Hi all,
Its been a while since I've posted....I've been busy the last little while!
But since BE was such a helpful tool for me, for advice, information and most importantly support, I want to update you all and offer my insight into life here for all those still waiting to move

As anyone who posts regulary on here, they will know I had major concerns about moving....worries about if it's the right thing to do, worries about leaving my parents/friends and worries about getting a job. In the end (with a lot of advice and support from here) I finally took the plunge and moved in April.
I live at my brother and SIL's place and its really worked out well. I bought a car and looked for job. I applied for lots of jobs, but ended up getting a job working in Inventory for Walmart. Now, I know its not the most glamorous job BUT its a job, and its paying money. I'm hoping I can work my way up in the company or get a better paid job elsewhere if one comes up, but for now, I work with some great people and I'm laughing most of the day!

The summer was good (despite it being a bad one apparently!) I thought it was fab!

I've met a nice guy here, and we've been going out a few times here and there, which has been nice. I've met his friends, been to his work xmas party this afternoon and just having a nice time. I've been to watch the Leaf's play hockey (and going again tomorrow to watch the Leaf's play the Sen's....I'm a Sens fan!!)

I have a trip to Ottawa booked for the day after Boxing Day, to spend a week with a friend so as you see, I'm keeping busy and taking things steady.

Its been hard work, but fun. I find you have to make the effort to go out and meet people, and for the most part people here are lovely!

I now have to make the decision to stay on long term here or return to the UK as my job back there is on a 'career break' until mid January and if I choose to return I need to do it soon. The only set backs I find are the benefits you get with you job in the UK verses what you get here. 5 weeks holiday v's 2 weeks.......3 months sick pay v's 1 day.......I sometimes wonder why I would want to give it up, but I realise there is a bigger picture here to think about, which I will take into account when I make my FINAL decision later this month.

Anyway, I just want to say to those still waiting to come here and are getting cold feet......you will only get this opportunity once in your life so you should grab it with both hands and at least just give it a try......the worst that can happen is you don't like it and you return home a little lighter in the pocket, but if it works out...then your whole life with be changed for the better.

Best of luck to everyone waiting, and thanks for reading my thread

thanks for taking the time to write!
i moved to Calgary 3 months ago, leaving behind my family, friends, and the girlfriend of 5 years that didnt want to move.
the job here is great, the people are lovely, but im super homesick!
my girlfriend almost definitely wont be moving. i miss her so much but i think that the relationship is over. i miss family and friends desperately, and am genuinely considering going back to the uk.
ultimately its because i miss a girl. but when im down i see all the bad points canada has to offer.
some of the laws are backwards, the people dont get the British sense of humour, most stuff here is more expensive than the uk, drivers are a nightmare and its sooooo cold!
did you go through this phase? im three weeks in to it now and i cant see a way out!

...can't you get her to come out for a break over Christmas or maybe for the new year? - You never know, you may be able to bring her round to the idea of coming out permanently. The homesick thing will come and go - I doubt there's many on here who haven't had that from time to time.

Yeh, but the Canadian sense of humour thing - that's a tough one.

some would say a double oxymoron there,
canadians have ANY sense
Canadians appreciate ANY form of humour

You need a stronger sense of humour in the UK to get through the day.

best wishes on your canniversary and good luck for a very tough decision that you'll be making

I have sort of gone through the homesickness phase, which was when my parents came over to visit. They were here for 3 weeks during Sept/Oct and it was so nice to have them here. When they had to go back, I cried all the way to the airport and back!! I SO could have got on the plane with them at that point.
That feeling has eased off somewhat now. We talk on Skype twice a week usually which helps. They are very supportive of me and my brother and actually don't want us to return to the UK as they strongly beleive we will have a better life here.....only time will tell if that is true!

I hope you get through your phase. You've only been here 3 months, which isn't very long. Like I said in my first post, you have to make a big effort to go out and meet people. And it will pay off in the end!! Trust me Paul!

Best of luck, hope it all works out for you

The people I work with have a great sense of humour! Just like mine I'd say....and I'd say I have a good sense of humour!
Just have to tone it down a little bit and adjust certain phrases sometimes.

(I always used to laugh when people back home said it was "brass monkey weather".....but people don't get that here....now I just laugh at the odd/confused look on their faces when I say it!!)

Thanks Terese

When I was homesick, I went back to England for a 2 week vacation, once I was there, I wanted to come back to Canada, it certainly wasn't the place I missed it was family & friends, once I had visited with them all I knew my heart & home was in Canada & I couldn't wait to get back here, I have since been back once more & always glad to come back home here go back & visit England, it might help you decide what & where you want to be ,don't give up on Canada too quickly though as it might be something you regret in the long run , good luck & Merry Christmas x

Thanks Janet! I will take the decision very seriously, and weigh up the pro's and con's to both places. You're right what you say, its my family and friends I miss most, but skype and email helps a great deal.
I will let you all know my final decision come the end of January.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

So sorry to hear about your homesickness. It's not an unfamilar story. It will ease - people tell me.
We recently moved to BC and both my wife and I agreed to give it three years then make a more permanent decision. In effect, treat the move as a working holiday that would last three summers.
I fear our experience has been easier than yours. I was terrified (not easy for a full grown man to admit) for the first few weeks and was wrecked with concern to the point of being physically sick. But it rapidly all began to fall into place.
I realise that we've been very lucky in that respect.
The UK and Canada are both wonderful countries. For me, Canada is the better one for the lifestyle that I want for myself and my family. I also realise that that is not true for everyone, however.
I do hope that things become better for you over the coming months and that you can make the right decision for you.