Is it as bad as it looks?
Posted by Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 263 comments
TLDR: moving from Perth Australia to the UK. Are the issues inequality and cost of living raise really that bad?
Hi everyone,
I (31M) am moving back to the UK in May after living in Australia for 6 years. I have been back for around 3 weeks since I left in 2020 (pre COVID times).
I am leaving for a few reasons main ones being a family illness, a breakdown of relationships here and my visa is not permanent, it is proving very expensive and doesn’t guarantee me anything permanent in the short term.
The war in the Middle East spurred my decision as well as I don’t want to get stuck here whilst my mum isn’t well.
On the whole I am looking forward to being close to family and friends, and being somewhere that genuinely feels like home and isn’t so isolated.
I am worried about the depressing state of the UK I see on news and social media - rising crime, cost of living, inequality etc.
So, is anyone actually enjoying life in the UK at the moment? Surely it’s not all doom and gloom 😭
blimeyoreilly23@reddit
My son lives in Perth and is from the UK, seems both places are expensive right now. The whole world has gone a little potty, doubt that's just us in England.
blimeyoreilly23@reddit
I love it in England, been here all my life and woudn't want to move any where else. I'm in the countryside and it's beautiful, reduce the amount of news you read and you'll be surprised how much more positive you feel.
Life is what you make it.
Comcernedthrowaway@reddit
Either they need to request accommodations if their performance and absences are health related or you put them on a PIP with set expectations, a remedial training plan and offer support via eas if your company has an employee assistance scheme.
If they meet all the requirements of the pip over the period it defines, they should then be working at the level you expected of them.
If they request accommodations then occupational health assess their capabilities and make recommendations based on their ability to carry out their work. They suggest making adjustments then make them. If they say no action is required then proceed to PIP
If any of the stages in the pip are not completed or complied with, as hr to commence disciplinary action with a view to offering the employee the opportunity for resignation or going forward you will need to cut your losses; I’d phrase it something like “if within x amount of time no (credible) new information of any mitigating factors for her underperforming is provided, you want to proceed in terminating her employment with the company. Reason: underperformance/ capability failure/ poor punctuality & attendance management/ gross misconduct due to time theft“
JamJarre@reddit
Isn't crime dropping?
Feel like OP maybe needs to disconnect from TikTok
Rico1983@reddit
Th UK is likle any country; it has it's fair share of problems, but no moreso than anywhere else. Negative news stories drive views and clicks so I wouldn't read too much into them.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Very good point thank you
BortVanderBoert@reddit
Brits are mostly patriotic so they won’t tell you it’s shit here, but it is.
Rico1983@reddit
Out of interest whereabouts are you moving to?
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Initially York with my parents but flexible and will go where the work is. But probably close to there.
Distinct-Quantity-46@reddit
I’m 30 minutes from York, no better place to be than Yorkshire
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thanks mate, anywhere affordable around that area you’d recommend living? York seems expensive af
szmidtten@reddit
Maybe consider Leeds from a jobs and cost of living perspective (although it's been a long time since I lived there...it always seemed as good a city as any but with a lower price tag).
Old_Bug7265@reddit
I live not far from Leeds it’s absolutely class. Never had a bad time there
Distinct-Quantity-46@reddit
York is, depends how close you want to be to the centre, if you’re prepared to be about 20 mins away selby is very affordable
Infamous-Sherbert-32@reddit
My son has just bought his first house in a village midway between Hull and Beverley, so approximately 45 minutes from York. A very nice three bedroom semi, with a decent sized garden, for just over £200,000. People are friendly, the countryside is lovely, and the coast is not far away. Local hospitals are good - I can attest to this as I’m currently receiving cancer treatment, and am being really well looked after. Obviously every country has its problems, but as others have said, headlines are written to attract attention. I’m very happy living here. Welcome home.
Raz4479@reddit
get well soon.
SneakyCroc@reddit
Aside from Lancashire, of course
madeupname45@reddit
That might be your issue
York is fantastic but very expensive for the North
We live in a good part of the south east and the pieces for housing are comparable to where we are
Picklepicklezz@reddit
You're doing the right thing ignore toxic social media.Its expensive though
luciferslandlord@reddit
No more problems than anywhere else?
I hear Norway is nice.
Rico1983@reddit
Yeah, but what have the Norwegians ever done for us?!!
One_Complex6429@reddit
Send us gas via a very nice undersea pipeline and electricity via an interconnector.
Rico1983@reddit
Yes but other than electricity and gas, what have they ever done for us?
Glittering_Sunrise12@reddit
Gave us Christmas trees? 🌲
One_Complex6429@reddit
A bit of pillaging and raiding. Followed by settlement? So they gave us Norwegian Viking DNA. They settled predominantly in Cumbria and the islands of Scotland
luciferslandlord@reddit
That isn't true. They settled in all of the east and north. Then they went over to the isle of Mann, they founded Dublin and even created the Norman kingdom that eventually invaded and conquered England after the Viking age.
One_Complex6429@reddit
The Norwegians particularly, claimed Cumbria to the Shetland Islands
Rico1983@reddit
Alright, but apart from electricity, gas, pillaging, raiding, settlement and DNA, what have the Norwegians ever done for us?
One_Complex6429@reddit
They have given us 1000s of place names. Hundreds of surnames.
Rico1983@reddit
Mate, I'm making a Monty Python reference. I'm not being serious.
One_Complex6429@reddit
Oh
One_Complex6429@reddit
They gave us loan dialectic words you'll hear of you go to northern England.
Early-Sir-8115@reddit
Yes thatcher sold our biggest natural asset. While Norway kept theirs and created a sovereign fund.
Astonishing what a difference it makes having a large, profitable resource to spend on infrastructure and public services
nadsatpenfriend@reddit
Thatcher and that lot sold off a national inheritance, totally shitting on the next generations who get blamed for eating a few avocados
cliffybiro951@reddit
I think it depends where you go. Where I live is about the same as it’s always been. except fuel is more expensive. But that’s the same all over.
Snowy_Sasquatch@reddit
Life in the UK is absolutely fine. Prices have gone up but it’s still enjoyable.
Obviously depends where you are going but it’s safe where I am and GP appointments are available for the same day. I had to go to Minor Injuries recently and was in and out within the hour, including X-rays. It’s not all the doom and gloom that the media is portraying.
DisastrousPrompt9968@reddit
No its worse ! its own people are jailed for having an honest truthful opinion
Cool_Doubt2152@reddit
Same here. Since Covid social media has felt incredibly negative and divisive (more than it ever has before) about most things. Yes cost of living is high but I don’t think it’s all that much worse than Aus based on some of my friends who are also there.
Other than that I think you’ll be surprised about how little has actually changed.
ProsperityandNo@reddit
I don't think this is true. I spent 5 years outside of Scotland and was shocked by the change when I came back.
You maybe haven't noticed because you have stayed in England.
coresme2000@reddit
If anything, the uk is cheaper than Australia and WAY cheaper than the US
ResponsibleBend2195@reddit
Wow do you live in a bubble? Doctor's appt 3 weeks time, I had to present myself at A&E to see a doctor it took 6 hours and that is fast!
DDAAVVEE123@reddit
Called my Doctors a couple of weeks ago at half 9, appoint an hour later, went to hospital for an X-ray ten minutes later, in and out in twenty mins and had a blood test the next day. Fantastic service.
coresme2000@reddit
Just be aware that your amazing experience is not representative in the rest of the country…
ResponsibleBend2195@reddit
I don't know what your location is but that is phenomenal! Good for you friend.
DDAAVVEE123@reddit
Altrincham. Tbf, Ive always managed to get an appointment for the next day at the latest. Small surgery might have something to do with it. Very grateful!
ResponsibleBend2195@reddit
Ok can someone explain what the downvotes are for?
yddraigwen@reddit
these downvotes are bizarre, I still love living in the uk but the nhs has some real problems. wait times are significantly worse in recent years for just about everyone I know, including myself.
that aside the uk is worth moving back to OP!
keithmk@reddit
opposite experience to here. Last time I had to make an unplanned GP appointment, I filled in the online triage form mid morning, got a phone call soon after and was in talking to the doctor by 5 pm
QuirkyImage@reddit
4 months to see my GP 🤬
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your reassurance
KitsyC@reddit
If you’re in Aus you won’t find the cost of living too shocking would be my guess (as a Brit in New Zealand currently visiting). Mostly if day it feels pretty equivalent for me, with housing being cheaper than in Aus.
I have also been wondering about coming home, though I must say that this trip home with my eyes open to thoughts of coming back has made me realise there are a lot of things I love about New Zealand too.
If possible, I’d suggest asking for accomodations that don’t give up your visa rights in Aus if they’d be hard to get again. I’ve been very lucky and my job gave me a term of leave to come back, so I’ve had a four month trip. I didn’t really expect them to do that, but figured there’d be no harm in asking if the alternative was leaving regardless.
Good luck with the next chapter for you :)
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thank you Kitsy, I am going to try leave the door open for a possible return.
Puzzleheaded-Talk-63@reddit
Getting citizenship is the way to do that.
Finnegan-05@reddit
Australia and NZ are not the same thing and prices are not the same.
KitsyC@reddit
Wow. I didn’t realise that.
Finnegan-05@reddit
Seems like you didn't.
Ornery-Assignment-42@reddit
Honestly that’s been my experience too. Petrol is more expensive, shops on the High Street don’t seem to last very long, otherwise, Spring is in the air and it’s still a mostly beautiful country.
Particular-Bid-1640@reddit
The false spring we had a week or so ago was WONDERFUL
fannyfox@reddit
Lousy smarch weather
Grunn84@reddit
"Do not touch Willie"
fannyfox@reddit
Good advice
NumerousError5333@reddit
However, in some areas like mine it is exactly how the media describe it. You need to be ready to hammer the NHS app at 7:30am to get an appointment the same day or hammer the phones at 8:30am or be queued from 7:30/8am outside the door, they cannot and will not book advance appointments any longer.
sickiesusan@reddit
For young people, it can be hard - rents are high and there is a lot of competition for good rented accommodation (at least in the SE). Salaries (on the whole) have not risen in line with rent increases either. In London and some city centre bars you can also be paying £10 a pint.
But if you can still live with parents or other family while you get yourself sorted, then it’s not so bad!
OneGolf6327@reddit
Where is that. I lived 50% in warrington and 50% in kidderminster. And your description of the country seems foreign when stacked against my experience of our lil island over the oast decade.
I was attacked by 5 middle Eastern lads coz I was carrying a bag they wanted. I got cracked ribs, broken nose and lost 300 pounds worth of Christmas presents I'd just bought. And Coz I happend to defend myself first by swigging my bag and hitting 2 of them and then managing to get 4 or 5 good punches in. I am now facing criminal charges.
And a doctors appointment I can indeed get same day. I just have to make sure I ring before everyone else who wants one does. If I don't win the gauntlet I have to try again tje next day. Last time I tried I woke up 8am 27 days (yes actually 27 days minus the sat and Sunday) before I got in the phone que on time. Only to be fobbed off at the docs
keithmk@reddit
Just a point of interest, what relevance is the ethnicity of those people? Why did you even bother to mention that? Are you 100% certain they were not british born or had not gained citizenship by other means? In which case they were british lads. You defended yourself by getting your revenge in first did you?
OneGolf6327@reddit
Apparently my post was removed. Was a complete objective way of making the point as well. World's a joke.
But yes in short I. 💯 they were bot citizens and still under asylum in a nice 3 star hotel. And me defending myself is me some how getting some form of childish revenge 🙃 🙂 🤪 ok wokey joke
JealousStuff4405@reddit
Your post is still there. It’s made up but it’s still there
OneGolf6327@reddit
Weird reddit told me it was deleted.
Why are you so sure it's made up? Lol
OneGolf6327@reddit
Definitely from the middle east. The lads In question stated as much several times over the last 8ish months. Which was around the time they entered the country illegally and got put up in a nice swanky hotel 5 miles from my house. Before my physical altercation with them many stories In my local area have been regaled about the outright criminal nature of many of these people. Several instances I'd witnessed personally. Mostly theft but I've seen an adult man agressivly drag round a 13 year old girl Insulting her for wearing a tank top that showed her shoulders. The fact that 90 if bot 95% of the illegals in and around my home town just happen to be fleaing the gaza strip is is the sole reason I stated them as middle Eastern. Coz there were in fact middle Eastern... so undocumented and still under some kind of asylum. In my book makes them bot British lads ...
And getting my revenge in .... I got jumped from behind seen a group of men surround me so I started swinging. And you wana make it out like I was being petty for defending myself and juat needed to get back at the. To save my bruised ego... you sir/miss are a fucking deluded waste of bio matter... kindly go get lost inside of a volcano
This fucking obsession of pulling people up for using descriptive FACTS about a person or persons coz it points out they ain't a white ass honkey is ludicrous. We have an immigration problem in this country bot my fault bro. So if that's your sole reason for asking coz you wana be seen to be a wokey joke who's down with the kids and is all peace love and plants.
Whoppa-seagull@reddit
Come to Wales then a GP appointment is like gold dust & the last time I went to A & E they were predicting 15 Hours & rising.
Snowy_Sasquatch@reddit
Again, it varies where you live.
I’ve just had a quick look around Newport and right now the information is that there are 12 patients waiting (3 hr wait) at Royal Gwent Hospital Minor Injures and 64 patients (2hr 15 min wait time) at The Grange University Hospital (A&E). Royal Glamorgan Hospital (A&E) says it’s busier than usual with 68 patients but waiting times are still typically 1 hr 45 mins.
See more info here: https://aeinfo.nhs.wales/
moneywanted@reddit
I see you, Kier…
Hokuten001@reddit
Hi Nige! Or is it Tommeh? Your username checks out either way. . .
Malibu_Milk@reddit
Good for you, unfortunately the situation here isn’t that rosy for all of us…
Snowy_Sasquatch@reddit
No, but it depends where you are in Britain (which I did say).
Having been to Australia recently, it’s not rosy there for many either so it’s all comparable.
keeponkeepingup@reddit
Yeah I'm in the East Midlands and its fine. My life is the same as it always was. The news is depressing so I don't really watch it. Plus its depressing on the world stage rather than here. Cost of living has gone up but so has minimum wage. That will be £12.71 in April, not too shabby. Life is what you make it!
DisastrousPrompt9968@reddit
UK Now a third world country at best ! The loonies really have taken over the Asylum. Native people no longer happy.
anniday18@reddit
There seems to be alot of negative press about us around the World at the moment. America seem to think we have been consumed by Muslims. Its all nonsense. I think the far right see us with a left government and want to make people assume its all a disaster. Its not, not at all.
Good_Lettuce_2690@reddit
TBF most of the UK population thinks we've been "consumed by Muslims" too. I'm a polling professional of 14 years. The numbers are normally around 10% regarding how many muslims people think are in the UK. The actual stats are 2.2% in Scotland and Wales, 1.6% in NI and 6.6% in England. It's almost like the bubble that's feeding them this fake info has an agenda.
keithmk@reddit
It is quite scary how many swallow the far right lies and propaganda. And to be perfectly honest the numbers you quote are quite probably people who have no idea who or what Muslims are, they just have racist delusions about brown people
Europe_MMA@reddit
It will either depress you or make you feel better, but newspapers from 1926 said the exact same stuff. Especially during times of econonic difficulty, politicans deliberately push social division to distract from their failures and when we're all poor and unhappy, we want a target man to blame.
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
This is racist lol. No one doesn't know what a Muslim is, you're only saying that about poor white people
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
It's almost like 6.6% and 10% are pretty close? How accurate do people have to be? Would you be calling them racist for guessing 7%?
Good_Lettuce_2690@reddit
That's the average. Some people go way over.
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
Ok and you said there's a bubble making everyone racist about 10%, so what about 7%? How close do you need to be before you're not called a racist by random people online?
Good_Lettuce_2690@reddit
Just reporting the facts mam. I haven't mentioned racism once, however you have mentioned it twice. The lady doth protest too much methinks.
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
You absolutely implied Brits are racist for thinking there are 10% instead of 6.6% Muslims. You said they were tricked by evil far right propaganda
Just_Objective_7819@reddit
Perhaps you should learn primary school level maths before going off on rants at people supplying you with information?
I’ll help you as my ten year old isn’t available.
2.2+1.6+6.6 =10.4 10.4/3=3.467 c.3.5% not 10%
Difference between 3.5 and 10? Population 70m 3.5% of 70m =2.45m 10% =7m
A difference of 4.55m.
So no, it is not in any person who can do primary school level maths “pretty close” and could in fact be perceived by some, including a professional in the field who collects the data(you know the person you’re ridiculing whilst not being able to do maths at primary school level) as trying to manipulate the public, by stirring up false propaganda.
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
Hello, ask your ten year old if 6.6 is close to 10
Just_Objective_7819@reddit
What’s 6.6 got to do with anything? I don’t suppose your geography levels are on par with your maths levels? 6.6 is England only. The person was talking about the UK as a whole.
OneGolf6327@reddit
Depends where you go I guess.
gyabou@reddit
American here … most Americans don’t think that. There are dumb conservatives who might. My wife’s cousin’s stupid husband who voted for Trump said something about it once and we were like “really? We were there last year and didn’t notice anything like that.” And he looked embarrassed and shut up.
Europe_MMA@reddit
My fiance is from Australia, lived in Scotland the past 6 years. She absolutely loves it. While she's maybe less happy that our kids will have less outdoor sports opportunities, everything else she loves.
That being said, she prob wouldnt have loved England as much.
DT400andTDR@reddit
I moved back last year after 23 years in the USA. I have no regrets. Most of what you hear on the media is exaggerated. If it makes you feel better, my sister, and then later her son, both moved back to the UK after over two decades in Perth and are happy to be here.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the reassurance, Perth is a lovely place to live but it’s very isolated and never really felt like home. I’m excited to get back to where I belong
Fun-Bell-6216@reddit
Everyone here in the uk is very quick to talk absolute bollocks - we have our fair share of problems with public services, but seriously it’s not that bad. Just don’t move back to somewhere where living on an average wage is impossible (London, Manchester, Birmingham etc) move to a smaller city where it’s sound, and you’ll be okay!!!
It’s all vitriol at the moment, with no substance. Don’t listen to the headlines, it really ain’t that bad!!! Good luck moving back mate
slippeedooda@reddit
Look I'll be honest with you - I moved back to the UK a couple of years ago after an extended travel/working stint in other countries, Australia actually being the last one. I'm not the type to listen to all the doom and gloom usually as I find when I land in a place it's not that bad and I can figure it out as I go along, and typically find my footing after a while. But moving back to the UK was really hard - I couldn't find a job for months and ended up going back to do a post grad as I was getting desperate and needed SOME sense of direction. I'm still here and trying to figure a way out, a long term way that ensures I have the right to live in a country that isn't here. I've felt like my last couple of years here Ive been on stand by and not really living. I know we moan about the weather but the 6 months of cold, greyness and wind with high energy prices take their damn toll. Its the never ending ness of it. I don't know what industry you're in, maybe you'll find work and bounce back fast. But if you get back and quickly realise youve spent enough time with friends and family, maybe start figuring out your exit route.
Grouchy-Papaya-8078@reddit
The country is being ruined daily by Labour.
AzzTheMan@reddit
Like others have said, it's not all doom and gloom. In my experience crime hasn't risen, things are generally good. But, I am finding it's getting more expensive, crazy expensive for some things.
coresme2000@reddit
If you’d never lived in Australia, the uk is tolerable, but I only felt true happiness after I left. That said, it’s possible to be happy anywhere in the world despite the external factors like cost of living, how isolated society is becoming and the weather.
scaratzu@reddit
Crime rates are falling so not sure what you mean about that.
But all other aspects of material condition are worse than before, and they already weren't great before.
Frequent-Frosting336@reddit
I live in the midlands quiet town was once plagued by junkie now its idyllic. if you like the stress free life.
I am nearing retirement tho.
No_Height_2408@reddit
Only thing that is noticeably difference is prices of everything. The other stuff is news media fluff
nosoyrubio@reddit
It is NEVER as bad as the media (social or otherwise) make it out to be.
I lived away for a long while and loved it when I came back. Admittedly, I did get bored after a while and left again, but there's no place like home 😄
Good luck with the move, and don't let the doom & gloom in the media get to you.
VincentVan_Dough@reddit
I am. Still cheaper in London than in Singapore. I prefer the cooler climate and the rain doesn’t bother me. I’m in a quiet leafy neighbourhood with a 30min train ride into central London with lots of parks, greenery and golf course at my doorstep. A house with a garden comparable to what I live in now would cost SGD8-10million and a membership to a country club would range from SGD20k to 1mil. A car would cost 160-200k.
jonathanemptage@reddit
TBH I’m English and have always wanted to move elsewhere but I don’t have the funds and havering a nuro muscular condition I’d need to move 4 people and the condition I have is mostly studied here and in the USA and I don’t want to live there.
Sexy-Koala-Glasgow@reddit
The UK is just as shit as it was 6 years ago. No change.
BellMean@reddit
Before COVID everything was a affordable. Now, the cost of living is truly stupid. This is especially true in London if you are living by yourself. You cannot justify renting an apartment myself even if you have a good salary. You need atleast 50k-60k to start considering whether an apartment is ideal. Before that, you’re looking at shared accommodation. If you have a partner, then affording rent, bills etc would be much easier.
You can live in other cities which would probably be better on rent, but I can tspeak much on the opportunities, as t depends on your trade and what you want to get into.
szmidtten@reddit
I think it depends on your job. My husband and I are in construction consultancy (PM on my side / Data Analytics / Engineering for him) and we both feel secure in our roles and have good salaries. Prices have gone up but it's not hit us hard because we've always had a buffer. But I think if you are not earning above average, then it is a struggle.
Otherwise though, I don't think crime is as bad as they say. In London apparently crime is down but there's a media spin stating that it isn't. Politically, like the rest of the world it is depressing - lots of far right views making open racism acceptable again 🙄 Fine if you lean that way but thoroughly frustrating if you don't. Apart from that, I imagine it hasn't changed much since you were here last!
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
I am coming back having up skilled, I have a carpentry qualification and 3+ years experience rigging with cranes. I’m hoping I can hit the ground running with work once I get set up at home. Thanks for your comment
identified_weakness1@reddit
I used to live in Perth (Kardinya then Northbridge). Moved back to London last year after 11 years away and if anything I wish I’d done it sooner.
I do love Australia, it’s got so much going for it. It’s one of the few places I can still see myself living one day if I ever get bored of London. And it might be that because I can live there whenever I like in future without visa concerns, that I don’t feel so bad about having left.
Here’s the thing, London is so far removed from the nonsense you see online. It’s safe, it’s fun, it’s well connected for European getaways. My favourite city in the world and I feel lucky to live here every day.
Best of luck with the move.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Haha shout out the Kardy Tav! I lived there for two years also
Early-Sir-8115@reddit
It's expensive and after 15 years of "austerity" public services and infrastructure are run down.
But it's still one of the safest, most beautiful countries in the world. Mostly populated by nice people who prefer to get on with each other.
weedywet@reddit
Ignore the tv doom sayers.
It’s bollocks.
orangeblossom88@reddit
The news is skewed because it literally only features negative information. Yeah things are more expensive and I’m sure that people who were already struggling are now in an awful position, but it’s honestly not that bad unless you’re right at the end of that spectrum. (I have a lot of empathy for those who are, it’s terrible)
flippertyflip@reddit
Crime isn't rising.
Horror-Kumquat@reddit
This is true. Don't believe the media nonsense. Crime, particularly violent crime, is low and falling in the UK. The reason stabbings make the news is because they are rare.
AncientXaga@reddit
As someone who has visited Perth but lives in the UK, prepare for a positive culture shock!
Mani_2871@reddit
Visiting and living two very different things.
AncientXaga@reddit
Indeed, but it was one of the worst places I’ve visited in my life
Mani_2871@reddit
Hey Perth was worst place ???
AncientXaga@reddit
It was extremely racist, people would refuse to sit next to me on public transport. Just about every single person I saw working in fast food/retail was Asian - it was almost like a segregated society. I went to a party/gathering and the ignorance/lack of critical thinking skills among the young people was insane. Plus almost every homeless person I saw was Aboriginal. Not to mention we drove down the west coast for hours and saw absolutely fuck all lol. Would not revisit
b3ta_blocker@reddit
Isn't that the appeal of driving down the west coast!
Sorry you had a bad experience. I was in Australia for a year in 1993. Not many people pretended to have respect for aborigines then! No idea what it's like there now, but my perspective from the UK is that Australia is quite "right thinking" as in correct thinking, and gets things done. For example I like that they just went ahead and banned social media for under-16s rather than endless hang-wringing and not wanting to upset Silicon valley.
Stunning-Bumblebee45@reddit
Things started to move a bit for Aboriginal Australians in 92 there was hope, redfern address, land rights Hawke had hinted at a treaty a few years before but that all reversed with John Howard. Been a roller coaster an apology a no vote and I heard only 1 in 6 non indigenous Australians had ever had a conversation with an indigenous person. In early 2000s they introduced closing the gap to even up the social inequalities between indigenous and non indigenous.all this time later only 4 are on track. However we do now have acknowledgement of country at events and in official meetings but I'm not sure your observations on genuine respect would be much better than 1993 to be honest.
AncientXaga@reddit
It could indeed be the appeal if you like dead kangaroos on the road! I don’t know much about Australia in general, Perth is the only place I’ve visited, but I also agree with the social media ban for kids, I think that’s great. I’ve heard the east coast is amazing
Ok_Neat2979@reddit
Just being able to drive an hour and be in a different city with character and history of its own feels amazing after living in Perth .
Mani_2871@reddit
I had the opposite experience (im asian) a few times got mistook for an aborigini and got abused but then in states I got mistook for Mexican and got abused .... come to think about it people in the uk seem to think im muslim and get abused ! Not that it matters what race religion etc you are its not right. Yes aboriginis get a rough deal. As for the long distance and seeing nothing thats the appeal ? We drove Perth to adelade across nullabore saw about 20 people in five days only prob we had was running out of green !.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
I have lived in Perth for 4 years now and it never really felt like home, I am excited to come back to a cooler climate with more greenery. I will head back to York initially, but I am flexible in where I settle, depending on work I guess.
AncientXaga@reddit
York is absolutely beautiful - unsure about cost of living up those ways but crime wise it’s one of the safest and friendliest cities in the UK! Welcome back!
orensiocled@reddit
York is probably the most expensive city in the north but still cheaper than a lot of the south.
Source: lived there for 20 years before moving away because we couldn't afford to buy a house there!
Fibro-Mite@reddit
It really depends on where you will be living (North vs South, East vs West, city vs small town etc), what kind of job you are qualified for and whether you are able to either make friends quickly or still have friends here that you've kept in touch with. My family moved to Perth WA in 1982 (I was 16), I moved back here with my kids in 1997 and have not felt the need to go back to Aus other than to occasionally visit my family (more to take the kids to see their grandparents & aunts) every 4-5 years. I much prefer living here... but that could be as much to do with the 9K miles between me and my parents as it is to enjoying life in the UK.
Where you live is going to have the biggest impact on your housing costs. For example, London and Bristol (and probably any major university towns/cities) are amazingly expensive, but that can be offset by the social scene and nightlife, if you're into that. For most cities, you're best off looking for stuff in the surrounding suburbs/towns with decent transport if you want to keep costs down. One of my kids works in Bristol (how I know about the housing costs there), but lives almost an hour's commute each way down the M5, for example.
rich2083@reddit
I moved back a few years ago.
I regret it.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
What do you miss?
rich2083@reddit
The vibe here is generally miserable. There's no positivity, the news, the people. There's no work life balance, where I was living we would have mid week meals out with friends, lots of weekends hanging out with friends and kids etc. Garden BBQs and drinks. No-one does anything here. Everyone is skint, no free time. Basic shit is very expensive, housing bills etc anything remotely fun is expensive. The weather prevents any advanced planning for events. I miss taking my daughter to the park after school, it's not the same in the wind and rain.
SnooStrawberries2342@reddit
People in the UK have midweek meals out with friends, BBQs and drinks. They see bands, comedy, theatre, they travel around and see things, they go to the countryside, they enjoy the green spaces, they prepare for the weather rather than moaning about it.
You can't judge the whole country on your lack of social life.
rich2083@reddit
Yes you can enjoy your cold BBQ if you wish. I could also do all the things you listed for cheaper and in better weather. Yes the countryside is nice, but if that's a main selling point, it's pretty weak. Yes people still go out, but nowhere near the same frequency or without having to worry about the expense.
SneakyCroc@reddit
So SE Asia, or somewhere else in the developing world?
rich2083@reddit
Europe and Asia over 15 years
SneakyCroc@reddit
As somebody that has lived on three continent, and has travelled extensively across the rest, anywhere you can "eat out a few times a week without ever needing to look at the cost" comes with serious trade offs in other, arguably much more important, areas of life.
I spent three years living in and working in VN. It would be extremely disingenuous of me to talk about how much better it is living there because I could eat 30p pho in the sunshine daily, without talking about the horrendous poverty for much of the population, the dreadful education system, the really poor medical standards, and basically everything else that comes part and parcel of living in a developing nation.
rich2083@reddit
There are international schools and private hospitals. You don’t need to use public services.
I had an operation faster abroad that I would get it here.
I spent a decent chunk of time in china and their tier 1 cities are far beyond what we have in many metrics.
SneakyCroc@reddit
Of course there are. But that doesn't alter the fact that the significant majority of the population do not have access to those things. I've talking homeless people with gangrene legs, people without legs having to use skateboards to get about, child labour, extreme poverty. These are the trade offs I'm talking about. Just because your kids are being well educated and able to eat at nice restaurants for a fraction of the price, fuck everybody else that can't eh?
This thread is about how the UK is to live in at the moment and you're being extremely disingenuous in saying places like China are some sort of utopia in comparison because you can eat out more often. That's before you even get in to the human rights atrocities and oppressive regimes in places like Vietnam and China. These are the trade offs you need to overlook to enjoy life in places like that. And good luck if you inadvertently end up the wrong side of the law, lol. Which can happen to absolutely anybody in places where there is zero judicial oversight. But I guess it's fine, cos the British International School is there, it's easier to plan a BBQ, and the family night out is cheap.
rich2083@reddit
This isn’t a thread about the morality of where you live.
It’s about quality of life. As a white Brit that was best acquired in another country.
It matters not where I lived, it has no material influence on those people’s lives. They will still be poor if I lived in the UK.
I used my advantage to secure a good life For myself and that of my family. Nothing else really matters. So yes, fuck everyone else.
SneakyCroc@reddit
I mean, you're shitting on somebody else in this thread because after ill health they enjoy community bingo events and fish and chips. You're just a shitty person. That's fine. But anybody else thinking about a move should know about the huge trade offs these 'cheap' places come with.
rich2083@reddit
The person I responded to was saying that was a good quality of life. In my opinion that couldn’t be further from being a quality life.
They were trying to say that life was in some way comparable to their previous life, when it’s clearly not.
It’s not shitting on someone to disagree.
If I had to play bingo anywhere I’d prefer to do it somewhere warm, whilst drinking a cold beer and eating delicious food.
You might find living alongside poverty as a “huge “ trade off. It’s really not. Especially when you live in a gated community, with a live in maid.
I hope your morals keep you warm and fed
SneakyCroc@reddit
I don't need morals to feed and heat me. I've a good job and a fantastic quality of life in the UK. If we're not so humble bragging about our quality of lives, my last three annual holidays have been Maldives, Seychelles, and Barbados. I lived like a fucking King in Vietnam. I could move back tomorrow. We'll retire there soon enough for the reasons you've outlined. What I won't be doing though is telling people back home that quality of life is shit in the UK because I essentially live in an bubble of isolation abroad, with a lifestyle afforded to a miniscule percentage of people in that country.
rich2083@reddit
So you lived Like a king in Vietnam for 3 years and you’re going to retire there.
Where are your morals now?
SneakyCroc@reddit
My morality is irrelevant. My only point throughout this conversation is that it's important to give a balanced view of the alternatives.
Arrogantly boasting to people in a UK thread about how rosy life is elsewhere just because you have the opportunity to move abroad and live this incredibly privileged lifestyle is just totally unhelpful. Particularly when you're talking about somewhere like fucking China. Lol. Let's both hope your kids don't wanna be political activists when they grow up.
rich2083@reddit
You seemed very happy to grandstand your moral virtue when discussing the massive trade off of living check by jowl with poverty. Human rights abuse etc. Yet actually you have zero issues living life like a king next to poverty. You're a hypocrite.
SneakyCroc@reddit
We preferred L'acajou.
keithmk@reddit
Oh my word. Well I will tell my tale.
BACKGROUND
I have lived a few years in many places around the world. African outback, SE Asia (big cities there) and even spent a little bit of time in Rio on top of the normal European and other holiday places. So yes I do have something to compare with. I used to live in a 4 bedroom detached property with a pool before most of these travels, now I have a one bed flat. My income is less than half what it was back then, and that is in cash terms so in real terms much less, my health has deteriorated massively, I have chronic heart failure, kidneys failing and diabetes. But you know what, I am loving life here
THE REALITY
life really is what you make it. 6 years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer it was a blow, 4 years 10 months ago when told I had probably 5 years till my heart condition killed me, it was a blow. But sod it. Life is what you make it. I have blown most of my savings, I admit, but that was before my illnesses started. I go out for a pub meal once a week with a friend, in out apartment block we have communal meals on Friday evenings, one week fish and chips, another chinese or indian. I also run a weekly bingo session for the old girls here. They love it and all groan nicely at my dad jokes. I go to football on Saturdays and on sundays we have a meal at my sons. If it is dry a barbecue but he is daft enough to stand with an umbrella in the rain to cook. I use social media a lot and follow the news closely (not on TV but subscribing to news web sites). I am loving life, making the most of it and cultivating a range of friendships and having a positive attitude
rich2083@reddit
Would you prefer your previous life or the one you currently live?
I’d wager if you’re totally honest , your previous life, the one where you didn’t need to blow your savings to live your life and had a house with a pool is preferable.
I wouldn’t be able to live your life, no disrespect.
Bingo and communal meals? Fish and chips being a highlight? Sounds like you live in a run down coastal town like Blackpool or Great Yarmouth.
I’m glad you can enjoy that, but given the choice it’s very far from my ideal.
I wish you all the best with your health
Piptoporus@reddit
This isn't meant to sound snarky, but didn't you remember that the weather in Britain can be a bit hit and miss before you decided to move back?
rich2083@reddit
I moved for family reasons. As soon as that's over with, I'll be leaving again.
Interesting-Hawk-744@reddit
No life's a beach here, too
Suspicious_Banana255@reddit
It's fine, you know we enjoy a moan, so you will only see complaints, but no it's not really that bad. Just everything's more expensive than it used to be, same as everywhere else.
angels-and-insects@reddit
It's honestly fine here. There's been a weird spate of US videos saying various places are "no-go areas" which is total bollocks. Some stuff is def pricier but that's worldwide. No measurable increase in crime and no felt increase in mistrust in my experience. I'll still leave my laptop on an indoor cafe table while I go to the loo. We eat out and drink out less than in 2019 which is partly new habits and partly it is more expensive. But again, hardly unique to the UK.
andyone100@reddit
Well, apart from London, I’ll think you’ll find that most of the UK is a damn sight cheaper than Perth, so don’t worry about that. Job situation is about the same aswell. The weather is about the same as when you left.
Kip-o@reddit
I moved a few years ago for similar reasons. It’s a rough transition. Life is fine here of course, but people are generally gloomier than in Aus, salaries are lower, and the sunshine of Perth absolutely makes a difference. There are benefits of course, being near family is great, and London offers more than any city I’ve ever lived in (and I’ve lived a fair few countries).
Status-Mousse5700@reddit
We love to have a good old moan so doom and gloom is ideal fodder for that
Bitter_End_5643@reddit
I'm from Perth and I live in London - cost of living is the same
MaestroCodex@reddit
Honestly the worst thing about the UK these days is the endless torrent of complaining and running the country down that happens constantly in the right wing press and social media. I've logged here my whole adult life, yes it's not as good as the best times but it's much better than the worst. Don't listen to what you hear, make your mind up for yourself.
Teleopsis@reddit
If you’re moving from Perth everything will seem astonishingly cheap.
lilythepoop@reddit
I’m English born and bred but have spent a lot of time travelling to other parts of the world for various lengths of time. There is no other place I’d choose to spend the rest of my life than the UK. There is nothing extraordinary here, it is a place with few extremes, whether that be politics, cost of living, climate or the great outdoors. If (and I know that can be a big if), you are of moderate means and can afford a roof over your head and to feed you and yours, it’s an easy place to live, despite the negative press you’ll read. Major crime is easy to avoid whilst petty crime is an irritating reality. For me, being the mother of a daughter, there are few places where female emancipation is as strong as here, which is a huge thing.
rich2083@reddit
This isn’t a thread about the morality of where you live.
It’s about quality of life. As a white Brit that was best acquired in another country.
It matters not where I lived, it has no material influence on those people’s lives. They will still be poor if I lived in the UK.
I used my advantage to secure a good life For myself and that of my family. Nothing else really matters. And yes, fuck everyone else.
HugeEntrepreneur8225@reddit
Where do you see rising crime? You really should reappraise where you are getting your information from.
jamdoughnut_uk@reddit
Life in the UK right now definitely has its challenges! Cost of living is high, inequality is real, and some areas feel the effects of rising crime. But it’s not all bad. Lots of people still genuinely enjoy life here: being close to family and friends, cultural events, easy travel around Europe, and the little everyday things like local pubs, parks, and community activities.
It really depends on where you settle, your lifestyle, and what matters most to you. So yes, life can still be enjoyable! :)
Hot-Box1054@reddit
Avoid TikTok. That’s the only place where everyone seems to whine and complain about who gloomy the UK is. As others have said it’s not perfect but which country is? But to those of us living here it’s fine enough.
MJsThriller@reddit
You aren't being genuine in asking this question. Why not?
Worldly_Wafer_6635@reddit
It's not great, but it's not unrecognisable from 2020.
However, if those are the reasons you left, you deffo wont wanna stay haha
Straight-Jacket-3280@reddit
I moved back three years ago and it's not as bad as left wing readers think it is. People don't seem as friendly as they used to be and the racists aren't afraid to speak out. On the whole it's ok. It's a reverse culture shock almost like emigrating again
Ok-Pirate-6259@reddit
Don't forget Labour won the 2024 election which meant that suddenly the largely Tory Press decided that life in the UK was impossible amd everything was the fault of Starmer and Reeves.
Dutch_Slim@reddit
Things are dearer. Life is the same.
Lowermains@reddit
Which country in the UK are you moving back to?
Turbulent-Goose-5698@reddit
I wish I'd stayed in Perth, other than family and friends not being there everything in Perth was better except probably the nightlife. Admittedly that was 10yrs ago.
borokish@reddit
It's a dystopian hell that'll have you collecting your bags and walking straight back to the check in desks to book your flight out of here without even leaving the airport.
dongfang_meirei@reddit
There isn't rising crime. The cost of living is expensive, but compared to Aus I don't think it's any different. My brother lives over there. He pays way more for rent, but it's balanced by his pay, which is higher than the UK. He's not saved any money moving there.
The one thing he mentions a lot is just how expensive food is over in Aus. Even though food prices have gone up, they're still cheaper than mainland Europe and Aus.
keithmk@reddit
I understand that crime figures have actually fallen, but I may be wrong on that
dongfang_meirei@reddit
The problem is there is a really strong media campaign to smear the UK, mainly from US sources. So if you're not here I can understand why it can seem that way.
It's always been that way. I remember about 10 years ago there was a bs story that was spread saying Birmingham was a black only city and white people weren't allowed to go there. I met an American who refused to believe a photo of me at a gig in Birmingham was real 🤦♀️
Gold_Motor_6985@reddit
Murder rate is at a 50 year low.
Ok_Neat2979@reddit
And lack of competition for supermarkets, home Renovation stores, domestic flights etc.
scouserman3521@reddit
Everything has got worse since you were here 6 years ago. There is absolutely nothing that has got any better and I challenge 'the uk is fine' people to point out a single thing that is
Orange_Codex@reddit
The US is funding a global campaign in 'conservative' media to make the UK look as bad as possible, to further their policy of getting Reform elected (so US private equity can asset-strip our public services).
Of course the UK has flaws, which plenty of British people will happily tell you about, but crime isn't rising, inequality and cost-of-living aren't substantially worse than any other G7 country, people aren't being mass-arrested for opinions (with one exception...), and public services aren't collapsing. US arsonists are just angry they can't get our public assets for cheap, and have chosen us as public enemy number one because existing cultural and linguistic links reduce their overheads.
BG3restart@reddit
The UK is fine. I'm really happy here. I'm jealous that you've been in Perth for six years though. When I visited Australia, Perth was one of my favourite places. You'll surely miss the beaches and the weather though, but maybe not how early everything closes over there. That was an eye-opener to me. I hope you can find work you enjoy and that your mum is OK.
KawasakiHonda@reddit
It’s a shitehole and is still on a downward spiral.
However, you’ve chose to come back for reasons so not much you can do.
Espresso-Newbie@reddit
Don’t believe what the right-wing media /influencers /social medial are peddling.
Crime hasn’t risen exponentially. Prices are higher but that’s everywhere worldwide. There is the north-south divide in housing costs and wages but that’s been the case for decades now.
I do hope your mum is OK.
Safe journey back.
Random-Name-1901@reddit
In an Aussie living in Uk and regularly travelling between (was just there for 2 months). I would point out that Aussie media has always enjoyed painting the Uk as a doom and gloom place. It’s part of its schtick and the framing in Aus. Also worth noting that Australia is in the news for similar reasons here: terrible property situation, cost of living crisis, right wing politics surge, higher crime etc. I’d also point out that I’ve been seriously trying to move to Aus for the past 12 months and after doing loads of sums and on the ground research it just seems unavoidable and a more comfy life is possible here for us
snailtrailuk@reddit
I was working with a lot of Australians here in England until about last year when they all went home because it was cheaper in Australia than here and it just wasn’t working for them to be here in good jobs. Most of them couldn’t afford the mortgage on their places back home and the rent here, even with renters in their places back home. They were all very sad about it.
Finnegan-05@reddit
If they were trying to afford mortgages in AUS and rent in the UK, that's the problem.
Inevitable_Greed@reddit
FFS.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thanks for taking time out of your day to comment something utterly useless
Jesters__Dead@reddit
The most shocking thing will be the 6 month winters
Gold_Motor_6985@reddit
Crime is near all time lows. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgk86rr0vxyo
Gold_Motor_6985@reddit
Good to see people from abroad actually concerned about the real issues like cost of living and inequality rather than the fictitious shit we usually see. That aside, it's not so bad as others have said.
RiverTadpolez@reddit
I live in Scotland and I absolutely love it. Things feel pretty much the same as ever, except that it's hard for people to find jobs and there's loads of potholes. I haven't noticed anything else being particularly harder. I have what I need, the people are kind, great arts and culture, great nature - it's pretty much all good. :)
detective-doge@reddit
This inflated media coverage of rising crime is exactly that ….inflated most crime has been because of people that are already involved in that circle of crime. Everything else are just anomalies and are just as unpredictable as life itself. Cost of living on the other hand hmm it’s getting worse just heard on Lbc that the energy cap will be removed once again unless you receive some sort of benefits to negate that. Inequality isn’t something I’ve seen first hand as a British born Asian, I’ve never felt like I’ve been outright denied something because of my race but I can only speak of this based on my own experiences.
Chemical-Piece-5542@reddit
It really depends on your socioeconomic status mate. I’m working class and there’s very little potential for social mobility and financial growth in general. In fact, if I was the kind of person to prioritise a career or material wealth I’d be fucking miserable with little hope. Classism is a genuine problem in this country; I’ll never forget how I was clearly being perceived by a lot of people when I went to uni.
If you’re middle class or above, yeah it’s not as great as some other countries but you’ll be much better off than us lot.
ESLavall@reddit
As a fellow Perthite who moved back to the UK, best life decision. I love the temperature climate, the seasons and wildlife (foraging is a much bigger thing here). I love how there's so much STUFF you can get, you can order cool stuff from Europe or the US without waiting for months and breaking the bank. Books are so cheap here are reading isn't a fringe thing. There's so much more stuff to do, too - tourist attractions and events, and a lot of it free.
Cost of living is terrifying in London (which I just got out of) but OK elsewhere, I find cheaper books, beer, and fandom stuff evens out cheap clothes in Aus. That said, I did load up on cheap clothes last time I went back.
keithmk@reddit
And we don't have drop bears
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your positive input
Party_Advantage_3733@reddit
I think it's the same as everywhere really. Global inflation exists so things are a bit more pricey but crime rates have been dropping, not rising. Inequality is, as ever, an issue but not really a day to day one. That's more of a political discussion, again in line with the sort of questions any country has to answer.
OneGolf6327@reddit
Honestly brother. If it wasn't for the ill mother I'd advise never coming back.
It's a terrible place to live at. My particular experience come from warrington,Liverpool,Manchester and kidderminster.
Have problems with getting In to see doctors. The awful handling of immigrants is causing real physical danger ( I was actually attacked and Injured and had 300 worth of presents stole by 5 middle Eastern lads and I'm the one facing criminal charges coz I fought back)
As a returning resident I can o ly imagine what kind of options you have taken from you after more than a year out of country
Don't t even get me started on fu ding for NHS and local councils. Or the current useless state our police force is in.
All In all buddy. Sorry to hear Bout your family illness I honestly feel your pain on that 😔. But your coming back to a shitty ass time. Hope your mum's doing well, thoughts are with you
maceion@reddit
The UK is much the same as it always has been for last 20 or so years. Remember, good news does not sell newspapers or programs, Crime (assault, theft) is much lower than most USA big cities, but we do have some 'rougher areas', If you keep to the main centres you will be OK, and in smaller places they are very quiet for foreigners . PS I am UK native but livid in North America for some years. We allowed our children to roam as they wished from about 12 years of age.
grey-zone@reddit
Compared to York, cost of living in Yorkshire will probably be a pleasant surprise. Obviously there is a spike at the moment, as there is everywhere in the world, due to some idiot starting a war in the ME.
Not sure crime is rising? Pretty sure it is falling in London.
Won’t be as sunny as Perth though!
Able_Wedding_6681@reddit
I think it’s the same as usual - historically, there’s always been bad things on the news, but I wouldn’t say that right now the country is in any real depressing state. Went to Exeter over the weekend and the high street was booming with loads of people out and about spending money, of course things are a bit more expensive, but the economy and life are both still moving on.
WinkyNurdo@reddit
It isn’t depressing here. It’s the same as it ever was. The news, and the internet in general, is not in the habit of highlighting the good stuff. You will see plenty of people moaning about the UK … but remember, it’s a national sport for some. I love dear old blighty, warts and all.
ilovebernese@reddit
Not at all.
The UK is suffering from over a decade of austerity, but things appear to be gradually improving in public services. It’s baby steps though. (You can’t expect over a decade of misgovernment to be fixed in less than two years.)
There was once the belief that if you moved from the UK, you would be able to earn twice as much and buy a house twice the size for the same money.
That I don’t think is true any longer. If it was ever true at all.
I sometimes watch Wanted Down Under.
It’s amazing in the newer ones how little the difference is in pay/expenses. Usually people are only slightly better off. There was only one couple I remember that would truly have an uplift in salary. Usually people are slightly better off in Aus, but not by much.
People are usually disappointed in the houses they can afford as well.
The more I see of the world, the more I am convinced that it doesn’t really matter where you live. (In developed nations). Yes, some are better than others, but on the whole, there’s not a lot to choose between them. Most are suffering with the same sort of problems.
freebiscuit2002@reddit
I wouldn't rely too much on the news - and definitely not social media! They tend to overemphasise the negative. I am home for the first time in 4 years, visiting from the US, and things haven't changed for the worse, as far as I can see.
herwiththepurplehair@reddit
It's the same here as it is in Australia but the weather isn't as good, that's about it.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
I’ll swap the weather out for the funny characters you get in the UK
herwiththepurplehair@reddit
I'm quite the opposite. I've got family and friends out in QLD and if the lottery numbers came up I would be off. I love the Aussie sense of humour, I love the country, I live in north east Scotland and in January/February it rained so much here that when it finally stopped, it made the 6 o'clock news lol. I just want to go where the sun shines!
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Aussies are good craic and there’s definitely some characters. But the British sense of humour is top tier. I did love living in Queensland, more so than Perth
herwiththepurplehair@reddit
I’ve already chosen my house in Noosa, just need to have my numbers come up before someone buys it 😂
Bskns@reddit
Most people are managing. The stories you see in the news are the extremes because “people are living their lives as usual” isn’t news unless we’re meant to be in a lockdown!
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thanks, you are right, British media love to focus on the negative
Good_Lettuce_2690@reddit
TBF it's the same with media around the world. "Everything is fine" doesn't generate income.
Bskns@reddit
Anything for those clicks!!
madeupname45@reddit
And whether people choose to believe it or not wages have gone up asking with the prices
People will say they haven't but the hard stats show they have
Bskns@reddit
Some people don’t want to be told to cut their cloth accordingly.
TooLittleGravitas@reddit
Exactly. As the saying goes, "Good news is no news"
Xanavaris@reddit
As long as you’re not living in London where rents are astronomical, everywhere else isn’t too bad. News is quite scaremongering.
Good_Lettuce_2690@reddit
Get off social media, there's a reason it's called doom scrolling. Probably worth tuning out the news too if it's affecting you so badly. Birds still tweeting in the trees? Grass still green? Then it's all good. I love my life in the UK, and I'm far from what someone would call successful.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
I don’t watch the news directly but yes social media features a lot of negative news itself. I’m glad you are loving life
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Also I wouldn’t say it’s affecting me that badly, just something that’s on my mind, the comments here have soothed me a little
derekclysdale@reddit
For people that don't watch the news or use social media for news life is pretty great.
MidasToad@reddit
Life in the UK is absolutely fine right now.
There are a few more right wing protests.
Food is fractionally more expensive than it used to be, but still cheaper than most other European countries.
Rent and mortgage rates are high-ish.
Utility bills have crept up.
Crime is down on most metrics.
NHS is as underfunded but functional as ever.
Anyone who was barely getting by on their wages is now struggling, but most of us are doing fine.
MizzFizz02@reddit
It honestly depends on your social class. I am lower-working. Life in the UK is utter misery and every day feels like running in a hamster wheel with no way out.
I wish I could immigrate elsewhere but I don’t know if I ever could.
WalnutOfTheNorth@reddit
If you’re moving to Yorkshire it’ll be fantastic, the rest of the North not bad, West Country fine, everywhere else bad.
Carnste@reddit
Prices have gone up and people are a bit pissy about the way the country is headed, but that’s true for 99% of countries nowadays. It’s fine here, although I’d definitely do your best to stay in Australia for as long as you can.
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
I’m not not enjoying life, but at the same time I know I’m only a couple of bad months away from being fucked.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
What do you think is causing your negative feelings?
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
It’s not really a negative feeling, I’m just aware that the reality is that my earnings have stagnated yet everything is getting more expensive and I’ve got no savings.
This is far from a problem exclusive to the uk though.
poeticlicence@reddit
Feeling Blue(bird) could be a clue.
Opposite_Basis_3532@reddit
As a Greek who moved from Greece to the UK 8 years ago I can absolutely confirm that cost of living has increased dramatically. Groceries prices doubled in the last 3 years, energy bills same, council tax bill keeps increasing every year while services have remain the same, eating out is really expensive now in comparison to few years ago. Don't get me wrong if you are on a good salary you can still have a good life but you've got less disposable income at the end of the day.
SnooStrawberries2342@reddit
Council tax needs to pay for adult social care, and there are an increasing number of adults needing care each year, so services aren't remaining the same, they're expanding. It's a symptom of the ageing society.
cctwunk@reddit
Very much depends on where you move, but I'm still enjoying life here despite the global turmoil. I'm in the Northwest and don't struggle as a single man on a bit less than UK median income.
Currently buying my own place, live in a city so public transport isn't an issue, and don't have car expenses thanks to that. My hobbies don't cost much, and i use council gyms to play sports with friends.
Cost of food increased but is still a very good deal compared to rest of europe. I go out for meals and drinks regularly.
I love the variety of restaurants and independent shops. Patisseries and high quality coffee shops in particular seem to have boomed. Whenever I go to markets there's always loads of people.
Overall like everywhere else it depends on what you are into and whether your new location matches that. For everything I absolutely adore and is making my life pleasant there would be another person complaining about it as gentrification
onion2077@reddit
I love our coastlines. Really beautiful places.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
100%
Spiritual-Pain-6426@reddit
Peoples attitudes to you will depend on your attitude towards you. Bring positivity... get positivity.
I'm loving life... my work is busy, my personal life is busy... and I earn enough money to save a little each month and still enjoy life. I'm not rich. But i'm far from poverty and I certainly won't be retiring early due to my finances!
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Generally I am a positive person, just anxious also!
Spiritual-Pain-6426@reddit
That's ok... just gotta make.sure that it doesn't stop you from making the most out of every situation...
You'll be fine back in the UK. Nothings changed that much....unless you are importing products from Europe. 🤣🤣
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Yep, done some maturing over the last few years and noticed the power of positivity. Thanks for your reassurance
Ok-Language-2752@reddit
No it’s not all doom and gloom at all. I lived abroad for 18 years and it was the best decision I ever made to move back to the UK
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Thank you, it’s daunting making a big change but I am looking forward to being home
tragic1994@reddit
I'd advise to stay away from cities such as London,Birmingham.
AncientXaga@reddit
What’s the chances you don’t live in either and get all your information from GB News
tragic1994@reddit
Used to live in brum would never recommend living there and spent 4months in London which was worse than Birmingham... Also I don't watch gb news but nice try👍
AncientXaga@reddit
Strange because I lived in brum for 2 years and it was the nicest city I’ve ever lived in, and then I moved back to London which is also lovely. What didn’t you like about them?
tragic1994@reddit
People have different experiences I live near Worcestershire now and there are a few people from Birmingham all of them are glad to have left the place. The main thing I didn't like about it was the crime rate I lived in kongs norton. As for London my experience was just full of rude people again crime was a problem traffic a nightmare and prices.
AncientXaga@reddit
I can agree with the rude people thing, but that’s city living, and it’s balanced out by all the lovely people there too
tragic1994@reddit
That was just my experience I'm glad Ive been to London but that's all it is for me a place you visit. I would never in a million years live in either of those places again
madeupname45@reddit
Perth is extraordinarily expensive so I'm sure you'll find it ok price wise here
All friends in where you live in the UK as anywhere
Living in Berkhamsted is completely different to living in Houghton Regis for example
Broad-Raspberry1805@reddit
It’s winter.
cardboard_sword@reddit
It’s spring!
poeticlicence@reddit
Always look on the bright side :)
Trips-Over-Tail@reddit
Cannibal attacks are sky high in my area.
Fred_Chopin@reddit
Was in Melbourne for a few weeks visiting my wife's family earlier this year. Can confirm Aus TV news is utter garbage, little bit like the US. It ain't all great but no doubt a rosier outlook to be had than the one being pushed over there.
Regular_Number5377@reddit
The discontent you see on the subs is more a case of ‘we are upset because we should be doing better than we are as a country’, rather than ‘this is an objectively awful place to live’.
The U.K. is still a decent place to live, and I would rather live here than 95% of other countries in the world.
Fluid_Environment_40@reddit
Im really happy here. Having lived abroad in the past, I appreciate what I have here more than before. I love the part of the country i live in (near the Cotswolds) and im not rich but have enough to live on. It is pricey round here and I think Id be struggling a lot more if I was still a single parent but thankfully my partner and I joined forces. Not sure what's happening next though ...
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Yes exactly, I think I’ve matured enough to appreciate things a lot more and enjoy life for what it is.
Stratospheric-Ferret@reddit
Don't look to the news if you want any positive vibes.
When talking to friends all over the world, all anyone does is moan about how their government is shit, everything is falling apart, and things aren't what they used to be.
I learned that the grass isn't always greener, don't listen to negativity, and to just enjoy the small things.
Ok_Ninja_5208@reddit (OP)
Haha I don’t even watch the news really just pops up on social media really. But you are right, enjoying the smaller things is something I have learnt to do over the last couple years so i am excited to pop round my mums for a cuppa, be able to walk around my town, and have a proper cozy winter.
I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit
Social media is the worst for it. People who are happily getting on with life don't tend to post about it.
qualityvote2@reddit
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