Why We Refuse to Accept the UK - Explained

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In this week's video, we dive deeper into our upcoming move, a topic that's been on our minds a lot lately. We'll share our feelings, including our fears and anxieties, as well as our hopes for this new chapter. Join us as we explore what this big change means for our family and what we’re looking forward to in our new home.
Stef
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[@loislyons3724]

Have you researched how the local Portuguese feel about transplants? The only reson I ask, is because we are transplants from the mainland of USA to Maui, an island in the US state of Hawaii. The climate right now is very volatile toward outsiders who have moved here. We are not welcome. It's heart breaking, as we made many sacrifices to move here, and have always contributed to the local businesses, social programs, and tried to be good stewards of the land and ocean. But, anytime land is limited, and "gentrification" occurs, there will be division and consequences. Just do your research, so you don't experience the heartbreak that can occur when you are targeted as a colonizer.

[@jandalvandal]

Agree with this but from a different perspective. There are more Native Hawaiians living off island (most on the continent) than on island because they have been displaced. They cannot afford to live where they are from, where their family is buried, where their ancestors have lived for a thousand years. Unless you are a refugee, it is on YOU to make sure that you are not causing harm to the native/local people where you are moving to. It is beyond privileged to point to a place on a map and decide to move there, without thinking about this issue.

[@italy-amanda]

I am in my early 40's and moved to Florence, Italy, from the UK a year ago.. I cannot tell you how different i feel. I now feel alive and don't have time to look at my phone nor watch TV, so much to see and do. Mountains, sea, food, art.....etc...... The quality of life is 100% better than the UK. Without risks in life we cannot grow. no regrets here. GOOD LUCK.

[@islegirl5048]

Thanks for sharing and inspiring them to move on

[@italy-amanda]

@@islegirl5048 💕💕💕💕

[@casscan90]

We’ve been in France for 4 years and whilst there’s many things we miss, we definitely wouldn’t go back. The European way of life feels so much better

[@Caseofcurls]

I moved me and my daughter to Dubai. I sold and packed up our belongings into four suitcases. We started from scratch and while it’s been a rollercoaster, 11 months later I have no regrets. I also have no plans to move back to the UK. Whilst life is by no means perfect I am happier and less stressed. If there’s anything you want to do in life, you should go for it ❤

[@susanleeson1832]

My sister spent 3 years in Spain, about 30 miles from the coast. She took a financial blow by not staying in Spain. She lost out financially on her return. Selling her UK home, buying in Spain (refurbishing and extending that property), then returning and having to buy in a rising UK property market. She enjoyed her time in Spain. However, because she was self-employed she had to work as hard in Spain as she did in the UK. This left her little time to build a life in a new country ... that was a significant problem. She returned home to the UK and picked up her life where she had left it. Family, friends and her own culture. That is not a dig at Spain - not having the time to immerse herself in her new life meant that she felt like a Brit abroad - just moving for sun and fun. That was not enough for her.

[@ryangibson4226]

Really enjoying the latest batch of videos. Feels like a real jostle of family life, emotions and plotting your next move. We are a family of four and we have explored similar options to you and we decided to stay in the UK but make a number of lifestyle changes. I sold my primary online business in 2021 and work now in a part-time capacity on a couple of other projects. We love mainland Europe; particularly the South of France within the Provence region. What struck me with your search is the similarities but also the options you have available to you. To gain a mortgage on a property close to one million means you have phenomenal earning potential here in the UK. Granted that may have slowed a little but I do imagine you have potential to work a day or two a month and command a substantial day rate. Where you have perhaps made mistakes is your outgoings to earnings ratio. A Campervan, Tesla, one million quid property and the maintenance of said property is a huge burden where you need to keep earning. I think the appeal of Europe is maybe the stripped back nature of your trips. 4 weeks of just family time, without the burden of high outgoings. The reality of moving to Europe however is that your support network and business network will be lose here in the UK which could in theory have a financial impact on you. I just wanted to offer an alternative strategy to consider should Portugal not work out. We live in a far lower cost of living area to yourselves and there's many beautiful places across the country where you could achieve this yet retain what you have now. Kids in UK schools, reachable support network, employment opportunities within London. We looked across Europe and our decision was to take every school holiday off work. We head to Europe for the entire Easter Break and Summer and travel across the continent, we go on other family trips in the lesser months. Our investments from the business sale and work opportunities are here in the UK. It's essentially the best of both worlds. Your children are of an age where it could have a real impact on them. Granted it could work out but again you can achieve all of what you desire by swallowing your pride a little and exploring lower cost of living areas. Your main work seems to be flexible and you can more than likely achieve your fresh start somewhere else in the country but still get your European dream in the Spring/Summer months. The vibe in the Summer is great because everyone is on holiday so things may be different in reality. This is not to deter you but I think stripping back your lifestyle, lowering your expenses considerably and spending on the things which bring you real joy could have the same impact without the negatives. If you would like to chat further I am happy to provide more context on my situation. I will be keenly watching and cannot wait to see how it all develops. Thanks again for the video.

[@LuLuBeeBah]

This is such great advice

[@Salted_Caramel-kb]

I don't usually comment on videos, but I've been watching you all for about 6 months. I live in a town about 20 minutes away from Bath. We live in a standard house and have just paid off our mortgage. We have always home educated our kids up to GCSE level. I suppose I started watching your videos thinking, well you could do that here - live that lifestyle here. Downsize, move out of an expensive city, home educate and have the flexibility to go on holiday, etc whenever and wherever you want. However, I also think it's interesting to see other people's life journeys and understand how they got to the point where they just needed to break free. Maybe it's mortgage payments, maybe it's culture, maybe it's kids struggling to fit into the educational system, whatever. I think even if you move away and end up moving back, there is no downside to giving yourselves and your kids the experience of living in another country and embracing a different culture. You'll never regret that time!

[@picjw]

I don't get, it sounds like the only clear reason you gave was the interest rate hike. 1. Really? All economies fluctuate 2. You're moving as the economy is set to (slowly) move into a growth cycle. So if the interest rate is the only reason, then you're kinda jumping ship just as its turning.

[@aishas7654]

Buy a cheaper house. Get full time jobs with a steadier income stream. It really is that simple

[@Haziefield]

Hi, I can say from personal experience that there are pro's and con's to moving to another country. It's tough but also an adventure and we were an adventurous family of four. My husband and I left the UK where our babies were born and moved to South Africa for 18 months back in 1994 when our girls were 1 and 3 years old (for family reasons, grandparents etc) the appalling crime outside Joburg sent us back to the UK. Next we emigrated to New Zealand for a couple of years for lifestyle but felt very isolated and cut off from friends and family. Once again back to the UK. A year later we emigrated to Canada, where we lived rurally for 12 years while our daughters could complete their education and go on to University. We moved back to London 7 years ago as empty nesters. As a couple we house sat for 8 months through an agency before moving and settling here in Bath!! Our daughters are still in Canada, one in Calgary and one in Halifax, both happily married and we now have a 4 week old grandson. Each time we moved we sold pretty much everything we owned and it was exciting to de-clutter. The last move was difficult, leaving our daughters and parting with memories and sentimentality attached to our 'possessions' but at the end of the day what is important is how you feel at the time you make the decision. We did endless lists and have no regrets (except I would have home schooled them knowing what I know now). People you care about in your life are what matter the most and although its far from ideal to be away from our children things change and we have learnt and observed a lot during the past 4 years. Would we move country again? It comes with risk as well as a huge financial and emotional cost, as does living, so we will see... xx

[@picjw]

Tldr

[@jacquib256]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience it was extremely moving and informative - may I ask why you didn’t try Europe and only huge moves miles away? Do you think you may have settled in Portugal for instance? My friend and I have been talking about where to move to and Portugal is certainly on our radar too… would be great to hear from others who have moved there 😊

[@lunasuprema]

See, this is our problem. I'm from New Zealand and would love to move our family overseas but absolutely anywhere else (apart from Australia which I don't like) is sooo far away from our family. I feel a bit trapped here sometimes

[@Carpe-Diem]

There will be some regrets. And admittedly our kids have all flown the coupe, but you have to take yourself out of your comfort zone to grow! Since coming to Portugal there have been major frustrations, especially in red tape in getting our home built with OUR ideas and wishes. And we have turned our back on work, a decision which has created more pleasant surprises than we had ever imagined. We wish you the best of luck in your endeavours! It won’t be easy, it is so different to the UK, but we hope you can adapt and make your dreams come true.

[@robertmawdsley]

After spending a year or two trying to figure out where we wanted to go, plenty of procrastinating, once we finally made the move we were so surprised at how easy it was. This meant we felt if we wanted to move on somewhere else, if we had made a mistake, it was much less of a big deal. I guess you just need to take the leap and understand it’s not as hard or as ‘final’ as you think. And the difference living in Europe to the UK is huge, you’ll absolutely love it, I don’t know anybody that would go back!

[@kcmorris4875]

With climate change the weather extremes, just looking the current temps of 43c in Greece, Italy etc right now, I would def stay further north and avoid getting fried.

[@mnelson2008]

Self-esteem is loving whom you are; self-actualization is navigating as your truest self without the encumbrances put upon you that may have held you back from your truest self. In my interpretation, Maslow is not suggesting one must "let go of everything" but rather to shed those things that hold us back while celebrating and appreciating those things that guided us on the journey.

[@oliviahooper4503]

I have moved abroad twice, once to Spain, and I have been in Morocco since 2022. I can say it's not easy but the best things never are and the more effort you make to put yourself out there make friends and learn the language the more it will become home and you won't look back. There will always be good days and bad days but there are no matter where you live, it's just weighing up if those bad days will be easier to live with than they are in the UK. I can safely say I never plan to live in the UK again, my life is much more balanced relaxed, and fulfilling than what I had in the UK which just felt like a constant battle and stress with rain and shit weather every day.

[@Leesliie]

There’s no other family that I would like to support other than yours! The cards are great and I can’t wait to get mine!🥰

[@Kavita_826]

I'm always so excited to hear about your imminent move to Portugal, we looked into Portugal but realised that SE Asia is definitely more our vibe. I have 4 kids, my husband is retiring after 30 yrs in the police and we're (all being well) heading off to Malaysia. I cannot wait, however. I sometimes sit in my lounge and look out onto our beautiful English garden with the sun streaming in and think, I'll miss this, BUT nothing has to be forever, if we don't like it we'll come home, we're not selling our house so we have that as a safety net. The UK has become something I no longer recognise, it's time to make that move YOLO!

[@charlottetamsin]

We moved south of Cadiz in Spain and the quality of life is 1000x better! Access to the outdoors, sea, mountains, music and culture all year round. It was difficult at first but we found a language exchange evening at a local bar and have now made so many friends, both from the area and all over europe. We formed friendships much more quickly because everyone is there for the same reasons as us (and have avoided the typical 'brits abroad' type areas 😂)

[@MaddieCox-0000]

My family up and moved from the UK to Indonesia when I was 6 as my Dad got offered a job out there. Originally everyone was super hesitant to go because it was literally the other side of the world. We went and had the experience of our lives - one that you can never really articulate to someone unless they've lived through it too. There were lows for sure - they're unavoidable wherever you escape to, but the highs were the highest highs. I came back when I was 16, I'm now 26. It was an invaluable experience and we've all come back a bit more open-minded and aware of how much better life can be than what we're supposed to be grateful for here in the UK. Once I've got enough savings I'm out of here again!

[@violinamajorov5667]

I just want to say something, I would just like to share a point of view so I hope it does not come across as unsolicited advice. I am a child of inmigrants, we moved to Spain when I was 13. The thing that just pops into my mind when I hear you say you would like to move is that you are going to regret one thing for sure, and it losing the life long connections with people that you have right now. Some kids know people for their whole life, and it is a beautiful thing to have. I really envy those people, that have known each other for a lifetime. Nothing really compares to that, you cannot create it from scratch elswhere. Also just having your family around for the days off, for the holidays, etc is priceless. It is not the same when they have to fly to you I can assure you. You might make new friends but it is just not the same. Not to mention that your family is irreplaceble. Also every country has it's problems for sure. And you might become a person who is eternally irritated by cultural differences xD it is a thing

[@beccas548]

My step dads parents lived in spain for 10 years and they had the most wonderful time. They sold their house in spain to come back to the uk for a pittance and could barely afford a one bed flat. They had a three bedroom house with a pool!! My stepdads sister is now going through the process of leaving the uk to go to spain all for a better means of life! Jump at the opportunity. Its an adventure if nothing else!

[@EnteringTheMystery]

We moved to Bali then Australia, it was the best thing we ever did 🫶🏼 & even with the missing there’s no regret x

[@misssjw]

Good luck with the move! You won’t regret trying it - you can always go back to your ‘old’ life if it doesn’t work out. We came to Australia and every time we visit the U.K., it’s miserable. You guys have great things coming ❤❤

[@rachelfowler9937]

great video. we left the Uk 5 years ago and moved to Germany. Neither of us could speak German, but we have had a great time. Now we are off to Oz for 2 years, then we are not sure where next. I gave up children's intensive care nursing to come to Germany, this was a massive thing, and have spent this time in Germany thinking and searching deep as to what I actually wanted to do. Now, I will be going into the final year of a three year online naturopathic nutritionist course with the CNM in London, then topping up for the degree. I love it and I am so glad to be out of the UK. The time I took work out what I wanted to do, felt like a massive mountain. You guys will love the adventure. looking fwd to getting your cards.

[@emu9520]

I live in cork Ireland where I am from.it’s wonderful to raise children…lots of outdoor life…small city…great food and it’s chillllll❤

[@this-is-now]

I genuinely feel you guys. Weighing things out like knowing the UK govt are shafting us with the cost of living and housing prices. We left the UK a year ago for Peru and as much as its been challenging, emotionally mostly, it's been the best thing ever!!! We left with our 2 nearly teen girls and it's been hardest for them. We home school because the education system here is far from great and not having a massive social life is the breaking of my heart daily. We persist because again, we weighed things out and life here makes sense now and in the future.our main focus is generation wealth and I must say, it's nice to not have any debt. We own our car, 4 plots of land and just sold a business that didn't work out (at a profit). Focus on what will make you happiest guys. The UK is smokescreens and mirrors.

[@TheHylander27]

I can’t wait to watch your adventure, so exciting! I think most of us would love a fresh start but can’t muster the bravery to do it. Fortune favours the brave and I wish you all the luck.

[@evahalkova2859]

I would like to hear what attracts you to living in Portugal other than that you like the vibe etc. Do you have any practical knowledge of the country? Do you know something about local law, do you know what is considered polite and impolite? Have you checked the costs of living in Portugal compared to the UK?

[@lovelifementoring5399]

We moved to Australia from u.k and we lived in Canada for 2 years as a family of 7. Best choices ever. Your children are a great age to do this before any long term relationships and not wanting to go with you. Can’t wait for your couples cards too. ❤ You have a great mind.

[@sandysutube63]

Wishing you all so much good luck, fun and safety! What adventures you will all have sounds so amazing! Living here as a US and never moved away from NJ I am so excited for you all! 🎉. “Go forth and wander!” someone said lol♥️

[@beth5174]

We just got my husband (US) a visa for the UK and we’re on the road to his citizenship. After that, the temptation to move to Vermont is becoming a real temptation. My job prospects are good, so are his. I could be paid 3x what I’m on now. But we’d be so far from home, my family and all we know. It’s a hard choice.

[@janis17656haris]

What's happening to you lovely dogs that you all love so much?

[@gabrielalibanio]

I am frustrated with Portugal as a Portuguese person, but it’s a brilliant place and I really, really love it. Bureaucracy is crap and there are so, so many stupid ways. Education is, usually, 3000 times better than England. I think it would be great for kids to mingle with the other kids, they will learn a lot. Schools are good. (I know the best one). Building is a red tape.

[@Andreacollingsshukla]

The quality of this video is incred.

[@ChelseaLampinen]

We’re on the exact same journey leaving the US for the Netherlands. For us the risk is worth everything no matter if it’s for 2 years or 20. It’s so much easier to stay put and complacent and follow the road we were told to do growing up but we don’t like taking the easy route for anything 💜 Our kids are 13,11&3 and we know it’ll be hard but nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

[@TallBirdAcresHomestead]

Any big move with kids is hard! We moved our family of 6 from the city to a farm only about an hour away from where we lived and it’s been hard, and beautiful and amazing! My biggest advice is to allow for the growing pains, but let your kids see how much joy change can bring! ❤

[@sararibeiro3959]

Amazing video, with all change comes fear, but also growth and wonderful things! I would love a video on how to take an idea right from the early stages and the whole process up until you have the final product ready for distribution, please !!!

[@TheMichalaks]

Great suggestion! I’ll do that x

[@charlottea0157]

I have always loved watching your creative videos and unique personalities ! I agree, we have been living in Paris for more than 10 years and we are now deciding in moving to the US, California. No regrets at all :)

[@sarahbenamar2349]

We sold our house in Trowbridge(yep just down the road from you) our house wasn't as big or beautiful as yours though.My husband is Moroccan(we met in Switzerland when we were both working).We moved to Gibraltar as it was England on Moroccos doorstep.we went every other weekend over to Morocco to see his family.We both worked and things were lovely, going great although going over to morocco with the car so often was draining our account.Then disaster ,my son aged 5 )told me that the nursery staff had hit our daughter who was 2 when she was desperate for rhe toilet and wet her pants.I have up work that day, we then didn't have enough income to support our new life. We had to come back to the UK as Morocco isn't my ideal life for us and the kids(this was in 1990).we came back in our car penniless and stayed with our friends.were then given a council house.I miss my old house ,I miss the wonderful life in Gibraltar.would I do it again,yes!The adventures were amazing and we had 2 great years living a different adventure!It was amazing and fun and exciting and scary and sad.I cried all the way back to the UK.we had 2 more kids and started again.Things were never the same .but the memories are priceless.

[@sarahbenamar2349]

Oh and our kids are all travellers.Son solo travelled Thailand ,Vietnam,KL, Cambodia,Germany,and many more places,middle daughter is currently solo trip to South Korea.eldest daughter has been all over,we continue to go as many places as we can

[@jacquib256]

Would love you to set up a community project in Portugal - create your own village of like minded others

[@WalkingandTalkingAussieGirl]

Depends on your lifestyle, sometimes people miss their family/friends dearly and its not worth it, others don't mind it.

[@DarkJonas33]

We live in NZ and home educate our kids. Its normal to feel like you arent well enough equipped to teach your own kids but theres never been a better time with how many freely available resources there are. Time with parents and in nature is invaluable for kids to become resilient for what is becoming and more and more turbulent world. Look forward to following your journey.

[@keepingitreal618]

There is no comparison comparing home schooling to schools in NZ. Home schooled children are on a different level, far superior. Avoid woke schools.

[@GatheredNestBabySanctuary]

I immigrated with my children to South Africa and I certainly do not regret it and I have no intention to move back to the Germany :) Here in SA we have great weather, stunning nature, adventure-potential, moderate property-price's and life feels in general more free and 'easy-going'. All the best for your family x

[@tallulahboo9924]

I would say once you are settled definitely a local school, it will be so good for all of you.I was recently in Portugal and met an elderly American couple who live there and said they did daily language classes for two years, they said its the only way to learn.

[@xLA81x]

I live in Portugal for over 6 years and am now moving back to Germany after also living in the UK and the US. The weather here is mostly great but the winters are not good. I am looking forward to having heating rather than sitting at my desk with 3 layers and 2 blankets. Even the new builds are not really insulated and get cold inside. Mold is a real problem and I have washed down walls and furniture countless times, threw out many shoes and clothes... In the summer it often gets too hot to actually move and the red tape around things or that you ask 10 people and get 10 different answers regarding documents etc, is also not great. My husband is a photographer and the pay is horrible (for pictures and video of a house in real estate he gets 100 Euro Gross) But we love the country! We will try and come as often as possible here for holidays but for a day to day life, a more developed country is our choice for now. I also worked many years in real estate here in Portugal and many things are different than what you are used to, so feel free to reach out if you would like to know more! :)

[@Sam111-q9w]

What a great video, something the think of

[@83lepi]

Thank you!

[@GabrielSeyOfficial]

Did they check Grayson's Gall Bladder? I get those attacks and they are brutal

[@josephjones2836]

Omg I remember when you moved out of London, now moving out of Bath… I feel like I’m watching you adult while I’m Adulting. I’ve watched you guys since I was 15 now I’m 25!

[@melissav5094]

The only thing you'll regret is never going and trying something new. I've lived in several countries. I'd move abroad again, into Europe tomorrow if I could 🥰

[@jolinestevens1343]

Can I just add that I saw an interview where Richard Branson admitted not having a clue about what gross vs net revenue meant - Grayson is already decades ahead of him....hahahahah 🙂 We've moved to Oz, back to the UK, spent a bit of time in Europe and back again. Everyone will tell you their story, but you need to forge your own path. Work out what's right for the Michelaks. Whether you stay in Portugal forever or 6 months, its all life experience. One learning we've had, when you move countries you are setting up work, home & a new community all at the same time. You need to earn, to make new school parents friends, bond with the neighbours, the local council etc etc etc....all whilst learning a language and keeping up with the kids (and their emotions during a big change). It can be a lot.....pace yourselves and keep an eye on burn out. It's a big adventure, you'll have so many stories to tell......

[@francescaould66]

Hi take your time when you find the place for you, you'll know.

[@tobymitchell2607]

We moved from Bath to Bognor Regis (next to Chichester) after covid and life by the sea is 10/10. Love these videos guys ❤

[@clQss]

hi there, sooo.. why excatly do you refuse to accept the UK now? couldn't really understand. is it the "there is smth else" feeling you have?

[@carlaworden6566]

Come to Canada!!

[@babybabypink26]

Where’s your trench coat from please Hannah?

[@jhickman4735]

Try living in Canada for a while , you would appreciate the UK much more then..

[@EvPuliafito]

move to Greece!

[@elenaizquierdo9060]

❤

[@MsMoem]

A million pounds?? Jee whizz!!! 😲😳

[@vikoka94]

What a great adventure for you all 🥰 what ever you decide will work for your family will be amazing and it’s not like set in stone ☺️ it might change after a year or 2 where you want to be or how you want the education so try and take the pressure off and enjoy and go with the flow and what feels right for you in that moment 🩷 and personally I would rent the house out so it doesn’t go to “waste” if in years you find a place where you are a 100% like yess this is the one we want to settle right here for good.. you could sell then to be able to buy there but by then the market would be better, you could sell for more.. anyhow I think it’s exciting and can’t wait to see where the flow takes you!