Hi, Thanks to all of you for the advice its greatly appreciated.

I have seriously considered re-qualifying as a building inspector in order to continue in the construction field (I'm a building surveyor in the UK). At 43, I no longer have the energy levels and fitness I used to, to work on the tools although I am capable of tackling most construction trades.

I have also seriously considered training as a lorry driver as my brother in law in the UK is in this field, and has told me that a number of his colleagues have moved to Canada as there is such a demand over there.

I never seriously considered IT due to the negative vibes I have about the state of the industry at present, and in fairness I will have strong competition from other better qualified, younger, and more experienced professionals.

I have considered buying a small business that will allow me to cover my day to day expenses, ( I will have either have no mortgage or a very small one).

I have considered the option of investing in a number of suitable holiday type properties, and living on the rental income.

Ray, PMed you.

I can vouch that a turn in career path may not be detrimental to larger plan of life! I was in sales doing nicely down south with nice house, car etc etc, was I really happy? I found the answer on a beach in spain, so quit moved back north and trained the three years as a nurse and never looked back. Sure the money is worse and there are the less than good days but on the whole no regrets. Whats more i found then my newly aquired skills are in demand all over the world and it is suddenly my oyster!! Mind you my friends consist of docs, nurses, plumbers etc, we are globally in demand, and we're still here in burnley lancashire! Doh!

Don't take it personally ... I didn't say don't stay in IT, I said don't go into IT ... anyone starting out in IT now is at the bottom of the heap ... switching into IT when you move to Canada just gives you a lot of competition for jobs.

Also bear in mind that Canadian employers will reimburse your training costs ... you pay for the exams and they reimburse you if you pass them. If you're short of cash, retraining in IT can be an expensive option.

I had a rough first two years, but now I'm way happier than I would have been if I'd stayed in the UK.

Yep ... that's called a network

I thought construction was a booom industry at the moment (or is that just Vancouver?!)

Thanks