Hi,
We have been here in Ottawa for 2 months just gone and my OH is struggling with being here.
He landed a job nearly as soon as we arrived but is unhappy in it. There are only 2 others in the company and no social side at all or any kind of laughs in the office. His is looking for a new job but who knows how long this will take.
Because he is out all day he hasn't made any friends and feels really lonely too. Back home he had a wide circle of friends, whom he met in previous jobs, and he misses the interaction with them, occasional nights out for beer, PS2 nights etc...
I am not the most social person and am shy when it comes to making friends but am forcing myself out there to meet other mums etc...I think he needs to do the same and join some groups etc...does anyone have any ideas of what he can do, meet-ups or where to look? He likes watching football, although not an ardent fan, and would like somewhere to just turn up and play, he also likes his PS2, occasional nights out etc... We looked at the Ottawa meet-ups but he is so demotivated at the moment.
Thank you
Melanie

Similar situation for me - I work from home, so don't get to meet anyone. I've taken up Photography as a hobby and start a course next week. I find it difficult to make friends, so had to force myself to get out and do something different....

The local league for footie is at http://www.ocslonline.ca/league.php?...&leagueID=5117

Sorry, my team is full for the season...I do know that the Ottawa Falcons Club have a lot of ex-pats and they tend to have a social side.


http://www.ottawafalcons.com/#

Good luck.

Sounds very familiar. I've been in Gatineau since mid-2004 and work from home. I have no friends.

Had we moved to Ottawa, I would have sought out a decent local (that always worked in the past). There are no locals where I live. I get on well with all my neighbours but it's all over-the-fence/in the driveway chat. I have no idea what their house look like inside.

DIY has become my hobby. I will spend hours on end at it.

Bollocks - spoke too soon, just had the college ring and say I can't do the course as I'm only on TWP and have 9 fronted SIN, therefore would have to pay international fees!!!

We're pretty much the same. We've been here two months, can't say we have any real friends yet but we've met a few people.

We pretty much used to internet to network, back home we were into cars, both being part of a Mini community, my partner also was into Volvos and he bought a Jeep here so joined the Jeep and offroad forum. So we've both being going to the Mini club meets monthly, he goes to some of the Jeep meets and just recently went for coffee with one of the Jeep guys living in this town. But basically join forums and go to the social meets, you could also try and find any expats living in your area and meet up with them for a chat.

You may find people in the weirdest ways, like the first week we were here we couldn't get the gas pump to work at the gas station so a guy helped us out and asked us where we where from and next thing he was inviting us for a BBQ. Also my Mum knew a guy who moved to Alberta years ago and she was telling his sister I was there too and the guy wants our number so he can contact us. But the Canadians are nice people so you should find it easy to become friends with them!

May I ask what his work is?

If he likes to play football, I'm sure he be able to join a team easily, I think they pay a monthly fee to be part of the team.
I was surprised by the popularity of football (soccer as they call it) here in Ottawa.

If he is interested in soccer the Spitfires have a practice tomorrow (Wednesday) at 5pm - 6pm at Minto field. He can just turn up to see if he likes it.
http://www.spitfiressoccer.net/

We will be there so PM me if he wants a contact there.

join the local legion

become a volunteer firefighter

join the local board of trade

join the local board of health

and a squillionty million other boards that every community has

the very best way is to jump in and get yer hands dirty with some community work

most community groups are crying out for help and new members

you will be welcomed with open arms I would bet

huge luck

Thank you for your advice. I will get him to check out the volunteer boards and see if that works.

My husband is a Web Developer and there seems to be a lot of work in his field, mostly Government though and he isn't bilingual and doesn't have security clearance.

Ottawaharvey - thanks will pass your message on. Trouble is he doesn't finish work til 5 and his employers are not at all flexible with start and finish times.

Thanks for all your advice. I am sure it will get easier....we just need to put ourselves out there!
Melanie

Are you sure?

Sorry...I was unable to resist.

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/loca...hub=OttawaHome

http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/27/cit...hisspeed=25000

That will cheer him up a bit, hopefully

Security clearance isn't a biggy- you can get that.

Get him to sign up with Excel HR- they look after Gov positions.

Bilingualism is an issue in Ottawa.

I had the same crap when trying to lease a car.... "SSN starts with a 9!!! Oh no, sir...!".

I was thinking of doing them for numbercism!

Good list but what about becoming a 'mason' wouldn't that open a whole new social circle.

All kidding aside, the local 'old timers' footie teams are quite sociable and as long as he agrees to buy the beers the 1st time after a game, he'll meet some new friends.