Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
Mar 30th 2014, 6:01 pm
#31
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
When I took marketing 101 I learned that there were two basic approaches to any situation.
a) Persuade the punters that they want to buy the product you have to sell, or
b) Find out what the punters want to buy and sell them that.
The first is not working as there are obviously not enough employers prepared to pay the OP the money he thinks he deserves for the skills he brings. The second is likely to be much more successful. Find out what employers need then create a compelling case that you have the skills and experience to meet their needs.
An employer does not give a **** what a candidate thinks they should be paid. They want an employee who gives them value for money. If you want to earn $80,000 show that you are worth $100,000. If you want to earn $100,000 show that you are worth $125,000. It is harder for a new immigrant to make this value proposition, but it is not impossible. Otherwise, why would an employer pay big bucks to a marketer who doesn’t effectively market themself?
a) Persuade the punters that they want to buy the product you have to sell, or
b) Find out what the punters want to buy and sell them that.
The first is not working as there are obviously not enough employers prepared to pay the OP the money he thinks he deserves for the skills he brings. The second is likely to be much more successful. Find out what employers need then create a compelling case that you have the skills and experience to meet their needs.
An employer does not give a **** what a candidate thinks they should be paid. They want an employee who gives them value for money. If you want to earn $80,000 show that you are worth $100,000. If you want to earn $100,000 show that you are worth $125,000. It is harder for a new immigrant to make this value proposition, but it is not impossible. Otherwise, why would an employer pay big bucks to a marketer who doesn’t effectively market themself?
People get let go here very quickly if their pay does not reflect their value.
Mar 30th 2014, 7:36 pm
#32
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 181
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
What I find appalling is that "Canadian experience" debate with potential employers.
I didn't have that issue when I had my first Job in Canada, mainly because it was a company transfer.
If I would not have been transferred, and just arrived with the PR, no job offer, I would simply have lied in my job application about Canadian experience. I would rather invent a good and credible story because the chance that the relationship gets terminated based on that lie is rather slim. And even if so, you have had some Canadian experience.
Any good job offer is more about your skills and if you can do the job, not so much where you gained your experience.
Unfortunately some people think that way.
I didn't have that issue when I had my first Job in Canada, mainly because it was a company transfer.
If I would not have been transferred, and just arrived with the PR, no job offer, I would simply have lied in my job application about Canadian experience. I would rather invent a good and credible story because the chance that the relationship gets terminated based on that lie is rather slim. And even if so, you have had some Canadian experience.
Any good job offer is more about your skills and if you can do the job, not so much where you gained your experience.
Unfortunately some people think that way.
Mar 30th 2014, 8:46 pm
#33
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
If I would not have been transferred, and just arrived with the PR, no job offer, I would simply have lied in my job application about Canadian experience. I would rather invent a good and credible story because the chance that the relationship gets terminated based on that lie is rather slim.
And even if so, you have had some Canadian experience.
Mar 30th 2014, 9:12 pm
#34
Dive Bar Drunk
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Toronto
Posts: 8,648
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
I wanted to type this post based on my awful personal experience of trying to find employment in Toronto.
First a bit about me. I am a senior marketing professional with experience working for tier 1 large establish UK and globally recognized companies., I have 15 yrs exp and was a senior manger.
So I get to Toronto all motivated to find work, struggled to get interviews for my actual level of experience. Even at the level below things were difficult. I was constantly told by everyone who I personally know that you will have to start at the bottom, this would have meant taking a 66% pay cut and working for something like 40,000. Anyone who knows that 15 yrs experience is valued at in FMCG/CPG as it is called in Canada will know that's hard to take.
The issue in part if that your UK experience is not recognized as its not experience gained in Canada, they, the employers just don't want to know as they see you as a risk.
The job market is extremely competitive, for some mid mgr jobs there are over 450 applications through LinkedIn alone, and a total of almost 1000 if it is a good paying job in an interesting segment.
What I found was that no matter how good your skills the max any employer would want to pay would be 80k, even if before you were at the 110K level this was never going to be your starting wage. The other thing I noticed was that most applications were just ignored, no response at all. The ones where I was in a process 9 in total the steps between rounds took ages, like 2-4 weeks for any feedback at all. Canadians are know to be risk adverse but this by UK standards is just unbelievable!
Part of the issue is that due to you not living and working in Canada your soft skills would get a very low score whereas your technical skills would be considered ok. Taking into account soft and technical skills are considered together this puts non local based candidates at a real disadvantage, and this is what discounts the rate you can expect. The other perspective is that you have little or no experience and this is exploited to the max if any offer is made at all. I think this approach is exploitative, as yiou may end up working next to someone being paid 30% more just because this person has 6-10yrs local company exp.
Trying to get feedback is difficult as employers dont want to be caught out discriminating against candidates with foreign market experience, something they are clearly doing. You will hear terms that are generic like the competition was stronger, or you did not work for x company, this is always a Canadian based operation. Sometimes you will hear you lacked in a certain skills, when you clearly don't, this issue is that you have not performed this element of the job in Canada. It hurts but what gradually happens as your funds deplete is that your forced further down the job ladder in an attempt to try sand get a job.
Of the 9 processes I was involved in I got no offers, got to 2 final stages but was beaten by someone who had worked locally both times. 7 of the opportunities i only got to the first stage. 2 of them i managed to get feedback on.
All the time that this is going on you get calls for commission only jobs, training courses and other parasites pestering you.
I found that by the end of trying I was totally demoralized and just wanted to give up as it was not worth staying in a place where the wages are so poor v the local living expenses. The salaries on offer even comparing to the UK are poor for the main reason they dont adjust at all for food +10% more, car insurance 50-100% more, and cell phones +100% more!
If you own a house sales tax, like council tax is about 50-100% more too.
So when you look at the Canadian household debt picture you will see debt is 163.5% for every dollar earned whereas in the UK its a 1.2 ratio, not 1.63! Reason is the poor wages.
My advice to anyone who has a degree, or post grad like me and lots of experience is DONT BOTHER. it will be very hard to get a job and it is going to take at least 6 months, if not 1yr. What you may have to do is change sector, and or job function. The economy is extremely limited v the UK. Most of the big jobs are in the US and only implementation jobs are in Canada.,Canadian companies cannot compete in the US so they are generally limited to Canada and therefore they cannot afford to pay livable wages.
The economy is heavily orientated towards minerals, finance banks, and real estate. IT is also quite boyant so if your in IT it is easier to get a job as demand is above supply.
Any questions please message this thread and I'll clarify any of my points, based on my experience.
First a bit about me. I am a senior marketing professional with experience working for tier 1 large establish UK and globally recognized companies., I have 15 yrs exp and was a senior manger.
So I get to Toronto all motivated to find work, struggled to get interviews for my actual level of experience. Even at the level below things were difficult. I was constantly told by everyone who I personally know that you will have to start at the bottom, this would have meant taking a 66% pay cut and working for something like 40,000. Anyone who knows that 15 yrs experience is valued at in FMCG/CPG as it is called in Canada will know that's hard to take.
The issue in part if that your UK experience is not recognized as its not experience gained in Canada, they, the employers just don't want to know as they see you as a risk.
The job market is extremely competitive, for some mid mgr jobs there are over 450 applications through LinkedIn alone, and a total of almost 1000 if it is a good paying job in an interesting segment.
What I found was that no matter how good your skills the max any employer would want to pay would be 80k, even if before you were at the 110K level this was never going to be your starting wage. The other thing I noticed was that most applications were just ignored, no response at all. The ones where I was in a process 9 in total the steps between rounds took ages, like 2-4 weeks for any feedback at all. Canadians are know to be risk adverse but this by UK standards is just unbelievable!
Part of the issue is that due to you not living and working in Canada your soft skills would get a very low score whereas your technical skills would be considered ok. Taking into account soft and technical skills are considered together this puts non local based candidates at a real disadvantage, and this is what discounts the rate you can expect. The other perspective is that you have little or no experience and this is exploited to the max if any offer is made at all. I think this approach is exploitative, as yiou may end up working next to someone being paid 30% more just because this person has 6-10yrs local company exp.
Trying to get feedback is difficult as employers dont want to be caught out discriminating against candidates with foreign market experience, something they are clearly doing. You will hear terms that are generic like the competition was stronger, or you did not work for x company, this is always a Canadian based operation. Sometimes you will hear you lacked in a certain skills, when you clearly don't, this issue is that you have not performed this element of the job in Canada. It hurts but what gradually happens as your funds deplete is that your forced further down the job ladder in an attempt to try sand get a job.
Of the 9 processes I was involved in I got no offers, got to 2 final stages but was beaten by someone who had worked locally both times. 7 of the opportunities i only got to the first stage. 2 of them i managed to get feedback on.
All the time that this is going on you get calls for commission only jobs, training courses and other parasites pestering you.
I found that by the end of trying I was totally demoralized and just wanted to give up as it was not worth staying in a place where the wages are so poor v the local living expenses. The salaries on offer even comparing to the UK are poor for the main reason they dont adjust at all for food +10% more, car insurance 50-100% more, and cell phones +100% more!
If you own a house sales tax, like council tax is about 50-100% more too.
So when you look at the Canadian household debt picture you will see debt is 163.5% for every dollar earned whereas in the UK its a 1.2 ratio, not 1.63! Reason is the poor wages.
My advice to anyone who has a degree, or post grad like me and lots of experience is DONT BOTHER. it will be very hard to get a job and it is going to take at least 6 months, if not 1yr. What you may have to do is change sector, and or job function. The economy is extremely limited v the UK. Most of the big jobs are in the US and only implementation jobs are in Canada.,Canadian companies cannot compete in the US so they are generally limited to Canada and therefore they cannot afford to pay livable wages.
The economy is heavily orientated towards minerals, finance banks, and real estate. IT is also quite boyant so if your in IT it is easier to get a job as demand is above supply.
Any questions please message this thread and I'll clarify any of my points, based on my experience.
Job hunting here definitely gets easier with a network and my advice to everybody is just get yourself into the workforce and pivot from there even if the job is a step back or entry level.
It took me me 8 months to find the job I wanted but I had a lower level job for 4 months of that whilst I got my bearings.
Certainly I would never suggest to most professionals to move to Toronto for a better income. Wages in London, UK are higher. You come here for a certain life style, perhaps a bigger piece of real estate or for the children.
Where are you located? Oakvillian is a senior level marketer who may be able to give you a few pointers about finding work in the GTA? You should PM him.
Last edited by JamesM; Mar 30th 2014 at 9:15 pm.
Mar 30th 2014, 9:23 pm
#35
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
Sorry, but I think this is a terrible idea. IME 95% of employers will take up references from past employers. When your former Canadian employer turns out to be a myth you will not be terminated because you will never be hired.
You will have a reputation of being a liar and so unemployable.
You will have a reputation of being a liar and so unemployable.
Mar 30th 2014, 11:31 pm
#36
Best Place on Earth- LMAO
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: BC
Posts: 571
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
I hope you spelled your previous job title correctly on job applications. To me it seems like you worked in a French restaurant!
On a serious note I also agree with most of what you say about the job market here. I found the job search process in the UK much less painful. There are so many stories of people (immigrants and Canadians) complaining in a similar vein. My advice would be that you need to really want to live in Canada enough that you will be willing to put in the extra effort in the job search and be ready to take 2 steps back for 3 steps forward, etc.
On a serious note I also agree with most of what you say about the job market here. I found the job search process in the UK much less painful. There are so many stories of people (immigrants and Canadians) complaining in a similar vein. My advice would be that you need to really want to live in Canada enough that you will be willing to put in the extra effort in the job search and be ready to take 2 steps back for 3 steps forward, etc.
Mar 31st 2014, 12:05 am
#37
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 251
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
Ok. I am a similar age, income profile, situation etc. We have now been in Calgary for 12mths and I have had a job 8mths and my wife for 4. We both accepted lower ranking (and salary) positions as this was necessary as Canadians for all their wanting skilled immigrants won't recognize their skills and experience on resumes as the same. Simple truth is you need to accept this as a compromise against the benefits of moving here. If earnings are really important to you then you probably need to move to Dubai or Singapore. We like outdoor life, Canadian values, opportunities here in Alberta and cost of homes and cars is much lower. I don't know anybody that came here as an immigrant and earned more or same as before. The job search is also intensive and involves being inventive in terms of networking - being introverted I found this a challenge but if you target 10 people you really need to know and maintain contact and tell them what you're trying to do this should be enough. Much of what is written here will come across as patronizing, but remember if coming to Canada is what you really want - don't give up 
Mar 31st 2014, 8:36 am
#38
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 181
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
Sorry, but I think this is a terrible idea. IME 95% of employers will take up references from past employers. When your former Canadian employer turns out to be a myth you will not be terminated because you will never be hired.
You will have a reputation of being a liar and so unemployable.
You will have a reputation of being a liar and so unemployable.
It's my good guess, that this kind of idiocy will come to an end soon. Canada recently signed a free trade agreement with the European Union, however, it's going to be a couple of years for the legislation to take effect. Any Canadian business interested in doing business with the EU will be happy to take somebody on board who understands the international business culture.
Apr 1st 2014, 11:01 pm
#39
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
I think i'v been lucky then. I applied for a job in Calgary, had a skype interview, got offered the job, they are paying for flights and accommodation for a few nights then a full time job. They are sorting out everything.
Apr 2nd 2014, 12:22 am
#40
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2014
Location: Mission and loving it
Posts: 464
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
Sorry about this in advance, but reading your story you come across as someone who has an inflated opinion of yourself, sorry, as this may not be the case, but that's how it reads. To be honest, if that's how your resume / interviews come across, I wouldn't hire you myself.
I'm not trying to offend here, simply give an honest opinion.
I have spent the past year trying to get interest and an interview, I have over 20 years experience in my field and it's specialised at that. One thing I didn't do was assume that I was the be all and end all and that with my experience I would be doing them a favour taking their job! Bear in mind that I am older than you, with longer/more experience (41 and 24)
I read up a lot about what is expected in Canadian resumes, the type of attitude they expect, the type of questions they will ask and I spent a lot of time researching and practicing this. A massive mistake is to assume your experience is worth anything to them so you need to not focus on how much you have, but how it is relevant.
I persevered, managed to get a Skype interview and I nailed it, or at least I assume I did as they offered me a job at the end of the interview. The salary I was offered was right on the median for my job which is a requirement for an LMO as far as I know, I would assume that what you were offered had to be the same, as they wouldn't get an LMO otherwise? Once I had them "on the hook" I was able to haggle up their offer.
To me, the fact that you gave up and returned home and are saying the only reason you're still trying is that your wife is still there points to the fact that you werent really that interested in the first place. Maybe this comes across in any phone calls / interviews too?
If I were you, I would do a bit of soul searching and ask yourself "do I really want to live in canada?" If you can say hand on heart that you do, you won't give up, you will learn from your mistakes (for that's what they are) and you will keep trying. Try a resume writer - I'm sure someone here could recommend one, the requirements are very different and not at all like the UK (IMO) his may help get you in the door, and then it's up to you to seal the deal, as it were.
After all that, best of luck In whatever you decide, while it may not read as such, I really do wish you all the best of luck!
I'm not trying to offend here, simply give an honest opinion.
I have spent the past year trying to get interest and an interview, I have over 20 years experience in my field and it's specialised at that. One thing I didn't do was assume that I was the be all and end all and that with my experience I would be doing them a favour taking their job! Bear in mind that I am older than you, with longer/more experience (41 and 24)
I read up a lot about what is expected in Canadian resumes, the type of attitude they expect, the type of questions they will ask and I spent a lot of time researching and practicing this. A massive mistake is to assume your experience is worth anything to them so you need to not focus on how much you have, but how it is relevant.
I persevered, managed to get a Skype interview and I nailed it, or at least I assume I did as they offered me a job at the end of the interview. The salary I was offered was right on the median for my job which is a requirement for an LMO as far as I know, I would assume that what you were offered had to be the same, as they wouldn't get an LMO otherwise? Once I had them "on the hook" I was able to haggle up their offer.
To me, the fact that you gave up and returned home and are saying the only reason you're still trying is that your wife is still there points to the fact that you werent really that interested in the first place. Maybe this comes across in any phone calls / interviews too?
If I were you, I would do a bit of soul searching and ask yourself "do I really want to live in canada?" If you can say hand on heart that you do, you won't give up, you will learn from your mistakes (for that's what they are) and you will keep trying. Try a resume writer - I'm sure someone here could recommend one, the requirements are very different and not at all like the UK (IMO) his may help get you in the door, and then it's up to you to seal the deal, as it were.
After all that, best of luck In whatever you decide, while it may not read as such, I really do wish you all the best of luck!
Apr 2nd 2014, 12:36 am
#41
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,348
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
Sorry about this in advance, but reading your story you come across as someone who has an inflated opinion of yourself, sorry, as this may not be the case, but that's how it reads. To be honest, if that's how your resume / interviews come across, I wouldn't hire you myself.
I'm not trying to offend here, simply give an honest opinion.
I have spent the past year trying to get interest and an interview, I have over 20 years experience in my field and it's specialised at that. One thing I didn't do was assume that I was the be all and end all and that with my experience I would be doing them a favour taking their job! Bear in mind that I am older than you, with longer/more experience (41 and 24)
I read up a lot about what is expected in Canadian resumes, the type of attitude they expect, the type of questions they will ask and I spent a lot of time researching and practicing this. A massive mistake is to assume your experience is worth anything to them so you need to not focus on how much you have, but how it is relevant.
I persevered, managed to get a Skype interview and I nailed it, or at least I assume I did as they offered me a job at the end of the interview. The salary I was offered was right on the median for my job which is a requirement for an LMO as far as I know, I would assume that what you were offered had to be the same, as they wouldn't get an LMO otherwise? Once I had them "on the hook" I was able to haggle up their offer.
To me, the fact that you gave up and returned home and are saying the only reason you're still trying is that your wife is still there points to the fact that you werent really that interested in the first place. Maybe this comes across in any phone calls / interviews too?
If I were you, I would do a bit of soul searching and ask yourself "do I really want to live in canada?" If you can say hand on heart that you do, you won't give up, you will learn from your mistakes (for that's what they are) and you will keep trying. Try a resume writer - I'm sure someone here could recommend one, the requirements are very different and not at all like the UK (IMO) his may help get you in the door, and then it's up to you to seal the deal, as it were.
After all that, best of luck In whatever you decide, while it may not read as such, I really do wish you all the best of luck!
I'm not trying to offend here, simply give an honest opinion.
I have spent the past year trying to get interest and an interview, I have over 20 years experience in my field and it's specialised at that. One thing I didn't do was assume that I was the be all and end all and that with my experience I would be doing them a favour taking their job! Bear in mind that I am older than you, with longer/more experience (41 and 24)
I read up a lot about what is expected in Canadian resumes, the type of attitude they expect, the type of questions they will ask and I spent a lot of time researching and practicing this. A massive mistake is to assume your experience is worth anything to them so you need to not focus on how much you have, but how it is relevant.
I persevered, managed to get a Skype interview and I nailed it, or at least I assume I did as they offered me a job at the end of the interview. The salary I was offered was right on the median for my job which is a requirement for an LMO as far as I know, I would assume that what you were offered had to be the same, as they wouldn't get an LMO otherwise? Once I had them "on the hook" I was able to haggle up their offer.
To me, the fact that you gave up and returned home and are saying the only reason you're still trying is that your wife is still there points to the fact that you werent really that interested in the first place. Maybe this comes across in any phone calls / interviews too?
If I were you, I would do a bit of soul searching and ask yourself "do I really want to live in canada?" If you can say hand on heart that you do, you won't give up, you will learn from your mistakes (for that's what they are) and you will keep trying. Try a resume writer - I'm sure someone here could recommend one, the requirements are very different and not at all like the UK (IMO) his may help get you in the door, and then it's up to you to seal the deal, as it were.
After all that, best of luck In whatever you decide, while it may not read as such, I really do wish you all the best of luck!
Apr 2nd 2014, 3:18 am
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 226
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
The job market is extremely competitive, for some mid mgr jobs there are over 450 applications through LinkedIn alone, and a total of almost 1000 if it is a good paying job in an interesting segment.
the issue seems to be, supply and demand, out of the 1000 applicants maybe 200 are as qualified as you. so chance of landing said job about 0.5%
When you were a big deal back in the UK how many Canadians fresh off the boat did you hire to senior positions with no industry connections no recommendations on their work from anyone you have ever known and worked for companies that mean nothing to you, no client list to bring in business?
out of interest did you get you consulting role back in the UK with help of your industry connections and reputation or a through an ad on LinkedIn with 1000 other applicants?
the issue seems to be, supply and demand, out of the 1000 applicants maybe 200 are as qualified as you. so chance of landing said job about 0.5%
When you were a big deal back in the UK how many Canadians fresh off the boat did you hire to senior positions with no industry connections no recommendations on their work from anyone you have ever known and worked for companies that mean nothing to you, no client list to bring in business?
out of interest did you get you consulting role back in the UK with help of your industry connections and reputation or a through an ad on LinkedIn with 1000 other applicants?
Apr 2nd 2014, 7:39 am
#43
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
The job market is extremely competitive, for some mid mgr jobs there are over 450 applications through LinkedIn alone, and a total of almost 1000 if it is a good paying job in an interesting segment.
the issue seems to be, supply and demand, out of the 1000 applicants maybe 200 are as qualified as you. so chance of landing said job about 0.5%
When you were a big deal back in the UK how many Canadians fresh off the boat did you hire to senior positions with no industry connections no recommendations on their work from anyone you have ever known and worked for companies that mean nothing to you, no client list to bring in business?
out of interest did you get you consulting role back in the UK with help of your industry connections and reputation or a through an ad on LinkedIn with 1000 other applicants?
the issue seems to be, supply and demand, out of the 1000 applicants maybe 200 are as qualified as you. so chance of landing said job about 0.5%
When you were a big deal back in the UK how many Canadians fresh off the boat did you hire to senior positions with no industry connections no recommendations on their work from anyone you have ever known and worked for companies that mean nothing to you, no client list to bring in business?
out of interest did you get you consulting role back in the UK with help of your industry connections and reputation or a through an ad on LinkedIn with 1000 other applicants?
Apr 4th 2014, 1:13 am
#44
"In cruce vincam"
Joined: May 2010
Location: Mill Bay, Vancouver Island
Posts: 3,232
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
We have friends and connections with quite a few expats accross the Island - both British and other nationalities. I don't think any of them are unemployed. Some aren't doing what they did in their original country. Some are working for less money or at a more junior level. However, I think all of them who have been here a few years are working at a comperable level to their UK (let's say) counterparts; or they are doing something unrelated that they actually want to do. If you want to live in Canada and you are allowed to, I think it is almost always possible. It might not be how you imagined it would be - but then how do you anticipate or second guess a whole different country, culture and working practices?
Maybe the OP fundamentally didn't really want to be here in the first place.
Maybe the OP fundamentally didn't really want to be here in the first place.
Apr 4th 2014, 2:38 am
#45
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 251
Re: Trying to Find a Job/Employment from UK don't bother
This is all true Riv. You have to be flexibly minded and remember your original reasons for coming to Canada. If you are heavily career focused you need to get to Dubai or temporary expat destinations to boost your earnings. I'm earning a little more than 50% of what I could in UK but content and have prospects, am studying and work a lot less hours. We don't go without anything. Emigrating forces you to find out a lot about yourself and the first year can be difficult especially. I like the class of people that decide to emigrate - they're thinkers and to some extent risk takers.