Feel so unhappy after moving to Canada

[chilkootcee]

After reading your post I'm suddenly more agitated about getting there. I am just waiting for approval for PR and I already feel nervous about moving to a new country. I guess, having my husband and his parents there give me a little bit of relief. But I'm worried that I will be stuck at home and won't know what to do when I arrive. Right now, I'm trying to get all the information about school and possible work and how I can prepare for it.

I hope you find some comfort knowing that you're not alone. Be strong.

There are so many clubs and associations in Canada for all kinds of interests.....so if you try a few of them out you'll find that you'll get to know people who can welcome you into the community. Even people who are born in Canada go through similar experiences when they move to a new city (although I know it's not quite the same as changing countries)....there is also Welcome Wagon in each community (again geared towards people who move into a neighbourhood.....meetup.com usually has groups that have formed around specific interests when you search by community or topic...

I'm currently living in the UAE and although initially it seems that all of the comforts of home are here....the culture shock is subtle (I was trying to figure out why my I couldn't remember things after a couple of months of being here...it's because my mind was subconsciously processing all the differences)....but I wouldn't trade the opportunity to learn about other cultures for anything else....

I like hiking, walking and nature and I find that people who enjoy these things are often open minded and non-judgmental...

Wishing everyone well while settling into Canada...

C.

 

[mitchieescarlos]

There are so many clubs and associations in Canada for all kinds of interests.....so if you try a few of them out you'll find that you'll get to know people who can welcome you into the community. Even people who are born in Canada go through similar experiences when they move to a new city (although I know it's not quite the same as changing countries)....there is also Welcome Wagon in each community (again geared towards people who move into a neighbourhood.....meetup.com usually has groups that have formed around specific interests when you search by community or topic...

I'm currently living in the UAE and although initially it seems that all of the comforts of home are here....the culture shock is subtle (I was trying to figure out why my I couldn't remember things after a couple of months of being here...it's because my mind was subconsciously processing all the differences)....but I wouldn't trade the opportunity to learn about other cultures for anything else....

I like hiking, walking and nature and I find that people who enjoy these things are often open minded and non-judgmental...

Wishing everyone well while settling into Canada...

C.

I lived in Dubai for 6 years. I'm not really so much scared about culture shock because I know that Philippines and Canada are so different from each other. I'm more concerned about the feeling of isolation and not being able to provide money for my family. So I think I'll look into your suggestions about those social groups.

 

[chilkootcee]

I lived in Dubai for 6 years. I'm not really so much scared about culture shock because I know that Philippines and Canada are so different from each other. I'm more concerned about the feeling of isolation and not being able to provide money for my family. So I think I'll look into your suggestions about those social groups.

I really suggest it...because not only may you find people that share similar interests and values, they can also help you to find work, meet others, figure out the Canadian system....when I was unemployed, I started asking people in one hiking group if they knew of someone who worked in my field either in their company or through personal contacts...then I would ask if they thought that person would mind spending 30 min with me to talk about how they got into the field, what skills / development was essential to do well in that field...etc....almost everyone knew at least one person...and I would arrange "information interviews" with them....if it doesn't lead to employment leads, it establishes a network of professionals in your field that you can collaborate and bounce ideas off of later...

The nice thing about outdoor activities...is that you can relieve a lot of stress in nature...through both the exercise (if you like to hike) or just being in a peaceful setting.

For those who are afraid of the cold and winter..the best thing to do is to get out in winter and enjoy it! If you are moving, you will be surprised at how warm you feel. I suggest snow shoeing / cross country skiing because you can pick up used gear really cheap (or rentals are fairly cheap) and then either just go in your local park (if you have enough snow) or a designated skiing area (many golf courses allow skiing in the winter, provincial park walking trails sometimes are groomed in the winter to be ski trails...but you don't even need groomed trails...just put the skis on and start walking (you'll need waxless skis or learn how to use wax)....I find now there are actually more things to do in winter than summer...and unlike the heat...you can always add layers (the key is to layer your clothing so you can adjust the amount of insulation with what you are doing) or increase your activity...hopefully you will grow to love winter like I do....and on the practical side...if you don't like getting into a cold car...just go to Sears or Walmart and get a cheap pair of snowpants that have a slippery lining (so they slide over your clothes easily). Where them to / from work while you are driving and you will never fear getting into a cold car again

Just some hints and tips

C.

 

[ayrazar]

Im in the social work trade (working, have my degree but not registered with the prof. college). If anyone in Ontario is feeling isolated, I can try and find services for them. Just PM me.

 

[Linus0]

Hi,

I already got my PR here. However, after I moved to this country, I feel so depressed! I rezlized it is very difficult to get a job here. I had a good job and made good money back home. It looks like that going back to do my profession I need to go back to school and take several exams. Now I am sitting home every day,and I have been sending out many resumes but no luck at all!!These days, I feel strongly to move back home becasue I am not happy with my lifestyle in Canada. I don't know what to do? The face is that I am married and my husband is nice to me, but I just don't feel happy at all, and this depressing feeling is getting worse. Is there anyone feeling the same way as me?

I know how you feel Immigrating to canada has been extremely hard on me im only 19, I havent got PR yet or a work permit, so I feel completely isolated while my husband is at work,he makes me happy but going through immigration has made me depressed. I live in montreal and can't speak french so it makes it even worse, im trying to learn but still feel judged by some people. Back home I had friends, family, a job, a car, and now I have nothing like that here, I sit in a small apartment all day. I wish I could just go back to a "normal" life and work and go to school. I know things will get better, waiting is just the hard part. I wish you luck with finding a job and hope canada turns into a better place for you.

 

[automaton82]

I know how you feel Immigrating to canada has been extremely hard on me im only 19, I havent got PR yet or a work permit, so I feel completely isolated while my husband is at work,he makes me happy but going through immigration has made me depressed. I live in montreal and can't speak french so it makes it even worse, im trying to learn but still feel judged by some people. Back home I had friends, family, a job, a car, and now I have nothing like that here, I sit in a small apartment all day. I wish I could just go back to a "normal" life and work and go to school. I know things will get better, waiting is just the hard part. I wish you luck with finding a job and hope canada turns into a better place for you.

Whoa, married at 19 and in a new country? That must be really hard. I wish you the best of luck, but at your age you should still be out partying and in school!

 

[Aquakitty]

I know how you feel Immigrating to canada has been extremely hard on me im only 19, I havent got PR yet or a work permit, so I feel completely isolated while my husband is at work,he makes me happy but going through immigration has made me depressed. I live in montreal and can't speak french so it makes it even worse, im trying to learn but still feel judged by some people. Back home I had friends, family, a job, a car, and now I have nothing like that here, I sit in a small apartment all day. I wish I could just go back to a "normal" life and work and go to school. I know things will get better, waiting is just the hard part. I wish you luck with finding a job and hope canada turns into a better place for you.

Mind if I ask, how old is your husband? I don't want to seem judgemental, but leaving all that at only 19 would be very difficult, understandably. My husband was pretty young when he came to Canada as well, but being American there was not so much culture shock and we don't live in a french-speaking province.

It's totally understandable why you feel isolated, if there is any way you can get a study permit (I know it's very expensive) or something of that nature do it.

I think as a visitor you can take courses that are under 6 months, and another option that my husband did is to take school online from his home country. While it's not the same as a classroom setting, he would go to the library to do his classes to be around people.

 

[Linus0]

Mind if I ask, how old is your husband? I don't want to seem judgemental, but leaving all that at only 19 would be very difficult, understandably. My husband was pretty young when he came to Canada as well, but being American there was not so much culture shock and we don't live in a french-speaking province.

It's totally understandable why you feel isolated, if there is any way you can get a study permit (I know it's very expensive) or something of that nature do it.

I think as a visitor you can take courses that are under 6 months, and another option that my husband did is to take school online from his home country. While it's not the same as a classroom setting, he would go to the library to do his classes to be around people.

He just turned 26, i understand the judgement with the age difference, but no worries. I looked into the study permit and its just way too much why does immigration have to be so hard ughh, I never thought about online classes, sounds like a great idea, ill definitely check it out

 

[Linus0]

Whoa, married at 19 and in a new country? That must be really hard. I wish you the best of luck, but at your age you should still be out partying and in school!

Haha thats true, but thank you!

 

[Decoy24601]

He just turned 26, i understand the judgement with the age difference, but no worries. I looked into the study permit and its just way too much why does immigration have to be so hard ughh, I never thought about online classes, sounds like a great idea, ill definitely check it out

I am in a similar boat. I'm 18 (almost 19) and about to get married to my fiancé in November, who is 28. While he doesn't live in a French speaking province, I'm not going to like having to find a new job in a new place and adjust again after moving states and I don't have $10k lying around for a study permit. We haven't even applied yet and I am already drained by preparing for the process. What keeps me going is that our relationship won't have to be long distance anymore, and I will be in a place that I will feel more at home in and can have a fresh start.

 

[suz789]

Hi,

I already got my PR here. However, after I moved to this country, I feel so depressed! I rezlized it is very difficult to get a job here. I had a good job and made good money back home. It looks like that going back to do my profession I need to go back to school and take several exams. Now I am sitting home every day,and I have been sending out many resumes but no luck at all!!These days, I feel strongly to move back home becasue I am not happy with my lifestyle in Canada. I don't know what to do? The face is that I am married and my husband is nice to me, but I just don't feel happy at all, and this depressing feeling is getting worse. Is there anyone feeling the same way as me?

I hope you will learn to love it. My parents talked about how hard it was when they first moved to Canada, but it always gets better. I think no one can underestimate how difficult it is leaving your entire life to start a brand new one in a new country. Wish you the best of luck!

 

[Sa3Sa3]

My advice to all of the new immigrants is: Give yourself some time to adapt to the new life.

It is my forth year in Canada and I`m still missing my previous life. But, I also enjoy my current life and managed to be engaged in so many activities that help me to like my new life here in Canada.

Wish you all a very smooth transition period with your families

 

[keesio]

My advice to all of the new immigrants is: Give yourself some time to adapt to the new life.

Agreed! My wife was very depressed for the first few months that I was really worried for her. It took about half a year for her to not be constantly depressed. After about a year, it started to get better. Now it is two years later and she is doing very well!

 

[Abuelita]

My advice to all of the new immigrants is: Give yourself some time to adapt to the new life.

It is my forth year in Canada and I`m still missing my previous life. But, I also enjoy my current life and managed to be engaged in so many activities that help me to like my new life here in Canada.

Wish you all a very smooth transition period with your families

I like your way of thinking!! Thanks for the advice!

 

[Two Dogs]

Wow!!! reading all these made me nervous. ??? :'(

I am from a country where we have lots of sunshine, having a high powered job with my current employer. I wonder how fast will i be able to adjust after landing just in case Visa comes in. Surely, i won't be able to get the same work as i have right now but hoping i would land in the same field.

I will remember your advises about volunteering and i am highly considering that.

Thanks for your inputs, made me aware and expect the worst in my adjustment stage.

Good luck everyone!!!!

TD