3 years and Still Here!
Nov 12th 2008, 2:51 pm
#31
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Re: 3 years and Still Here!
Hmmm.....there seem to be a collection of those types on here! Im sure one will pop along soon...
Last edited by Paul_Shepherd; Nov 12th 2008 at 4:03 pm. Reason: a little typing error!
Nov 13th 2008, 12:11 pm
#32
Happy in NB
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Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Island View, New Brunswick
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Re: 3 years and Still Here!
Dave,
A very good post, and I couldnt agree more, but its suprising how many people just don't prepare themselves for the big change in life, or still try to hold on to the life they had before in a totally different country!
I have already landed, I am just waiting to let out my house in the Uk and to save some contingency funds before I head out to Canada to start my new life. You have made some very good points, I couldn't agree more on the job front - that is my ONLY priority when I get out there, I have already been for 2 job interviews during my landing holiday a couple of months back - the positions weren't suitable but it gave me valuable experience. Ive been over to Canada 7 times now, I know its not like living there, but I like to think Im pretty much prepared for the change. I even have a few social contacts there now - in addition to my friend who emmigrated 3 years ago, but that still won't stop me getting out and about....I want to make as many contacts as I can...I have to make up for lost time!
I really hope I settle down to life in Canada like yourselves... it gives me a real positive vibe to read stories like yours. I just keep saying to myself "where ever you go.... go with ALL your heart!" I am ready to consign my old life and culture to the past and embrace what the new life and culture offers me. Its certainly not going to be plain sailing, infact im worrying about getting a job.....(now is not the best time to be throwing a perfectly good job in!) but I am prepared to do other jobs when I get to Canada, to bridge the gap in the event of not getting a job in my chosen profession. Ive even thought....new life...maybe a new career too? I feel this is far more acheivable in Canada - well thats what I believe, I will soon find out no doubt!
Paul
A very good post, and I couldnt agree more, but its suprising how many people just don't prepare themselves for the big change in life, or still try to hold on to the life they had before in a totally different country!
I have already landed, I am just waiting to let out my house in the Uk and to save some contingency funds before I head out to Canada to start my new life. You have made some very good points, I couldn't agree more on the job front - that is my ONLY priority when I get out there, I have already been for 2 job interviews during my landing holiday a couple of months back - the positions weren't suitable but it gave me valuable experience. Ive been over to Canada 7 times now, I know its not like living there, but I like to think Im pretty much prepared for the change. I even have a few social contacts there now - in addition to my friend who emmigrated 3 years ago, but that still won't stop me getting out and about....I want to make as many contacts as I can...I have to make up for lost time!
I really hope I settle down to life in Canada like yourselves... it gives me a real positive vibe to read stories like yours. I just keep saying to myself "where ever you go.... go with ALL your heart!" I am ready to consign my old life and culture to the past and embrace what the new life and culture offers me. Its certainly not going to be plain sailing, infact im worrying about getting a job.....(now is not the best time to be throwing a perfectly good job in!) but I am prepared to do other jobs when I get to Canada, to bridge the gap in the event of not getting a job in my chosen profession. Ive even thought....new life...maybe a new career too? I feel this is far more acheivable in Canada - well thats what I believe, I will soon find out no doubt!
Paul
If you are coming to NB start to learn French. It won't get you a job on its own (unless you are good) but it shows you are willing and committed. Plus if you reach a reasonable level government jobs become more of an option. I have very little French language skills and I wish I had studied more in during my three year wait.
Nov 14th 2008, 4:34 pm
#33
Lotus-eater
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Cascadian Autonomous Elysian Region
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Re: 3 years and Still Here!
I tried to prop you with karma Dave but it said I have dosed you up too much already.
Props anyway.
R.
Props anyway.
R.
Nov 14th 2008, 4:39 pm
#34
Happy in NB
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Nov 16th 2008, 12:53 pm
#35
Scottish Canuck
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Auld Scotia > Nova Scotia > Calgary
Posts: 3,703
Re: 3 years and Still Here!
Happy 3rd Canniversay Dave and Jules.
Great post about how to ease your transition. Best advice is to get right in the community - it makes you feel part of your new surroundings very quickly. I like many 1000s here, I volunteered - so many organisations to choose from.
In almost 2 years we have never been homesick (thankyou, thankyou, thankyou), or even suffered from culture shock. Moving from 'old' Scotland to 'new' Scotland was easy as it's culturally very similar. In fact, I would almost go as far as to say that Nova Scotia feels more Scottish than Scotland.
Now our only problem is picking and choosing what to do with our spare time as we are always busy because even in rural Nova Scotia there are plenty activities all year round to take part in.
Great post about how to ease your transition. Best advice is to get right in the community - it makes you feel part of your new surroundings very quickly. I like many 1000s here, I volunteered - so many organisations to choose from.
In almost 2 years we have never been homesick (thankyou, thankyou, thankyou), or even suffered from culture shock. Moving from 'old' Scotland to 'new' Scotland was easy as it's culturally very similar. In fact, I would almost go as far as to say that Nova Scotia feels more Scottish than Scotland.
Now our only problem is picking and choosing what to do with our spare time as we are always busy because even in rural Nova Scotia there are plenty activities all year round to take part in.
Nov 18th 2008, 9:55 pm
#36
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,113
Re: 3 years and Still Here!
Thanks Paul, on the job front become a specialist in something that the province / city / local industry needs. Look for any form of certification that is recognised in North America and study for it. Look at the provincial government website to learn about their view of strategic industries and shape your education with Open University or something similar while you wait to come over!
If you are coming to NB start to learn French. It won't get you a job on its own (unless you are good) but it shows you are willing and committed. Plus if you reach a reasonable level government jobs become more of an option. I have very little French language skills and I wish I had studied more in during my three year wait.
If you are coming to NB start to learn French. It won't get you a job on its own (unless you are good) but it shows you are willing and committed. Plus if you reach a reasonable level government jobs become more of an option. I have very little French language skills and I wish I had studied more in during my three year wait.
All the best
Paul
Last edited by Paul_Shepherd; Nov 18th 2008 at 9:58 pm. Reason: Sentence added.
Nov 18th 2008, 10:16 pm
#37
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,113
Re: 3 years and Still Here!
Happy 3rd Canniversay Dave and Jules.
Great post about how to ease your transition. Best advice is to get right in the community - it makes you feel part of your new surroundings very quickly. I like many 1000s here, I volunteered - so many organisations to choose from.
In almost 2 years we have never been homesick (thankyou, thankyou, thankyou), or even suffered from culture shock. Moving from 'old' Scotland to 'new' Scotland was easy as it's culturally very similar. In fact, I would almost go as far as to say that Nova Scotia feels more Scottish than Scotland.
Now our only problem is picking and choosing what to do with our spare time as we are always busy because even in rural Nova Scotia there are plenty activities all year round to take part in.
Great post about how to ease your transition. Best advice is to get right in the community - it makes you feel part of your new surroundings very quickly. I like many 1000s here, I volunteered - so many organisations to choose from.
In almost 2 years we have never been homesick (thankyou, thankyou, thankyou), or even suffered from culture shock. Moving from 'old' Scotland to 'new' Scotland was easy as it's culturally very similar. In fact, I would almost go as far as to say that Nova Scotia feels more Scottish than Scotland.
Now our only problem is picking and choosing what to do with our spare time as we are always busy because even in rural Nova Scotia there are plenty activities all year round to take part in.
Good for you!! Its great to hear positve posts like yours - lots of people go on about culture shock and homesickness, but I think if your prepared for teh obvious differences it - and are ready to embrace your new home country, then everything should fit into place. (I hope so anyway!) Its no good starting a new life then keep harping on about you old life - if it was that good why contemplate the move in the first place! There are obvious differences between Canada and all the home countries of Britain, but I have found many similarities too, for example I have found I get on very well with many of the Canadians, who in the majority I feel are on the same wavelength and hold a similar sense of humour the British. I have never been to NS but it sounds great, and its sounds as though you have settled into your new life like hand in glove. How aptly named "new Scotland"!
I am moving to Ontario - I know to many that sounds predictable but during my numerous visits a various times of the year over the last 7-8years there is a so much more to Ontario than Toronto (which is a great city) but I have seen many parts of Ontario such as pasts of the Muskoka area that I never knew existed, its beautiful spring summer Autumn (sorry fall!) and winter! and as you say so much to do no matter what time of the year it is!
Long may your happiness continue!
Paul
Last edited by Paul_Shepherd; Nov 18th 2008 at 10:21 pm. Reason: Missing words! I rushed!
Nov 19th 2008, 2:47 am
#38
Happy in NB
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Re: 3 years and Still Here!
But I forgive you NS or NB not much difference
Nov 19th 2008, 2:59 am
#39
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Nov 19th 2008, 1:33 pm
#40
half a century
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Nov 19th 2008, 6:20 pm
#41
Happy in NB
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Nov 19th 2008, 7:49 pm
#42
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Re: 3 years and Still Here!
That second post was to "yes-can-do" who was from Nova scotia! but I forgve you!!
And yeah its only a finger step on the map! but I bet that journey would be far less stressfull than a lot shorter journey in the UK! - say Birmingham to Manchester on a Friday night through the M5/M6 interchange!
Paul
Nov 19th 2008, 7:50 pm
#43
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Nov 19th 2008, 10:48 pm
#44
Happy in NB
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Re: 3 years and Still Here!
Yes new car does make the journey easier, especially when driving longer distances. You soon see why larger cars are more practical when you are driving for 9 hours straight.
Paul is right, even long distance is sooooo much less stressful than the UK.
Plus I have only seen one traffic jam in Fredericton.... ooh it must have added 10 mins to my commute so instead of 13 minutes it took me 23 mins
Paul is right, even long distance is sooooo much less stressful than the UK.
Plus I have only seen one traffic jam in Fredericton.... ooh it must have added 10 mins to my commute so instead of 13 minutes it took me 23 mins