Job Discussion Forums

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

The guilt will fade, as will the number of friends and family back home.

father Mackenzie · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 105 Location: Jakarta Barat

My parents support my choice of living and working away from the UK and encouraged me to move overseas and enjoy my own life.
I have found that you find out quickly who your real friends are back home when you are far away from them, as they are the ones that contact you and come visit when they can.
When I go back for holidays I see those that matter to me the most and that way we are all happy.
I have never felt guilty about not my choices I made to work and make a life outside of England.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

I don't think my Mum actively promotes feelings of guilt, but she certainly would like to know that I'll be back at some time. She's 80 so my plans do include going back at some stage, but not just yet.

Being in Europe means easy access by friends (although I seem to have a particularly impecunious group) and I've had some visit already. My Mum's visited as have a nephew and girlfriend. Their enthusiastic reports means I'm hosting nephew, niece and partners in January. Luckily I have a big flat!

There does seem to be a lot of negativity about returning, but I take the view that any move I make is for positive reasons. I'll certainly expect to have quite a few Italian friends visiting when I do go back!

Madame J · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:55 pm Post subject:

I don't see myself ever being away for more than a few years tops, mostly for the reasons given. Lord knows how many friends I'd lose if I was out of the UK for any serious length of time. I don't think it's fair to feel guilty if you do end up staying away for a serious amount of time, though. Everyone deserves to do something they're passionate about.