Emigrating

[RC0]

I left the uk for Canada, with my wife and daughter over 5 years ago now. Id lived and worked in other countries previously, but only ever on a temporary basis.

 

None of it is easy....the preparation, the move and re-settlement thereafter. I carried a lot of guilt with me thereafter, for separating people and leaving others behind. Then theres all the practical things like re-integrating, getting established and keeping your head above water. The move also put an enormous strain on the marriage.... somehow, we stuck with it though.

 

I think throughout it all, a big part of what kept me focused has been the welfare and future of my daughter, who was two and a bit at the time. I knew deep down shes better off here.

 

I came back for a brief visit 2 years ago, and, it felt good. I realised a lot of stuff Id missed.

 

I just got back a couple days ago from another visit. But it was a completely different experience. Whilst in England more recently, I felt absolutely nothing for the place....no connection at all. I had a good time, don't get me wrong....but at the same time I couldn't wait to leave. I was surprised. Ill always be British, but I hope I never have to move back there.

 

I'm not saying my life is any better than a single person here....but I was thinking about this while I was over there, and, if I had to name my price for giving up what I have here in BC and moving back, honestly....I wouldn't do it for any less than Ten Million pounds. Seriously. I don't care if I have to work on trees out here until the day I die....rather that than be a millionaire back in England.

 

Every bodies different I know....and it often depends on your circumstances and where your priorities lie. I suppose what I m saying is that if you've got the incline and the means to do it, then you should. Because it might turn out to be the best thing you ever did. I also think its better to try and fail, than not try at all. You may never get another chance.

[roseyweb]

Where in the uk did you live before?

I'd love to move from the industrial waste land that is the midlands but I just don't have the balls to do it even though I know life would be much better

[eggsarascal]

I left the uk for Canada, with my wife and daughter over 5 years ago now. Id lived and worked in other countries previously, but only ever on a temporary basis.

 

None of it is easy....the preparation, the move and re-settlement thereafter. I carried a lot of guilt with me thereafter, for separating people and leaving others behind. Then theres all the practical things like re-integrating, getting established and keeping your head above water. The move also put an enormous strain on the marriage.... somehow, we stuck with it though.

 

I think throughout it all, a big part of what kept me focused has been the welfare and future of my daughter, who was two and a bit at the time. I knew deep down shes better off here.

 

I came back for a brief visit 2 years ago, and, it felt good. I realised a lot of stuff Id missed.

 

I just got back a couple days ago from another visit. But it was a completely different experience. Whilst in England more recently, I felt absolutely nothing for the place....no connection at all. I had a good time, don't get me wrong....but at the same time I couldn't wait to leave. I was surprised. Ill always be British, but I hope I never have to move back there.

 

I'm not saying my life is any better than a single person here....but I was thinking about this while I was over there, and, if I had to name my price for giving up what I have here in BC and moving back, honestly....I wouldn't do it for any less than Ten Million pounds. Seriously. I don't care if I have to work on trees out here until the day I die....rather that than be a millionaire back in England.

 

Every bodies different I know....and it often depends on your circumstances and where your priorities lie. I suppose what I m saying is that if you've got the incline and the means to do it, then you should. Because it might turn out to be the best thing you ever did. I also think its better to try and fail, than not try at all. You may never get another chance.

 

I've got a brother that hasn't lived in the UK for the last twenty odd years, he only comes back for weddings, funerals and the like. Says its a shite hole that he would never come back to.

 

I'm different, although I've worked in Europe on and off for many years I always like to get back to Blighty.

 

I will sell what I have now and buy a little cottage somewhere so that I can spend most of my time on the inland waterways mind.

 

Each to their own.

[Steve Bullman]

Good post Reg. I would like to emigrate, but will have to be when the kids are older now! Really not sure where i'd want to go though.

[RC0]

Where in the uk did you live before?

I'd love to move from the industrial waste land that is the midlands but I just don't have the balls to do it even though I know life would be much better

 

I lived near a town called Macclesfield for 10 years prior to moving. so, Id work mainly around Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

 

I think the sheer intensity is what done me in last week....just so many people and cars. And nomatter how fast I drove, it was never enough for the 5 cars directly behind me.

 

I read too the posts about the ever changing and increasing red tape that the lads here have to budget for just to work lawfully....and its mental, absolutely. I think you have to be away from it to see how ridiculous its become. Sorry to sound negative, but from an outside perspective nowdays.

[stihlmadasever]

Years ago id been accepted to go too Oz,have relatives in Newcastle-New South Wales ,but i found excuses not too go,if im being honest i shat it and looked for reasons too stay in Scotland,the great weather etc haha

I dont regret it but sometimes i wonder what if.

Some are brave enough or take the leap for the benefit of there family,i was just a young guy.

Good luck too anyone who emigrates.

As for you Reg im glad you've found a home and you and your family have made it a success..good on you mate

[Andyd1606]

I left the uk for Canada, with my wife and daughter over 5 years ago now. Id lived and worked in other countries previously, but only ever on a temporary basis.

 

 

 

None of it is easy....the preparation, the move and re-settlement thereafter. I carried a lot of guilt with me thereafter, for separating people and leaving others behind. Then theres all the practical things like re-integrating, getting established and keeping your head above water. The move also put an enormous strain on the marriage.... somehow, we stuck with it though.

 

 

 

I think throughout it all, a big part of what kept me focused has been the welfare and future of my daughter, who was two and a bit at the time. I knew deep down shes better off here.

 

 

 

I came back for a brief visit 2 years ago, and, it felt good. I realised a lot of stuff Id missed.

 

 

 

I just got back a couple days ago from another visit. But it was a completely different experience. Whilst in England more recently, I felt absolutely nothing for the place....no connection at all. I had a good time, don't get me wrong....but at the same time I couldn't wait to leave. I was surprised. Ill always be British, but I hope I never have to move back there.

 

 

 

I'm not saying my life is any better than a single person here....but I was thinking about this while I was over there, and, if I had to name my price for giving up what I have here in BC and moving back, honestly....I wouldn't do it for any less than Ten Million pounds. Seriously. I don't care if I have to work on trees out here until the day I die....rather that than be a millionaire back in England.

 

 

 

Every bodies different I know....and it often depends on your circumstances and where your priorities lie. I suppose what I m saying is that if you've got the incline and the means to do it, then you should. Because it might turn out to be the best thing you ever did. I also think its better to try and fail, than not try at all. You may never get another chance.

 

 

I know the feeling we are just in the process of emigrating to Canada, Alberta to be precise so a few years behind you. We're going to be giving up a lot to go family friends my business etc but feel it's the best thing to do for our little ones. The life style there seems so much better for kids and us for the future. We're lucky as we do have close family there so not going to be all alone in a strange country.

 

Unfortunately for me I feel this country is slowly going downhill. I love this country but worry how it's going to be for my kids as they grow up.

 

It's always good to hear from people who have gone to Canada and made it work for themselves as I will be starting the business again from scratch so good to see it's possible and achievable.

[rovers90]

Having visited relatives on Vancouver Island a few times RCO, I can totally understand why you would never want to come back here!!!

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Very interesting thread. I've wanted to emigrate for years but other half would never contemplate it. Real shame. Extremely please that Reg grabbed it and went for it. Some of the videos make the UK look so crap.

[R Mac]

Good post Reg, to the point and down to earth as always. I'm way too old now but the past year my feeling has been that rather than send 16-18 years olds to pointless training academies to study subjects that they'll never find work at they should all be encouraged to do 3-6 months work experience in at least one other country, kind of like a student exchange program. That would let them see that there's vastly more out there than what exists in their own locality/county/country.

 

I think a fair few of us have thought of emigrating at some point but perhaps the fear of the unknown or the comfort of the familiar has stopped us.

 

Honestly glad things have worked out for you Reg, you've laid the foundations for a vastly better future for not only your daughter but for yourself and your wife. (and yeah the weather is much nicer in your videos so it makes for better entertainment for me )