Hi, I currently live in the US with my two US born children aged 17 and 15. For the past two years I have been thinking about moving back as we have no family here. But every year when I feel we are ready to move I get so afraid to just make that leap. I am wondering from people that have moved back how they made that leap? How they made the leap and how they knew it was the right thing for them?
Hi Sarah,
This is a great topic, thank you for asking the question. Speaking from my own point of view I can tell you that each time I moved back home (twice), I couldn't say that I knew it was the right decision. We really just had a desire to do so, and said let's just do it. Worst case it doesn't work out, and we go back. Which also happened, twice!
I get asked this a lot via email and over the phone too. People are so apprehensive. They've built up a great life abroad, have stability in their day to day life, but long for home. It's a very common theme, and a question that probably only you have the answer to.
Have you talked with your kids about it? How do they feel. I'm sure at their ages they must have an opinion. I'd imagine it might be to stay put. My kids were much younger when we moved, and weren't really involved in the decision.
Have you read the Irish Times articles on this? There's at least one almost weekly that hits on it. I recommend reading them, and the comments within.
Liam
my head is spinning with this topic too, to a point I almost feel sick. I guess we will never truly know unless we actually give it a go.
I was just home for 2 months , currently living in NZ, although I found it nice back home , I was not working so it was not reality. I've been thinking of going home for a few years now. I don't feel like NZ is somewhere I will settle down, it's a beautiful country but just lacks that punch of excitement. The outdoors lifestyle is amazing and I have had a great time here. But feels like I'm going against the grain now. It doesn't sit well with me to say I'm here 5 years. Feels like I should have left before now. I'm back now in NZ one day. I currently have no permanent place to stay (crashing in a friends house), no job here (although a better chance of getting one here than at home as I'm in the market more here). So I am so on the verge of booking a ticket home next week before I have to go through the motions of finding a place, starting a new job here etc.. when deep inside me I feel like just flying back now. I'm also scared of going home now and it taking a while to find a job, winter unemployed could destroy me.
I have mentioned it to some people, but it's too many opinions from friends and family can just be distracting. People on each side will be a little biased. I think you only know what's best for yourself as you know everything. Other people only know small things about your job, your relationships etc..
Feel this forum will be a more balanced opinion.
Hi Dylan,
Really relate to what you are saying. Been in the US 20 years but just can't help but feel like it isn't home. My oldest child has no problem moving but my younger child doesn't want to. Its very hard living here with no family.
I know a lot of people who have moved back and love it but I also know people who moved back and hated it and have come back. I think the most important thing is making sure you are going back for the right reasons and when you do get there make the most of it. If you sit and dwell on what your life would be like you will never readjust.
Every person's situation is different. It's important you make the decision for you and not because other people are telling you too.
Dylan_Here: I vote follow your gut. Your gut says to go back home. The best part of life is that you can always change your mind. I would just recommend that you have a reliable couch to surf on for a while because as you said you may have a hard time finding a job. Depending on the industry you work in, I read an article today in the newspaper that the job market is currently in favor of employees. A lot of positions sit unfilled and salaries are rising to attract the talent the unfilled positions need. You may not have as hard a time as you think (though yes over holidays it will drag on for sure while hiring managers may be on leave).