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I’ve gone hard, now I am going home…

GO HARD OR GO HOME | This week’s column is not an easy one to write because I have made one of the toughest decisions in my life.

By on 27 October, 2011 1:04 pm in Go Hard or Go Home, UK Life / 7 comments

 
 

THIS week’s column is not an easy one to write.

It follows on from a big decision I wrote about a few weeks ago.

I must reveal that the decision has been made, set in stone.

I’m pulling the plug, calling it quits, heading south … however you want to describe it, I am moving home to Australia.

Arriving at this point certainly hasn’t been easy. Probably the toughest decision of my 26-year existence.

Anyone who has actually ‘chosen’ to go home, rather than being kicked out by the UK visa office, can probably understand just how difficult it is to make this decision.

There have been sleepless nights, phone calls, emails, text messages and Skype sessions with friends, family and colleagues.

But I’ve weighed up every pro and every con, and this is the conclusion.

There are many facts that us expats will agree on, like the fact that the weather is better at home, yet life ‘over here’ is an adventure. No one wants it to end before they’re ready.

But there are loads of other personal and individual aspects to mull over. Things that only the person making the decision can fully understand.

For me, my family were high on the list of reasons to go home. The fact of the matter is that I miss them. It’s as simple as that.

To feel settled and at home again was another one of Australia’s magnets. Maybe this is because I am finally growing up, or maybe London with all of its chaos has just got the better of me.

Either way, that sense of belonging is something that only my home country can provide.

So that’s that.

After much hesitation, my flight has been booked, resignation letter signed, sealed and delivered.

There’s no turning back now.

I admit, it’s a weird feeling knowing that in three weeks’ time I’ll be leaving the fun and excitement that this part of the world offers behind.

But the idea of staying felt even stranger.

So that’s how I found my answer.

I just hope it’s the right one.

 
 
 

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About the author

Shannon Crane is an experienced journalist who has recently returned to Australia after living in London for two years. Travel, music, shopping and discovering Melbourne's best-kept secrets are just a few of her favourite things. Oh, and The Sound of Music features quite highly on that list, too.

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    7 Comments

    1. Kym says:
      November 3, 2011 at 8:55 am

      Good for you for following your heart. Home is where the heart is they say!

      Agree with Fraser – maybe Australian Times could have you write a series on ‘Gone Home’?

    2. Huey says:
      November 2, 2011 at 2:16 am

      Hey shan. Good to hear ur coming back to the land of the bloody hot sun. U can always go back and visit hey. Just hope ur not flying with quantas.

    3. Katie Spain says:
      November 1, 2011 at 11:38 pm

      Good luck Shannon!

      I left London 2 years ago after nearly 7 years away. Left a boyfriend, amazing memories and an Australian Times column behind too… and cried all the way home! “What if” rang in my ears the whole way – but it was the best decision ever. After time away, Oz is the most exciting, breathtaking place on earth. Just keep making those words – and give my love to the Australian Timers before you leave. x

    4. Claire Adams says:
      November 1, 2011 at 3:41 pm

      I feel quite strongly that returning to Australia will be like ‘giving up’!! I totally understand your decision – not having the proximity of friends and family and the alienation/ loneliness within an already overcrowded city would certainly send me packing. I’ve decided to set a return date of Oct 2014 and this has totally changed my perspective. I hope you have filled your two years with as much great stuff as a young woman can handle. And hang onto the photos!!

    5. Fraser says:
      October 31, 2011 at 4:21 pm

      Would be great to hear how the transition back to normal life back home goes. I’m struggling with decision to leave at the moment as well!.

    6. Rahul says:
      October 28, 2011 at 12:13 pm

      reading about your adventures in London has been brilliant, its a shame you’re leaving. I hope to read about you having many more adventures in Australia.

    7. Heidi says:
      October 28, 2011 at 9:51 am

      Booo! (not to the column, to the decision)