Do we stay or do we go?

cobbingstones

Hi all

We have the opportunity to stay in Stockholm for a six month period from June to December. We are now in the process of renting out our beloved house, in order to pay off a huge loan which will leave us £350 a month better off when we return. Everything sorted. Except we hear today that the company can only provide us with a one bedroomed apartment We have two children and I'm really confused about what to do.

If we go we pay off the loan If we stay I will need to work full-time which a huge percentage will need to go on childcare for two little ones. But I would be much happier. Husband really needs this to go anywhere in the company, so far only the single ones have done this sort of training.

Also if I'm going to be very honest I'm really worried about being isolated in a foreign country with no car and two very demanding children.

Sorry for moaning. Any advice much appreciated.

MMx

Spendless

Why will the company only offer a 1 bed aprtment? Would they pay the equivalent amount and you pay rest towards a bigger place. Is it possible that you can convert another room in the apartment as a childs bedroom, even if it has to have a different day and night use, or the kids have the bedroom and you get a sofa bed. I think from your other posts your children are young, is the youngest still in a cot?

bumpybecky

how big is the one bedroom apartment?

are we talking one bedroom, with no room for extra beds for the kids, with a small lounge/kitchenette?

or a studio flat with bit more space? and room to fit extra bed behind a partition (curtain even!) for the kids?

I'd be verging to on 'no' whatever the answer is though! one bed flat of any description with two small people doesn't sound fun to me Is there no way the company could be persuaded to go for a 2 bed place? doesn't seem fair to expect a man with family to take the same space as a single person..

roses

Stolkholm is extremely expensive, if the employer paid the cash instead of letting out a 1 bed place, you will be spedning an extra £350/month, not saving it!

Any chance your husband could go without you? Would the company pay for weekend flights home?

abbecer

I would jump at the chance. I have returned from a weekend in Stockholm and would take my two children there in a flash if the opportunity arose. It is beautiful, clean and the people are so friendly. It's only six months, that is nothing out of a lifetime. Take a risk you might regret it if you don't.

Rebecca x

poe.tuesday

go go go, what an opportunity for everyone, wonderful experience for the kids, living in another land, seeing different culture etc, if the only down side is that you have all all share a room then it's a small sacrifice to pay for the experience you will have

put down on a peice of paper the positives and negatives about the move and I think you will (Hopefully) see that the possitives massively outweigh the negatives

If I was in your shoes, I would be off like a shot

cobbingstones

Hi all

Many thanks for replies.

Have no idea until we get there how big the apartment will be. The company has a stock of apartments which are now all in use. They will not give us the cash so we could put the rest to it and rent something ourselves. Policy it seems.

MMx

cobbingstones

Forgot to add that they are no ferries to Sweden so we won't be able to take a cot. Will have to buy one there.

MM

poe.tuesday

madsmum wrote: »

Forgot to add that they are no ferries to Sweden so we won't be able to take a cot. Will have to buy one there.

MM

you can get there a ferry or two, it maybe the easiest way to do it or you could take a travel cot

sooz

madsmum wrote: »

Forgot to add that they are no ferries to Sweden so we won't be able to take a cot. Will have to buy one there.

MM

it's ikea land......(my idea of heaven ). you can buy a cot there very cheaply.

Justie

I would still consider going - it may be difficult but there are lots of UK ex pats there so there's no reason to think you'll be on your own. The company should at least be more helpful on working on getting you the apartment that suits you best - as has been said if it's a big one bed apartment then it's possible to adapt rooms. I would send the OH on ahead with the car and all your stuff then get him to fly back and fly with you and the kids over there...