Following yesterday's news at the huge amount of people leaving Britain per day, where are they going and is daily life, once the novelty has worn off, really any better. Granted the weather must be better and that could play a big part in a better quality of life, but is cost of living, a big consideration? Life does seem to be getting more difficult and costly in Britain but what is the alternative? Do people who perhaps tour for long periods find it affordable etc.? I think I am going through a mid-life crisis today!!
Is it REALLY better anywhere else?
- Thread starter Chrissylizzie
- Start date
I could list the reasons I believe Chrissylizzie but I haven't got 2 hours to spare at the moment :O(
In a nutshell I don't believe it's to do with money, it's to do with the erosion of our culture, all that we over the centuries have cherished as British.
The pub, cricket, village pond, able to go where you want without fear, courteousness, caring for neighbours, open spaces,schools where the teacher actually spent time with the pupils, but most of all respect to those who try to help us.
It would be interesting to see why others would leave if they had the chance.
In a nutshell I don't believe it's to do with money, it's to do with the erosion of our culture, all that we over the centuries have cherished as British.
The pub, cricket, village pond, able to go where you want without fear, courteousness, caring for neighbours, open spaces,schools where the teacher actually spent time with the pupils, but most of all respect to those who try to help us.
It would be interesting to see why others would leave if they had the chance.
Those are exactly all the things I am missing Lord B. and I would love to see again. So many people feel the same and yet we have no representation. Would I find this quality of life elsewhere still, or has it all gone.
I have raised, and taken part in this topic many times because like others I am now unsure if the UK is the place I wish to spend the last years of my life.
Undoubtedly one can achieve a better quality of life elsewhere and there is no doubt that the failings of society that we see all around us, are not replicated elsewhere. Other nations are not as stupid as we are.
However, I still feel anger that I would have to consider this due to the inept incompetence and sheer greed of our political class. Why should one give up everything you have worked for all your life just because some idiot wants to give it all away to any lunatic/europhile/terrorist etc that comes asking. The moment we signed the Human Rights Charter (at the insistence of Cherie Blair, who made a packet from it) we lost all sense of reason. Other countries have signed and used it to benefit themselves, we abdicated everything to the lawyers and crooks.
So the choice is either leave and take a chance that you will be happy away from your roots, or stay and try to get the politicians changed to people who have at least an ounce of sense. For the latter i do not hold my breathe.
We need to take over a nice place, just as everyone is hellbent on taking over Britain, and make a new country for ourselves. Any suggestions??
Undoubtedly one can achieve a better quality of life elsewhere and there is no doubt that the failings of society that we see all around us, are not replicated elsewhere. Other nations are not as stupid as we are.
However, I still feel anger that I would have to consider this due to the inept incompetence and sheer greed of our political class. Why should one give up everything you have worked for all your life just because some idiot wants to give it all away to any lunatic/europhile/terrorist etc that comes asking. The moment we signed the Human Rights Charter (at the insistence of Cherie Blair, who made a packet from it) we lost all sense of reason. Other countries have signed and used it to benefit themselves, we abdicated everything to the lawyers and crooks.
So the choice is either leave and take a chance that you will be happy away from your roots, or stay and try to get the politicians changed to people who have at least an ounce of sense. For the latter i do not hold my breathe.
We need to take over a nice place, just as everyone is hellbent on taking over Britain, and make a new country for ourselves. Any suggestions??
SL theres two reasons thats keeping me here ...
1. Family.
2. I'm too old to be needed anywhere else.
I'm going to stop reading the papers because it depresses me. There's the CCTV story about Dartmouth today, yesterday about the immigrant, Mohammad Salim, who came here to teach but he's now given up because he gets over
1. Family.
2. I'm too old to be needed anywhere else.
I'm going to stop reading the papers because it depresses me. There's the CCTV story about Dartmouth today, yesterday about the immigrant, Mohammad Salim, who came here to teach but he's now given up because he gets over
We have family and friends living in Oz and NZ, a few visit here quite often, well when they've saved up! None of them can believe how much it costs to live here and what a poor standard of living we have in comparison to their homelands.
Really good friends moved to NZ a couple of years ago, they have a luxury house with 2 acres of land plus pool hot tub and all the latest gadgets. Afer paying travel and shipping costs and the total move in price of there NZ home they were left with over
Really good friends moved to NZ a couple of years ago, they have a luxury house with 2 acres of land plus pool hot tub and all the latest gadgets. Afer paying travel and shipping costs and the total move in price of there NZ home they were left with over
"None of them can believe how much it costs to live here".
Things have changed in the last few years then Jason. My wifes pen friend came to stay with us four times and each time the only clothes she brought with her were the ones she travelled in.
She had 3 cases, all one inside the other and bought all her clothes here. The last time she came she left the clothes she came in and wore new ones home but the rest she still couldn't fit in 3 cases so my wife sent them to her by sea.
Her daughter always said she would live here if possible and this was an Aussie born person with a Maori father.
She hated the heat. When I said she had air conditioning she explained that at sometime you had to go out in it plus in the area she lived, the Blue Mountains, it got so dry it was prone to the annual fires that rage over there.
I must admit that the high proportion of Aussies who actually live over here and wouldn't go back tells me that even there everything isn't so rosy.
And don't forget, they have the highest proportion of venomous creatures in the world ... hehheh!
Things have changed in the last few years then Jason. My wifes pen friend came to stay with us four times and each time the only clothes she brought with her were the ones she travelled in.
She had 3 cases, all one inside the other and bought all her clothes here. The last time she came she left the clothes she came in and wore new ones home but the rest she still couldn't fit in 3 cases so my wife sent them to her by sea.
Her daughter always said she would live here if possible and this was an Aussie born person with a Maori father.
She hated the heat. When I said she had air conditioning she explained that at sometime you had to go out in it plus in the area she lived, the Blue Mountains, it got so dry it was prone to the annual fires that rage over there.
I must admit that the high proportion of Aussies who actually live over here and wouldn't go back tells me that even there everything isn't so rosy.
And don't forget, they have the highest proportion of venomous creatures in the world ... hehheh!
Damian
Moderator
Quote "None of them can believe how much it costs to live here "
There should be a further bit to that reading,it is much cheaper for most things!
My sister in law was just over from Brisbane for Christmas here and the prices in Australia are very very high for most things, especially since their equivalent of VAT has been introduced.
She, and the family have been limited to , along with everyone else, something like 25 litres of water daily, for washing, cooking, etc etc, even to the point that bottled water has to be brought in due to a 3 year drought.
Farmers are losing livestock and are committing suicide as they cannot repay debts.
The grass always seems greener on the other side, but it is often an illusion.
There should be a further bit to that reading,it is much cheaper for most things!
My sister in law was just over from Brisbane for Christmas here and the prices in Australia are very very high for most things, especially since their equivalent of VAT has been introduced.
She, and the family have been limited to , along with everyone else, something like 25 litres of water daily, for washing, cooking, etc etc, even to the point that bottled water has to be brought in due to a 3 year drought.
Farmers are losing livestock and are committing suicide as they cannot repay debts.
The grass always seems greener on the other side, but it is often an illusion.
So what I think you are missing the point. I doubt that anywhere is perfect or better. But we surely are talking about leaving here. UK money can still go a long way in Oz and NZ.
We are not thinking of going to OZ so no will not be fried or tracked down by snakes.
A friend is employing two young Aussie guys here at present, they are 15 months into a 30 month stay, and earning far more than they would at home. But according to them they wish they'd never agreed the deal as they are as poor as church mice living here and can't really afford to travel and have social life like they do at home. One went home for a month at Christmas and regrets coming back.
We're heading to NZ on holiday and will probably look for a house to buy, we went last year and it may not be perfect but we felt more at home and safer there than we do in many parts of the UK.
We are not thinking of going to OZ so no will not be fried or tracked down by snakes.
A friend is employing two young Aussie guys here at present, they are 15 months into a 30 month stay, and earning far more than they would at home. But according to them they wish they'd never agreed the deal as they are as poor as church mice living here and can't really afford to travel and have social life like they do at home. One went home for a month at Christmas and regrets coming back.
We're heading to NZ on holiday and will probably look for a house to buy, we went last year and it may not be perfect but we felt more at home and safer there than we do in many parts of the UK.
I stay in the UK for one reason only....Family.
We are currently trying to sell a house that we used to rent out and the council now want 100% of the council tax for this property, even though the house is empty and unfurnished?
It seems they are within their rights to claim 100% of the council tax! However, there is a way I can reduce the amount I pay by moving into the house, on my own, and then I would be entitled to claim for a single occupancy discount of 25% which is
We are currently trying to sell a house that we used to rent out and the council now want 100% of the council tax for this property, even though the house is empty and unfurnished?
It seems they are within their rights to claim 100% of the council tax! However, there is a way I can reduce the amount I pay by moving into the house, on my own, and then I would be entitled to claim for a single occupancy discount of 25% which is
"The grass always seems greener on the other side, but it is often an illusion".
I think Damian meant the grass is always browner on the other side. :O)
I think Damian meant the grass is always browner on the other side. :O)
My wife's brother has recently moved from just inside the M25 to a just outside. He moved because in this very affluent area on the NW side of London English is now not the predominant language in the schools and his children where in the minority.
He informs me that there is a "white flight" moving ever outwards from London leaving non white, non English in prominence.
My last surviving relative from my mothers generation lives in Merton, South London, and hates it but has not got the money to move. I lived in Tooting as a teenager and this has changed massively over the last 40 years. It is now more like Islamabad than London and even the MP is Asian.
A couple of years ago I had my car lifted near Wembley Stadium by a council sting. Of the 8 or so people I had contact with, from the lift to getting it back two hours later at a cost of
He informs me that there is a "white flight" moving ever outwards from London leaving non white, non English in prominence.
My last surviving relative from my mothers generation lives in Merton, South London, and hates it but has not got the money to move. I lived in Tooting as a teenager and this has changed massively over the last 40 years. It is now more like Islamabad than London and even the MP is Asian.
A couple of years ago I had my car lifted near Wembley Stadium by a council sting. Of the 8 or so people I had contact with, from the lift to getting it back two hours later at a cost of
I can identify with what you mean Ray. I've been saying for years that it's like a cancer spreading throughout the country.
At the moment we are kind of ok where I live but it's getting closer every day.
Worcester, 28 miles east is changing fast and Gloucester, 30 miles to the south, is even worse.
Every time I drive around town I see more gangs of what look like Somali's or Sudanese roaming around. In certain areas here houses are being bought up by unscrupulous landlords and are becoming areas you wouldn't now wish to walk at night.
At one time here we had a high proportion of people, mainly elderly from the home counties, selling up and moving because they'd had enough.
It wont be long before we here will be like Worcester/Gloucester and hear the wailing calling the faithful to prayer.
At the moment we are kind of ok where I live but it's getting closer every day.
Worcester, 28 miles east is changing fast and Gloucester, 30 miles to the south, is even worse.
Every time I drive around town I see more gangs of what look like Somali's or Sudanese roaming around. In certain areas here houses are being bought up by unscrupulous landlords and are becoming areas you wouldn't now wish to walk at night.
At one time here we had a high proportion of people, mainly elderly from the home counties, selling up and moving because they'd had enough.
It wont be long before we here will be like Worcester/Gloucester and hear the wailing calling the faithful to prayer.
Hi
England is a fantastic country.
I love it. It's got everything and is the envy of most of the world (cue invite for racist/narrow-minded responses).
What would be nice is for all those who are 'fed up with England' to maybe go live in another country and then realise what they'd left behind.
As for teachers not spending time with kids....some people will say ANYTHING for effect, won't they - and absolutely no evidence to back up their argument. Probably read the tabloids as their major source of information.
Yours, enjoying our beautiful land
Mac
England is a fantastic country.
I love it. It's got everything and is the envy of most of the world (cue invite for racist/narrow-minded responses).
What would be nice is for all those who are 'fed up with England' to maybe go live in another country and then realise what they'd left behind.
As for teachers not spending time with kids....some people will say ANYTHING for effect, won't they - and absolutely no evidence to back up their argument. Probably read the tabloids as their major source of information.
Yours, enjoying our beautiful land
Mac
Oops sorry, I take it you are a teacher? Where do you teach Mac?
What part of this "beautiful land" do you live to make these observations?
At a guess I would say you don't live here at all and live in Tristan da Cunha because you are so out of touch with reality it's unbelievable.
That is unless you are a troll and your post is made to stir things up ;O)
Then again I did say the other day there's 2 PC liberal lefties in this forum, not as I was accusing you of being one of course... lmaoooo.
I agree with Marc's point. England and Scotland and Ireland and of course Wales are all lovely contries and it has taken centuries to get them that way. Possibly that is the problem, we made it so nice that everyone wants to come here.
The UK is offcially the most crowded area of Europe and still they come. As LB states people are moving outwards and so sooner or later we will all be living at John o Groats or Lands end. Don't sneeze or someone will fall into the sea.
Also like LB we have family here and they are of course important. However, they are grown up and even our grandson will be able to drive in a couple of years and will make his own way in life. Because we live in different parts of the UK we only see each other at intervals, that is not a problem, as we enjoy the time when it comes round. I was never into the idea of living in the same street etc, being that close probably would lead to arguements, certainly in my case as I am a grumpy old sod.
So, I tend to the viewpoint that my wife and I's life is just as important and if we feel that together we wish to move then we will do so, and make the rest fit. However, to be au contraire, I would also like to be allowed to stay where I am without feeling I am unwanted, or merely a cash cow for every lunatic scheme that comes along.
I think that what we all want is a reasonable balance between having a good life, good company and the ability to enjoy it without fear. The actual location is secondary in my opinion. As my wife tells me 'home is where your bits and pieces are'.
The UK is offcially the most crowded area of Europe and still they come. As LB states people are moving outwards and so sooner or later we will all be living at John o Groats or Lands end. Don't sneeze or someone will fall into the sea.
Also like LB we have family here and they are of course important. However, they are grown up and even our grandson will be able to drive in a couple of years and will make his own way in life. Because we live in different parts of the UK we only see each other at intervals, that is not a problem, as we enjoy the time when it comes round. I was never into the idea of living in the same street etc, being that close probably would lead to arguements, certainly in my case as I am a grumpy old sod.
So, I tend to the viewpoint that my wife and I's life is just as important and if we feel that together we wish to move then we will do so, and make the rest fit. However, to be au contraire, I would also like to be allowed to stay where I am without feeling I am unwanted, or merely a cash cow for every lunatic scheme that comes along.
I think that what we all want is a reasonable balance between having a good life, good company and the ability to enjoy it without fear. The actual location is secondary in my opinion. As my wife tells me 'home is where your bits and pieces are'.
I agree with much that has been said,about the declining state of the UK as most of us (oldies!) knew it. I think alot of it is down to the lowering of standards by successive generations, and a lack of simple discipline. Most children growing up today are, at heart good, sensible kids, but they all get tarnished by the minority yobs that we see on the TV terrorising the general population. A greater danger is I think, being created by allowing so many 'Mad Mullah' types into this country, to preach their medieval rubbish in an attempt to ruin this land in much the same way that they have ruined their own, with their neverending years of religous bickering. The supporters of this open door policy are generally those with the same mentality as those that pushed for childhood free from any sort of parental discipline. They think that they are being fair minded, but in reality they ruining what most of us cherished.
"I think alot of it is down to the lowering of standards by successive generations, and a lack of simple discipline".
Spot on Rod and you will find that the liberal left PC numpties are usually those who have nothing to compare todays state of the country with. If anyone points out what is wrong they play their only card calling everyone who is more worldly wise than them as racists.
" The supporters of this open door policy are generally those with the same mentality as those that pushed for childhood free from any sort of parental discipline. They think that they are being fair minded, but in reality they ruining what most of us cherished".
Again spot on but these very people are those who are members of every pressure group. The majority try to go about their lives the best they can but these jerks poke their noses into everyones lives and try to tell them how they would like them to live it. If you disagree you will be called every ist or accused of every ism that has now entered the English language of late due to these people.
Spot on Rod and you will find that the liberal left PC numpties are usually those who have nothing to compare todays state of the country with. If anyone points out what is wrong they play their only card calling everyone who is more worldly wise than them as racists.
" The supporters of this open door policy are generally those with the same mentality as those that pushed for childhood free from any sort of parental discipline. They think that they are being fair minded, but in reality they ruining what most of us cherished".
Again spot on but these very people are those who are members of every pressure group. The majority try to go about their lives the best they can but these jerks poke their noses into everyones lives and try to tell them how they would like them to live it. If you disagree you will be called every ist or accused of every ism that has now entered the English language of late due to these people.
The lowering of standards by succesive generations is probably true, but which ones are guilty?
I believe the moral standard started dropping after the end fo the War in 1945 when many people started to question the status quo. There was also an understandable desire for paents of that time to want a better life for their children and probably indulged a bit more. In addition, communications improved dramatically and people became aware of what was happening in other aprts of the world. many feel the real 'rot' started with the swinging sixties and as a child of that period I suppose I have to admit 'guilty'. Although I never managed to ever get to the pop concerts where free love was happening, but I sure as heck wished I could have.
We tried to bring up our children to be as normal as possible, and I am pleased to say they have both turned out well. Of course at the turn of the 70's there was a glut of graduates of what now would be described as 'arty degrees' These people were not wanted in industry so many became teachers/lecturers and started the left wing tendencies that have generated into much of the current malaise. The next stage of the downward slide was created by electing T Blair in 1997. He had everything he needed to create mayhem and with the able assistance of his spouse, did just that. The programmed break up of the family as a cohesive unit was a guarantee to create exactly what we now have. I suspect many of us now realise the mistakes made, but correcting them is going to be a great deal harder and longer to achieve so i would therefore see no problem if my children stated that they really felt this was not their reponsibility and left the UK.
I believe the moral standard started dropping after the end fo the War in 1945 when many people started to question the status quo. There was also an understandable desire for paents of that time to want a better life for their children and probably indulged a bit more. In addition, communications improved dramatically and people became aware of what was happening in other aprts of the world. many feel the real 'rot' started with the swinging sixties and as a child of that period I suppose I have to admit 'guilty'. Although I never managed to ever get to the pop concerts where free love was happening, but I sure as heck wished I could have.
We tried to bring up our children to be as normal as possible, and I am pleased to say they have both turned out well. Of course at the turn of the 70's there was a glut of graduates of what now would be described as 'arty degrees' These people were not wanted in industry so many became teachers/lecturers and started the left wing tendencies that have generated into much of the current malaise. The next stage of the downward slide was created by electing T Blair in 1997. He had everything he needed to create mayhem and with the able assistance of his spouse, did just that. The programmed break up of the family as a cohesive unit was a guarantee to create exactly what we now have. I suspect many of us now realise the mistakes made, but correcting them is going to be a great deal harder and longer to achieve so i would therefore see no problem if my children stated that they really felt this was not their reponsibility and left the UK.
"I agree with Marc's point. England and Scotland and Ireland and of course Wales are all lovely contries and it has taken centuries to get them that way"
I find the above very strange, I don't believe that the vast majority come here as Britain is a lovely place, they come here because our governement and system is soft touch. It doesn't matter if they plan to work or not, most if not all come because they know they are going to be pampered and cared for and many have little concern for the way of life and generations of people who have provided that safety net.
If we leave the UK we have to prove we can pay our way, an Australian friends son wants to hone his skills here in the UK for no more than two years after having been here on a 1 year work ticket. It's costing him about
I find the above very strange, I don't believe that the vast majority come here as Britain is a lovely place, they come here because our governement and system is soft touch. It doesn't matter if they plan to work or not, most if not all come because they know they are going to be pampered and cared for and many have little concern for the way of life and generations of people who have provided that safety net.
If we leave the UK we have to prove we can pay our way, an Australian friends son wants to hone his skills here in the UK for no more than two years after having been here on a 1 year work ticket. It's costing him about
I have a NZ passport and can move out there with my family any time I want to.
However, at the time of writing, I chose not to. I couldn't earn anywhere near what I do over here. Yes, most properties in NZ are cheaper in comparison to England. I just think NZ is years behind us in several areas.
My parents lived in Sydney for years but my mum simply couldn't cope with the heat and the insects. Coupled with the fact she was terribly homesick, they moved back to England.
We've lived in some rather exoctic locations around the world but England is where my heart is.
Lisa
However, at the time of writing, I chose not to. I couldn't earn anywhere near what I do over here. Yes, most properties in NZ are cheaper in comparison to England. I just think NZ is years behind us in several areas.
My parents lived in Sydney for years but my mum simply couldn't cope with the heat and the insects. Coupled with the fact she was terribly homesick, they moved back to England.
We've lived in some rather exoctic locations around the world but England is where my heart is.
Lisa
I agree Lisa. But you are only 36 and I guess you may have to work for a few more years. From our previous visits we like the country and the life style. Australia is not for us. my wife would hate the heat and wild life.
NZ offers us cheaper living and a slower pace of life around us. On top of our pensions we can also do better with the bits amd pieces we have an have very very good extra income.
If I was your age and had to work, then maybe here would be the best option. Sadly age is against us so we are looking for the best deal we can get before Mr Brown takes all of what we worked for.
In NZ we can live in the equivalent of a
NZ offers us cheaper living and a slower pace of life around us. On top of our pensions we can also do better with the bits amd pieces we have an have very very good extra income.
If I was your age and had to work, then maybe here would be the best option. Sadly age is against us so we are looking for the best deal we can get before Mr Brown takes all of what we worked for.
In NZ we can live in the equivalent of a
"England is where my heart is".
England is where my heart is too Lisa. That is why I defend it before it's changed forever although I already think it's too late. My forefathers defended it and some paid with their lives, it's just as well they can't see it now after the sacrifices that were made.
Immigration needs to be stopped NOW though I realise it will not and as each day goes another 800 pour in and our customs and culture gradually fade away with nobody doing much about it because it's as if we all have been drugged into acceptance.
England is where my heart is too Lisa. That is why I defend it before it's changed forever although I already think it's too late. My forefathers defended it and some paid with their lives, it's just as well they can't see it now after the sacrifices that were made.
Immigration needs to be stopped NOW though I realise it will not and as each day goes another 800 pour in and our customs and culture gradually fade away with nobody doing much about it because it's as if we all have been drugged into acceptance.
It all depends on your preferences and priorities. My experience is that there is no country in the world that's all bad (well, at least none of the usual ones where one might consider living)and there are certainly none which are all good. Having lived in the UK, USA and now Germany I think I'll stay put here because it suits me best, but I feel pretty much at home wherever I am. To me, the name of the country shown on my passport means very little, it reflects not much more than the name of the authority that happened to issue it. The only thing it really determines is where I am allowed to vote, but judging by the quality of politicians the world over, that's a very dubious privilege. I pay my taxes in the country of residence and that's it. If the conditions were unbearable, I'd move on.
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