Half-Life Fallout: Moving to Canada from England - Half-Life Fallout

EDIT: Read this first: http://www.hlfallout...?...t&p=1331303

Some of you may remember (well done if you do) a long time ago (Jan 19, 2006), I made this thread. For those too lazy not to click the link, it goes something like this...

I live in the United Kingdom at the moment, and my company has (finally) asked me to move to Canada America today... (Mississauga, Ontario) Stamford, Connecticut for a rolling contract, starting in January for 6 12 months.

EDIT: Looking on the map it is is just a stones throw away from New York.

The role will be kind of what I do now (Technical), and some other stuff (Presales)... but also a step back to what I did before (Support (but high level)) I was promoted this summer. I think I need them to confirm I will not do support forever, or that I can move away from it… maybe get a nubbin in to take that over and move full time into Technical and sales?

What I want to know is, would you go...? If the package (below) was right, and what you foresee as potential problems.

Work will rent me some accommodation over there, as well as supply a car and health insurance, I would also be paid in line with people in that role in Canada.

One big reservation I have is basically leaving all my stuff in the UK... Like computers, 360, Cars, my flat (and my DVD collection of over 300 movies). It's not that I need them all the time, but that I just will not have access to them at all.

The other thing is friends and family... can I walk away from them all?

So let me know what you think... This isn't a ‘should I go’ (I think I will...), it's more to do with the complexities and unforeseen things I may not be considering.

EDIT: Please don’t let this become an “everyone vs. the states” thread… Feel free to talk about cultural differences and debate the impact of moving country, but please don’t be antagonised into bashing other users / flaming / sniping.

What you have to keep in mind is that this is about you, not your friends and family. Also, you said it's gonna be a big step back. Will you be able to get promoted again if you do this?

Why do you have to leave your stuff there?

And we also have excellent health care in Canada. That's a major plus.

Also Toronto is a great city (I lived there for 6 years).

Why do you have to leave stuff behind?

I understand bringing a car over from the UK is a bit of a problem, and unless it's a rare special thing or something, it could just be sold easilly and bought again in case you got back.

A PC, 360, DVD collection, etc. could quite easilly be moved I'd think. It'd take a couple of days-weeks (depending on the way you transport it), but I don't think it should be much of a problem...

Either way, if the pay is good and this is a step you want to take in your career, then I'd go for it. I can't decide how close you are with your family and if you want to leave them behind.

However, in my situation, I'd definetly go.

I was actually thinking about it when I get older. I hate this place. Canada seems to have better anything than what the U.S. has. Also they really don't like to get involved with many international affairs. The only thing I don't like is their lack of having nice cars up there that the U.S. has.

P4p3Rc1iP, on Nov 10 2006, 12:36 PM, said:

Yep I gotta agree with that. It's an advancement for you and therefor you should take it. You're not leaving friends and family behind forever, and it's not like you'll never talk to them again. I can understand reservations about moving practically halfway around the world, but it sounds like a big, and positive, break for you.

I live in Canada, and i love it.
This is your decission to make....

Are you extremly family orintated? Can you stand to live without your family?

Canada is an awsome place to live, people are friendly and you wil have a blast

I personally wouldn't move for a few reasons.

1. As a future Physics/Engineering graduate, I'll find many more opportunities in the U.S.

2. The United States is the country that gave me the opportunity to become what I am now. Specifically, you could say my state and city have done this for me. I feel it's my duty to give back to the society that gave to me. If I moved to Canada I could never do that. (If I had grown up in Canada I'd feel the same way about not moving)

Just like it's your duty to the state to do your homework if you go to a state university, it's your DUTY to be productive for the sake of your country. This country's given me a chance at life I could get somewhere else, sure, but that doesn't mean I'm not in debt to it. Again, it'd be the same way if I grew up somewhere else.

3. Variety. The U.S. is a big place.

So yeah, don't move if anything I said "moved" you in any way.

Sorry for going off-topic here but is it really true that allot of Canadian people hardly ever lock their front doors?

VN1X, on Nov 10 2006, 11:50 AM, said:

Haha, wasn't that fact thrown out in the movie "Bowling For Columbine?"

VN1X, on Nov 10 2006, 04:50 PM, said:

I sense questionable motives for that question...

I would move, Canada is really clean, if nothing else.

Why can you not take all your stuff? Go by car over a ferry and ahve the car loaded with as much as possible. Or even hire a van and have a friend take it back for you.

TadKnowsBest, on Nov 10 2006, 12:47 PM, said:

That's the worst excuse/patriotic garbage I've ever heard. I love my country but I don't owe it to the country to hold my self back just so I keep working there. Escape is getting a chance to be promoted.

^Slick, on Nov 10 2006, 04:56 PM, said:

I think you don't get it... I live in England... Canada is like 5000 miles away, over the pacific ocean. No way can I drive that, and I don’t think a ferry would do that route, even if it did it would take a month.

I could ship my stuff out as fright, but nothing electrical will work, and the cost isn't worth it for 6 months.

EscapeArtist, on Nov 10 2006, 01:02 PM, said:

You do know they have universal adapters right?