Should I stay or should I go 23 March at 3:53AM in Marriage, Relationships & Families 23 replies 2.4K views

Lover_of_Lycra

I moved to Australia at the beginning of 2020 for work.  The plan was to stay here for 2 years and then see if I liked it enough to make the move more permanent.  I'm here by myself and whilst I am enjoying the work I am wondering if I should cut my losses and head back to the UK where most of my friends and family reside.  Nobody knows how long this COVID-19 is going to gone on for and although I've met some really lovely people here I'm not close to them, nor them me, which isn't surprising given it's only been a few months. Now Australia is in lock down and there is talk of travel bans lasting for at least 6 months. Part of me thinks this will eventually blow over whilst the other part of me doesn't want to be stuck on the other side of the planet with the decision to return home having been taken out of my hands.  I'm really just thinking out loud with this thread as I keep flip flopping between the two choices.  Once I leave Australia they won't let me back in anytime soon since I'm not a citizen so whatever I decide that will be it.  Would being in the UK make much difference if we're all supposed to be self isolating anyway?

Pollycat

As large numbers of stupid people were out yesterday totally disregarding the 2 metre rule, I can see the UK going into lockdown, like other countries. Greece have announced this from 6am today.

If you do come back, you may not be able to physically see your friends and family and be limited to using technology.

Would that be any different to how you stay in contact now?

What would happen if Oz went into lockdown if you are not considered a 'key worker'?

If it were me, I'd be thinking where my long term future lies.

Lover_of_Lycra

Australia went into lock down today and I am not considered a key worker.  I'm not sure if I'm confusing a bout of home sickness with thinking heading home is the right  to do.  Although I hadn't really thought about coming back until I spoke to a friend on Skype yesterday and she brought up getting stuck here.  I honestly don't know where my long term future lies but I did think that getting my Australian citizenship, which should be possible in 4 years, would give me more options further down the line so perhaps that's the track I stick with.

thorsoak

As all the airlines are grounding their planes, it would be impossible to get a flight back - and even if you were to get a flight back, you will find that everything is in lockdown over here.   My advice to you would be to stay where you are, making the most of the situation and then review once things get back to "normal" - whatever that might be.

Pollycat

thorsoak said:

As all the airlines are grounding their planes, it would be impossible to get a flight back - and even if you were to get a flight back, you will find that everything is in lockdown over here.   My advice to you would be to stay where you are, making the most of the situation and then review once things get back to "normal" - whatever that might be.

I didn't think we are actually in lockdown (but I didn't catch the lunchtime news).

To me, lockdown is what they have in Italy & Greece i.e. nobody allowed on the streets unless you have a valid reason and possibility of fines if you break that.

I can see it coming (because of the attitudes and actions of the selfish, silly few at the weekend but already...?

Savvy_Sue

Friend of my sons posted similar on Twitter the other day, friend was only in Oz on a visit to family. General consensus was to stay put, not try to come back earlier. You're in a better position than they are - they had to consider what healthcare they'd be able to access as visitors etc. 

I'd suggest staying put.

Lover_of_Lycra

I was due to fly back with Emirates next month but the UAE is suspending all passenger flights from 25th March.  I spoke with a friend out working in Kuwait earlier today and he was saying that all passenger flights in and out had already been suspended there for a week and now they have a curfew.  I think all things considered I probably am better off staying put.  Thankfully I badgered my employer a few weeks ago about sorting out the paperwork not so long ago or I might have been really stuffed.

@Savvy_Sue, if your friends are British then there's a reciprocal health agreement with Australia which should give your friends some kind of cover.  Due to this agreement I was able to apply for a medicare card before my longer term visa came through. God knows what the queues for medicare cards will be like though.

74jax

If you come back you will still only be communicating via the phone /Skype.
I'd stay put. 

Archergirl

Well you went for 2 yrs, stay for 2 yrs then come back, why do you think you need to change anything? You can keep intouch with people online just as you would have to were you back here, the only workaround is the time difference x

Fireflyaway

It takes time to settle somewhere especially if you are yet to make close friends and all this virus stuff is scary no matter where you live. What's the rush? Why not stay a bit longer to make absolutely sure and then decide? Once you are settled in work and have friends and the world is back to normal have another think. Importantly save some cash so you have choices. You don't want the choice to be taken out your hands because you can't afford to move / visit / get another place etc. 

DD265

We've just gone into 'lockdown' in the UK - from the Beeb:

The prime minister is announcing strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

From this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work.

Shops selling non-essential goods will also be shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together prohibited.

The UK death toll has reached 335.

If people do not follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings, Boris Johnson said in a televised statement from Downing Street.

Other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship must also close immediately.

Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.