Well here I am … my first Canniversary! It's been exactly a year today (2nd June 2009) that I arrived at Pearson airport, and started my new life in Canada. At one point I wasn't sure I would make it this far; things started off very tough indeed, as it probably has for many other migrants. But maybe this was more to do with the downturn in the worldwide economy rather than Canada itself.
My life here now is a lot different to what it was a year ago today, in some respects its taken time to get where I am, and I at times I really felt like throwing the towel in. But if I look back in the grand scheme of things, it hasn't been long at all for things to start falling into place, and its certainly been an adventure so far.
So would I do it again? If I knew a year ago what I would have to go through, I'm not sure I would, but then I suppose that's what an adventure is all about. I look back on all that has happened in this year, and I certainly have some stories to tell. I don't regret making the move at all, even though I gave up a job, a nice home in a lovely village in the UK, as well as a large circle of close established friends, a sister along with my little nephew, who I still miss, to start a new life in Canada. I didn't dislike my life in the UK, although there were a number of things that were beginning to really annoy and dismay me about it, morally, politically and culturally, but on the whole I loved my home and the area where I lived, I just felt that as I wasn't married, and didn't any children, I felt I wanted to do something with my life. I'm not getting any younger, and I didn't want life to pass me by, so I felt like I needed to shake things up a little and step out my comfort zone. My personal life had also considerably changed with most of my friends married with children, and along with my sister, the remainder of my family were settling into their own little families. I didn't feel part of the life I once knew anymore, and felt there was much more for me to experience.
I think the final straw for my decision to move, was that I was finding it more and more difficult to financially afford to run my small house that I loved, an average car, and being able to have a couple of nights out a week. Despite earning a reasonable salary I was slipping deeper into debt every month. This made me realise that there had to be a better chance of a decent quality of life in Canada, and if nothing else I would gain a valuable experience in living abroad.
So, with the ever gnashing "what if" going round and round in my mind I decided to make the jump, and subsequently sold, gave, or packed away all my personal possessions. All that was left was to rent out my house.
I had a terrible start in Canada, I lived with someone who I thought was a friend at first, however, that lasted all of two months, before we parted company and then I think my real adventure began. I had very little money remaining and as I had put far too much reliance on this friend, I made the decision to get any job I could that find that would be just enough to fund my living expenses. This would buy me some time while I looked for a job in my profession. So I did bar tending for the next 7 months. It's not something I would be particularly interested in doing again, as I'm not really a fan of working with the public, but it did have its advantages as it really threw me into the deep end in learning about Canadian life and culture.
In the end I applied for nearly 100 jobs in my profession, before finally obtaining my current job where I have been for the last 3 months. Things are slow at the moment, but I feel it's a very good company and I can see a good future unfolding there.
As for life in Canada.....well I have learned quite a lot, but have only really scratched the surface of what I want experience here. Still in some ways I feel limited and restricted because I am here on my own. But one of the things that drew me to Canada was it's outdoor scene: remote cottage getaways, camping. hiking, mountain biking, water sports and even the chance of owning a boat at some point! Then in the winter months it's skiing, snowmobiling etc.
Close proximity to the states is also a good thing too for holidays and visits, but much of this isn't as much fun on your own. I was hoping to get a few visitors this year, but I cant see that happening with the weak pound, and strong Canadian dollar, which is a real shame. I am starting to make a few friends now though after my moving to a new area where I got my job, but I suppose it takes time.
Having been here a year now I'm still not sure what the future holds. I came here with the view of a permanent move, and although it was a tough start I am starting to feel more settled now, but I sometimes wonder if it will ever be the permanent move I envisioned when I first make the decision to move here. I suppose you have to take one day at a time. The reasons I moved to Canada are still forefront in my mind, and I think once I start making more deeper friendships and getting involved in many of the opportunities on offer here then that will strengthen my resolve to be here.
I went back to the UK for a two week holiday in January this year and I thought I'd slot straight back in (having been away for only 7months). Although it was greet to see family and friends, and they made me feel welcome I really felt like a visitor. I think some of this was down to me not having my own possessions, no car and no home there anymore. Bottom line it was a strange feeling, and not one I anticipated I would feel having only been away for a few months.
At present I am happy that I have made the move here. There is plenty to be positive about now, particularly now that I have a promising job, and a steady salary. I do still miss certain aspects of my UK life, and my friends and family, but I still have much to experience here in this country and I hope my second year (and phase two) may start to provide that.
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Well here I am … my first Canniversary! It's been exactly a year today (2nd June 2009) that I arrived at Pearson airport, and started my new life in Canada. At one point I wasn't sure I would make it this far; things started off very tough indeed, as it probably has for many other migrants. But maybe this was more to do with the downturn in the worldwide economy rather than Canada itself.