Can you go from hating it to loving it?

That was one of the many threads I put on British Expats Moving back to the UK forum.

The answer is YES YES YES. We all love it here in Adelaide and it is most definitely our home.

The last two years have been a rollercoaster of a ride to say the least. We had a very bumpy ride for at least the first 12 months. There were lots of contributing factors to this but I’m not going to harp on about them too much as they are in the past but I think being pregnant when we arrived (plus having a toddler and a teenager who didn’t want to be here) was the main issue – I was very hormonal which seemed to magnify everything. It wasn’t easy but we got through it. We blamed Adelaide at the time but it so clearly wasn’t Adelaide. The issues were nothing to do with Adelaide but at the time it was easier to blame the place. My husband posted a very cringeworthy (but funny IMO) thread at a very low moment.

What changed? Not sure really, gradually things just started to improve, the good days started increasing until now ALL days are good days. The first of our visitors was Chloe’s dad, he saw so many positives here and it sort of opened our eyes a bit to things we hadn’t even noticed before. This also helped to alleviate some of the guilt I had about Chloe and her dad being separated. From then we started appreciating things a lot more and gradually opened our hearts up to Adelaide instead of blaming Adelaide for all our problems.

We also addressed a lot of issues such as James changing his job, I got a part-time job which fits in perfect with the kids and I love it, I’ve made some fantastic friends and continue to make more friends, everyday life with the kids is easier.

We just changed my outlook on life and started thinking positively and life just gets better and better for it.

My parents visited us for three months recently which was fantastic for them to see their youngest granddaughter for the first time. The kids loved having them here and we are all looking forward to them coming back every year. The fact that I know they will be out here every year helps a lot.

My brother moved to Perth in October last year but has now moved to Adelaide which is absolutely fantastic having some family here now. One of the things that worried me about living here was the kids not knowing their family but I need not worry anymore.

Chloe and her dad are as close as ever. They keep in touch by telephone every week, texts, emails and of course he sends her lots of parcels. For anyone else worrying about taking their children away from a parent then really it can work out ok. Chloe’s dad is due out again at Christmas and Chloe has been fortunate enough to go back to the UK twice to see him. Chloe loves the UK but she loves it here as well and now wants to become an Australian citizen!!!!

Adelaide is perfect for the lifestyle we want which is a no-hassle kind of life, the kids having fun with no stress or worries and generally spending more time as a family doing simple things which don’t cost a fortune. Financially things are tougher here for us – in the UK James was earning over £55k, here he is earning $55k – a big drop!!! This means he has to work some weekends as an agency nurse to earn extra $s. However, for us, the lifestyle we have now is far better than what we had in the UK. We definitely have less stress here and find things a lot less materialistic, or maybe it’s just us that have changed. It’s a great feeling driving along the coast road every day looking out at the sea and we certainly wouldn’t swap that to go back to the UK. (I’ve never Britain-bashed though as it’s the place I was born and I’ve got lots of good memories there)

So for us – LIFE IS GOOD in Adelaide.

:D :D :D

good job you stuck it out by the sounds of it........





things do take time :)

This is a really honest post, thank you. Its good to hear that you gave it a couple of years without giving up :yeehah:

We are sort of trying to get that mindset of "give it at least 2 years no matter what" you have now proven through the highs & lows - that it CAN & HAS been done, so well done :)

Thanks again for sharing the info

Angela

Good to hear its all working out for you, I enjoyed your uplifting post.
I especially enjoyed your signatures!!
Denise :)

What a brill posting..... we are not there yet and we are under no illusions that it will take work. After reading your post it has filled me with a sense of power to adapt and overcome the obstacles that we will inevitably encounter.

I am a great believer in that life is what you make of it. Be positive, think positive and be greateful for each day... life aint always a bed of roses but it is what you strive to make it that counts in the end.

Andy

Great post! Just shows that things are not always as they seem, and that blame can be put on things that are not always the cause of the problem.

So glad that you are very happy here now!
Jen

:) Thankyou for your post, Foster Clan. Really happy to hear that things are improving and your happiness is an "every day norm" again. I'm sure you'll be an inspiration to many who are going through a similar experience to what you went through, in your first twelve months. Again, thankyou

:clap: Hi Foster Clan
it was great to read your message. As someone who is hoping to come out this year and dread the low moments which no doubt will come when missing family, friends, etc it's nice to know that it all comes together and works out. Like everything else you've got to give it time.
I'm pleased you are all settled and happy.
jane

great honest post, it helps our family to truly know we are doing the right thing.
thank you :D

Thank you very much for a very honest and brilliantly uplifting post. :love29:

We are determined to give it the full 2 years plus. Expecting difficulties but also exciting times.

Thans again
lesley :D

Thank you for posting such an honest account.

Glad its going well for you!

Lea :D

Great post, really positive. Im glad things are working out well for you and your parents are able to spend time with you.

Im looking forward to visiting Adelaide in November.

All the best.

Joex

Thanks for a lovely post,just shows that sticking at it pays.

So pleased you feel so happy and settled now.

In May I'll posting our "Been here 7 years" post :D

Well done....i remember the tough times you had....and so glad its finally working out for you...

ah...teenagers...who'd have them?......but they get there in the end...

lorraine

Well done you lot! It just goes to show that you can change your life with a change of attitude, just like your signature says. Nice to see someone 'walking the talk' (as vomit-inducing as that expression is :lol: )

Nessa

Bravo Jo,

you are one of the very few and very fortunate people who are able to stand back and objectively analyse your reactions to things and circumstances and to separate your "head" and "heart" without losing that "gut feeling" instinctiveness which gives warmth and humanity to your posts.

Attitude really is everything in this game and girl, you have heaps of the right kind! :lol:

PS: Excellent signature!

So it's better than Monk Bretton then..???. :D

Did you go to Burton Road School..??

Corker