Not sure what to do
Oct 29th 2009, 12:50 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Toronto
Posts: 20
Not sure what to do
Hi everyone, love this site and what a great resource for people like me who are thinking about the big move back.My story is a little long, but I will give you the Readers Digest version.
Currently living in Canada outside Toronto. Was born and left Glasgow as a kid, became a nurse and moved to Belfast, met hubby came back to Canada, and have 2 boys 9 & 13, mortgage, dog, etc. I am stretched very thin in 2 jobs, I work as a critical care nurse and teach at a local college. Make decent money, but can't find full time work, recession and all that. Hubby has been in and out of work for almost 3 years with all of the layoffs here in Southern Ontario. He has no trade so makes things even more difficult, as he has to compete with every other non tradesperson for the few morsels of labourer jobs that occasionally become available, currently he is working on an apple farm, making terrible money and breaking his back. He needless to say is very unhappy, but make no mistakes, we know why this has happened. No education, no job.
Anyway, I am so tired of working to get by, we live a lifestyle like most Canadians generally overextended. I have always longed to go back and have a different life. I feel a pang everytime I watch BBC Canada, and see British streets, shops and countrysides. Hubby not so anxious to go back, worried about making a mistake and regretting it. It's just I feel very unsatisfied, like I am not living an authentic life, to sound a little like an Oprahphite. I know this is my dream, but my kids would love it too, my sons don't even consider themselves Canadian, LOL. They say they are Scottish/Irish. Anyway, I long for a simpler life, and no it's not possible here without working in Toronto, and commuting for the rest of my dying days.
I might sound mixed up, that is how I feel most days now. Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Tell like it is, I watch alot of Dr Phil, so I'm not afraid to hear some hard truths.
thanx all,
Mandy
Oct 29th 2009, 1:03 pm
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,298
Re: Not sure what to do
Hi everyone, love this site and what a great resource for people like me who are thinking about the big move back.My story is a little long, but I will give you the Readers Digest version.
Currently living in Canada outside Toronto. Was born and left Glasgow as a kid, became a nurse and moved to Belfast, met hubby came back to Canada, and have 2 boys 9 & 13, mortgage, dog, etc. I am stretched very thin in 2 jobs, I work as a critical care nurse and teach at a local college. Make decent money, but can't find full time work, recession and all that. Hubby has been in and out of work for almost 3 years with all of the layoffs here in Southern Ontario. He has no trade so makes things even more difficult, as he has to compete with every other non tradesperson for the few morsels of labourer jobs that occasionally become available, currently he is working on an apple farm, making terrible money and breaking his back. He needless to say is very unhappy, but make no mistakes, we know why this has happened. No education, no job.
Anyway, I am so tired of working to get by, we live a lifestyle like most Canadians generally overextended. I have always longed to go back and have a different life. I feel a pang everytime I watch BBC Canada, and see British streets, shops and countrysides. Hubby not so anxious to go back, worried about making a mistake and regretting it. It's just I feel very unsatisfied, like I am not living an authentic life, to sound a little like an Oprahphite. I know this is my dream, but my kids would love it too, my sons don't even consider themselves Canadian, LOL. They say they are Scottish/Irish. Anyway, I long for a simpler life, and no it's not possible here without working in Toronto, and commuting for the rest of my dying days.
I might sound mixed up, that is how I feel most days now. Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Tell like it is, I watch alot of Dr Phil, so I'm not afraid to hear some hard truths.
thanx all,
Mandy
It does not matter where you are in the world...if your life is not what you would like it to be AND you have a hankering for somewhere else..AND you can do it..ie finances, language, redsidency/citizenship et al........ JUST DO IT!!!!!
Especially as it sounds like all concerned would be up for it. It took me many years to convince Kate a better life for us lay elsewhere. Forunately time has shown that to be the truth and I am sure you will find your happiness where ever that maybe in the UK. Good luck!!
Oct 29th 2009, 1:41 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Richmond, Vancouver, BC
Posts: 161
Re: Not sure what to do
It's an expensive move back. I came over on a TWP leaving my house being looked after by my daughter. So even though I'm enjoying the experience here I still have the option to return without having to re-establish myself. I am also a nurse and can get a job back at my old local hospital. Hope it works out for you.......
Oct 29th 2009, 3:12 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Torbay, North Shore
Posts: 744
Re: Not sure what to do
money is not everything,
it is worth seeing what working conditions are like in the NHS if thats where you work it will vary considerably, we moved from SW UK just over a year ago my employer covered the cost this way but we have decided to move back but where is doing our head in with lack of jobs in SW. Like you we have lived in different places in the uk including Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Sussex I am yearning for village life and rolling countryside roll on January!
it is worth seeing what working conditions are like in the NHS if thats where you work it will vary considerably, we moved from SW UK just over a year ago my employer covered the cost this way but we have decided to move back but where is doing our head in with lack of jobs in SW. Like you we have lived in different places in the uk including Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Sussex I am yearning for village life and rolling countryside roll on January!
Oct 29th 2009, 10:43 pm
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,872
Re: Not sure what to do
Well we changed our lives a few years ago.We brought a house in Scotland with a couple of acres.We both worked part time (lived in a remote place but yes managed to find jobs before we even moved there!lol)We did end up moving back down south for various reasons but yes it can be done!You only live once so you'd just as well spend it being happy right?Good luck and best wishes!
Oct 30th 2009, 4:18 pm
#6
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Not sure what to do
My story is a little long, but I will give you the Readers Digest version.
Currently living in Canada outside Toronto. Was born and left Glasgow as a kid, became a nurse and moved to Belfast, met hubby came back to Canada, and have 2 boys 9 & 13, mortgage, dog, etc. I am stretched very thin in 2 jobs, I work as a critical care nurse and teach at a local college. Make decent money, but can't find full time work, recession and all that. Hubby has been in and out of work for almost 3 years with all of the layoffs here in Southern Ontario. He has no trade so makes things even more difficult, as he has to compete with every other non tradesperson for the few morsels of labourer jobs that occasionally become available, currently he is working on an apple farm, making terrible money and breaking his back. He needless to say is very unhappy, but make no mistakes, we know why this has happened. No education, no job.
Anyway, I am so tired of working to get by, we live a lifestyle like most Canadians generally overextended.
Currently living in Canada outside Toronto. Was born and left Glasgow as a kid, became a nurse and moved to Belfast, met hubby came back to Canada, and have 2 boys 9 & 13, mortgage, dog, etc. I am stretched very thin in 2 jobs, I work as a critical care nurse and teach at a local college. Make decent money, but can't find full time work, recession and all that. Hubby has been in and out of work for almost 3 years with all of the layoffs here in Southern Ontario. He has no trade so makes things even more difficult, as he has to compete with every other non tradesperson for the few morsels of labourer jobs that occasionally become available, currently he is working on an apple farm, making terrible money and breaking his back. He needless to say is very unhappy, but make no mistakes, we know why this has happened. No education, no job.
Anyway, I am so tired of working to get by, we live a lifestyle like most Canadians generally overextended.
Oct 30th 2009, 5:42 pm
#7
I don't give a damn
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: In the arms of my family. Heaven...
Posts: 4,980
Re: Not sure what to do
Hi everyone, love this site and what a great resource for people like me who are thinking about the big move back.My story is a little long, but I will give you the Readers Digest version.
Currently living in Canada outside Toronto. Was born and left Glasgow as a kid, became a nurse and moved to Belfast, met hubby came back to Canada, and have 2 boys 9 & 13, mortgage, dog, etc. I am stretched very thin in 2 jobs, I work as a critical care nurse and teach at a local college. Make decent money, but can't find full time work, recession and all that. Hubby has been in and out of work for almost 3 years with all of the layoffs here in Southern Ontario. He has no trade so makes things even more difficult, as he has to compete with every other non tradesperson for the few morsels of labourer jobs that occasionally become available, currently he is working on an apple farm, making terrible money and breaking his back. He needless to say is very unhappy, but make no mistakes, we know why this has happened. No education, no job.
Anyway, I am so tired of working to get by, we live a lifestyle like most Canadians generally overextended. I have always longed to go back and have a different life. I feel a pang everytime I watch BBC Canada, and see British streets, shops and countrysides. Hubby not so anxious to go back, worried about making a mistake and regretting it. It's just I feel very unsatisfied, like I am not living an authentic life, to sound a little like an Oprahphite. I know this is my dream, but my kids would love it too, my sons don't even consider themselves Canadian, LOL. They say they are Scottish/Irish. Anyway, I long for a simpler life, and no it's not possible here without working in Toronto, and commuting for the rest of my dying days.
I might sound mixed up, that is how I feel most days now. Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Tell like it is, I watch alot of Dr Phil, so I'm not afraid to hear some hard truths.
thanx all,
Mandy
http://www.nurses.co.uk/intensive-ca...-jobs__10.html
http://www.staffnurse.com/nursing-jo...bs=Search+Jobs
It will give you an idea of nursing vacancies available throughout the UK and various pay rates depending on your band rate and experience.
Last edited by Fleaflyfloflum; Oct 30th 2009 at 5:51 pm.
Oct 31st 2009, 1:38 am
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: US
Posts: 144
Re: Not sure what to do
Oct 31st 2009, 4:02 pm
#10
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Toronto
Posts: 20
Re: Not sure what to do
great advice, and thanx for the websites. Just wondering now about movers and bringing our dog. I have really enjoyed the gumtree.com website for rental prices.
Nov 2nd 2009, 4:32 am
#12
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,054
Re: Not sure what to do
Hi everyone, love this site and what a great resource for people like me who are thinking about the big move back.My story is a little long, but I will give you the Readers Digest version.
Currently living in Canada outside Toronto. Was born and left Glasgow as a kid, became a nurse and moved to Belfast, met hubby came back to Canada, and have 2 boys 9 & 13, mortgage, dog, etc. I am stretched very thin in 2 jobs, I work as a critical care nurse and teach at a local college. Make decent money, but can't find full time work, recession and all that. Hubby has been in and out of work for almost 3 years with all of the layoffs here in Southern Ontario. He has no trade so makes things even more difficult, as he has to compete with every other non tradesperson for the few morsels of labourer jobs that occasionally become available, currently he is working on an apple farm, making terrible money and breaking his back. He needless to say is very unhappy, but make no mistakes, we know why this has happened. No education, no job.
Anyway, I am so tired of working to get by, we live a lifestyle like most Canadians generally overextended. I have always longed to go back and have a different life. I feel a pang everytime I watch BBC Canada, and see British streets, shops and countrysides. Hubby not so anxious to go back, worried about making a mistake and regretting it. It's just I feel very unsatisfied, like I am not living an authentic life, to sound a little like an Oprahphite. I know this is my dream, but my kids would love it too, my sons don't even consider themselves Canadian, LOL. They say they are Scottish/Irish. Anyway, I long for a simpler life, and no it's not possible here without working in Toronto, and commuting for the rest of my dying days.
I might sound mixed up, that is how I feel most days now. Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Tell like it is, I watch alot of Dr Phil, so I'm not afraid to hear some hard truths.
thanx all,
Mandy
i think we all get a bit of a flutter when we see cute little towns and the countryside on the telly, but nostalgia fades quickly when there are bills to pay.
Out of interest, why did you leave the UK for Toronto in the fist place?
Nov 2nd 2009, 5:17 am
#13
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Oxfordshire UK
Posts: 24
Re: Not sure what to do
Hi - I am an ICU Nurse in the UK. Just wanted to say be careful at the moment as many jobs are being cut and people reeled in from other specialist areas as opposed to recruiting! I lived in Australia for a while and pined for the UK...now been back for several years and planning permanent move to Canada ...nowhere is perfect - just different..hope you find your niche...good luck to you 
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:38 am
#14
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,457
Re: Not sure what to do
Hi
I'm in BC also working in ICU, no problem getting full time work here...perhaps a different province might work.
Good luck
Terese
I'm in BC also working in ICU, no problem getting full time work here...perhaps a different province might work.
Good luck
Terese
