Poosible transfer abroad

WickyWickyWa

Hi all,
The company I work for is closing the site I work at. Myself and my wife both work there so we are both being made redundant.
There is the possibility of transferring though. Either to another UK site or somewhere else in the world. The ones that appeal to me are US/Australia (or any other English speaking country really).
The company is giving a good redundancy package or a good relocation package. Financially, there is not much difference what we choose.
My question is, do you (helpful MSE people that you are) think we should move to the US/Aus or stay in this country and why?
We have 2 young children in the early years of school.

PinkLipgloss

How close are you to your family?

I've lived abroad since graduating and most people that don't last are the ones that can't cope being far away from their families.

If you move to the US/Australia will you or your family be able to afford annual visits?

Are you and your wife fairly outgoing? Would you be able to cope starting from scratch in terms of making new friends for yourselves and your children?

Before making a decision look carefully at the primary education in the area. Would you put your children into state school (when they are old enough) or will you have to pay for a private education?

lady1964

My OH & I have lived in 2 different countries, the first one when our first DD was a year old and then 2nd DD was born overseas.

Check out what sort of expat package will be provided, they may pay for one or two flights home per year, ask if they will pay school fees (if going to a country where school fees are payable), what help you will get with housing expenses, eg rent, bills etc (we had all rent & utilities paid for in our last overseas home),health insurance, car, generally what sort of relocation/expat package they would offering.

There's a huge amount to consider financially as well as emotionally. Look into expat forums/groups to see what would be available in your destination for both of you and the kids.

WickyWickyWa

PinkLipgloss wrote: »

How close are you to your family?

I've lived abroad since graduating and most people that don't last are the ones that can't cope being far away from their families.

If you move to the US/Australia will you or your family be able to afford annual visits?

Are you and your wife fairly outgoing? Would you be able to cope starting from scratch in terms of making new friends for yourselves and your children?

Before making a decision look carefully at the primary education in the area. Would you put your children into state school (when they are old enough) or will you have to pay for a private education?

Thanks for reply.
I started answering, but realised there is still a lot to discuss with HR or somebody before I can answer better. Here's what I wrote before I realised that:
I am pretty close to family, but a lot of them are starting to move to different parts of the country now and so I wont see them as often anymore anyway. Although I know there is a big difference between being a few hours drive away and being half a world away.
Not sure yet about annual visits. Depends on the pay I guess.
I dont think my wife would have trouble making friends. I'm not too great at it though lol.
Haven't even started looking at schools, etc yet.

WickyWickyWa

lady1964 wrote: »

My OH & I have lived in 2 different countries, the first one when our first DD was a year old and then 2nd DD was born overseas.

Check out what sort of expat package will be provided, they may pay for one or two flights home per year, ask if they will pay school fees (if going to a country where school fees are payable), what help you will get with housing expenses, eg rent, bills etc (we had all rent & utilities paid for in our last overseas home),health insurance, car, generally what sort of relocation/expat package they would offering.

There's a huge amount to consider financially as well as emotionally. Look into expat forums/groups to see what would be available in your destination for both of you and the kids.

Answered all this, but then lost it when I got logged out. Starting again...
What does DD stand for?
The package is great. We would get a large lump sum, plus moving expenses and help. Only one flight in the first year I think. An amount towards school fees for USA. Plus help towards car and appliances - quite a lot it seems.
Financially I think we would be MUCH better off (at least at first). Would have to stay for 3 years in order not to have to pay it back to them unless it is them that make you redundent etc.
Emotionally, I am very unsure. Would miss family and friends obviously.
Should maybe just apply and see what happens lol

DCFC79

WickyWickyWa wrote: »

Answered all this, but then lost it when I got logged out. Starting again...
What does DD stand for?
The package is great. We would get a large lump sum, plus moving expenses and help. Only one flight in the first year I think. An amount towards school fees for USA. Plus help towards car and appliances - quite a lot it seems.
Financially I think we would be MUCH better off (at least at first). Would have to stay for 3 years in order not to have to pay it back to them unless it is them that make you redundent etc.
Emotionally, I am very unsure. Would miss family and friends obviously.
Should maybe just apply and see what happens lol

I believe DD is dear/darling daughter
and if you ever see it on the forums DS is dear/darling son

Good luck with what you decide what to do.

PinkLipgloss

WickyWickyWa wrote: »

Thanks for reply.
I started answering, but realised there is still a lot to discuss with HR or somebody before I can answer better. Here's what I wrote before I realised that:
I am pretty close to family, but a lot of them are starting to move to different parts of the country now and so I wont see them as often anymore anyway. Although I know there is a big difference between being a few hours drive away and being half a world away.
Not sure yet about annual visits. Depends on the pay I guess.
I dont think my wife would have trouble making friends. I'm not too great at it though lol.
Haven't even started looking at schools, etc yet.

Have a look at ex-pat websites in the countries you are considering moving to. You will then get a distinct feel of what the education/lifestyle is like from a Brit's point of view.