4.5 years on and bust.
Jan 3rd 2012, 1:44 pm
#47
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Formally Scotland. Now Bay of Quinte...Ontario
Posts: 2,466
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
Jan 3rd 2012, 8:22 pm
#49
.........................
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,615
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
Not really!
So far, I lost £30,000+, we packed our 4 bed house full of furniture and everything we could pack in a 20 ft container, only to re-ship everything back to the UK. It now sits in storage until I can get my house back which is on rent until July (the only mistake I didn't make was not selling the house, thank God).
To cut the long story short, my father passed away a few years back and Mum's sisters lived in Canada and they kept badgering us to move and be closer to them so they could look out for us. My parents were very well settled in london for the past 47-48 years.
Anyway, we went stayed with family a few weeks and we eventually got our own flat (on my cousin's advise), we were dumped in Brampton (the most dismal and depressing place in the GTA), the family basically did their disappearing act after they got all their gifts and tried to get us to buy stuff we didn't really need and also get as much money out of us. My mum couldn't be on her own during the day as she is not well (arthritic), so the plan was the 2 sisters (retired) would stay with mum whilst I met recruiters etc, once I was in the job, I would hire a part time carer. The recruiters had said I had a good chance of getting a job in the pharma industry because of my science background.
One sister disappeared to the US for 6 months and the other said she had to babysit an 18 year old and 16 year old grandchildren. My mum and I eventually got very depressed and homesick, we missed our true family and friends. Mum also got sick there and certain medicines did not suit her.We felt very isolated. Banking was so laborious, getting tenancy insurance was a pain and I ended up having to pay 2 months rent for an empty flat after I left for the UK as the new tenant's application had been declined by the management who owned my flat, on the day before i left, as I signed a 12 month contract with them
Basically, my main downfall was I was living in the wrong location with poor public transport links, and I didn't have a car so alot of money was spent on taxis. I was far from downtown, I should have got an apartment on a subway line as the jobs in my field were in mostly in downtown. Also, I couldn't cope on my own with an invalid Mother. She had a part time carer in London and she had a set routine, suddenly transporting her to a new country, new surroundings was not conducive to her well being plus she found Canada boring in the first place and she never really wanted to come, I sort of dragged her on the plane, I thought she'd be happy to be near family but they drove her potty and in turn Mum drove me insane.
In hindsight, I shoud have given it a year or two but my stress levels had gone over the threshold levels where I just couldn't cope and my Mum would say she wanted to go home almost every day. If I was on my own, I may have stayed the year or two.
But, thats life, but now I am thinking that this is a learning experience and if I didn't go and activate my PR status, I would have been wondering why and ' what if'. My family and friends in the UK thought that we were better off in the UK but said we had to go to Canada to get it out of our system. Now, they said they were glad we are back so its some consolation. If I do go back to Canada, I think I would plan it better and perhaps wait for a job offer first but I need to stay put for now.
So far, I lost £30,000+, we packed our 4 bed house full of furniture and everything we could pack in a 20 ft container, only to re-ship everything back to the UK. It now sits in storage until I can get my house back which is on rent until July (the only mistake I didn't make was not selling the house, thank God).
To cut the long story short, my father passed away a few years back and Mum's sisters lived in Canada and they kept badgering us to move and be closer to them so they could look out for us. My parents were very well settled in london for the past 47-48 years.
Anyway, we went stayed with family a few weeks and we eventually got our own flat (on my cousin's advise), we were dumped in Brampton (the most dismal and depressing place in the GTA), the family basically did their disappearing act after they got all their gifts and tried to get us to buy stuff we didn't really need and also get as much money out of us. My mum couldn't be on her own during the day as she is not well (arthritic), so the plan was the 2 sisters (retired) would stay with mum whilst I met recruiters etc, once I was in the job, I would hire a part time carer. The recruiters had said I had a good chance of getting a job in the pharma industry because of my science background.
One sister disappeared to the US for 6 months and the other said she had to babysit an 18 year old and 16 year old grandchildren. My mum and I eventually got very depressed and homesick, we missed our true family and friends. Mum also got sick there and certain medicines did not suit her.We felt very isolated. Banking was so laborious, getting tenancy insurance was a pain and I ended up having to pay 2 months rent for an empty flat after I left for the UK as the new tenant's application had been declined by the management who owned my flat, on the day before i left, as I signed a 12 month contract with them
Basically, my main downfall was I was living in the wrong location with poor public transport links, and I didn't have a car so alot of money was spent on taxis. I was far from downtown, I should have got an apartment on a subway line as the jobs in my field were in mostly in downtown. Also, I couldn't cope on my own with an invalid Mother. She had a part time carer in London and she had a set routine, suddenly transporting her to a new country, new surroundings was not conducive to her well being plus she found Canada boring in the first place and she never really wanted to come, I sort of dragged her on the plane, I thought she'd be happy to be near family but they drove her potty and in turn Mum drove me insane.
In hindsight, I shoud have given it a year or two but my stress levels had gone over the threshold levels where I just couldn't cope and my Mum would say she wanted to go home almost every day. If I was on my own, I may have stayed the year or two.
But, thats life, but now I am thinking that this is a learning experience and if I didn't go and activate my PR status, I would have been wondering why and ' what if'. My family and friends in the UK thought that we were better off in the UK but said we had to go to Canada to get it out of our system. Now, they said they were glad we are back so its some consolation. If I do go back to Canada, I think I would plan it better and perhaps wait for a job offer first but I need to stay put for now.
good luck when you get back into your house
Jan 3rd 2012, 9:31 pm
#50
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto, back to London, UK
Posts: 153
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
Thanks Bali2010,
When I got back recently, my physical health went down and my GP warned that my heart was being stressed to dangerous levels and I needed to get back to more important things in life like my health and to basically keep away from negative people ( relatives in Canada) and not have any contact for at least a year.
Thanks for your kind words. I just have to get over this ghastly last year behind me and try and move on and think positively. Its hard though living in temporary accomodation and trying not to think 'why and where did I go wrong. At least I am not living in a tent in a middle of a war zone, so I should be thankful. There are alot more people who have suffered alot more.
However, I still don't think bad of Canada, its a lovely country and the people on the whole are very nice and I do like Toronto. One just has to research properly and plan well and always have a back up plan if plan A doesn't work.
To those who want to move for the first time, if possible, don't even think about selling your house in the UK for at least 2 years unless you are absolutely sure that you are ok in Canada and its the place for you.
When I got back recently, my physical health went down and my GP warned that my heart was being stressed to dangerous levels and I needed to get back to more important things in life like my health and to basically keep away from negative people ( relatives in Canada) and not have any contact for at least a year.
Thanks for your kind words. I just have to get over this ghastly last year behind me and try and move on and think positively. Its hard though living in temporary accomodation and trying not to think 'why and where did I go wrong. At least I am not living in a tent in a middle of a war zone, so I should be thankful. There are alot more people who have suffered alot more.
However, I still don't think bad of Canada, its a lovely country and the people on the whole are very nice and I do like Toronto. One just has to research properly and plan well and always have a back up plan if plan A doesn't work.
To those who want to move for the first time, if possible, don't even think about selling your house in the UK for at least 2 years unless you are absolutely sure that you are ok in Canada and its the place for you.
Jan 3rd 2012, 11:25 pm
#51
Island life at last
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: BC
Posts: 2,715
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
Thanks Bali2010,
When I got back recently, my physical health went down and my GP warned that my heart was being stressed to dangerous levels and I needed to get back to more important things in life like my health and to basically keep away from negative people ( relatives in Canada) and not have any contact for at least a year.
Thanks for your kind words. I just have to get over this ghastly last year behind me and try and move on and think positively. Its hard though living in temporary accomodation and trying not to think 'why and where did I go wrong. At least I am not living in a tent in a middle of a war zone, so I should be thankful. There are alot more people who have suffered alot more.
However, I still don't think bad of Canada, its a lovely country and the people on the whole are very nice and I do like Toronto. One just has to research properly and plan well and always have a back up plan if plan A doesn't work.
To those who want to move for the first time, if possible, don't even think about selling your house in the UK for at least 2 years unless you are absolutely sure that you are ok in Canada and its the place for you.
When I got back recently, my physical health went down and my GP warned that my heart was being stressed to dangerous levels and I needed to get back to more important things in life like my health and to basically keep away from negative people ( relatives in Canada) and not have any contact for at least a year.
Thanks for your kind words. I just have to get over this ghastly last year behind me and try and move on and think positively. Its hard though living in temporary accomodation and trying not to think 'why and where did I go wrong. At least I am not living in a tent in a middle of a war zone, so I should be thankful. There are alot more people who have suffered alot more.
However, I still don't think bad of Canada, its a lovely country and the people on the whole are very nice and I do like Toronto. One just has to research properly and plan well and always have a back up plan if plan A doesn't work.
To those who want to move for the first time, if possible, don't even think about selling your house in the UK for at least 2 years unless you are absolutely sure that you are ok in Canada and its the place for you.
It is also nice that you are offering some constructive advice to others who may follow you.
Many people never have the courage to do anything risky and stick to the long worn paths they know and are safe with. You tried it and it didn't work for you but you should give yourself credit for the attempt.
I hope there is some comfort for you in that.
Like you, I advise anyone looking to emigrate (or even just move within the UK for that matter) to be very wary indeed of being swayed by friends and relatives.
In the end, you should have enough reasons to go just for yourself and know that you can survive without their help. Being close to family should be an added benefit, not the main reason.
They can seem supportive but when you actually need to rely on them you might find that their support is not forthcoming.
It is possibly more scary to go somewhere there is no family or friends because then you know there isn't anyone there to rely on if things go wrong. Maybe that is more motivatation to do thorough research and prepare more fully, knowing that you are on your own.
I only know for us that having no-one here in Canada at all meant we had no safety net but what we ourselves had put in place and that certainly focused the mind.
Jan 5th 2012, 2:55 pm
#52
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto, back to London, UK
Posts: 153
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
Helcat 21,
Your kind post was very reassuring and true, many thanks. I cannot have an excuse to blame Canada really.I just thought I would share my experience and not let others be put off, one has to go and see the country for themselves as every set of circumstances and timescales for settling down are different for people.
The people in Canada that I first encountered and who I hardly knew were the best people I ever met, and many of them were either immigrants themselves or canadians of immigrant parents . They really kept me going through the misery and we did share some great times and good laughs. I do have some fond moments of my brief life in Toronto. They love the British accent out there and plus I am abit on the eccentric side.
I do have some sort of resentment towards family but I suppsed with time it will pass. When I came back, I thought I had failed as if I had failed a whole set of important exams and people would be laughing.
On a positive note, I have not completely ruled out ever returning Canada and do have my PR card and have quite a bit of time before it does expires, and by then, I really should know where I am heading.
Your kind post was very reassuring and true, many thanks. I cannot have an excuse to blame Canada really.I just thought I would share my experience and not let others be put off, one has to go and see the country for themselves as every set of circumstances and timescales for settling down are different for people.
The people in Canada that I first encountered and who I hardly knew were the best people I ever met, and many of them were either immigrants themselves or canadians of immigrant parents . They really kept me going through the misery and we did share some great times and good laughs. I do have some fond moments of my brief life in Toronto. They love the British accent out there and plus I am abit on the eccentric side.
I do have some sort of resentment towards family but I suppsed with time it will pass. When I came back, I thought I had failed as if I had failed a whole set of important exams and people would be laughing.
On a positive note, I have not completely ruled out ever returning Canada and do have my PR card and have quite a bit of time before it does expires, and by then, I really should know where I am heading.
Last edited by Maria_747; Jan 5th 2012 at 2:58 pm. Reason: spelling
Jan 8th 2012, 5:49 am
#54
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 14
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
This is incredible to read - thanks for posting.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
Jan 8th 2012, 11:49 pm
#55
Island life at last
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: BC
Posts: 2,715
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
This is incredible to read - thanks for posting.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
Jan 9th 2012, 12:38 am
#56
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Posts: 7,861
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
This is incredible to read - thanks for posting.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
Jan 9th 2012, 9:57 pm
#57
Sawdust making harpy
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 11,291
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
This is incredible to read - thanks for posting.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
My husband, a City & Guilds certified electrician has only hit wall after wall since we moved here from the UK 2 years ago.
He's moving back on Friday, Jan 13th 2012, to live in a friends spare room. He is leaving me and our two small children here in Canada while he looks for work back there.
All we ever were told when we were planning to move here was that tradesmen were 'needed' in Canada (especially Alberta - although we moved to BC) and so far nobody has wanted him. Their loss I say, but that's the reality.
It's been so tough, and it is interesting to read your story. I'm sorry you went through all of this too... good for you in reclaiming your life. All the best.
I'll say it again Canada on the whole does not look at an immigrant and think "ooooooh thank god you got here we are so short of people"
Not unless its timmies or Mc D's anyway
Jan 9th 2012, 10:28 pm
#58
Island life at last
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: BC
Posts: 2,715
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
There may be an obvious answer to this, so please someone tell me if there is, but why would an electrician trained in an entirely different system be of any use?
A brick is a brick anywhere in the world and a piece of wood is a piece of wood and a crane is a crane, so I can see how builders and carpenters and crane drivers would be welcomed from other countries if they were in shortage, but he electrical system here isn't the same at all, so do they even recognise UK CG qualifications here?
A brick is a brick anywhere in the world and a piece of wood is a piece of wood and a crane is a crane, so I can see how builders and carpenters and crane drivers would be welcomed from other countries if they were in shortage, but he electrical system here isn't the same at all, so do they even recognise UK CG qualifications here?
Jan 9th 2012, 10:36 pm
#59
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: South of Calgary
Posts: 13,374
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
There may be an obvious answer to this, so please someone tell me if there is, but why would an electrician trained in an entirely different system be of any use?
A brick is a brick anywhere in the world and a piece of wood is a piece of wood and a crane is a crane, so I can see how builders and carpenters and crane drivers would be welcomed from other countries if they were in shortage, but he electrical system here isn't the same at all, so do they even recognise UK CG qualifications here?
A brick is a brick anywhere in the world and a piece of wood is a piece of wood and a crane is a crane, so I can see how builders and carpenters and crane drivers would be welcomed from other countries if they were in shortage, but he electrical system here isn't the same at all, so do they even recognise UK CG qualifications here?
Jan 9th 2012, 10:47 pm
#60
Island life at last
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: BC
Posts: 2,715
Re: 4.5 years on and bust.
Maths is maths, Science, Geography, playtime, fallings-out, behaviour issues, parents - they are all the same wherever you are.
Electrical systems are not the same at all and electricians getting things wrong can kill people, which bad teaching cannot
Anyway, just wondered.