Leaving the UK - Is it the right thing to do ?

[BillyNoMates]

I have finally decided that I have had enough of the UK. Born here and lived in different regions of the UK for 37 years.

There just seems nothing left for me in this country.

 I consider myself pretty well educated, intelligent and articulate.

Is it really practical to up sticks at my age and attempt to forge a new life in another country ?

I live in a fairly run down area in the North West of England having lived in a fairly affluent area in the Sout before.

 I have tried to assist in the community by working with the Police and local groups. Nothing seems to change and I feel exhausted by my efforts.

[MargeB]

Leave.

NZ or Oz or Spain. You won't look back.

[Eastender]

I admire your courage.  Must admit as all my family here, I would find it difficult to up-root.  Can see what you mean though, the country has gone to pot.  Mind you if, and when I win the lottery, I would have second thoughts bye the biggest mansion possible and take my love ones with me.  Good luck !!

[Scarlett]

I think (being a cautious Capricorn) you should take a well-deserved year off work to travel. Then go to all hte possible places you might like to live, and stay there as cheaply as possible (no 5 * hotels!) for about a month per place. Maybe do some research and find like minded people who fancy meeting up and travelling with you for part of the way, and also plan some work in each place so you get a feel of "real life".

Then come back and look at England again. It could be that you are just unhappy with your social circle/relationship/lac of relationship, and you are subconsciously blaming the country.

Probably better than the arduous task of selling up, getting emigration, and finding things the same only in different surroundings!!

[B00]

As I'm nosy......where In NW are you from?

[hugoboss]

My mum had similar feelings at 50, so decided to leave UK. I recommend you do what she did which was to travel round general areas to get a feel for where you want to do. She landed up in Slovenia, and moved there 2 years ago. never looked back. she loves the pace of live and hates coming back to england for any space of time. go for it if you really want to ! just make sure you have some way of living - i.e. money. good luck!

[calleach]

I came to NZ 4 years ago at 48 and have had a fantastic time. If you're even thinking of it give it a try .good luck

[BillyNoMates]

For Boo - the worst rated place for suicide, a coastal resort, and the highest death rate per capita through alcohol abuse.

[Scarlett]

Billy- it sounds like you live in a very depressing area where no amount of trying from yourself is going to overturn the ground in negative attitudes of the people. I have lived in seaside resorts with high unemployment and suicide, and I have also lived in LOVELY places in the UK. My advice is stay in different places in the UK too. Canterbury is a truly lovely place full of inspiring people (many of them young university students). When I go from Weymouth to Canterbury I find myself walking taller, have higher expectations of myself, and feel far more calm and less threatened.

I had a boyfriend from Hastings once, and he was so in fear of the area, he shaved his head to help him feel more "macho". He thought he would fit in better that way. How terrible is that?!

You could also try lovely places like Bath and Guildford. Honestly, it's like a different planet!

[ICEMANSAV]

Thats either Morcambe or Blackpool then Billy, I don't blame you for wanting to leave...., go to NZ its paradise. But as others have said the place you live is only what you make of it, I went to NZ and didn't like living there so came back to England, I am North west also. Could you not move to a better area?

[hopalong]

The fact that you are aking this question tells me you are having doubts. It's all vert well leaving  but you need somewhere better to go to . But what every you do good luck

[georgit79]

And I think the fact that you're called Billy no mates is slightly telling.

Getting out of the country could help you, but just remember that you will be unhappy wherever you are if you are not in the right state of mind and do not have a positive outlook on life. Are you running away from something? Because, if so, don't go. It won't fix anything.

That said and done, I'd go to France- I love it there!

[BillyNoMates]

I appreciate the answers - some positive, some not.