The allure of sunny skies, sprawling beaches, and the promise of a laid-back lifestyle often paints an idyllic picture of Australia for those living in far colder climates. It's a dream that has enticed many to pack up their lives and head Down Under in search of a fresh start. However, the reality of such a drastic move can sometimes be a stark contrast to the fantasy, as one Scottish family discovered after their recent relocation to Sydney.

Kimberley Lucas and her family boldly decided to leave Scotland and start anew in Australia in early 2023. Less than two years later, they've decided to return to their homeland, having found the Australian lifestyle challenging to adapt to. The family's experience is a cautionary tale for those considering a similar move, highlighting the importance of thorough research and realistic expectations when emigrating.

A Scottish family that moved to Sydney in 2023 planned to return to Scotland due to difficulties adapting to the Australian lifestyle. Credit: @kimberleylucas_ / TikTok

The Lucas family's struggles began with the demanding work culture they encountered. Kimberley's construction worker husband worked at least 50 hours per week, sometimes stretching to over 60, with no overtime pay. This gruelling schedule meant he was absent most of the day, leaving little time for family interaction—a stark contrast to the 39-hour workweek stipulated in his contract.

Financial pressures further compounded their difficulties. The cost of childcare in Australia was a significant burden, particularly since the family, not being permanent residents, received no governmental assistance. Public school fees amounted to $7,000 per year, while daycare costs for just three days a week soared to $23,700 annually. In Scotland, not only is education free, but families also benefit from 30 hours of nursery fees each week. The prospect of spending $31,000 on childcare the following year, with permanent residency still 8 to 10 months away, was daunting.

Beyond the financial and work-related challenges, the Lucas family grappled with social isolation. Kimberley lamented the difficulty in forming deep connections in their new community, noting that casual conversations rarely evolved into friendships. The age difference between her and other local mothers seemed to widen the social gap, leaving her yearning for the occasional night out to unwind.

The absence of family support was keenly felt. The simple pleasures of dropping by a grandparent's house for coffee or having the children enjoy sleepovers at their aunt's were sorely missed. Kimberley expressed regret that her children were missing out on the kind of cherished family bonding she experienced in her own childhood.

The Lucas family's story resonates with many expatriates who have faced similar challenges. Social media users who heard their story echoed that expat life is not always the dream it's made out to be. Some shared their own struggles with making friends and finding a work-life balance in Australia, while others commended the family for prioritising their happiness and well-being over sticking it out in an unsuitable environment.

Kimberley's candid sharing of her family's experience reminds her that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. While Australia is undoubtedly a beautiful country with much to offer, it's not the perfect fit for everyone. The Lucas family's short-lived Australian adventure underscores the importance of embracing new opportunities and recognising when it's time to let go and return to familiar shores.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club who might be contemplating a similar move, remember that it's crucial to consider all aspects of life in a new country, including work culture, cost of living, social opportunities, and proximity to family. Having a backup plan and the flexibility to pivot is essential if things don't go as expected.

Key Takeaways

• A Scottish family who moved to Sydney in 2023 is planning to return to Scotland, citing difficulties in adapting to the Australian lifestyle.
• Kimberley Lucas highlighted issues such as long working hours with no overtime for her husband, high childcare costs, and the struggle to obtain permanent residency.
• The family has faced social challenges, with Ms Lucas finding it difficult to make friends and the distance from their extended family in Scotland affecting their familial bonds.
• Despite the natural beauty of Australia, the Lucas family feels it does not feel like home, prompting their decision to move back to Scotland.

Have you or someone you know ever made a big move like this and found it wasn't what you expected? Share your stories with us in the comments below. Your insights could be invaluable to others facing the same decision.

 

[mylittletibbies]

We live in Victoria and 30 years ago we moved to Perth, W.A. We lived there for 10 years & moved back to Victoria. We were not accepted by them. As soon as they knew you were from THE EASTERN STATE it was like they painted you with a tar brush & always looked down on us. We are all born in Victoria & have English, Scottish & Irish ancestors….yet the people in Perth treated us like we were from another country. It was very depressing for us but after 10 years we moved back to Melbourne.

I will always say that Perth is a lovely place but they do think they live in another country over there & they all rubbish the Eastern States.

We actually didn’t move to another Country but it sure did feel like we did.

Mmmm, moved from Victoria myself 51 years ago to beautiful WA.
I never suffered any of the rubbish you talk about. I have many friends who also moved from Victoria and NSW, none have ever wanted to go back. Perhaps you should look in your own backyard for the reasons why you didn't fit in.
I was born in Victoria, left when I was 27.
Also lived in SA. WA is the most laid back, friendly State. Despite the fact that I left all my family and friends behind I have never felt any inclination to want to go back to Victoria.
Bonus for pensioners, WA has miles more and.much more generous concessions

 

[Babster]

We came here for a holiday in 1981 and I felt I had come home. I cried all the way back to Scotland. We decided to apply to emigrate. We were accepted and have never looked back. We still travel as much as we can and are going back to Scotland in June for a few months. We want to see all the places in the U.K and Europe that we have not seen. We can't face lots of long haul flights any more so hence the gap year. There was no such thing when we left school

 

[Penny4]

That's a shame they are moving back, but I also agree they are missing their families.
They should have come to Qld. Where I live, I have UK friends from Surrey, London, Yorkshire, Scotland to name a few places. Of course other countries as well.

 

[Luckyus]

I think if you read between the lines the wife was homesick.

If people think they can move here and have the benefits of Aussie residents then they are naive !! Didn't they research before coming ?

Australia won't pay for things like childcare or social security until you have lived Here for a number of years. Did they think they would get it all for free ?

As for her husband working 60 hours and not getting paid overtime that doesn't seem right.
I have to say most people working in the building business do work long hours.
My son is a builder and works around 10 hours 5 days a week but gets paid very well. He also works every 2nd Saturday between 6 to 10 hours.
My son takes home close to $3000 a week.

Which is more than 2500 I made in the building trade as a rigger/steeplejack? back in the sixties.

 

[Luckyus]

Should have done their homework. No excuse with all that's available on the internet
I came here in 1972 and was surprised with the similarities with England. I fully expected it to be different.
A place is what you make it. I've seen many Pomms compare what's missing here than what they had in the UK. A recipe for disaster.

In 57 my parents and I went to Australia House in London and I remember one of the questions they asked was why did they wan to come here, my old man said he had seven kids that needed work. Although I already had a job at sea! but it was his philosophy that we all went or nobody did. At that time migrant accommodation was bloody appalling Nissan huts lined with hardboard? but very few people upped sticks and went back, some stayed for years before getting homes.

 

[Ettyboo]

The killer is childcare. It has developed into big business, and most centres in the major capital cities are owned by investors. They hike up the fees, knowing full well that people have no choice. Gone are the days of small people friendly centres, it's all about the dollars now. 4 Corners did an expose on the rip offs of the new money machine. Workers are underpaid, and often there are people working who have little or no training, and/ or hardly speak English, and corners are being cut on basic supplies. Both parents and staff are being exploited by big business, and the government keeps throwing money at the industry. There needs to be a full inquiry into this before any more tax payers dollars are wasted.

 

[Suzanne rose]

In 57 my parents and I went to Australia House in London and I remember one of the questions they asked was why did they wan to come here, my old man said he had seven kids that needed work. Although I already had a job at sea! but it was his philosophy that we all went or nobody did. At that time migrant accommodation was bloody appalling Nissan huts lined with hardboard? but very few people upped sticks and went back, some stayed for years before getting homes.

Your dad seemed like a wise man

 

[Suzanne rose]

The killer is childcare. It has developed into big business, and most centres in the major capital cities are owned by investors. They hike up the fees, knowing full well that people have no choice. Gone are the days of small people friendly centres, it's all about the dollars now. 4 Corners did an expose on the rip offs of the new money machine. Workers are underpaid, and often there are people working who have little or no training, and/ or hardly speak English, and corners are being cut on basic supplies. Both parents and staff are being exploited by big business, and the government keeps throwing money at the industry. There needs to be a full inquiry into this before any more tax payers dollars are wasted.

Childcare will never be free unless the government opens and pays for it.

Everyone I know who sends their children to childcare is so both parents can work so they can afford the extra luxuries like restruant dinners, expensive cars and holidays. If they want these extra things then both need to work.

For years we payed off the mortgage on one wage and did without those things then when I did go back to work it was to pay off the mortgage and save money.

Even in today's economic crisis people are still spending money going out to dinner and on holidays . If they want to put their kids in childcare centres then they should be paying for it, otherwise wait to have kids
The private sector isn't going to run these centres for free.
There are also stay at home mums who put their kids in childcare at least 2 to 3 days aweek just so they have free time.

People who work in childcare centres work hard