I used to lecture in the UK. I always had plenty of work but yearly contracts.
Essentially, I retrained when I came to Canada into a completely different profession, and practised that (and still do). I also teach and lecture (on a sessional basis) in my new field. It's taken 6-7 years.

As an immigrant, you have to be prepared to retrain.

I write books ane edit an academic journal for a living!

Oh dear!

You also have to be able to accept a level of uncertainty when you immigrate and be prepared to invest in the short to medium term in training etc. And/Or you might need to accept a job that you consider is "beneath you" for a while.

Not quite sure what I'd consider 'beneath me'?! Just as long as it keeps us afloat (and is legal)! My previous career highlights have included bin wagon radio control, dole office front desk and live-in domestic :-)
But seriously it would be interesting to know what other teachers / lecturers etc have done as alternative jobs. I am trying to get a realistic picture of what to expect to make an informed decision.

Don't forget different Provinces have different requirements for Internationally trained teachers for certification for teaching in the Public School system - and there's always Private schools or private classes (TEFL perhaps).

I was a teacher in the UK, married and came here.

I became a research technician at a university .............. but my university degree is what got me that job as I had the training the supervisor wanted.

Also OH had a job so I was under no pressure to get something immediately ................ we arrived in September and I started work in June the following year.

I'm afraid no help at all for you ................ unless you have research ability?

We are planning on going to Calgary although we are not restricted and could go anywhere. Alberta Education have assessed my quals and told me I would have to do a 2 year full time BEd which is not practical for me so now looking at alternatives. Interesting to know what others have done in this situation.

I have a suggestion.
On this topic - qualifications/experience not being accepted and looking at alternative careers - it may not be so different in the US. I'm not suggesting you consider America instead of Canada, but just to post the same question on the US forum.

Bigger population, more active than the Canada forum. You might get more responses and more ideas from like minded people and then look at how that might work out in Canada.

Good idea, BristolUK! I have just posted same question on US forum, thanks!