Relocating to the UK

[headingbackhappily]

Wow, don't you really are quite bitter about the place. I'd be interested to know how long you have been here and interested to know how long those rose tinted glasses last.

As for me, I am off in 2013 and it couldn't come sooner. No, well that's not true we are saving every penny we can during our remaining time here in SP. I'll give SP that, we have been able to save lots here. I've lived in Asia for 14 years so I think we've given it a good go and think that I am in position to give an opinion on what I think. Asia, no, sorry doesn't do it for me. I've lived and worked in HK and Singapore twice, HK being my preferred destination. We are moving back to the UK comfortable. We will buy a modest home in a nice area and we will send our kids to a private school. Over the years I have seen people come and go. Many of them returned to the UK, many had the chance to come back and they chose not to take it. I speak to these people regularly about my reservations about returning. They all say the same thing. The grass is not greener on the other side, we'd rather be here and we wouldn't go back there (SP).

PP if you are young and early on in your career and/or you are making good money then good luck to you and I hope you have a blast here. WE did during the early years in Asia. As someone who has lived and worked in Asia for a long time here and as someone who has a family now I can tell you that this is not the place I want to be. I am not better off here. I live in a tiny house, I have no friends or family (only acquaintances) and the Singapore Government recently rejected my application to set up my own business. For me, Singapore is a jail. Fortunately my husband wants to return to the UK too as he has been offered a better role and feels that his career here is limited. Someone once said here that SP has a sell by date. We are well over it.

[To be]

I didn't realize what a hornet's nest I was going to stir up. I'm now clear on the difference between the public and state schools.

I've been in Asia in various countries for over a decade and while I do enjoy living in Singapore, I don't think that I can live here forever. I'd rather put down some roots and enjoy being in one place for the long term. That could be back in the US or the UK - but for the long term, I can't imagine any place in Asia that I would want to stay - if I were single or nearer retirement, then perhaps. Thanks for all the helpful information

[heythere]

Good luck OP. I am currently to'ing and fro'ing over where to live and where to send my kids to school in the UK. I have 18 months to go over it so we should be OK. We are trying to see if we can send our children to a private school as we have decided that anywhere we live this is the better option. It is not just a UK thing. Whether we live in the UK, Aus, USA or Asia we would want a private school. It's just that back in the UK we are used to not directly paying for things (although of course we pay via taxes) and if you have not been to approbate school yourself it can be a bit daunting and a bit of a jump regarding your finances.

What you need to do is work out where you will be working, how you get there (how long prepared to commute) and then pick a few towns, research local and private schools, housing costs and then go visit! That,s my plan.

Hey, I am no longer a member here but if you like we can correspond and I can help you were I can. Drop your email.