It feels like we never went...
Sep 16th 2009, 8:49 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Back in Norfolk, UK, Happy to be Home!
Posts: 250
It feels like we never went...
We have been back in England for nearly 4 months, we emigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada in August 2008, spent 9 months there, 5 of which we were planning our return, and now feel really happy and settled again.
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
Sep 16th 2009, 8:54 pm
#2
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: It feels like we never went...
Sounds great.
Congratulations to your Dh on his new job.
Congratulations to your Dh on his new job.
Sep 16th 2009, 9:55 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 82
Re: It feels like we never went...
well done!
i'm in brisbane filling out my passport application as we speak i cant wait to get home! bangers and mash and a few pints with the family
all the best to you
i'm in brisbane filling out my passport application as we speak i cant wait to get home! bangers and mash and a few pints with the family
all the best to you
Sep 17th 2009, 12:34 am
#4
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Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Torbay, North Shore
Posts: 744
Re: It feels like we never went...
We are in NZ and can echo every word you say we sold our house this week after 70 viewings so now have to find temp accom until Jan the dog passed frst time his rabies jab which is great so thats on track yes we are thousands down if you also add in shipping flights for us and pet etc but we have lerned some valuable lessons we have been here 1 year today and the last 2 months activily planning our return! look forward to a decent meal in an English pub and a better standard of driving!
Sep 17th 2009, 2:11 am
#5
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 398
Re: It feels like we never went...
Sounds lovely. Where in Norfolk are you? I do miss it! Enjoy your exciting new life.
C
C
Sep 17th 2009, 3:07 pm
#6
Éireann go Brách
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Posts: 2,932
Re: It feels like we never went...
We reccied NS in 06. Thk gawd we didnt go for it. Nice countryside, nice people.
Heavens waiting room.
Heavens waiting room.
Sep 17th 2009, 5:01 pm
#7
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Joined: Sep 2007
Location: NI (back from Toronto)
Posts: 3,409
Re: It feels like we never went...
Glad to hear things have work out so well for you both
Sep 17th 2009, 5:10 pm
#8
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: It feels like we never went...
We have been back in England for nearly 4 months, we emigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada in August 2008, spent 9 months there, 5 of which we were planning our return, and now feel really happy and settled again.
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
Sep 17th 2009, 8:01 pm
#9
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Formerly Montreal now Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 545
Re: It feels like we never went...
I'm also back from Canada, for 3 months now. Best thing we ever did. All I can say is our lives have taken a real upward turn since getting back
Sep 20th 2009, 8:18 pm
#10
Sloopy Frickenbutt
Joined: May 2006
Location: Its good ere Honest........
Posts: 5,225
Re: It feels like we never went...
Can echo just about everything you have said....Weve now been back almost 15 mths...thats longer then we spent in Canada and that 15 mths has just flown by.....but time does when your having fun 
Sep 21st 2009, 5:05 pm
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: Okotoks AB
Posts: 259
Re: It feels like we never went...
We have been back in England for nearly 4 months, we emigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada in August 2008, spent 9 months there, 5 of which we were planning our return, and now feel really happy and settled again.
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
I'm looking to moving back to Norfolk in the next few years. Was back there in June. Had a great time back in Norwich I hope to move more into the country though this time.
Sep 22nd 2009, 2:08 am
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: Maple Ridge
Posts: 165
Re: It feels like we never went...
Great post sim2point4
we too are heading back - next year. House has just gone on the market here. I have given it 2 1/2 years and it is long enough.
We looked into returning in March this year but my teenagers were so upset I couldn't do it. Now 2 months ago it was them that came to us and said they were ready to go back!!
I can't wait and posts like yours and JonFrank's keep me going as we go through the process in reverse!
Thanks
Elaine
we too are heading back - next year. House has just gone on the market here. I have given it 2 1/2 years and it is long enough.
We looked into returning in March this year but my teenagers were so upset I couldn't do it. Now 2 months ago it was them that came to us and said they were ready to go back!!
I can't wait and posts like yours and JonFrank's keep me going as we go through the process in reverse!
Thanks
Elaine
Sep 22nd 2009, 2:29 am
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Re: It feels like we never went...
We have been back in England for nearly 4 months, we emigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada in August 2008, spent 9 months there, 5 of which we were planning our return, and now feel really happy and settled again.
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
When we were in Canada we quickly realised just what we had given up in England, hubby in the construction industry had a crap time with dinosaur companies, lack of health and safety practices, etc, etc, the plan was to apply for a plumbing lecturer job upon our return, well it took a couple of months to get that all important interview, but it was worth the wait as he got the job and is now enjoying a good salary, 50 days paid holiday and final salary teachers pension, wish he had done this a few years ago instead of waiting 2+ years for Canadian permanent residence, what a bloody waste of time, what a painfully cold, boring country ita was, probably safer than England of course, well we felt we would take our chances other than be bored stiff and freezin in Canada! Obviously we knew it would be cold, but did not realise exactly how much it would curtail our lives!
We also made the mistake of building a house that we had to sell, luckily we have recently sold it, but paid heavily for the mistake as the realtors took 5%, that's 5% overall, not on the first $100,000 as some would have you believe, we are now $20,000 worse off due to the Canadian real estate set up, and you can't sell it yourself, it's almost impossible as that is the way it is done and probably will never change.
Anyway, Canada was not for us for so many reasons, and I would just like to say for anyone coming back, don't be scared of people's reactions, most will say they admire you for taking a chance and doing something different, and if you attitude is right and you accept what England has to offer, warts and all, you will be okay, cos believe me other countries have not got it as good in lots of ways.
We have got our lives back, yes we are minus thousands of pounds, but we don't care, cos we are truly happy to be back, and appreciate everything so much more!
Seriously though, congrats on realising where home is, thats the most important part...
Sep 22nd 2009, 5:28 am
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Castle Hill, Sydney (previously Brum)
Posts: 1,095
Re: It feels like we never went...
How old are the teens and what made them change?
Great post sim2point4
we too are heading back - next year. House has just gone on the market here. I have given it 2 1/2 years and it is long enough.
We looked into returning in March this year but my teenagers were so upset I couldn't do it. Now 2 months ago it was them that came to us and said they were ready to go back!!
I can't wait and posts like yours and JonFrank's keep me going as we go through the process in reverse!
Thanks
Elaine
we too are heading back - next year. House has just gone on the market here. I have given it 2 1/2 years and it is long enough.
We looked into returning in March this year but my teenagers were so upset I couldn't do it. Now 2 months ago it was them that came to us and said they were ready to go back!!
I can't wait and posts like yours and JonFrank's keep me going as we go through the process in reverse!
Thanks
Elaine
Sep 22nd 2009, 12:10 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Back in Norfolk, UK, Happy to be Home!
Posts: 250
Re: It feels like we never went...
Glad you feel happier, nothing worse than being in a place you don't want to be in... If you don't mind me asking where abouts in norfolk did you move back to?
I'm looking to moving back to Norfolk in the next few years. Was back there in June. Had a great time back in Norwich I hope to move more into the country though this time.
I'm looking to moving back to Norfolk in the next few years. Was back there in June. Had a great time back in Norwich I hope to move more into the country though this time.
We went shopping in Norwich last Saturday, so many shops, cafes, restaurants, spoilt for choice, we had a great time.
Good luck with the move back, Norfolk is a lovely part of the country.
Last edited by sim2point4; Sep 22nd 2009 at 12:12 pm. Reason: typo