How to keep entertained when you can't work? Hubby is having a rough time...

[Isometry]

I'm a PR now, but don't have work yet. I've been keeping myself busy by learning to cook, which is going well (and reduces our grocery bill!), trying to learn a second language, which is not, and looking into picking up some certifications--some of them require just a test, and not also a class, which I can't afford. I've also picked up some new hobbies, like painting, which also helps to keep me occupied.

I'm really looking forward to getting back to work, though.

 

[bonitanita]

Exactly how I feel as well. I just want to make some kind of contribution =\ Shes always telling me "you do! you stay home with the kids(our cats) all day" And I get shes trying to make me feel better, but it really just makes it worse because then I feel like a housewife AND a crazy cat lady and I want to be neither hahaha

Luckily we do live in Vancouver so there is lots to do, but I'm just not a huge fan of going out and hanging out places by myself.

You're lucky. I am in Newfoundland where there is sweet eff all to do. unless you like fishing.

 

[Sweden]

Exactly how I feel as well. I just want to make some kind of contribution =\ Shes always telling me "you do! you stay home with the kids(our cats) all day" And I get shes trying to make me feel better, but it really just makes it worse because then I feel like a housewife AND a crazy cat lady and I want to be neither hahaha

Luckily we do live in Vancouver so there is lots to do, but I'm just not a huge fan of going out and hanging out places by myself.

Hang in there - I'm coming to Vancouver in October and probably without a PR, so we can hang out together - and just vent frustrations about CIC! seems like an endless activity to me!

 

[draxz1289]

Congrats on sending your application in. There are tons of free stuff to do, like parks community centers.



You local community centers will have lots of free stuffs to do and sine he likes music he can try playing it some where

 

[Franzi]

Hey guys,

I can totally relate to your stories. I came to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa in April 2011 and since it expired in April 2012, I'm the one sitting home most days while my hubby is working to support us.

I recently got a Library card and when I go to get some new books, I walk there and enjoy the outdoors. I watch TV a lot, I've sent volunteer applications but didn't find anything yet..

Is anyone of you living in Mississauga?

 

[LauraCanada]

I guess we are experiencing more or less the same situations.

I applied for my PR in September 2011 and still waiting. I miss working like crazy and there some days in which I feel Im exploding. Thank God I have my partner who is always there to support me financially and emotionally, he's my rock!

For me it's hard, very hard. Before I applied for PR I was the kind of person happy to work 12 hrs a day and sometimes I used to go to the office during weekends and public holidays. I was always the first one in the office and very often the last one to leave.

When I applied for PR last year I knew it would have not been easy, but after 11 months has started to be very frustrating.

Of course the love for my partner and our future together worth more than everything and that's the only thought that makes me smile and give me the energy to go on

To keep myself busy I go to the gym, I go for walks, I cook a lot (Im originally from Italy and I think my partner appreciates my cooking skills a lot lol), I clean a lot, I read, I'm doing tons of scrapbook albums lol I have always been bad with manual things but I love scrapbooking what else....I manage our money and find new ways to safe and to invest.
As I have tons of time I always keep an eye on grocery offers and buy from different places in oder to save a bit but mostly because it takes me longer to buy everything we need

I already speak and write English and French but after your suggestions I'm thinking to learn Spanish If I had the money I would love to get the car and travel from Toronto to Vancouver...please let me dream )))

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to always be positive and optimistic. It's hard but not impossible and the reward to be with your loves for ever is way bigger than any kind of frustration.

I wish the best to all of you!

p.s. the only thing I would change if I could go back is I would have never applied Inland again

 

[JimM]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

@ Shylox; That's how he feels too. He keeps saying he should be out making money for us and I know he feels really bad that he can't... I don't know what to do to make him feel any better about it

A couple of suggestions...

Online courses related to his work. There are plenty of free ones which may not offer actual degrees, but if he learns the stuff now, he can ace a real class later when he gets his visa and can enroll at the local college/trade school.

If his work is physical, then get a gym membership to stay in shape for it. And it can be a good way to network and meet people

So while he can't actually be making money, at least he can be staying busy and preparing to make more money once the visa arrives

 

[aerogurl87]

I kinda like not working for a little bit. I can finally write this novel I've been dying to write, and I cook and clean up so when my boyfriend gets home we can spend all of our time together instead of doing chores. Works for me.

 

[Shylox]

You're lucky. I am in Newfoundland where there is sweet eff all to do. unless you like fishing.

Haha I'm sorry to hear that!

Hang in there - I'm coming to Vancouver in October and probably without a PR, so we can hang out together - and just vent frustrations about CIC! seems like an endless activity to me!

It really is endless, we haven't even sent our app in yet and it's been an on-going thing for about a year or so. Vancouver is awesome though, you will love it! If you ever get a chance make sure you check out Lynn Valley, its free, beautiful and there's trails all over that you can do. It's basically a smaller version of the Capilano Suspension bridge except its free.

 

[couteausnob]

I second the online course suggestion. I'm in a similar boat, only in Quebec, where I don't even speak the language yet. But in addition to working on learning French, I'm taking the opportunity to go back to school via a college in my hometown that offers distance education. Even if he's on a tight budget, there are a lot of federal and state grants offered in the US for people returning to school, and depending on what sort of work he does, it might be nice to pick up a certification of some sort while he waits.

... Incidentally, any of you other boredom busters in or near Quebec City?

 

[AnaMaria]

I definitely suggest volunteering. I have read and studied so many horror stories for new immigrants not being able to find work. And I've been sending resumes everyday for the last 7 weeks . Volunteering would definitely help when he gets PR. It will give him Canadian experience, networking opportunity (my consultants say 80% of the jobs are through networking), sense of contribution to the community AND he can kill time!

Cooking can be very creative if he is interested in.

 

[kandc]

You guys rock, I'm stealing all your suggestions! He likes the idea of taking some kind of online course so I'm hoping he can find something that interests him! He's also a fabulous cook so maybe he could start a food blog of some kind cause he loves to show his creations off. Anything to keep him busy.

 

[waikiki]

Hi guys,
as far as I have read in this forum, not even volunteering is allowed if you stay in Canada as a tourist (visitor). No kind of job, wether it is paid or not paid.

 

[OhCanadiana]

Hi guys,
as far as I have read in this forum, not even volunteering is allowed if you stay in Canada as a tourist (visitor). No kind of job, wether it is paid or not paid.

You may volunteer, but it has to be genuine volunteer work (e.g., it can't be a job that you don't get paid for, since you would essentially taking a job away from a Canadian).

Take a look at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/work-volunteer.asp

 

[Pigey]

You're lucky. I am in Newfoundland where there is sweet eff all to do. unless you like fishing.

LOL... I'm in Southern Alberta... we're in the same boat sister!

Our local adult learning center offers lots of classes. I'll be taking a couple of them when the next one comes out. I'm certain Ottawa has the same thing. Remind hubby that many volunteer jobs lead to permanent employment or a great Canadian job reference, which all of us expats can certainly use.

Other than that I've been learning to knit, golfing and my hubby bought me a puppy, who is a great occupier of my time.

Your hubby is a musician? I know you said he doesn't volunteer, but there are always kids who'd love to have music classes but can't afford them.