Jo Hoskin

That's exactly how we feel. We would rather give it a try, than regret it for the rest of our lives.

Our children are a lot younger than yours and although they are excited, its a hell of change for them to deal with. We are just treating it as a big adventure and trying to give them as much info and so them as much stuff as we can. x

Jo Hoskin

Absolutely, but we have no family ties and no one to 'mind the kids' here. Work is not regular and nowhere near as well paid as my husband used to be, and I do 3 jobs. We are just about making ends meet. There has to be more to life?

And, yes, Cornwall is beautiful, but we are working such long hours, we never get to appreciate it!

christmasoompa

I'm sorry, but I have to ask the question - what makes you think it will be any different in Canada? Bear in mind it'll cost you tens of thousands to move over, and find it much tougher to get work without the all important 'Canadian experience'.

Not trying to be negative, but just playing devil's advocate for a mo!

JandG

Just wanted to say Hi - we're also in Cornwall (Newquay) and are moving to Nova Scotia, Canada next month. I have been fortunate enough to secure employment from the UK, so we'll be heading out on an LMO/TWP and applying for residency straight away. We haven't looked at any other areas of Canada, so can't help you much with respect to Calgary, but feel free to PM me if you've any questions...

Like you, we have to work all hours to keep our heads above water here and never seem to have the time (or energy) to appreciate the beauty that Cornwall has to offer as a result...

I wish you the best of luck in realising your Canadian dream!

JandG

I would have to second this air of caution though...the risks are far different if you do not have employment pre-arranged. We have waited 7 years to get to a point where everything was in place to make the move to Canada...we were far more comfortable with the long wait than with the idea of moving to a new country with no guarantees...if you have dependent children, then the risks are only increased!

My advice would be to take a trip out to Canada and meet with some prospective employers to get a realistic idea of what opportunities there may be for you before you commit yourself to anything. Go into this with your eyes open...it's a huge move to make and it's best to try and establish all the potential setbacks before you start investing large quantities of your precious time and money....

Jo Hoskin

Thanks for the advice. We have lots to think about and are really only at the beginning of our journey. This forum has helped so much already.

JandG

Not sure if you are already aware of these shows, but you can meet some useful people and find lots of useful information at the Emigrate 2 shows...there's one in London shortly!

http://www.emigrate2.co.uk/default.htm

snowcandy

Hi, we're newbies too. Yes Cornwall is lovely, we lived just down the road from you, near Callington (amongst many places) when OH was in RN.

We arrived in Calgary on New Years Day on a TWP and have just moved into a rented house in Airdrie. We have 3 kids 7, 8 and 17, who started school last week.

Although we'd been looking at moving to Canada (Maritimes was initial choice) for nearly 4 years, we had never actually made it out to Calgary prior to hubby's job offer. After very much thought decided there was no way we could live with "what if?"

Come out to Canada (in winter and summer) if you can. Everyone thought we were mad not to visit here first but family commitments, GCSE exams etc meant that was not possible. Research like crazy, save like mad and be prepared for lots of obstacles. You can live your dream if you really want it to happen and don't give up. All the very best in your exciting journey and PM me if you want any info.

PS. We got totally snowed in at my parents in North Devon just before Christmas, but it was no preparation for Albertan winters, minus 27 last week, lol.

NorfolkNumpty

Sorry but in my experience if you have a transferable skill that is in demand then 'Canadian Experience' is not relevent

Des7783

Hi, I moved to Manitoba (Winnipeg) 4 years ago from Dorset. Winnipeg isn't the prettiest place in the world but the Canadian people are VERY friendly (once you get them out of their cars - their driving habits leave a lot to be desired). I don't regret the move at all - winters are a little chilly & the summers can be a tad extreme (mozzies ) but it is the land of opportunity. All the best with your move...........

Alan2005

The clue is in what you just wrote. Don't assume it is universal.

NorfolkNumpty

Its not just what happened to me, I came over on an internal transfer, its my wife's (she's a recruiter) professional experience that I am quoting.

Alan2005

Is she dealing with regulated professions or the public sector? These are big sectors of the economy. I only go by what I read on here as I too came on an inter company transfer, however many people with more than adequate skills do not find it easy due to the lack of canadian experience. Working in an office, or "something in IT" is different to being a carpenter, or teacher.

NorfolkNumpty

Technical/Engineering sector........like I said, in demand skills such as Carpentry make the 'canadian experience' thing less of a factor. I used to work in recruitment too but am now in IT for my sins.

I do agree that if you have less in demand skills, such as 'Admin', then its harder but it also depends on where you move to. Calgary is really pushing ahead again and the employment market will be such that certain skills we be hard to find.

ducktastic

Wise words my friend, wise words

(and yep I am Cornish)