Return to the UK 14 years away.

I got back to UK after 8 yrs in Thailand was like landing in downtown Baghdad.. wtf happend

I left the UK 37 years ago to live in Asia - regularly visit the UK but no plans to ever live there again.

I left 34 years ago. Each time i go back i realise why i left. It isnt England anymore

Call the cops Les. Someone is flying the Union Jack in their garden!

I saw this 💩coming 25 years ago, moved to Spain 19 years ago after a 6 year plan to move, came back to work for the summer when really hot in Spain, made enough to live in Spain for the rest of the year in 3/4 months, now retired and better off than I have been for 15 years

Before my beautiful mum passed away in March age 82 she used to say she's glad she had the life she did and how good it was when she was young, most people were nice, they didn't have a lot but they were content, nowadays people have everything but aren't satisfied, she also said she feels sorry for the youngsters below 40 who are going to really suffer in this country and that she's happy she won't see the trouble that's ahead.

Everything is so expensive nowadays. I went 10 pin bowling last week (2 games) with my partner and her nieces - £60. Then I got us 4 cokes totalling £15. £75 for an hours entertainment!

As a relatively young and single 55-year-old I could stay and contribute to the UK economy, but what would be the point given that much of what I would earn would be taken up by increased costs. The stress of earning a living here, the poor weather and lack of freedom (increased regulations on small businesses specifically) are additional push factors. The other point that's not mentioned much is the huge difference between the West and the East in terms of the respect that older people are given. I don't like saying it, but I just can't see a bright future for anyone in this country.

I can’t stand how everything closes at 5PM and even 3PM on Sunday! Apart from the pub nothing to do in the evening and you need a second mortgage to go out to a restaurant! I left the UK 20 years ago and don’t regret it.

Yes the 6th richest country in the world but the wealth is owned by 20% of people most are OK and then there's millions struggling.

I left the UK 22 years ago to live in Thailand/Laos/Myanmar. I returned for a few months last year for some NHS treatment (which was given free and without question and with no waiting time etc!). I stayed in Blackpool. God! I was tempted to top myself, looking at the weather, rental costs, homeless people, druggies, cost of food etc etc. Happily back in Thailand now :) Oh, when I was in Blackpool, a bridge on my teeth fell out (it had lasted 20 years from the German dentist in Pattaya). It just needed gluing back in - 5 minutes of work. The dentist in Blackpool charged me 80 quid!

Nice to see you, Les. I would concur with everything you say. Your experience and wisdom are exceptionally valuable.

You will cherish life more in Thailand after enduring life for 3 months in the UK! Not for long Les…

Yep facts you have to think about everything in uk from a loaf of bread to a cup of tea coffee and worry all day about putting heating on for less than an hour that's the modern uk

I actually have given thought to buying a van and a mattress and joining a 24/7 gym for the shower and wireless facilities.

Left the UK 45 years ago best move we made, our kids have had a great life in NZ, got degrees, have families, own their own homes. Beach at the end of the road but don’t pay parking at the beach anyway, great outdoor life. Can get a doctors appt tomorrow if needed. Been back to UK a few times wouldn’t go again. If you can get out, then go!

Left in 2001 for Australia and travel back to see family. I can honestly say the place has gone down the tubes in my estimation. Weather aside, there's just a "feeling" that I can't put my finger on, but it feels like despair. Australia is by no means perfect, but it's leaps and bounds over the London and south east I left. My uncle (also left about 20 years ago) summed it up well. He said "When you're away, you miss the idea of England. When you go back you realise that idea has dissappered"

I’m 6 weeks from moving permanently from Uk to Philippines, thankfully for now it’s tax free and also for now state pension is not effected if we live in the Philippines (compared to Thailand) however my state pension is 12 years out so who know by then! I own a condo in Mactan so no rent that said £1500 a month and I live very well indeed probably equivalent to someone living on 5k or more in Uk!!! There are many considerations moving abroad including NHS but in my opinion the benefits of living abroad greatly outweigh staying in Uk !

Worth mentioning that state pension is frozen at the time you leave the uk to live in Thailand. Only country in Asia that pension increases are paid is Philippines as they have reciprocal agreement with UK. Been away 24 years and still able to live the life.

I'm coming back to the UK this year after 23 years living in Tenerife. A one bed there now costs on average 1000€ a month. Average wage 1400€. Tell me about unaffordable!!! I bought so doesn't apply to me, but so many cannot find anywhere to live. Yes cost of living is cheaper. Swings and roundabouts. I'm coming back because I miss my family and friends. You can't replace them.