From Tennessee to Liverpool !

Hi everyone !  I just found your website, after searching the net, once again, for a group of Americans living in the UK that I might chat with. 

I'm 48, from Nashville, Tennessee and now living in Liverpool.  I married my husband (he's from Liverpool) in April, and we moved here 1st of June. I could write VOLUMES on the experience....maybe someday I'll write a book !!!

The "getting here" was easy.  The easiest part was the Spousal Visa.  I was literally scared to death, hearing many horror stories....but alas....I was shocked when my visa arrived, via Federal Express....in 7 working days (just like they said)...with NO QUESTIONS ASKED !!!   I was in a state of shock !!!  I've been to the UK several times before, love the people here, and have ancestry here.....but it finally dawned on me...about one week after arriving..... "I LIVE HERE NOW " !!!! 

The worse part of all of this is the job market....it is the pitts !!  I've signed on with six agencies, filled out numerous applications, and it's as if I have leopracy or something !!  It's been very discouraging...and with the loneliness....I have a few friends here....it's been horrible lately.

Anyway, I would love to know if there was anyone from the States, living anywhere near Liverpool that I could correspond with...exchange notes...horror stories...recipes...home sickness withdrawals    :\\\'(

Thanks so much....and great website !!!!!   

Gwinn

Hi Gwinn,

we are in Manchester and have been here since April. Hubby had a hard time getting a decent job at first but now has a really good one making just as much money as he did at home in CA. I think initially people are put off with having to deal with the whole NI number or lack of, until employment is established.

Hi..and welcome...sorry not in liverpool but nice to meet you anyway

Helena

Hi Gwinn! I truly hope things begin to turn around for you soon. The job thing would get me down as well - but you'll find something that will suit you and then you'll be happy and cheery - weird how a job can do that even if you want to gripe about all the things wrong with it sometimes   Anyway, not in the UK yet, but thought you'd like some encouragement and some "GO GWINN" to cheer you up!

Cheers,
Jen

Hi Gwinn!  Welcome to UK Yankee! 

I'm from Nashville too!!!  Robertson county girl here. 

I'm in London and have been here since 2001, but I remember those early days well.  It sure isn't easy.  The job stuff can really get you down, and I know how desperate I was for some connections in this country other than my husband.  But you've come to a great website full of friendly, helpful people.  Altho, I'm not in Liverpoole, happy to chat with you any old time! 

Hope you enjoy the site and can't wait to get to know you better soon!

Hey Gwinn,, and Welcome

It can take a while to feel fully adjusted to life here. I have been here nearly 4 years, and still am adjusing myself.

I lived in Tennessee for about 6 years when I was a kid,, ever hear of a hole in the wall town  called Hohenwald? LOL  It's near Columbia and about 75 miles from Nashville.   

You will find that we have all been thru similar emotional feelings that you have been having. This site is a great source for support

Tebs

 Hiya and welcome to UKY 

  Rhia

WOW !!!  Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes  .  It made me smile !! 

And..particularily to my fellow former "Tennessean's"...Wishstar and Tebs!!  Wishstar, I do know Robertson County...I've two good friends in Springfield.....and Tebs, I lived in Lewisburg, Tennessee for a while...and I'm very familiar with Hohenwald...believe it or not.  They have an Elephant Sanctuary there now...which is one of my passions....I LOVE Elephants.

I've done accountancy/bookkeeping/payroll work most of my life, until a few years ago.  I decided to train to work with another one of my passions...special needs individuals.  I learned to even drive a 66 passenger School Bus !!! It has been most rewarding !!  Just cannot for the life of me....beg, borrow or steal a job here in the UK !!! haha.  I'm registered with 4 agencies, have sent MANY applications in, I have excellent letters of references from employers in America.....but Nothing yet other than a "job share" temporary position as a cash reconciliation clerk...and even that ended. 

Anyway.......I'm rambling on.....   hahaha.  Wonderful to hear from all of you....not sure about how to "chat" with anyone yet....still learning about this website....but I will figure it out soon, hopefully !!!

Hugs to all.

Gwinn

Isn't it the most surreal thing, Hohenwald having the Elephant Sanctuary? LOL,, my younger brother moved back there about 10 years ago, but I havn't been back to visit there in close to 15 years.  Still have rellies on my mother's side there. It was a fun place to live as a kid,, but I am glad we moved from there when I was 12.  Beautiful country up that way. 

Hopefully things on the job front will pick up for you soon

  I decided to train to work with another one of my passions...special needs individuals.  I learned to even drive a 66 passenger School Bus !!! It has been most rewarding !!  Just cannot for the life of me....beg, borrow or steal a job here in the UK !!! haha.

Have you tried your local Social Services dept?,Don't know about Liverpool but around here they're crying out for people to work with special needs people.

Dave

I decided to train to work with another one of my passions...special needs individuals. I learned to even drive a 66 passenger School Bus !!! It has been most rewarding !! Just cannot for the life of me....beg, borrow or steal a job here in the UK !!! haha.

Have you tried your local Social Services dept?,Don't know about Liverpool but around here they're crying out for people to work with special needs people.

Dave

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Thanks very much Dave for the info !!!  Yes, I have tried that.  I've applied for a Teaching Assistant position.....no reply.  I just applied for a position with a Council-funded "Farm" where children with difficult behaviors/special needs come and find a rehabiliative country setting in the City.  I'm hopeful about this one....very close to me....I have all my toes and fingers crossed !!!   

Cheers,

Gwinn

Thanks very much Dave for the info !!!  Yes, I have tried that.  I've applied for a Teaching Assistant position.....no reply.  I just applied for a position with a Council-funded "Farm" where children with difficult behaviors/special needs come and find a rehabiliative country setting in the City.  I'm hopeful about this one....very close to me....I have all my toes and fingers crossed !!!   

Hi Gwinn,Not to worry too much about not hearing from social services yet,the wheels grind exceedingly slowly.Another avenue to explore if you havent already,are there any charities like Barnardo's who have projects in your area?,we have"worked" with them for years.Our local one is called Sandcastle and provides respite care for parents of special needs children,they too seem to be always needing paid staff,although the staff mainly work part time(three days per week).

Dave

Hello Gwin and welcome. Youll find a lot of support on this forum and Im sure will also make new friends!
Im not from TN but will be going to Nashiville to visit my mom next month. Know where I can get a cheap flight?
Looking forward to reading your posts!
Pebbles

Hi Pebbles !!! Great to meet you !!

Just one question....can I come along in your suitcase?  I promise I won't take up too much room!!  ha,ha.....(only kidding).

As to cheap flights....I always searched the net for mine.  I've flown USA/UK many times.  I have used the Travelocity website to help narrow down the prices and connecting flights.  The one place I "refuse" to fly into from the UK is Chicago O'Hare....My God...what a nightmare of an Airport !!

Anyway, hope you have great trip to Nashville....and give them my regards !!! ha,ha.

Hugs,

Gwinn

Hi Gwinn! Welcome to UKY!
Melissa