The Big Move

[MariaP]

Hi

Looks like my employer are relocating me to Sydney and will be sponsoring me, in discussions at the moment. Now that it seems to be a possibility I'm getting rather anxious. I'm a singleton, tender age of 37 :-) so will be making a move on my own but hope to get my mother over on a parent visa at some point when it's possible. I have lived in Sydney for a few months before in my backpacking days and have visited often on business and know about 3 people! I suppose I'm getting anxoius about meeting others and making new friends especially when leaving a close knit group back home, but I'm the sort to get out there...how difficult is it?

I need a bit of encouragement methinks...family and friends at home are putting me off the idea, but to spend the rest of my life in UK is not an option, I've been an expat for over 30 years, born an bred...many years in Africa and Dubai and Germany...so flitting is not the big issue for me...just leaving the familiarity back home I guess, although I must admit I've only been in the UK 10 years only really moved back when my father passed away and I guess have built up friendships...but I'll need to make new one's...any pearls of wisdo, encouragement and support badly needed

[cmallon]

Originally Posted by MariaP

Hi

Looks like my employer are relocating me to Sydney and will be sponsoring me, in discussions at the moment. Now that it seems to be a possibility I'm getting rather anxious. I'm a singleton, tender age of 37 :-) so will be making a move on my own but hope to get my mother over on a parent visa at some point when it's possible. I have lived in Sydney for a few months before in my backpacking days and have visited often on business and know about 3 people! I suppose I'm getting anxoius about meeting others and making new friends especially when leaving a close knit group back home, but I'm the sort to get out there...how difficult is it?

I need a bit of encouragement methinks...family and friends at home are putting me off the idea, but to spend the rest of my life in UK is not an option, I've been an expat for over 30 years, born an bred...many years in Africa and Dubai and Germany...so flitting is not the big issue for me...just leaving the familiarity back home I guess, although I must admit I've only been in the UK 10 years only really moved back when my father passed away and I guess have built up friendships...but I'll need to make new one's...any pearls of wisdo, encouragement and support badly needed

Hi Maria,

I say go for it!! I am 29 and have lived in the same county all my life. Although I will be making the move with my partner and son it is still daunting but I don't want to be in the position years down the line wondering what could have been and then it's too late to try. At least if you go and it doesn't work out you can come back to the UK if that is what you want to do. My brother-in-law went out to Oz 4 1/2 years ago without having ever visited and now he will never come back to Scotland, I don't think he will ever even be back for a visit as everyone here is happy to go to Oz on holiday.
Good luck and I hope it works out whatever you decide to do

[MariaP]

Thanks very much for the encouraging words...feel better already!! My best mate and her husband are following me a year later...plus I've got some family in Adelaide. I know a couple of people in Sydney and I'm an active sort so I'm sure I'll get myself involved and meet some more folk. Thank you :-)