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Returning to live in Australia, particularly if you have been living elsewhere for more than five years, can be extremely challenging. The range of resources for Australian Expatriates living overseas and returning to Australia is slowly increasing...but like many moves, you need to prepare for the challenges.

1) Where should I live?

Returning to the 'family home' because it is 'rent free' is probably not a good choice. If you are accustomed to a fast paced independent lifestyle, then returning to a home in the suburbs without a car to get you out will reduce your chances of re-exploring. You may be wanting to 'escape' the frantic pace of the past, enjoy that on the weekend. If you ease the transition and find that it is still not 'quiet' enough, then you can move to the country and really slow down some more. But a sudden stop for an active brain can be difficult.

2) Friendships - I am different - do I need new ones?

It will be great fun to catch up with old friends and see in a visual sense how you have all changed. The novelty may wear off in five minutes. When they suggest that you all sit down and watch a television program together, you may be shocked! I know that sitting through an entire episode of a sensationalist local current affairs television program is a real challenge for someone with an international perspective on life!