I fell in love with a Brit, 3 years ago. Immediately began trying to move my life to the UK...although she would have much preferred to move to the US, unfortunately we have outlawed gay relationships for the purpose of immigration so that was impossible. Hence, I gave up my career, my family, and my country to be with her. "The inconvenience was temporary, the improvement was permanent," is what I like to say about it. I would no more have given her up, than I would have cut off my right arm.
The move scandalized my family and effectively ended my career as a freelance classical french horn player in the States. And because of British immigration rules concerning "entertainers," I could not work in my profession while I was here for 2 years on a student visa, even though I was studying music.
Thankfully, I now have a proper Unmarried Partner visa and can work without restrictions...but
only in the UK, as the EU has not yet "harmonized" with regard to gay partners. So at present, whenever we travel outside Britain, I only have "visitor" status with the ensuing restrictions.
Fortunately, my gf is a very successful opera singer, so we don't have to worry about money. Still, though, I miss playing with other people, am currently looking for work as a musician, and I hope something will turn up soon.
Enough about my career travails. I love it here in the UK, and even more so on the Continent. This move was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I do miss my family and wish I could see them more regularly--especially my mother, who is not in good health--but even so, I would not change my decision if I had to make it again. I am happier here, with this woman, than I have ever been in my entire life.
I did find the move very stressful, but wouldn't admit that to myself, and as a result I ate and drank loads and I put on a lot of weight. I am happy to say that I took it off over the past year, but not without a huge amount of effort.
Emily
