Emigrating Guilt

[Tuearts right boot]

He's only four. In Spain they start school at five, according to Google. And schools typically know how to deal with second language speakers by now. I wouldn't say it'll be an issue. The bigger issue would be helping with homework if you don't get up to speed yourself.

Depending on age they keep them down a year until up to speed.

 

[Dubai Blue]

It's tough but you have to do what is best for your main responsibility now which is your wife and son. This country is going to the dogs and at the best I don't see it improving for at least a decade. Also if you remain in London how often would your family see you per year anyway? Think of all the great holidays they could have visiting you, much better than a week in London. Go for it, if it doesn't work out you can always come back.

@Main Stand Hotdog You've been given lots of good advice on here and this is up there with the best. I've been away for 22 years now (17 here in Dubai) and my sister has been down in London for all of that time. If you add the total days up, we probably spend about the same amount of time with our parents each year.

Obviously she sees them more often but only for a day or two and mostly in shit weather, whereas we get much better quality time with them as they're on holiday. Plus Barcelona is so close that it'll be easy for them to pop over regularly for a few days at a time, and you can go back in school holidays with remote working. Clearly I don't know how often you see them now, but it wouldn't surprise me if you actually end up seeing them more after moving over there.

 

[ell]

Would love to have the bollocks to move abroad but cant get my head around what I would do for work.

As for grandparents, like others have said its only a short flight and they will understand. My mum wouldnt be happy unless we moved back in like a Japanese family but thats never going to happen, its only 40mins but even I feel a long way from home some times at that.

 

[Blue Mist]

Would love to have the bollocks to move abroad but cant get my head around what I would do for work.

As for grandparents, like others have said its only a short flight and they will understand. My mum wouldnt be happy unless we moved back in like a Japanese family but thats never going to happen, its only 40mins but even I feel a long way from home some times at that.

For work, simple, move to one of the Spanish costas and open a donkey/cat/dog sanctuary. Sponge of every other fuckers guilt and you're set for life.

 

[Main Stand Hotdog]

Again, I appreciate everyone's replies. Cheers.

As far as language goes I'll stick with learning Spanish. Our friends are born and bread Barca and they speak Spanish and rarely speak Catalonian. Not too worried about my lad picking it up, dunno if its his age but he absorbs it like a sponge. My wife's of Indian descent and he's been learning Gujarati since he was two and he's been learning Spanish with us so he's already more multilingual than me.

 

[Bluesince1979]

I can understand you feeling a bit guilty, but if it's the best move for your immediate family, you shouldn't feel too bad.

Barcelona is a two-hour flight away but London is a 4 or 5-hour drive, so technically you'd be "closer"!

All the best with whatever you decide.

Agree with your 1st paragraph. To a point. Family is important.

but the second isnt true.
Youre probably 5/6 hours away in barca, you have to get to the airport, check in, security etc.
thats if you can on the spur of the moment get a ticket.
Living in the same country u can get in your car and go. If anything happens you can be in that car and in your way

 

[RobMCFC]

Agree with your 1st paragraph. To a point. Family is important.

but the second isnt true.
Youre probably 5/6 hours away in barca, you have to get to the airport, check in, security etc.
thats if you can on the spur of the moment get a ticket.
Living in the same country u can get in your car and go. If anything happens you can be in that car and in your way

Fair point.

 

[stonerblue]

I suppose this is one for the Expats amongst you really.

The wife and I have decided to pay off the last of our debts this year and get the wheels in motion to move to Barcelona. The industry we work in is starting to take off over there, it's pretty much all based in London here and to work and live here is just getting too expensive, not to mention almost impossible to buy property.

We've started learning Spanish, my wife has just started working for a Barca based company (fully remote atm), we have friends out there already and we love the place, the people, the way of life etc. I think this could be a really exciting opportunity.

We also have a four year old son and he is the only grandchild on either mine or my wife's side. So you can imagine how much the grandparents and his Aunty (my sister) fuss over him. We've not told them that we're planning to move abroad and this is going to be the biggest hurdle for me personally.

They've been on at us constantly about leaving london and moving back up North to be closer to them as they feel they've been deprived of quality time with my son, so I'm fairly certain they will be beyond fucked off with the idea that we'll be leaving the country. I think the decision will do irreparable damage to my relationship with my parents and sister and regardless of how much I think I'm doing what is best for my family and what would make me happy, I will feel like a bit of arsehole.

Did any of you Expat Bluemooners have to sit with that sort guilt? If so was it just an inital thing that goes away over time or is it just sort of something you have to live with?

Easier for your folks to get to Barcelona from Manchester than to get to london. Probably cheaper an' all

 

[stonerblue]

Hi Pep

excellent

 

[stonerblue]

Again, I appreciate everyone's replies. Cheers.

As far as language goes I'll stick with learning Spanish. Our friends are born and bread Barca and they speak Spanish and rarely speak Catalonian. Not too worried about my lad picking it up, dunno if its his age but he absorbs it like a sponge. My wife's of Indian descent and he's been learning Gujarati since he was two and he's been learning Spanish with us so he's already more multilingual than me.

Bred ;)