Phil 1968

Well, just when I think that all the common sense has ended, you all come back and make me soooooo yearnful! (not sure if it's a real word!) Bold decisions, positive thinking, years of dreams turning into reality ....  I have come to the realisation that starting a new life and career all in one go is a nono. But being practical, work will come to those who seek it, however hard, IS a reality. I WILL do lots of window shopping on my holidays and try to find an area that suits and then move on step by step. Work, income, schooling, house and then, hopefully, live life rather than exist! Thanks again.....

Thanks Saligobay, all the talk of nigel and whoever got me confused LOL, I think I have had some sane reasons to put up and shut up for now, with the kids being the main focus in my life and plans, its only fair i take advantage of the only good free thing this country has, education, I will try not to buy something when i come over in august, but i can certainly do lots of window shopping while im there. Many thanks to all posters for your careful thoughts and words of nigel ..... I mean wisdom! ...... ahem north or south of the river???? whats best ?? haha

Okay Okay, it feels like a mission of mercy, im coming over in August, how many curries am I bringing??

Thats much better raindog, thank you! Yes England really is that bad and with no bright sunshine on the horizon plans need to be made and advice taken. I have been reading other forums in here, and there is a wealth of 'knowledge' to be found, one quote that hit me was " sometimes, it isn't what you are going to but what you are leaving ". If it was me alone, I would pack my car tonight and head off, as a parent I have a responsibilty to my children to find them the best chance in life. Jon, you have made some very valid points and I welcome all genuine comments, good or bad, it builds up the bigger picture. Patf, HEAR HEAR

Thank you Debbie and Eos for the age related remarks, they are very important for the decision making. Thanks Jon also, an ally in hiding LOL.

Hmmmm Raindog, you dont seem very happy at all! why the negative?? do you have any more to offer as an inspiration for leaving a sinking country ??

Thanks Ian, the big thing that I am looking for in a move is ' would it be better for me and my family'. Looking for the similar things that would make such a move a more positive thing, can only be good, so thanks for that thought. It can't be about the house, there are many magnificent house in England, in many magnificent towns and villages. To work for yourself or an employer, will be roughly the same in both countries, both requiring hard work and 100% commitment to enable you to survive, let alone succeed. It has got to be about the quality of day to day life, the reasons to get up and put in the effort to enjoy life, knowing that your children will benefit from your decisions rather than follow the pavements to an unknown end. There are many very successful people in England, I want to make a difference to the outcome of my children's future, enjoying the experience in a better 'quality of life'. Will they have a better future in France? The golden question! Phil.

Thanks Mackyfrance, thats just the thing i'm looking for, it's good to have a bigger picture, and all the nooks and crannies explored. The end result i am looking for is a better future for my children (number 1), a rewarding experience for my work and a better retirement outlook(not monetary but quality). If the good people of the forums would like to give me their experience on the age of children, I would be grateful. Phil.  

WOW thanks everyone for some great replies. You have all made some valid points and given my hunger a morsel to eat! its my first time in the forums and i have read some advice in other posts. To walk a thousand miles you must take the first step, and my journey has just begun! There are a lot of things to think about in your replies and i shall consider them all in my research for a better quality of life for my family. Except the political ones of course ahem (haha). 2000 - 2007 wasn't a great time for me either and the dark glasses are hidden away with the rosey ones, wide eyes, two ears and one mouth to be used in the right order is my plan. Please keep the discussion open and i'll get back in here soon and digest more of your knowledge. Thank you all, Phil.

I am looking at turning my back on old blighty and start a new life in France. I have a wife and two children (9 & 13) and a hunger to make a better life for us all. Property is cheaper in France as we all can see, but the job front is a minefield to say the least. My dream is to make my own destiny and my childrens future a better one than blighty can offer. I was looking into buying a house with some (large-ish) land, and open a campsite / touring caravan park. Normandy / Brittany are areas I have been to and like them both. A bold move, but hopefully one that would provide a summer income and a start to fulfilment. Am I barking up the wrong tree to try and set up a new business in a new country or should I settle for the paid employment route and have the 'safe' money coming in? I have been self employed in England and working for myself is not an obstacle that scares me, even in a foreign land. I have a HGV licence and I am a working mechanic and a 'jobbing' builder, 3 'jobs' to fall back on during winter? I am not work shy and realise that either route is at least a 2 /3 year struggle to get on an even keel. So the question is this, do I take the plunge and go for the land and life, or take a job and start to build a new life? Thanks in anticipation Phil.

Went to France last year, fell in love with the lifestyle and attitude and now constantly searching for my ideal new home, you go for it Nikki, im just annoyed your so far in front with your research, see you there in 2 years and i'll buy the first drink!