Hello all,

Some of you may remember me? It has been a while since we posted. This forum became our lifeline on our road to a better life for our family.

Brief summary:

We have had our visas for over 2 years and had wanted to settle in Calgary. Things didnt quite work out, husbands job application failed and we had to rethink things. I became pregnant and had baby in Calgary as was best for immigration etc.. ( ps I still pay for alberta healthcare from the Uk as I had amazing care).

My mother became very unwell and I became unsure if Calgary was for us as I was dissapointed with the let down in husbands job at last huddle...

We decided to travel to different parts of Canada and see if we could find somewhere else. All in all we have decided that Calgary is for us. We want to be close to the Rockies and have a few friends in Calgary.

We struggled to make an informed decision regarding our future as my family DO NOT want us to go and say things like 'what about us etc'. Our two children are the only grandchildren.

We both have good jobs in the UK but realise that work isnt everything. I would be satisfied with giving that up and looking after children from home. I am a nurse and understand that Nursing is at a standstill in Calgary.

Anyway it is more important for hubby to find a job and he willing to do anything, He has been in the police for 10 years and Calgary police is a no go. Whatever he can find it would have to be well paid enough to support the four of us...

I dont have any easy questions for any of you to answer but could do with a bit of inspiration.

We are planning to come over without children in late October to finally see if we can manage to sort jobs, school, house etc. etc..

In the past you have all been wonderful so thank you so much in advance..


Top Cat

Sorry I can't help in the job or inspiration department.

However I'd stop paying those health care premiums ASAP. Alberta eliminated health care premiums as of January 2009.

I would contact Alberta Health and Wellness to see if there is any possibility of a refund.

http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/contact-AHCIP.html

Best regards.
Steve

Steve,

Thank you , just checked out the site My CIBC account will be a little bit healthier I expect then.. I will give them a call and see how things lie..

Thank you again

Top Cat

Hi Top Cat,

If you want to chat about your husbands career and options in Calgary please feel free to drop me / hubby an email. My hubby was a UK police officer for 16 years and decided on career change when we got to Calgary.

You are also very welcome to come and see us in October, we can do you a bite to eat and sit and chat about life in Canada.

Take care
Sam

I hope you get some ispiration and follow your dream. Reading your post I get the feel that family are wearing you down!! This is the subject of another thread.

I am lucky my Dad is all for me and my children going even though he may be going blind and my Mum is in a home. My brother is also thinking about following me, he is planning a trip late next year and I haven't even got there yet!

I know you want Calgary, but what did you think of BC when you were there. They are looking for Nurses and Police I think. You could go close to the Rockies and the border with Alberta until things pick up and you can move permanetly to Calgary.
Dont give up the Dream.
Sarah x

Dear Topcat
We've been in the queue for over 3 1/2 years and if we ever arrive I know what I intend to do. I'm 54 and I doubt if anybody will be beating my door down to give me a job. However I'm lucky because I know what I intend to do when we get there
I do what used to be a hobby (obsesssion) but now is just someting I know a lot about. If you and your OH have some sort of hobby or interest, would it be possible for you to utilise that skill in some way as a part-time or internet business ? Even if somebody else is doing the same, it doesn't mean you couldn't compete.
My sister on Vancouver Island took up dog grooming when she was 45+ and does very well.
Sorry if this isn't much help to you, I wish there was an easy answer, good luck in the future.

Top Cat. Have you considered a holiday?

Hi all..

Thank you to Sam, in Okotoks. I will send you an email and Yes would love to meet up and pick your brains.. I will be in touch very soon..

Hi Sarah ( madwife), We loved BC and see ourselves as eventually moving there after a few years settled in Canada. We wanted to make the move to somewhere we were familiar with initially, hence Calgary.. I do hope you get news of your move soon. Are you moving soon?

Dear How long, thank you for your time in replying to my thread. Its not something that we have thought of.. but youve got me thinking?? ummm
Thanks again

Oink - ?! not sure I understand your post... Holiday? Weve spent the last 6 years of holidays in Canada and have travelled almost everywhere?! too many lovely places I guess?

Thank you for your replies they keep me inspired, please keep them coming..

TopCat

Hi TC
Just a quick note I really dont understand why relatives put their children under so much stress and pressure by saying things when they are told that you want to move on and better your life and your kids life or at least give it a go!
Me personally I say you go with your heart and use your head to do what you think is best for you, your OH and the children!
As for the parents and the in laws etc, I bet you they are willing to get on a plane once or twice a year for a holiday, well if they miss you's then they will just have to holiday at your place once in a while!
I remember my in laws moaning we never went to see them! I just informed them it was the same distance from their house to my house!
You go for it!