It makes me rather sad when I read all the correspondence regarding the downsides of Switzerland: sure there are! There are downsides everywhere but for me, who is no longer permitted to live there {too old now} the people who are complaining have little justification! Superb quality of life, low taxes, clean, transport running to time, no problems with snow[!], none of the "it's not my responsibility" etc. Sure, the cost of living is rather high, but then so are the wages.
We lived in a part of the world [not Europe] where we were desperately unhappy because of the mentality: after putting up with the situation for more than 5 years, we were advised = put up with it further, or leave! Rather than continually moaning, we left. Best thing we ever did. So I say to those who dislike living in Switzerland, either go elsewhere, or back where you came from. Meanwhile, try adding together all the many plus points. Just MHO.

Why are you not allowed to stay here anymore?

Lady of a certain age!!!

What is the age got to do with it? I honestly dont know please tell me!

Not everyone that is living here can simply go back to where they came from. We can't simply to back to the UK or Australia - one of us needs to apply for a visa in both places.

lack of sufficient funds and income, most likely

and they moved to switzerland

Problem is too many can't see past a fat paycheque, but they come unstuck at the expense of having to live here. Then when they realise they need a lot to lead a normal life, or that it's not quite what they thought, they start to look for things to blame rather than there own short-sightedness. For the homesickers, well some of the above and a large dose of inability to change, or the strength to follow through prompts the same response.

Answer: Stay home if you rely to much on others, and leave off the greedy goggles and rose tinted spec's, as they effectr vision and stop folks seeing nowhere is perfect. Not even Switzerland, with it's beauty, safety, and dependability.

Dumb question, maybe, but how about applying first before saying it isn't possible?

'Cause she said they couldn't simply go back - and that ain't simple.

True, true, but who said moving country/continent is ever simple?

If it isn't one thing it's another...

Well put...... oh and the best advice of all. Learn Schwiizertuutsch. It opens a great many doors which would otherwise remain closed.
And it was not a question of funds: left to get married [giving up Aufenthaltsbewilligung/B Permit] and when we came to ask for it to be reinstated, the authorities simply said "no" despite moving heaven and earth. NB we are fine, upstanding citizens but it made no difference. Enjoy what you have as some of us would give our eye teeth to be able to return. Anyway, Evian is lovely and we have a fine view of Lausanne so have to be grateful for small mercies.

Mind if I ask where this place was? Just curious..

What you say is very true... However, some times you cannot do either!!!! For example in my case, I can't leave (which I REALLY would like to) or see the positive side of things. The only positive side of Switzerland (French speaking part) the I am able to see is the natural beauty. But other than that, I cannot find anything nice to say about this place... I've been here just over a year and I had enough. Can't find a job, can't afford comfortable living, can't find a friend to talk to, and I have no choice but to stay here at least two more years...

So I don't believe what you are advising is proper for everyone.

yes, but what if one of the best things i like about switzerland is being able to complain about it? a reasonable level of freedom of speech was also one of the benefits of living here, the last time i checked.

aw- lausanne is great and there's tons of us here- if you need a friend and people to talk to, just reach out. as for the job issue, i find once you find your own space a bit and have people around you, networking works wonders, there's always people willing to help how they can...

personally, i love it here. it has it's rough moments, and economically we are not able to do much in terms of spending, but there are a ton of cheap if not free things to do... feel free to pm me anytime-

That has nothing to do with Swizterland.. expat moans anyways whereever they are. I've worked and lived in7 countries on 3 continents, and it's the same every where i've been...we always compare...and forget what the other place was really like , only remembering the best side..

What a load of BS. Maybe some people just don't like CH. just like you don't like the terrible place you came from and must return to. And maybe JUST LIKE YOU HAVE TO LEAVE, THEY HAVE TO STAY.

I am really sick of people bashing on people who have personal opinions on what they like or do not. I especially find it ultra-hypocritcal coming from people who in the same sentence spout about all the shitty things in the UK or wherever.

Not everyone is so well-off they can prance around the world choosing where to live.

And given that CH is the land of the biggest whiners ever, I see no problem with expats joining in.



P.S. Some of us actually enjoy being miserable. Reminds us of our childhood in England.

I totally agree with the OP, I had to recently tell a colleague, where to get off, after weeks of her whining about how terrible this country is and how happy she is that she will be finally rid of the place. Either you suck it up, and get on with your life or do something about that thorn up your butt.
For some reason SA is still highly appealing to her, even with the continuing strike of governmental workers, which includes nurses, which is resulting in people losing their lives.
And yes, she is leaving, but sadly not soon enough

I think a lot of the complaints you are referring to are just regarding minor issues and don't necessarily indicate overall unhappiness. I can't help but feel homesick sometimes, but I know I want to be here and certainly would never consider quitting and going home. I like the idea of reminders of the positives of living here but also enjoy a bit of harmless moaning.