We made our bed

Hi to everyone on the Canada Discussion Forum, I have viewed the site many times, but until now, have not plucked up the courage to come on, so please be gentle.
We have been here in BC now since 2007, had a very bumpy ride, lots of up's and down's. Came with husband (his idea to come, not mine) and our 2 teenage son's (was 18 and 16 at the time) so very, difficult ages to deal with emigrating to new country. Oh and 2 dogs, and no jobs .... So yes about as bad a scenario as it get's.
Long story short, we found a home in rural BC on 1 acre with lovely views, got job's but nothing fancy and not well paying. Younger son had to start at secondary school here, even though he had just left school in the UK, but that was fine, it was a way for him to meet new people. He grad's next month then going on to college. Elder son ... well that's a topic for another day, involving Canadian Forces letting PR's join on equal footing to citizens than at the very last minute changing their mind!!
Would I do it all again - No. Am I glad we did it - Yes and No. Do I think we'll stay forever - I don't think so. Would you do it all again?

fledermaus

No

Tangram

Yes.

Nibbles2005

No

TheThornes

Yes, I would, but then we were fortunate in that our kids are still young which made it easier for them to settle and my husband already had a job to come to. We were also very lucky in that coming over via the Provincial Nominee Program, it only took 8 months from first applying to receiving permanent residency. Maybe I'd think differently had it taken three or four years like some people.

stepnek

Reasonably happy here now but it's taken a long time. Would I do it all again? Most certainly not! Might even move back one day. We'll see.

scottymallo

I wouldnt do it again! We came via the PNP route too seems the easiest way with the job guarantee.

After spending 2.5 years here, glad we did it. Looking forward to another BC summer. If we had gone down the skilled route without a job. I think we would have gone back to the uk by now. I would nt recommend it for families or couples who are well established in the UK with a lot to lose. Lots of people have found it impossible to get a decent job when arriving here, even with a good level of education and experience.

ant11

we love it here so far. only been here 1 month. have job, house rented etc. would i do it again? nooooooo. if i knew how much hassle all the paperwork and moving would be i would not have even considered it.

minimeeze

Yes, I would definitely do it again! I came here via PNP which was relatively quick and painless. I came over to a job I love and which pays much better than my job in the UK, with much more job satisfaction. I can't see me ever going back to the UK - I haven't missed it all - except for decent clothes shopping! My OH had trouble finding work but is now at college training for a new career.

We made our bed

Thanks for your honest answers - I know folks back home read this site, for ideas and answers to their questions, most on the brink of taking the plunge, so I would urge them to think carefully. It's all about your circumstances - past, present and future and your expectations I suppose.
I remember all the reasons we left the UK, but been here in Canada makes me remember all the things I love about the UK.
Are you really so unhappy that you want to leave everything and everyone you love in the UK? Or would just moving to another county help or perhaps changing your job?
If you really want to do it, then do it because regrets about "what if" is a terrible thing. Just think about it a wee while longer.

Piff Poff

This time last year I would have said YES! Now I'm saying no. No I don't think I would, I'm feeling beaten. I am here to stay though, I'm sure I will pick up and life will feel calmer. Will I spend 12 months of the year in Canada in (retirement) years to come? Not if I can help it.

ant11

anyone who is retired goes to arizona for 3 months! and i can tell why!

Rob_999

YES! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately work has taken us south of the border so we're now living in Chicago, after 5 years living in Canada. We will be back, no doubt about it - Vancouver is "home" .... really miss it already.

Aviator

No question, would do it again. Gave up an excellent job with exceptional prospects to try something different, my colleagues thought I was nuts. Tried loads of things (in the same career path). Getting a job was no problem, I had the pick of several. Chose the lowest paying, but most fun. Ended up going back to the one that paid the bills better than the others and was less fun. Retired in BC, would not anticipate leaving.

If you come for adventure and a change, it can work great, those that come thinking they will be better off than where they are are more likley to be disappointed.

The Nicola Valley is my favorite part of the province, especially around Quilchena. It could be a tad isolated and limited job ops for those wanting a career, but great lifestyle if that is what suits.

AmyDavid

I so agree with this. I feel like the last year and a bit here have been a constant battle with one thing or another and even though I won't be leaving Canada, I could definately do with a month away!