Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I came at 30.

I find it a little limited career wise and could definitely make more in London.

Normally I'd say give it a shot but in your situation and in all honesty I think it could be a horrendous move. I have a friend who has all the social work qualifications and has not found work here. Social Work is not a skills shortage at all over here.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I fell in love with a Hooters bird. The rest is history.......

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I spent several years travelling the world, working casual jobs along the way to make ends meet. I would never call it anything other than several years of vacation. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Deal.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I'm the same, I'm in a similar area to you being a care worker in children's residential for over 3 years now. Although I love working within this area I have had enough of the long hours, sleep ins and bringing my work home with me.

There is plenty of work for me in the UK and not so much in Canada but it is my chance to try something new and maybe make something of it whether that be for a 1 year, 2 years or permanently.

I think you said you were 31? So we are similar in age and at this time when some people believe you should be 'settled' but that's not always the case.

Just go for it, if you get out the and think this isn't for me at least you gave it a go. :)

Can't help you with Christmas I am afraid, I don't like it very much although will miss my family

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Thanks becki same here! I'm thinking of going to BC..... Where are you headed?

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Same, Vancouver initially

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

But blink and you'll be a unsettled 40ish with no house and no career. You better think carefully.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Not if I only go for a year... There's always sw jobs in uk.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Sounds as if your mind is been made up. Then go for it and enjoy it. :thumbup:

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Indeed. If you don't go now, you likely never will. What do you desire?

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Exactly. One year, experience. If you love it, try to find a way to stay longer. If you don't, you've spent about 1% of your life on an adventure, and can return to your possibilities back home.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Seriously? What a negative load of tosh!

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Thanks. I'll only have about 3300 dollars when I arrive, not much for Vancouver is it without a job lined up?

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

well (to state the obvious) it's more than the minimum - which they say is needed to cover the first 3 months - although people have posted on forums & fb that you can go through that very fast. It'll probably depend a lot on if your attitude is that you want carer/social work work, or if you're happy to take anything that gives you a paycheck.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Yeah, I'll be willing to take anything to start. Thanks:fingerscrossed:

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

In that case, I'd say really go for it - BC is amazing (I'm starting there), and worst case scenario it's a year's holiday. You might not be able to work in social work in Canada, but you can be confident of getting another job when you come home - so it's really your last chance for a great opportunity. Enjoy! :)

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I think it's fair to say, set your expectations accordingly. Find a job. Any job. Don't expect to find a job as a social worker. If you do, it's a bonus, but don't count on it. You're coming here for a one year working vacation. Enjoy it while you have it! It'll go fast. :)

By the way, if you need inspiration, look up http://stophavingaboringlife.com/

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I arrived with 3000 dollars and didn't get a full time job for three months. I had a couple of weeks temping work before then, and found a room for 400 a month so that all helped. I wasn't scrimping either, I had a good time in those three months, went snowboarding every other weekend and managed to cover Christmas. Totally do-able.

I've been away for two Christmases now. I'm not gonna lie, I'm looking forward to spending this next one at home. However the last two in Vancouver have been really special. I've had two 'orphans' Christmases, where a load of us in the same boat just chipped in for a Christmas meal and had a wicked day. I wouldn't do it forever, but it's good to spend at least one Christmas away I think. :starsmile:

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Avoiding extended family Christmases was one of my main reasons for emigrating.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Maybe stay with Oink for a few weeks, his bubbly enthusiasm for all things Canadian is bound to rub off on the OP and have him/her a job in no time at all

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

:thumb:

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I swear Oink is this chap (One for the older generations for sure)

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/...arnett-008.jpg

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Oink won the BE award for Best Male Crumpet 2013.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

More like this guy of late IMO...

http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/p...d%20wilson.jpg

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

:rofl:

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Yeah, but he voted for himself.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

"It's sex with someone you love."

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

The K-button says I've got to spread it around. :)

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

May 4th - you must be particularly judicious with your gifts :D

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

I know, I think there's a glitch on the system. It surprised me too.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Likely or not, it just happened again. :confused:

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

It's the thought that counts :D

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Maybe I could try sending Oink some K, but really! One palls at such extreme measures.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Needs must when the Devil drives.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

Sorry if I came over as a bit of a sourpuss but you need to have a think about it before you make such a commitment and be careful you don't succumb to optimism bias.

Re: Maybe changing my mind....
 

No worries Oink you are right, I appreciate a balanced view, as I don't think it's all gonna be perfect.