Job Discussion Forums

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Where's the maybe button? I don't know. Life doesn't go according to plan but as of now I have no plans to return and am setting up shop here.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

I agree... need a 'maybe' button...torn between returning to somewhere in Canada or some where warm, cheap and exotic...just too many choices...maybe just jump around for a while ... see what appeals ... still have a few more years to decide if and when to put down some roots.

Agamemnon · Joined: 24 Jun 2014 Posts: 34

Had 20 + years in one country, Turkey, really don't visit the U.K very much, doesn't have much going for it these days, but I do miss the culture, hearing my language all around me and engaging in the kind of conversations that just don't take place here, even with fellow xpats who seem to be a wierd bunch at the best of times.
There is also a small matter of healthcare over here,fine, if you are still working and your employer is paying the lion's share of the cost, but once that stops.
Then when you become a bit dodery and not all your marbles are there well basically you are at the mercy of god and good neighbours, both of which are in short supply, so, yes at some point, I will return to the land of my forebears and throw myself on the tender mercies of the state, I have paid my dues so reckon it will be payback time for me, god knows I've earned it!

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

I left the UK in 1991, and apart from a year or so in London, I've been abroad permanently since then - for the last 14 years in Italy. But with the never-ending political and economic mess here, I think that buying a small flat in the UK would be a good option. But as for living there permanently - I really don't think I could face the greyness after years in the Med.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

I'm from UK and really really really thought I'd spend my later years in Malaysia. Now I'm in Malaysia on an extended break with my in-laws here, I remember it for what it really is: a third-world country which is fine for a holiday.

This developing country mindset isn't cute or culturally interesting. It's tiresome, dangerous, corrupt and lawless. Again, fine for a holiday or a few years as a TEFLer, highly recommended.

But the thought of settling here would be terrifying. I can deal with dodgy traffic cops, etc, but for things that really matter, give me a first world country, thanks.

Also, my Malaysian wife has seen the light. She wouldn't live here again. That says it all. People from the developing world who see the first world rarely choose to head back. It seems odd then that people choose to go the other way.

The UK/Europe might have grey skies, but it's a safe place to settle.

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

From the US,been in Japan 10+ plus years. No desire to repatriate. I like seeing some family and friends, but America largely depresses me. Even visiting there makes me love Japan more. Would rather retire in another country than go back. Ugh.

jm2505 · Joined: 20 Jun 2009 Posts: 35

Where you end up could be dictated to by many different things that can happen in life. Health, political situations, getting married...the list is endless.

What your choices are when you are 30 are not the same when you get to 65. All I can say is, go with the flow and take what seem like good opportunities as they arise.

schwa · Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 164 Location: yap

I enjoyed my life in Canada (Victoria/Vancouver) where my kids & siblings continue to live. I was older when I left & now I'm thoroughly hooked on being an expat. Fifteen years in Korea, moving to Micronesia next month. Short visits back are nice but feel like same-old. I couldnt imagine living there longterm again.

"Home" is here & now.

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

Started in Morocco in 1996.
Worked in Russia, Morocco again then Poland.
Went to Japan in 2000 and am still here.

I think I will return to the US.
Getting sick of limited contracts. Wife wants to get a house but need a stable job.
No choice but to return.

Some people end up coming back to Japan. Want to be sure that I have a job before returning to the US.

Scott at UW · Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Posts: 6

I did.

Spent 17 years overseas and return home about 1 1/2 years ago. I used to be Scott in HK and then I was Scott in Incheon.

It was a tough haul trying to find full time work.

happyinshangqiu · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:01 pm Post subject:

Bought a place in Spain, I have exactly the same rights and benefits as living in the UK so there is no real need to return to the UK when I am done with working abroad - which I am happy about. I know people who, after a stint abroad, love the idea of going back and living there but it isn't for me personally.