Over the last year or so I’ve managed to get back in touch with numerous friends, colleagues and relatives I’d lost touch with … Some of which I haven’t seen in nearly 30 years – All of this through the ever expanding social network services the internet provides.
It’s interesting to note how far and wide people have spread yet they’re only a mouse click or phone call away … some as close as across county borders in the UK whilst some are as far away as the US, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand and Canada. Even now other friends are planning moves away from the UK and I must admit the draw to do likewise is getting stronger. With that said, it’s also interesting to note that a number of people have remained in and around their original hometowns … even I didn’t move away from Loughborough until I was in my thirties!!
For those that emigrate, is it the draw of an exciting new life, employment, sunnier climates, following other family & friends or simply looking for the greener grass? Who’s to say? Everyone has their different ideal lifestyles or work/life requirements which may differ from year to year as situations change. The same can be asked of those who stay in and around their original place of birth. Is it a comfort factor? Is it to remain within a strong localised family group? Is it the location of the most suitable work/employer?
Would I emigrate? Probably … given half the chance, however, there are numerous factors which must be taken into account … Schooling for the kids, Employment, Heart-string strains from moving beyond a short walk or car drive to see family, uncertainty of what awaits and even then … Where to? There’re loads of places I’ve seen on TV/Etc but until you’ve visited a place you can’t really get a good feel for the nuances and even then it is a peripheral view at best. I have travelled to numerous places around the world with my job but emigration is a family decision so wouldn’t want to dictate location/direction without the whole family deciding. You can’t visit everywhere in the world before deciding as you’d be still travelling when it’s your time to pop your clogs. I’m always interested to know why people who have taken the emigration plunge chose their particular location and would welcome further thoughts or insights.
© Trevor Flanagan
Trevor Flanagan - Writer/Author 