[5kings]

Hi all,

I think the title says it all. We have pretty much decided we are not going to try and move to NZ at the moment. I am still looking into things, but although my heart wants to go, the head is saying the time is not right.

The main reason is financial, although I had worked out we could manage in a rented house, it is all the unexpected costs I think would push us over the edge. Dentists, opticians, school fees and so on. My DD has to have special lenses made forher glasses, which I expect are expensive. I am trying to be realistic and sensible, but to be honest, I just feel gutted.

I think maybe in a few years when I have my teaching qualification, and the kids are a bit older, then maybe that would be a good time to look into it again, but I think to come over and expect to live on one income, with the five of us it may be a struggle.

I wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the helpful messages, I have learned so much from this site. I have not totally given up yet, but think at best plans will be on hold for a year or so, when we can both work, and all our kids are at school.

Helen

[Mickstim]

Helen - so sad to hear that you have had to make that decision but I think if your gut feel is that it is wrong for you at this moment then you need to listen to that.

Hope you manage to get everything sorted out and we'll be hearing from you again in a year or two.

Barb x

[Carey]

At least you know you have been honest and looked at it seriously. As you say the time may well be right in a year or so; New Zealand isn't going anywhere so you can still think of future plans.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[dusk]

Sounds like you have made a sensible decision, better to figure it out now than further on down the line after you've spent time and money on it.

Good luck for when you decide the time is right for you!

[dilanium]

Awww. :/

Well keep us posted and good luck with your plans for the future. :) I hope it all works out for you in the end.

[JayBee]

Sometimes you have to go with your gut feelings...it may not be the right time at the moment for you.
Best wishes

[JandM]

Good luck. It's better to look at things clearly than to only pretend things are all right and get caught out half way through.

[Belmont Babes]

Ahh Helen I do feel sad reading that but completely understand where you are coming from, at the end of the day if it doesnt feel right.....We feel that the cost of living may be the only thing that doesn't work for us but have tried our very best to calculate from this side. Seems to be manageable on paper but only time will tell. You must keep in touch and all the best NatX

[5kings]

Aww thanks everyone. I felt really down about it all today, but who knows, in a couple of years time, we might be in a better position to try again.

I was worried all the pressure would be on my OH, as I am stil studying at the moment, so maybe once we are both employable things will be different. I have not given up completely, I'm sure we'll get there one day, but sadly for now, the time is not right.

I am trying to put a positive spin on things, and think at least I did do my homework so we didn't end up in NZ and reall struggling. And, I don't have to rush the DIY on the house now either!

Hope it's ok if I hang around here, I love reading people's stories!

Helen

[nickydwuk]

We feel that the cost of living may be the only thing that doesn't work for us but have tried our very best to calculate from this side. Seems to be manageable on paper but only time will tell. You must keep in touch and all the best NatX

We feel the same - just hope that what's on paper tranfsers into real life.

Aww thanks everyone. I felt really down about it all today, but who knows, in a couple of years time, we might be in a better position to try again................ Hope it's ok if I hang around here, I love reading people's stories!

Such a shame when your head rules your heart but it may be the best thing on the long term. It does take alot of courage to make that decision. We were nearly there at one point (well, OH was!!) Please stick around - you are bound to pick up more helpful info for when your time comes. :D

[shakyle2906]

Helen

So sorry to hear your news but only you can make that decision.

It is a struggle and we have worried at times but are glad we took the plunge so to speak.

Keep in touch, hopefully when you feel ready you can have a re-think.

Take care!

Sharon
x

[Red Devil]

Sorry to hear that Helen... but I think you've made the right decision, as postponing your move to NZ until you've passed your teaching qualification will enable you to double your family income.

It must have been a very difficult decision to make though, but at least postponing things off for another 2 years gives you more time to prepare yourself... besides, it means you can do that DIY work when YOU want to and not have to rush things ;)

Keep in touch :nice1

[mesh2008]

Good Luck!

[Lupin]

Sounds very sensible Helen. In a few years time when you are qualified, the UK market may have recovered and you may get the old 3.5 NZ$ to the pound and you'll be over here patting yourselves on the back for your sensible decision.
Don't let the dream die though .....

[5kings]

Thanks again everyone,

I have been so down in the dumps about this all weekend, my OH has said how miserable I have been, I've been pasting on a happy face for the kids, I think my NZ dream meant a lot more to me than I thought.

Now I wonder if I just tweak that Cost of Living calculator a bit........., well, I am definately on my way to NZ, just maybe not as soon as I hoped! Unless OH gets a job offer that pays mega bucks of course, I wish.

So now all I have to do is convince myself I don't mind waiting a bit longer.

Helen

[willsken]

Helen, I really think you are making the right decision. By waiting you are giving yourself the very best chance of making the whole NZ thing work for you. If you risk coming when things may not work out financially it could kill the dream of settling here and it would be a costly mistake for you. Give yourself the best chance and come over when you have the ability to earn an amount that will allow you a comfortable life style.

As a “want things now” kind of person myself, I know exactly how you feel but you will get through the wait! :nice1

Best of luck.

[peebles16]

Oh Helen that must have been a hard decision but like others have said probably the best given your circumstances. I've only been here a short time but I know of a few folks who have had to go back due to financial pressures and they've been gutted.

All the very best with planning your move :)
Karenx

[5kings]

Yep, it was a hard decision, but thanks to all the info on here, I found out enough to know it would probably be a struggle if we went for it now.

I have to keep telling myself the dream isn't over, just delayed! We are going to try and do a few things we wouldn't be able to do easily from NZ, like take kids to Disney in Paris, and maybe do our first ever package holiday to somewhere like Majorca!

I am finding my spirits lifted reading everyone's kind words, I am very impatient, but this time I know it's right to wait, be realistic wait another year at least, once our youngest is full-time school age that will make things easier too job wise. So even if it does break my heart to say it, it's not the end of the world, just a bit more waiting.



Helen

[Tia Maria]

Yep, it was a hard decision, but thanks to all the info on here, I found out enough to know it would probably be a struggle if we went for it now.

I have to keep telling myself the dream isn't over, just delayed! We are going to try and do a few things we wouldn't be able to do easily from NZ, like take kids to Disney in Paris, and maybe do our first ever package holiday to somewhere like Majorca!

I am finding my spirits lifted reading everyone's kind words, I am very impatient, but this time I know it's right to wait, be realistic wait another year at least, once our youngest is full-time school age that will make things easier too job wise. So even if it does break my heart to say it, it's not the end of the world, just a bit more waiting.



Helen

Great to hear you've planned some fun things to do in the meantime. When thinking about emigrating your whole life can end up revolving around it, so its always nice to have some other fun things to focus on.

You could also start a NZ fund, asking for contributions on birthdays or Xmas, it will make you feel like you are still working towards your dream but without sapping all your energy. And if you change your mind it can turn into the 'Bahamas' fund! :D

I definitely think its easier when your kids are of school age, the whole setting up process goes a lot more smoothly when you don't have little ones in tow.

It is always hard to delay things like this and you have definitely made a very 'grown up' decision so do book that package holiday and spend sometime making some not so grown up decisions! :D

Cheers

Tia