of staying. Make a balanced decision and take your time in doing so.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Sounds like perhaps the two of you would be better moving to the UK? The sun would not be something to worry about?
I feel extremely lost. I feel like I’ve spent far too much money trying to stay here to give up.
But if I’m honest I do feel so confused as to what I’m doing!?
gizmogrl88@reddit
Oof. And you think moving to the UK is an upgrade?!
Background_Gene_5527@reddit
Would you have a place with a preestablished social life if you moved back to the UK? It's so important. Even though you're still young and you can still meet people in your age range..
Comfortable-Place237@reddit
Stick with it, the lifestyle potential in Australia far surpasses what is available in the UK. I’ve lived in both countries and a part of me regrets not giving it a good try at living permanently in Australia as the lifestyle there was so much more in keeping with what I enjoy.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
What do you enjoy?
I feel like I’m just ready to quit here, what sort of lifestyle is one that causes chronic stress?
Comfortable-Place237@reddit
I get what you mean thigh about financial stress and insecurity, it is the absolute worst!
I saved up a good chunk of money before leaving teaching and have spent the last 8 months dipping in and out of seasonal, menial work and have been quite content for the time being.
My plan moving forward is to etch out a career which allows me to live in the UK over the summer period and dip I’ve the winter months because I get very depressed and unmotivated.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Hmm I really wish this were true… I can’t remember ever having such a fragile work situation in the UK. Nor can I remember is being so difficult to find somewhere to live.
I feel completely ripped off tbh..! I’ve paid money for the right to remain here (as have lots of other immigrants) yet there’s no jobs and no homes for us to live in? Is this part of their game plan? To take all our money, taxes and then force us out again?!
You say things are bad in the UK? How much worse can they be?
Comfortable-Place237@reddit
I enjoy surfing, sun, warmth, the beach, barbecues, more sincere and plain speaking people like the Aussies I find Brits too guarded and every conversation has to revolve around subtle messaging it gets tiresome, cities which have good access to the coastline and national parks, I enjoyed the more casual nature of life in Australia such as I’m not into fashion at all which worked because it’s too hot to care about fashion in Australia!
I grew up in an expat community in Brazil and so have never felt at home in the UK despite what my passport says.
Affectionate-Leek668@reddit
What's the difference between an expat and an immigrant?
Comfortable-Place237@reddit
Expats are westerners who move abroad and often form communion with other westerners
Subject-Teach-7724@reddit
i lived in oz when i was younger (8-13yo) and we ended up moving back to UK. but we moved home as we just didnt feel like it was home for us and it was so far from family.
i dont think you should give up on australia just because work and rent is difficult though. have you looked at other cities or looked at moving to smaller towns or regions? i lived on the sunshine coast but my dad worked in melbourne for 2 years flying home every weekend, if you love australia enough then you might have to deal with inconveniences
i live in norway now and am struggling to find work but i wouldn’t move back home for anything because im happy here. just hang in there and eventually things will all work out. in the space of a month i went from not knowing if i can even live here to moving an finding a place to live for without a limit. things will work out!!!
don’t leave because of stress, you might regret it. only leave if you don’t like it there anymore
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Given that work and a place to live are quite pivotal for survival. I think it’s quite a high stress burden.
I don’t feel like I’m ready to give up. I feel like I’ve spent too much money trying to stay here, but I’m at breaking point.
hermesandhemingway@reddit
The moving into an apartment that isn’t clean is so true. The rental system in this country is horrible — such double standards.
Redhairreddit@reddit
Oh my god yes I was absolutely shocked at this. yet you are told to pay for professional carpet clean when you’re leaving despite being given the apartment or home in a state. I moved into a place and was literally brushing some girls hairs out of the carpet. Disgusting!
Mrman122333@reddit
I was considering moving out to Australia after my stint in the middle east, but I think I'll just stay out here. Hope things work out for you!
Lao_gong@reddit
One doesn’t neee a permwnanbt job to get permenant residency in australia? how does one get it then?
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
It’s based on things like your career, qualifications, years experience etc. but you don’t get a job with it. Perhaps you’re thinking of sponsorship ?
Ok_Reporter8315@reddit
Look into shared housing my friend pays $300 per week bills included there are 4 people living in this house they all have their own room in Knox area Melbourne Victoria
Designer-Doctor-5845@reddit
cant you find a flatshare to give you a little break, maybe have a nice housemate and also you wont have to move flat all the time and save some extra money...?
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I could, but I’m not sure what I would do with all my stuff… I suppose put in storage for a while. Just feel like such a failure jumping from one flat share to another in my 30s.
When my friends are all settling down and getting married.
BrahminVyapaar@reddit
Don’t let your possessions tie you down to a place. You can keep things in storage or even give them away - especially those things that you do not actually use.
RelentlessAdventurer@reddit
I wish storage was cheaper 😭
Alt_6107@reddit
IDK how it is in other countries, but in the USA storage is exponentially cheaper the more rural you get. Storage in or near large cities like DC can easily be $1k/mo for 10'x10' units, whereas drive a couple hours west and you can get a 10'x30' for $150 or less. Just something that might help.
RelentlessAdventurer@reddit
That’s so interesting! I might look up done rural Australian areas haha
Aggravating_Rip5098@reddit
I was settled down and married in Melbourne, having moved from NYC but then eventually separated and moved into a flat share!
Believe me, you can plan and compare all you want but life will throw you surprises. Where you think you should be will most likely get disrupted at some point, so the comparison to others really does you no good, this is coming from someone older.
And… it took me years to like living in Australia. I hated it for 2 years, hated. Eventually I came to like it but then moved to Hong Kong for work. Now I’m thinking about moving back to AU 🤭
I agree with you though that these days everything seems a bit tougher, less stable, more expensive. It’s not easy for any of us.
abeorch@reddit
Know how you feel.. feeling behind on those next stage of your life things. They take time.. Just remember those people havent had the experiences you have had.. Easy lives ..boring people.
That time you took to make the move is experiences and memories in the bank.. moving back isnt suddently just going to jump you forward on things that take time like getting established and home owmership.
Designer-Doctor-5845@reddit
I understand but tbh friends will get divorced at some point and have financial issues too. Lol.. personally, i like having a years salary saved at least, it gives me peace of mind not to have to rush decisions.... also, arent there nice flatshares with people in their 30s?
spacedog8015@reddit
UK is a shit show right now. Choose carefully.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Is it really though?
spacedog8015@reddit
Yes
PostNutPrivilege@reddit
I always thought fully developed countries are the ones people are moving out of. Props to the uphill battle!
Glad_Ad7827@reddit
I’m from mainland Europe and been living in the UK for the past 9 years and Ishare your anguish to the letter. The job market is absolutely terrible at the moment due to a wave of redundancies with people from all experience ranges battling for entry level jobs that pay very little. Housing is also terrible if you want to be in/near a job hub with overpriced and mouldy rentals. The bills are excruciatingly high, we’d thought we reached peak post covid, yet they’ve only been increasing year on year. The NHS is in shambles and I for one cannot imagine you’d get better care as the waiting lists stretch over months or even years for surgeries.
The one thing I cannot comment on is having the support of family and friends (I don’t have any family here), so you might be able to avoid the housing&billls costs by staying with them and find a job through networks. If that’s the case and you feel it would alievate stress long term, consider moving back, but if not, I’d stay put because you’d just find yourself in another hole that seems impossible to climb out of. A darker and damper one thanks to the climate.
I’m 27 atm and seriously considering moving out of the UK if things don’t change by the time I’m 30. I would have lived here for 12 years by that point, I think it’s a considerable amount of time and reasonable to give up if things won’t work out the way I want ‘til then. If I may say, 3 years seems a little too soon to give up considering all the money spent on visas, I’d try to reach 5 and re-evaluate at that point. Either way, it’s not an easy call so I’d read a lot of posts about the current state of the UK before making a decision.
doepfersdungeon@reddit
In my view , change your way of life or accept the rat race. Sounds to me like you are starting to see through the scam. Plenty of people opt out of the standard job, apartment, pension way of life. Just have to be brave enough and flexible. Otherwise, unless your career fwkes off , I can tell you the UK isn't any better. Everyone is suriving here as well. Well, almost everyone.
RelentlessAdventurer@reddit
Why hasn’t your GP referred you to a specialist who will order a scan?? I have a liver lesion, and got referred to a gastroenterologist by my GP. The specialist then ordered MRIs. The GP was able to order ultrasounds though. And I travelled to Melbourne for a contrast ultrasound because it’s not available in my state. Medicare still let you be referred to interstate clinics. I hope you maybe get a better GP 🙁 health anxiety is so scary, I hate it
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Not sure yet, I’m having it monitored with Ultrasounds and the GP. I do find healthcare a bit weird here. Like you have to be proactive to get things done…
RelentlessAdventurer@reddit
Yeah I had to look up where contrast ultrasounds were available. Royal Melbourne was good for that! Idk if one of those will help you. I think GPs in general are just Jacks of all Trades. So you need to be equally involved in your care.
Low_Art8743@reddit
Being an expat is HARD, but I just spent 4 months in the UK and it’s definitely not sunshine and rainbows as you said.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I know it’s not sunshine and rainbows but tbh I feel like I’ve been sitting with this feeling of jacking it all in for months now.
Informal_Win6262@reddit
Take from this 24 year olds prospective, I don't see my life in the UK and will move when I have an opportunity to move. I'm looking at Mainland Europe or somewhere that is decent and safe.
I would advise against moving back, because the UK is not in a good state at the moment. I am also a backpacker, and seen a much better life outside of the UK rather than in it.
Try to talk to real estate agents or people that rent homes, and see what they have to say. I didn't read your full post yet, however I would try and stick it out before returning.
What's another year or two? If Australia doesn't do it for you, learn a language etc and try somewhere else. Moving aboard isn't easy though.
meuh32@reddit
I hear you. I'm also from Europe, and while Australia is a nice place to live in, there is a lot to adjust to, added to the difficulty of being a migrant. Staying or leaving is obviously a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer. I guess follows what feels right and what is important to you
Also for Medicare. Exams are usually better covered if ordered by a specialist rather than a GP.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
But then the price of a specialist appointment is in the hundreds too…
meuh32@reddit
Depends where you go (and the type of specialist). Could you get referred to the hospital? I have seen a few specialists and never had to pay anything.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Probably not as it was just an incidental finding, that was found by a private (unrelated) specialist. Find the health system here a bit disjointed.
meuh32@reddit
Oh boy....yeah the health system is so complicated here. I don't think I have ever heard of a system like this in Europe tbh. I remember just going to appointments and never paying. But that was a long time ago :) Here, in the community, imagery centres can charge whatever they want. So medicare will just cover their part and everything else is out of pocket. I found that GPs in general will not tell you the different options you have in terms of out of pocket, waiting times... I have learnt from trial and "error" haha, now I simply tell my GP where I want to be referred to as I found they were always referring me to private practices. Just beware though (at least that was an issue for me) that for being referred to the hospital they need to include details of your condition in the letter. It allows the hospital to assess the urgency of your situation.
reddit29012017@reddit
In my experience of life, the moment you want to throw in the towel is when you should push through. Something great is normally on the other side
Choice-Ad1477@reddit
But sometimes you actually should throw in the towel. I kind of regret not throwing in the towel here in Germany.
zvdyy@reddit
This. The only way out is true. When we encounter resistance, that's when we push through it. Of course it's hard. It's meant to be. Otherwise why fight for it?
Miss_Dark_Splatoon@reddit
That sounds fancy until your health collapses cause you kept pushing through ignoring the warnings
HydraCentaurus@reddit
Not OP, but I needed to see this right now, thank you!
TropicalBound111@reddit
I guess this illustration perfectly sums up what you just said right? https://maryannleray.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Digging-for-Gold.jpg
(The guy at the bottom should’ve kept pushing 😉)
Hutcho12@reddit
Pretty sure if you do move back, you'll find that the issues you're having in Australia are at least as bad if not worse in the UK
Far-Tourist-3233@reddit
I totally get it , been through all of the same . I realized I just don’t feel well where I am, not thriving, work, home, work, home, groundhog day, not enjoying life. I’m moving back to the UK, not because I’m throwing in the towel , it’s just time for a new chapter , close to my nearest and dearest. Good luck!
TailzPrower@reddit
I don't know your situation, but have you ever considered other areas, cities, or provinces in Australia? From what I know Sydney is the least affordable in terms of rent. Other places might be more affordable? (there's usually steady demand across the country if you work in health care) If that doesn't help maybe you should try moving back to the UK if you feel like you aren't going anywhere.
Overall-Ad-2159@reddit
All major cities are unaffordable
Salaries are higher but so are the expenses a, taxes
TailzPrower@reddit
I would have thought that Perth, and Adelaide are much more affordable than Sydney. I'm not sure moving back to the UK would help OP with housing affordability. From what I know the major cities in the UK are even less affordable than in Australia.
Overall-Ad-2159@reddit
Perth rentals are same as Sydney and so are the food
Getting a rental İs a nightmare
Feeling_Guest2720@reddit
You can do what feels best for you, but I wouldn't go back to the UK. Try different state, perhaps. UK is difficult, taxes going up, more crime and insecurity. Life is difficult or can be difficult anywhere you are. If in general you are not fond of Australia then for sure. But if it is just a moment of weakness its not worth it :) life is life, ups and down, but brighter day always comes.
Unlikely-Cheek-7271@reddit
Wherever you go there you are.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
What’s that meant to mean
Unlikely-Cheek-7271@reddit
It means wherever you go it’s still the same problems that crop up. To move It is just an easy answer to be generally unsatisfied with life. I have gone back and forth from Australia to UK and back over and over due to the same feelings and in either place I always found that I was still there and the problems were still the same. It takes time to ride it out. I call the UK home now and love it!
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
So what do you suggest? The world as a whole isn’t built for individuals. It’s built for couples.
I’m being punished financially and socially, because I’m seemingly not good enough to date.
I’m not good enough at my job to secure a stable job..
Yes I agree that these problems aren’t exclusive to a country. Tbh I feel like life as whole is just an up hill struggle if you’re in your 30s. I feel like I’ve wasted so much time and money trying to make Australia work, but I was so miserable in the UK too…
Unlikely-Cheek-7271@reddit
I felt the same in my 30s. I felt lost and I didn’t know which way to go and I was also single for a long time but then eventually that changed and now I am married with two kids and living in the UK Originally from Australia. I don’t think anything much changed other than it starts to matter less the older you get… I know that isn’t much comfort but I’d say just keep on going and eventually the tide will turn or you know for sure it is not for you. Just remember you know what you are going back too and if you sought a different life from that even if it is difficult it is different. The more established you get the more friends you make the more settled you will be. It takes time x
TheRealRabidBunny@reddit
It sounds like you're stressed and homesick, and that's fine. If you want to go home, you should go home. No harm, no foul.
I'm not defending Medicare (damn, I left Australia 16 years ago, I have no clue what it's like), BUT if you think the NHS will see you in two weeks, you're sadly wrong.
I have two very close friends with cancer in the UK at the moment (sadly, soon to only be one), and the NHS has been basically useless. For my friend with Ovarian Cancer, her treatment is now incredibly aggressive, because the NHS was so useless up front.
Go back because you want to, but don't go because the NHS is any good. It isn't at the moment, sadly.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend.
I was talking from my own previous experience, a few years ago I had a lump that originally was deemed benign and kept growing. I did have to see my GP several times. But once it had grown, I did have an appointment with a surgeon and removal of it within the space of 2 weeks. This was 4 years ago.
I know not everyone’s experience is the same, but I couldn’t fault the speed and the fact there was no out of pocket cost. Even if it did involve seeing a GP more than once.
zvdyy@reddit
Not to take away your stuggles but this is what migrants generally go through throughout the first couple of years. Ask Asian migrants from third world countries like Indians and Chinese and Sri Lankans, they'll tell you the same.
What I generally see as a pattern with whinging migrants is that you're romanticising their past countries whilst seeing every weakness there is in your adopted country. Do not be like that. Because you will get a very rude shock when things do not work your way in the UK (which you will encounter). Also these people will complain about things in every country. You will do that no matter whether you're in Thailand, Bali, Dubai, Canada, Norway, etc. Do not be like that.
It will sound very cliche from me, but having a bit of gratitude especially what you did not get back in the UK vs what you have gotten in Australia would be a great thing to do. No need to watch the news every day.
All the best.
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I know I don’t want to be that person. Hence why I said about it not being all sunshine and rainbows in the UK too.
I am grateful to be here. I think I’m just really struggling with how difficult it is just to seemingly stay afloat. But I think that’s just a product of modern day life.
OneUpAndOneDown@reddit
I was just reading a post on another thread about life in the USA now compared to 30 years ago. 30 years ago an average single income (e.g. teacher, nurse) would comfortably buy a house and support a partner and kids. A generation before that, a working class income would do the same. Since Reaganomics, 1% of the population owns 1/3 of the wealth, and something like 30% of the population owns 2/3 of the wealth. Everyone else is fucked, no matter how much you study (which will land you in years of student debt). It's not fair in the slightest. I think Australia has gone the same way. The majority of politicians own multiple properties and are doing nicely, thank you.
ambergresian@reddit
It really depends on the area for NHS. some places are more stressed than others.
EyamBoonigma@reddit
Imagine how the local citizens are feeling atm.
batch1972@reddit
You don't mention what your occupation is. It 'feels' like IT. The QLD market is smaller than Vic/NSW so perhaps the issue is that you chose a perceived lifestyle over a realistic one. You're young so move into shared accommodation for two months. I feel that you're creating problems to validate poor choices
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
Don’t want to dox myself but it’s in healthcare.
batch1972@reddit
I'd be looking at regional NSW
Usual-Cat-5855@reddit
I’m from the uk my self and only been here 4 months and spent the last 5 years in Germany . The uk is finished now and Germany is slowly behind, the weather is terrible, they are trying to put people on 0 hour contracts so they don’t have a say in their employment rights. The weather is miserable I’m from up north.
I’m still in the honey moon phase of Australia but I honestly believe that there are far more opportunities here, the work is here. If you put the work in the country will pay you back, have you tried looking at more regional areas ?
Also how have you secured permanent residency ? If you haven’t had a permanent contract ?
Fun-Potato-2407@reddit (OP)
I did regional work for the last couple of years. Whilst things can be cheaper regionally, it’s very hard to meet people I found.
Usual-Cat-5855@reddit
Maybe you’re home sick ? When was the last time you returned ? This was me about 3 years into Germany then I headed home and realised how much I had grown and couldn’t wait to get back, and had another visit before I came to oz, I would recommend going home for 2 weeks and then see how you feel ?
Therapy really helped me when I was in Germany and now I couldn’t be happier moving out here
TropicalBound111@reddit
u/Fun-Potato-2407
Hello from a Canadian :)
Try Canada may be? Here’s a video by your fellow Brit, saying how she can’t wait to move to Canada:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPcI4W-DAJz/
And here’s a British couple who’s now very happy in Canada: https://www.tiktok.com/@khans.on.the.move
I’m not saying Canada is better than Australia (for one, I prefer the Australian weather), and their rationales for moving to Canada might not even apply to you.
But who knows, you might have a different luck in Canada ;). You never know till you try, right?