Emigrating/moving abroad. Anyone done it?
Discussion
This is something I’m sure most people dream of, or love the idea and think of doing it, but how many people have done it and what it’s really like.
Is the grass really greener and the sun any hotter?
I understand people moving abroad to Greece Spain etc when they are retired and don’t have to think about a job etc,
But what about younger people, I’m 25 and seriously considering something abroad, my company is global so I could transfer, but I’m more likely to want a nice simple job, hotel maintenance of similar.
I’m thinking either moving somewhere just warmer like California or Australia, but will life just be like British life but with better weather?
I would ideally like to do the Spain or Greece thing, nice simple job then relaxing on the beach the rest of the time. But it nags me is it even possible to do this with a few k ( house deposit) in savings?
I know that the natives tend to have to work the season and miss the summer but that’s not
Something I would want to do.
have any PHers moved for the simple life? And did it work out?
Is the grass really greener and the sun any hotter?
I understand people moving abroad to Greece Spain etc when they are retired and don’t have to think about a job etc,
But what about younger people, I’m 25 and seriously considering something abroad, my company is global so I could transfer, but I’m more likely to want a nice simple job, hotel maintenance of similar.
I’m thinking either moving somewhere just warmer like California or Australia, but will life just be like British life but with better weather?
I would ideally like to do the Spain or Greece thing, nice simple job then relaxing on the beach the rest of the time. But it nags me is it even possible to do this with a few k ( house deposit) in savings?
I know that the natives tend to have to work the season and miss the summer but that’s not
Something I would want to do.
have any PHers moved for the simple life? And did it work out?
Why not try backpacking for a while?
If you're not career focused then pack your bags and see what happens.
I did it (22 years ago mind). One of my friends is still at it.. just moves around from country to county picking up work here and there. Some friends have settled and married after meeting 'the one' during their travels etc.
If you have no ties and no immediate career ambition then go see what's about.
I wish I spent more time doing it.
If you're not career focused then pack your bags and see what happens.
I did it (22 years ago mind). One of my friends is still at it.. just moves around from country to county picking up work here and there. Some friends have settled and married after meeting 'the one' during their travels etc.
If you have no ties and no immediate career ambition then go see what's about.
I wish I spent more time doing it.
Backpacking is a great suggestion, buy a rug sack a round the world ticket and a copy of this book. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Work-Your-Way-Around-Worl... and go find some adventures.
We are currently pursuing the dream of emigrating to Nevada ... getting a compamy to support an application is challenging though.
We are 34/33 with a 3yr old
I have a lot of friends who live and work in the UAE and Thailand and love it and wouldn’t consider coming back to the UK for a holiday never mind to live again.
Horses for courses I think, some are dead against it and view the UK as the cream of places to live, myself less so
We are 34/33 with a 3yr old
I have a lot of friends who live and work in the UAE and Thailand and love it and wouldn’t consider coming back to the UK for a holiday never mind to live again.
Horses for courses I think, some are dead against it and view the UK as the cream of places to live, myself less so
I have several friends and family that have moved to different countries.
From what I can determine, your observations of same s
t, better weather seems to apply and all of them seem to hanker for a return to the UK but for most, this is unlikely.
A good friend moved to the States when he was your age (he's now 51) and enjoys a proportionally better standard of living in the US than he would attain in the UK on the same wage but would still move back if it were not for the fact that he's married to an American, his kids were born there, etc. He points out that what was right in your 20s might not be right in your 40s, 50s but by that time, it's too late.
Another thing to think about....
My Brother in Law moved to Sweden 16 years ago, married a local, kids, etc. Three years ago he was diagnosed with Leukaemia and we lost him just over a year ago. We're a close family and having someone in that position that you can't easily pop round and see and be there at the end added greatly to the sadness and upset, particularly with my Father in Law and Wife.
But, everyone's different and situations are different. For less than a month's money you can be anywhere in the world within a day and the world is there to see and enjoy.
If the decision feels 'light' then it's 'right'.
From what I can determine, your observations of same s
t, better weather seems to apply and all of them seem to hanker for a return to the UK but for most, this is unlikely.A good friend moved to the States when he was your age (he's now 51) and enjoys a proportionally better standard of living in the US than he would attain in the UK on the same wage but would still move back if it were not for the fact that he's married to an American, his kids were born there, etc. He points out that what was right in your 20s might not be right in your 40s, 50s but by that time, it's too late.
Another thing to think about....
My Brother in Law moved to Sweden 16 years ago, married a local, kids, etc. Three years ago he was diagnosed with Leukaemia and we lost him just over a year ago. We're a close family and having someone in that position that you can't easily pop round and see and be there at the end added greatly to the sadness and upset, particularly with my Father in Law and Wife.
But, everyone's different and situations are different. For less than a month's money you can be anywhere in the world within a day and the world is there to see and enjoy.
If the decision feels 'light' then it's 'right'.
Do it when you are young, far easier. We did it after selling our 1st house in the UK, moved to Switzerland for work, spent 6 years there, did loads of travelling, biking, hiking, snowsports. Loved it, had 2 kids there, now back in UK, kids in school with loads of friends, bought a house and love it, so can't see us easily doing it again.
Nickbrapp said:
I would ideally like to do the Spain or Greece thing, nice simple job then relaxing on the beach the rest of the time. But it nags me is it even possible to do this with a few k ( house deposit) in savings?
If it was that simple everyone would do it 
As already mentioned, backpacking is your best start. My BiL did it about 20 years ago, first round Europe, then Australia and then the US. Enjoyed Australia so much he moved there and hasn't looked back.
Bear in mind the number of hoops you have to jump through in order to move (permanently) to Oz. They tend to want you to have decent savings, a job lined up, etc. We considered it a few years ago, there was a list of 'desirable' jobs/skills which would give more weight to your application. Simple maintenance jobs are probably not on it.
Nickbrapp said:
But what about younger people, I’m 25 and seriously considering something abroad, my company is global so I could transfer, but I’m more likely to want a nice simple job, hotel maintenance of similar.
I’m thinking either moving somewhere just warmer like California or Australia, but will life just be like British life but with better weather?
First of all, what is driving you? Experience of living in another culture, weather, etc? Work out your motivation first and foremost.I’m thinking either moving somewhere just warmer like California or Australia, but will life just be like British life but with better weather?
Second, as others have suggested, take a trip to potential destinations because you have to decide whether or the country will meet your expectations.
Third, you really, really need to perform job market research and immigration policies because a large number of countries will not allow you to work without a work visa, and there generally has to be demand for that role that a local cannot do (especially Australia). Given that you want a "simple" job, this will be your sticking point.
It sounds as though you want to be the Lilt Man i.e. selling cans of Lilt on a beach, and living an idyllic life. Which is great if (a) you can afford to do so - wealthy, (b) retired with sufficient savings. However, the reality is that most people need to work, hence the visa situation.
You can live in an expat bubble in most countries, however life can be whatever you want it to be, but it depends on how much effort you put in.You really do need to think about your motivations. If there are opportunities abroad with your present company, then put the work in to find out what qualifications and experience is required to successfully apply for those roles. Much, much better than trying to find a job in the target country.
As someone else has said, sounds like backpacking for a while may be a preferable alternative to help you decide what you wish to do.
My family is pretty footloose. My dad lives in Dubai, my sister in Australia and my Auntie in NZ. Dad hates Dubai, I’m not big fan and I’ve only been about 10 times so total of maybe 6 weeks at a push spent there. NZ or Oz though I can definitely see the appeal. Personally I would quite like to live in the US but my job is not transferable and I’m never going to find work there that allows me to work as little as I do now for the decent income I have here.
I’d say travelling for a year and seeing what tickles your fancy would be a good move. I’ve got friends who’ve lived all over the place and most seem to come home where it was a job that dragged them away rather than a desire to live in a particular country.
I’d say travelling for a year and seeing what tickles your fancy would be a good move. I’ve got friends who’ve lived all over the place and most seem to come home where it was a job that dragged them away rather than a desire to live in a particular country.
I moved to Greece (just north of Athens) three years ago for work with my family, i was 37 then and my wife 29. November to March you won't be on the beach, even on the islands, but there is plenty of other stuff to keep you entertained.
If you planned on renting it is relatively simple, you just need to prove your income when applying for a tax I.D. This is needed for banks, rent, utilities etc.
One thing to note is that Greece isn't cheap, they may be in financial crisis etc. but rent, cars and groceries are typically 30% more than the UK depending where you are. It is cheap to eat out though, a family of four can eat for 35 Euros with a glass of wine.
We prefer the lifestyle, it's very relaxed, we have nice weather for two thirds of the year, the food is great, the Greeks are really friendly (unless driving) and the islands are on our doorstep, we try to get to a different one every other month. But just having the ability to have a BBQ and jump in the pool at the weekend is a massive bonus over the UK.
We have no intention of returning any time soon, now we have bitten the bullet we would look at moving somewhere else further afield rather than return to the UK.
Having said all of the above we do miss some things, if you want efficiency or something to be done swiftly this maybe isn't the place for you
, it took me a while to adjust.
If you planned on renting it is relatively simple, you just need to prove your income when applying for a tax I.D. This is needed for banks, rent, utilities etc.
One thing to note is that Greece isn't cheap, they may be in financial crisis etc. but rent, cars and groceries are typically 30% more than the UK depending where you are. It is cheap to eat out though, a family of four can eat for 35 Euros with a glass of wine.
We prefer the lifestyle, it's very relaxed, we have nice weather for two thirds of the year, the food is great, the Greeks are really friendly (unless driving) and the islands are on our doorstep, we try to get to a different one every other month. But just having the ability to have a BBQ and jump in the pool at the weekend is a massive bonus over the UK.
We have no intention of returning any time soon, now we have bitten the bullet we would look at moving somewhere else further afield rather than return to the UK.
Having said all of the above we do miss some things, if you want efficiency or something to be done swiftly this maybe isn't the place for you
, it took me a while to adjust.I moved from Australia to the UK at the start of 2016.
No I'm not daft (OK maybe a little heat induced delirium).
I didn't move to get away from anything, I moved because I wanted a change of scenery, some adventure and to see what it was like. People who move to Australia from the UK because they hate the UK end up hating Australia because they end up having the same problems (I am of the mind that life is what you make it, so if you see problems everywhere then you'll never get anything but problems). If you want to move, move because you want to, not because you think things are bad where you are.
OTOH, you do need to adjust to the local environment, Spain will be pretty Anglo but in my time in the Phils I saw many people just lose their st because they had lots of money but couldn't accept they were considered second class citizens there, every country has foibles, flaws and eccentricities you need to accept and get used to, even when moving from Australia to England. If you cant take the good with the bad, you're going to be even more miserable than you were at home.
I'd love to move to Colombia (up and coming Ex-pat destination as long as they can keep the peace) but I'd need to be financially independent again.
ks off at 7:30 in the morning and thought it wasn't cold enough to warrant complaining.
However lifestyle, you'll need to make a lot of sacrifices. You wont find a pint for £2.50 anywhere... and there are no decent ales (I hadn't had a proper ale until I moved here and I had no idea what I was missing). Bands that come here twice a year will come to Australia maybe once a year, if you lived in Perth (with the good weather) then you'd see them once every 4 years. Going out sucks and many Australians are reluctant to change that as they think playing cricket in the back yard whilst drinking cheap beer is the height of a social life. Western Australia only started Sunday trading in 2011... and that had to be forced on them, given the choice, stores would still be forced to close on a Sunday
Also living there is more expensive. Sydney and Melbourne rents are as bad as popular English cities (not quite London prices... but not far off) and most things you buy are more expensive. I earned more money back in Australia, but I'm saving more in the UK because my overheads are less.
You get more space and less rain however if you want anything like culture, you wont find much of it.
If you want to try living abroad, give it a go. With Australia you're eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa (Working holiday or Class 417) which is for 12 months but can be extended to 24 and will be a lot cheaper than going down the Permanent Residency route, which you can do if you decide to stay.
No I'm not daft (OK maybe a little heat induced delirium).
Nickbrapp said:
This is something I’m sure most people dream of, or love the idea and think of doing it, but how many people have done it and what it’s really like.
Is the grass really greener and the sun any hotter?
No, the grass is a different shade and the sun maintains a consistent temperature of 5,778 K.Is the grass really greener and the sun any hotter?
I didn't move to get away from anything, I moved because I wanted a change of scenery, some adventure and to see what it was like. People who move to Australia from the UK because they hate the UK end up hating Australia because they end up having the same problems (I am of the mind that life is what you make it, so if you see problems everywhere then you'll never get anything but problems). If you want to move, move because you want to, not because you think things are bad where you are.
Nickbrapp said:
I understand people moving abroad to Greece Spain etc when they are retired and don’t have to think about a job etc,
But what about younger people, I’m 25 and seriously considering something abroad, my company is global so I could transfer, but I’m more likely to want a nice simple job, hotel maintenance of similar.
I’m thinking either moving somewhere just warmer like California or Australia, but will life just be like British life but with better weather?
I would ideally like to do the Spain or Greece thing, nice simple job then relaxing on the beach the rest of the time. But it nags me is it even possible to do this with a few k ( house deposit) in savings?
I know that the natives tend to have to work the season and miss the summer but that’s not
Something I would want to do.
have any PHers moved for the simple life? And did it work out?
Along with the UK, I've also lived in the Philippines for 18 months and Thailand for 6 months before that. Living in poorer nations are great if you don't have to work or have income streams that you can manage abroad... but they're the last places you want to get stuck with no money or dependent on a local job. I imagine Greece and Spain are similar, but not as extreme. Still, I wouldn't want to work in Spain for less than I'm getting here, the UK (or OZ) are not perfect but they are still the best places to live and work in the world).But what about younger people, I’m 25 and seriously considering something abroad, my company is global so I could transfer, but I’m more likely to want a nice simple job, hotel maintenance of similar.
I’m thinking either moving somewhere just warmer like California or Australia, but will life just be like British life but with better weather?
I would ideally like to do the Spain or Greece thing, nice simple job then relaxing on the beach the rest of the time. But it nags me is it even possible to do this with a few k ( house deposit) in savings?
I know that the natives tend to have to work the season and miss the summer but that’s not
Something I would want to do.
have any PHers moved for the simple life? And did it work out?
OTOH, you do need to adjust to the local environment, Spain will be pretty Anglo but in my time in the Phils I saw many people just lose their s
t because they had lots of money but couldn't accept they were considered second class citizens there, every country has foibles, flaws and eccentricities you need to accept and get used to, even when moving from Australia to England. If you cant take the good with the bad, you're going to be even more miserable than you were at home.I'd love to move to Colombia (up and coming Ex-pat destination as long as they can keep the peace) but I'd need to be financially independent again.
Nickbrapp said:
I’m thinking either moving somewhere just warmer like California or Australia, but will life just be like British life but with better weather?
Being an Aussie, life in Australia is not British life with better weather. I was thinking the other morning that it was a bit chilly in Berkshire... then I remembered if I still lived in Perth it would be 35+ degrees and I'd be sweating my bks off at 7:30 in the morning and thought it wasn't cold enough to warrant complaining. However lifestyle, you'll need to make a lot of sacrifices. You wont find a pint for £2.50 anywhere... and there are no decent ales (I hadn't had a proper ale until I moved here and I had no idea what I was missing). Bands that come here twice a year will come to Australia maybe once a year, if you lived in Perth (with the good weather) then you'd see them once every 4 years. Going out sucks and many Australians are reluctant to change that as they think playing cricket in the back yard whilst drinking cheap beer is the height of a social life. Western Australia only started Sunday trading in 2011... and that had to be forced on them, given the choice, stores would still be forced to close on a Sunday
Also living there is more expensive. Sydney and Melbourne rents are as bad as popular English cities (not quite London prices... but not far off) and most things you buy are more expensive. I earned more money back in Australia, but I'm saving more in the UK because my overheads are less.
You get more space and less rain however if you want anything like culture, you wont find much of it.
If you want to try living abroad, give it a go. With Australia you're eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa (Working holiday or Class 417) which is for 12 months but can be extended to 24 and will be a lot cheaper than going down the Permanent Residency route, which you can do if you decide to stay.
putonghua73 said:
First of all, what is driving you? Experience of living in another culture, weather, etc? Work out your motivation first and foremost.
Second, as others have suggested, take a trip to potential destinations because you have to decide whether or the country will meet your expectations.
Third, you really, really need to perform job market research and immigration policies because a large number of countries will not allow you to work without a work visa, and there generally has to be demand for that role that a local cannot do (especially Australia). Given that you want a "simple" job, this will be your sticking point.
It sounds as though you want to be the Lilt Man i.e. selling cans of Lilt on a beach, and living an idyllic life. Which is great if (a) you can afford to do so - wealthy, (b) retired with sufficient savings. However, the reality is that most people need to work, hence the visa situation.
You can live in an expat bubble in most countries, however life can be whatever you want it to be, but it depends on how much effort you put in.You really do need to think about your motivations. If there are opportunities abroad with your present company, then put the work in to find out what qualifications and experience is required to successfully apply for those roles. Much, much better than trying to find a job in the target country.
I would say the driving factor is the weather and the desire to not live in the UK with its obsession with money and spending money. I’m not really the type to want a big house or flash cars, more looking for a relaxing time with the sun on your skin doing something I enjoy.Second, as others have suggested, take a trip to potential destinations because you have to decide whether or the country will meet your expectations.
Third, you really, really need to perform job market research and immigration policies because a large number of countries will not allow you to work without a work visa, and there generally has to be demand for that role that a local cannot do (especially Australia). Given that you want a "simple" job, this will be your sticking point.
It sounds as though you want to be the Lilt Man i.e. selling cans of Lilt on a beach, and living an idyllic life. Which is great if (a) you can afford to do so - wealthy, (b) retired with sufficient savings. However, the reality is that most people need to work, hence the visa situation.
You can live in an expat bubble in most countries, however life can be whatever you want it to be, but it depends on how much effort you put in.You really do need to think about your motivations. If there are opportunities abroad with your present company, then put the work in to find out what qualifications and experience is required to successfully apply for those roles. Much, much better than trying to find a job in the target country.
I’m a fire protection And detection tech and have seen/ been told that this would be skilled enough to get into a country like Australia. The Australia thing would be a second choice as o guess it would be like living in the UK, still working full time but with better weather.
I would prefer the Greek or other sunny climate where I could do exactly the lilt man thing, where money isn’t the be all and end all of everything. Where getting by is enjoyable because not everything is centred around cash.
I’ve found in the UK, everything you want to do costs money, shopping is all you can do in winter cause it’s always raining or cold, all fun activities cost money and the only
Other things to do are country houses.
Basically I want to live life on holiday. With enough money to live.
You wouldn't be doing the Lilt man thing here in Greece, even more so on the islands as they are more expensive typically. And don't kid yourself, the Greeks are very money oriented.
I have a mate, who's 40!, living as a club rep in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, from my group of friends his lifestyle seems to be the closest thing to what you are looking for. He's still drinking beers on the beach every afternoon playing football.
I have a mate, who's 40!, living as a club rep in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, from my group of friends his lifestyle seems to be the closest thing to what you are looking for. He's still drinking beers on the beach every afternoon playing football.
davek_964 said:
You want to live like you're on holiday, in the sunshine without worrying about money?
As somebody else said, if it was that simple we'd all be doing it. Believe it or not, stuff costs money in Greece etc too. Typically, if cost of living is less, so is relative income.
While I understand that and I know you still have to make money, it just seems that in somewhere like Greece, especially an island like kos etc, while of course you still have to pay rent etc you can still enjoy life without spending a fortune.As somebody else said, if it was that simple we'd all be doing it. Believe it or not, stuff costs money in Greece etc too. Typically, if cost of living is less, so is relative income.
In this country, I earn a very good wage. Above national average, money buys me a very nice life, with good food, nice holidays and trips away, could buy a BMW if I really wanted, but stuff isn’t what I want. I like the sun and that’s what we don’t get here.
I know that the British people have one of the best quality of lives thanks to high wage, long life etc but
I feel we compensate for being a bit miserable
In this country because there’s very little to do when you look at it, by spending money on cars and big houses, but that’s not what life is about.
I have lived in the US, France, Belgium and Sri Lanka, and enjoyed every single one of those periods. None were for very long (SL was about 14 months, others were 6 month stints), and in all cases would have stayed longer if I could. That was in my 20s and latterly four years ago (spent a winter in the French Alps).
Go for it. You'll regret not trying.
Go for it. You'll regret not trying.
Nickbrapp said:
I’m a fire protection And detection tech and have seen/ been told that this would be skilled enough to get into a country like Australia. The Australia thing would be a second choice as o guess it would be like living in the UK, still working full time but with better weather.
Any country that closely track UK regulations and you might have a chance - though expect to budget to recertify for local codes, etc...? NZ as well?No chance with the US without a sponsor, and even then they would be pushed to justify it internally (and all the costs that comes with), it's not a scarce enough skill.
And aside from a few places, I wouldn't want to live in California without a higher salary.
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