I am so sorry to hear of your situation. I am sure that you must have thought of it very hard and long before coming to the decision you have made. I do however hope that yours is only a temporary problem, and that you will eventually enjoy the fruits of your move.
It always disturbing whenever I see such a post. I am not trying to ridicule you or your experience, but I do hope to add to the few pointers already raised earlier, which I hope would also be of help to those who are going to make the move.
• Many immigrants get lost in the euphoria of getting their visa, and lose sight that immigrating is never easy no matter where you go - with or without preparation. You are however definitely at an advantage when you come prepared and know what is waiting for you before you make that move. So do research everything, and I mean everything that may or may not impact you (including “what ifs”), such as financials, jobs, schooling, credential assessment, housing, communities, self-help groups, volunteering, etc.
• We all wish that we get that dream job the moment we land. While I do not deny that there are some who may take a shorter time to get that job, the majority will not and that too for a variety of reasons including the lack of Canadian experience. But that does not mean the end of everything, as there are ways to address it.
• The amount required at entry will not be sufficient if you choose to sit and wait for that dream job! It may meet your basic requirements and that too if you start on survival jobs as soon as you land. In the meantime you should volunteer, join a co-op program, upgrade, and network as much as possible. As correctly pointed by Cappuccino earlier, most jobs are through referrals!
• Living expenses vary between cities, and if you do have the option delay your settlement until you sufficiently build your finance to a tidy sum as was suggested by Cam1234. If you have a family, come in stages - the person who has the best chance of obtaining employment should come first.
• If English (or French) is not a language you are comfortable with, invest the time to improve your language skills before your move. Many an opportunity is lost for the lack of language skills.
• Do also keep yourselves updated of latest trends, before you land. While some employers, do provide training, most expect you to know your work – after all you received your residency as a skilled worker.
I believe that 5 months is definitely too short a time to come to a conclusion. I do hope that you do not give up on your dreams. If the lack funds is the main issue, I would suggest that you take time off to build it up again, and start your settlement process again at a later date but with a new vigour and perhaps taking some of the pointers suggested by your fellow forumers.
Best wishes.
