I'm originally from the UK and have lived in Australia with my partner for over 6 years. We came when I was 22. We travelled the whole country for the first 2 years before settling in Sydney and one of us was able to get a job that could lead us both to PR. For the first 3 years I was pretty adamant that I always wanted to go home eventually and always missed it. But after building a life in Sydney and visiting the UK again, it started to feel like we were making the right decision. I became more certain that this was the life we wanted and that we’d do whatever we could to stay.

Fast forward to this past year and we have been in limbo, on bridging visas, waiting for our PR approval - its been complicated and we don't really have 100% certainty that it will even be approved (long story). The stress of the unknown has gotten to me so much and my anxiety has been the worst it's ever been this year. I've also been having panic attacks.

I've found myself reflecting and the homesickness has become overwhelming. I miss my family so much and feel that its getting harder as my parents get older. Other family and friends are starting to settle and have kids and I just can't help but feel like we're missing out on everything. My partner and I have a great relationship and we are very close to their family in the UK too. However, I know they don't struggle with homesickness as much as I do and that they would be quite happy to continue living in Australia. We have spoken about this and I know it is a decision we would make together, but I'm just feeling very conflicted.

Any advice? Does it get any easier or worse? If you asked me a year ago, I felt the complete opposite.