For many decades, the allure of warm weather, a family-oriented lifestyle, and inexpensive real estate has inspired hundreds of thousands of Britons to relocate to Australia.
Yet, for numerous individuals, the envisioned life Down Under has transformed into a source of disappointment for the lamenting nation.
Research has indicated that a record number of Britons departed Australia last year, many feeling discontent with their expatriate lifestyles and eager to spend more time with family back in the UK.
Between 2005 and 2010, nearly 107,000 individuals journeyed from the UK to Australia.
Conversely, over the same timeframe, more than 30,000 Britons chose to leave. Last year, a record number exceeding 7,000 Britons permanently exited Australia.
Researchers Mary Holmes, a senior lecturer in sociology from Flinders University in Australia, and Roger Burrows from the University of York, investigated the reasons behind the significant return of ‘ping-pong Poms’ to their home country.
They noted: ‘A better life does not revolve around having good jobs, enjoying sunshine, or living in larger houses. The most crucial aspect is feeling a sense of closeness to family and experiencing a sense of “home.”’
The researchers further emphasized that ‘the pursuit of this ideal life can lead to disappointment.’
Many returning Britons reported experiencing ‘boredom’ while in Australia, citing exhausting daily commutes lasting up to three hours in hot, packed trains, which they deemed absurd. Pommieland, in contrast, is far more stressful, and trains are perpetually overcrowded…such whiners.
Dr. Holmes and Professor Burrows observed that while some returnees could be labeled as ‘whingeing Poms’ who complained about heat and insects, the majority possessed more substantial reasons, with family being a prevalent factor. Many wished for their children born in Australia to connect with grandparents and other relatives in the UK, even if it meant trading a higher quality of life.
Additionally, for others, the sense of not feeling ‘at home’ in Australia played a significant role in their choice to depart, as revealed by the research.
One returnee reflected: ‘Coming back has felt like slipping into an old pair of shoes.’
Another individual shared with the researchers that since returning to her hometown, she had ‘come alive again’ despite needing to move into a smaller residence, drive a smaller car, and manage a tighter budget.
She expressed: ‘I adore walking everywhere, bundling up warmly, kindness, greenery, and quality television.’
POLITENESS ??!!?##!? …Poms in the UK are likely among the rudest. Australians are always eager to lend a hand, possessing a far superior core of character. And what is she even implying about quality television? It’s true that terrestrial TV here can be rather poor…but the next time you glance at a Poms newspaper…check out their atrocious TV offerings. They seem to be striving to set records for how often they can air Neighbours in a single day…and that’s considered one of their better shows.
Nonetheless, the researchers did observe that some individuals who returned had secured Australian citizenship beforehand.
One person mentioned: ‘This way, once your obligations to your children and grandparents are fulfilled, you have the freedom to return and settle in Australia again.’
by John Jackson
