Hey all,

I'm normally more active in the Canada forum but it seems that might be about to change.

Myself and my other half have been in Canada since November of 2008 we originally arrived in Vancouver for the winter months and now have are in Toronto since Feb 2009 working. Things where good at the start, new city exciting places to see and new friends. We both recently moved jobs after a year in each of our respective first jobs in Toronto. We had plans to buy a place here settle down and start a proper settled life. However since moving to our new jobs and trying to buy a house we have both felt very much "outsiders" in Canada. Requirements for getting a mortgage while on a TWP are a bit harder then it would be if we where residents and i'm starting to feel like people just don't get me here. I feel a bit like a temporary fixture and my GF feels the same. To top it off my girlfriend is finding her new job a struggle and not exactly what she signed on for. Needless to say we are now more than 50% sure we want to go back to the UK.

My question is more along the lines of how our CV's / Resumes would look to have done less than a year at an employer while abroad. For me it isn't a big issue as I actually think I might be able to continue to work for the same employer after moving back to the UK as a sort of remote worker. For my girlfriend on the other hand this wouldn't be an option. Should we stick it out for a year to make sure her CV doesn't look patchy? We have already started making moves towards going back such as starting the process of rabies testing for our cat which will keep us here for the next 6 months at least.

Has anyone had issues with explaining to a UK employer why you didn't 'stick it out' in Canada? I just worry that less than a year at any employer can look bad and 'I wanted to come home' isn't really a valid excuse.

What do you guys think?

Actually, I think "We wanted to come home" might be perfectly acceptable to many employers, especially if it is for family reasons - or you could each "blame it" on the other (again, an employer might think it's perfectly fine to make a move because your spouse was unhappy).

On the other hand, "I'm not happy in my current job" could be the kiss of death.

My husband and I both work at the same place here in the States. We turned in our notices several weeks ago. We miss England terribly and can't wait to move back but as far as our employers - present AND future - are concerned, we are moving back to the UK due to "family circumstances".

You see that would have been my way out too however there are a couple of issues I have with it.

1) My girlfriend has a real issue even telling the smallest fib it haunts her.

2) What if the new employer thinks 'Oh they have issues they need to be dealing with all the time'?

I would just stick with "I wanted to come home" then. It's honest, and I agree that it's probably acceptable to employers too. Just my opinion, but I don't think it will prevent you from getting a job. Though it's good to be realistic about they way things may look, I think the bottom line is that you want to come home. Besides, as you mentioned, you'll at least be there for another six months while you wait for your cat to be ready for travel.

Worrying too much. Just be smiley and positive and say, well, we tried it but in the end we wanted to come home.

wow that's a real handicap - can she get counselling for that ?

joke - but seriously, in order to survive out there one has to play the game. Sell it to her as 'presenting one's case in the best possible light' or such.

When Brits swear allegiance to the United States with no mental reservations - I bet there is all sorts going on in the hearts - but we just have to play the game

It really isn't bad in the same way as lying about qualifications etc. People's motives for being where they are or doing what they do is in constant flux so whatever we say might be true for a moment in time.

This is so very true she does get it she just overly worries about it before hand! I think what you guys are saying is true people will and do understand that "I wanted to come home" I am sure we will be fine I guess it's just a worry with a shaky economy that we could come back and be out of work.

Yes I think coming back home is assuring to a prospective employer. Actually an employer in the new country should worry more about whether they are going to stay. A returner is more credible.

why not say that you was travelling around Canada and worked temporary to get some extra spending money OR just dont put the job on your cv and say you travelled around Canada.....

MR79

Hey MR79 thanks for the reply.

We will have been here over 2 years it could look even worse that we where not working for that time. As it stands i'm no longer so worried about it instead I think I will just tell her to tell the truth. We wanted to come home.

There's nothing wrong with telling the truth..........

MR79

I know now for certain that you are not a man who has been married more than 7 years

Your mistaking telling the truth for speaking!

Your right I'm just always mindful of how emplyers could think about it. 6 months at a job isn't long they could assume wanted to come home is code for fired.