Emigrating/moving abroad. Anyone done it?
Discussion
Nickbrapp said:
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.
davek_964 said:
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
Many people like cars and they are part of my 'what life is all about' but that, of course, depends on age (not necessarily income). My son (28) is currently residing in Mexico and can see the pacific from his home office. He does what he used to do in London from his flat on the Pacific coast. In October he will be trying out life in Bogota. He is young enough to want experiences rather than large wads of cash. His girlfriend teaches English as a foreign language and it all suits them rather well. Sun, sea, sand and surfing. Great, super cheap food too! If, however, they wanted theatres and culture then they are in the wrong place, as would you be if you lived/worked in parts of Oz and most of NZ. Highly urban parts of Oz are more expensive that here and all the above comments are relevant.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
Go to NZ and you'll have the most awesome outdoor life but soon the lack of anything else begins to drag. I love NZ and visit there quite often but it is all too, er, parochial for me. My mother is now a naturalized New Zealander and will never visit England again because it is too crowded. She is 80 and I am a mere 57. Your perspective on what makes a good life is different from mine. It is actually different from everyone else's so just make sure you know what it is you actually want.
I go 100% with the suggestion that you pack up your rucksack and get on your bike around the world. See what gives and what you like. Many people opt out, do odd jobs here and there and never need to be tied to anywhere. Why limit yourself? It makes deciding far harder!
Bon voyage and keep us up to date.
Johnniem said:
Go to NZ and you'll have the most awesome outdoor life but soon the lack of anything else begins to drag. I love NZ and visit there quite often but it is all too, er, parochial for me. My mother is now a naturalized New Zealander and will never visit England again because it is too crowded. She is 80 and I am a mere 57. Your perspective on what makes a good life is different from mine. It is actually different from everyone else's so just make sure you know what it is you actually want.
New Zealand = UK in 1955 from what friends said to me...davek_964 said:
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
No I didn't.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
But I am curious what the OP means by this. Whilst it's clear the weather is better in some countries compared to the UK, I find it hard to believe that a bit of sunshine is suddenly the panacea of things to do. What magical pastimes are going to be available in Greece that aren't available here - particularly that don't cost money?
If the OP really thinks the only things to do in the UK are sit in your big house and look out the window at your posh car - which is getting rained on - I would guess his lack of imagination means that even a bit of sunshine isn't going to be the magical meaning of life he's looking for.
Depends what you like.
To keep a career, I'd personally go to France, but then I speak French well enough. Atlantic coast is nice, maybe La Rochelle. or for heat, the south coast but they get a bit odd in the south west.
Or Switzerland. Better hiking and skiing than the UK but it's not very friendly to foreigners. Tolerated but you will never be local. And the cost...
To keep a career, I'd personally go to France, but then I speak French well enough. Atlantic coast is nice, maybe La Rochelle. or for heat, the south coast but they get a bit odd in the south west.
Or Switzerland. Better hiking and skiing than the UK but it's not very friendly to foreigners. Tolerated but you will never be local. And the cost...
Nickbrapp said:
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.
This is complete bOther things to do are country houses.
ks of course but might be the root of your dissatisfaction: you're bored because you do f... all. Shopping is all you can do in winter - really?Vaud said:
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.
I spend time in Cali for work, mostly the Bay area: I work out of our SF office for a week once a quarter. My best friend also emigrated there - he lives in Fairfax, in Marin County, so I see him and his wife when over, staying at their house at the weekend.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.
I'd live there in a heartbeat (and indeed, with an American wife, am considering it in the future). Fantastic place.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 19th January 14:08
Vaud said:
New Zealand = UK in 1955 from what friends said to me...
I dont want to sound big headed but I have done lived in many countries but New Zealand is the best of the lot, terrific people and a wonderful country. I emigrated to Hong Kong many years ago in a time when major companies provided you with a big flat and gave you a great job, I was in my 20s and it was a great opportunity, loved it and came back with many memories and enough cash to pay for a house outright.
My advice to you would be to do something similar especially if you get the opportunity to go with your current employer.
Harry Flashman said:
I spend time in Cali for work, mostly the Bay area: I work out of our SF office for a week once a quarter. My best friend also emigrated there - he lives in Fairfax, in Marin County, so I see him and his wife when over, staying at their house at the weekend.
I'd live there in a heartbeat (and indeed, with an American wife, am considering it in the future). Fantastic place.
Oh me too. I lived in Palo Alto in the 90s and spent the weekends in Marin, Yosemite, etc... I'd just want the right adjustment to salary... I go about once a quarter as well, not far from Financial District I'd live there in a heartbeat (and indeed, with an American wife, am considering it in the future). Fantastic place.
I was offered an internal transfer to San Francisco last year and despite the companies best efforts the cost transfer (going as an expat, not transferring to NA contract) was prohibitive, plus the change in lifestyle.
Vaud said:
Johnniem said:
Go to NZ and you'll have the most awesome outdoor life but soon the lack of anything else begins to drag. I love NZ and visit there quite often but it is all too, er, parochial for me. My mother is now a naturalized New Zealander and will never visit England again because it is too crowded. She is 80 and I am a mere 57. Your perspective on what makes a good life is different from mine. It is actually different from everyone else's so just make sure you know what it is you actually want.
New Zealand = UK in 1955 from what friends said to me...However, life there isn't like the 1950's. NZ is fantastic but without the historical architecture and cultural entertainment options it must rely on it's landscapes (which are as good as many in Europe and better than some). My sister had to get on a plane to Oz to see One Direction with her daughter. Not cultural I know but she lives in Christchurch, capital city of the south island. Big bands don't really do Christchurch but focus on Aukland, which is also a plane ride away!
davek_964 said:
davek_964 said:
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
No I didn't.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
But I am curious what the OP means by this. Whilst it's clear the weather is better in some countries compared to the UK, I find it hard to believe that a bit of sunshine is suddenly the panacea of things to do. What magical pastimes are going to be available in Greece that aren't available here - particularly that don't cost money?
If the OP really thinks the only things to do in the UK are sit in your big house and look out the window at your posh car - which is getting rained on - I would guess his lack of imagination means that even a bit of sunshine isn't going to be the magical meaning of life he's looking for.
I moved to the US (Central FL) with my job in 2001.
I would suggest that the grass is different shades of green, with some of it significantly more verdant than UK and some of it a little less so.
Although I'm not rolling in cash, I certainly would not want to live here on a tight budget.
I retain my British citizenship (and am also a US citizen now), but the UK becomes more and more foreign to me with each visit. I don't dislike the UK, but have zero plans to return and live there.
I would suggest that the grass is different shades of green, with some of it significantly more verdant than UK and some of it a little less so.
Although I'm not rolling in cash, I certainly would not want to live here on a tight budget.
I retain my British citizenship (and am also a US citizen now), but the UK becomes more and more foreign to me with each visit. I don't dislike the UK, but have zero plans to return and live there.
I left the U.K. when I was 29, to go see the world. 13 years later I moved back to the U.K., a wife and new kid in tow. We last 8 years here then decided to move overseas again, to the Philippines, bought some land, built the dream house/garage etc.
That lasted 7 years, then it all fell apart. I am back in the U.K. with the daughter now, wife is still at the other end of the planet. England is a nice civilised place, better than 90% of the rest of the planet, but I still don’t feel settled here. It is a bit gray, a bit quiet, a bit boring, but at 57 I can’t really think where I’d want to be as I grow old.
I’ve never been there, but New Zealand appeals. Australia is nice, but a bit extreme, apart from a few coastal areas. I have not spent a great deal of time there though to be honest.
That lasted 7 years, then it all fell apart. I am back in the U.K. with the daughter now, wife is still at the other end of the planet. England is a nice civilised place, better than 90% of the rest of the planet, but I still don’t feel settled here. It is a bit gray, a bit quiet, a bit boring, but at 57 I can’t really think where I’d want to be as I grow old.
I’ve never been there, but New Zealand appeals. Australia is nice, but a bit extreme, apart from a few coastal areas. I have not spent a great deal of time there though to be honest.
Vaud said:
New Zealand = UK in 1955 from what friends said to me...
I've said much the same when I've been there. You quite expect the small towns to be dominated by the Mothers Union but the cities like Auckland and Wellington are up there with most other modern centres. The scenery is exceptional, the pace of life is 'gentle' and the people are wonderful. It would be in my top 2-3 places to live long term. I'm intending moving to Spain in some capacity in the next couple of years. Always fancied it but since being stuck with arthritis the warmer weather is pulling me more and more.
I'll probably rent for the winter months first, to get a feel for how I like it without the risk/hassle of buying a property. I'm already organising work/business so that I can operate from anywhere without too much impact on finances etc.
Essentially I want the best of all worlds.
I'll probably rent for the winter months first, to get a feel for how I like it without the risk/hassle of buying a property. I'm already organising work/business so that I can operate from anywhere without too much impact on finances etc.
Essentially I want the best of all worlds.
Robertj21a said:
Vaud said:
New Zealand = UK in 1955 from what friends said to me...
I've said much the same when I've been there. You quite expect the small towns to be dominated by the Mothers Union but the cities like Auckland and Wellington are up there with most other modern centres. The scenery is exceptional, the pace of life is 'gentle' and the people are wonderful. It would be in my top 2-3 places to live long term. Vaud said:
Robertj21a said:
Vaud said:
New Zealand = UK in 1955 from what friends said to me...
I've said much the same when I've been there. You quite expect the small towns to be dominated by the Mothers Union but the cities like Auckland and Wellington are up there with most other modern centres. The scenery is exceptional, the pace of life is 'gentle' and the people are wonderful. It would be in my top 2-3 places to live long term. 
Thanks for all the replies so far, it seems most of you that have done it have gone to other very similar places like America and follow a similar life style to here but with perks and of course some draw backs. Not sure I fancy wearing uniform in 40 degrees!
Interesting to hear a few of you have gone to the Philippines that’s a lovely part of the world, I have done a few trips already into Asia. Beautiful place but maybe a little too removed from here, also very humid from what I remember!
lockhart flawse said:
Nickbrapp said:
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.
This is complete bOther things to do are country houses.
ks of course but might be the root of your dissatisfaction: you're bored because you do f... all. Shopping is all you can do in winter - really?Living in South Wales it’s all fields, mines, country houses and the sea side
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