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

[kandc]

My husband has been visiting for 2 months. We sent our app today, and we have a date at the border on Saturday to provide them with our "proof that application for permanent residence has been filed", at which point they will decide whether to issue him a new visitor record or tell him he has to go back to the US (oh, the anxiety ???).

So, on the hopeful assumption that he is allowed to stay here while we wait for approval, he desperately needs some ideas for what to do with himself. It's only been 2 months and he's going stir crazy. He doesn't know anyone here except my friends and family and I'm out of the house from 7-4 at work. He's depressed that he can't work and we don't have any extra money for him to go out to museums or to the movies, etc. during the day. He's big into playing music and has been to a couple open mic nights but he needs something during the day to keep him from feeling like he's just trapped in the apartment. He's not really the volunteering type either.

ANY suggestions? I'm at a total loss.

We're in Ottawa, if that helps!

 

[Sweden]

Hey!

I'll be soon probably in the same position... moving to Canada on a visitor visa without a PR to wait it out...

Not sure what I will do when i get there, but well - what about learning another language? If your hubby doesn't speak french for example, he could try that - seems to be useful in Canada.

I will try to volunteer for sure (I'm the "volunteering type" !), but was also thinking about looking at future employment opportunities - even if I can't apply, yet... so when i get a PR, I'm ready! Some people have reported working out, getting in shape, getting to know the city (all of it can be combine - jogging around!).

If your house/apartment needs some repair - what about painting? all these things that you always want to do, and have no time for.
getting a network of friends can be useful for socialising of course, but also future work connections - so if he has a hobby, maybe that's a good way to start.

tough time for sure - I hope that you won't have to wait for too long. People that have send their applications in late june and july will probably have to wait less than current 3 months at first stage, and if your husband is from the US you can have a speedy processing... good luck with that.

Good luck at the border also - hope you get a 6 months visitor visa!
Cheers,
Sweden

 

[steaky]

Can't your husband go to freebies such as public libraries, city & provincial parks, trails, window shoppings, etc.? On some days, there are no entrance fee for some museums. Some people play their music in the streets... ;D

 

[kandc]

Thank you, Sweden! I dunno what I'll do if he doesn't get his visitor visa. The thought of him leaving again is too much to handle. Fingers crossed!!!

He had done some painting and other things around the apartment and that definitely gave him a sense that he's really contributing and made him feel useful but now that all that's done, he just can't figure out what to do with himself. I'm hoping he'll take to that working out suggestion, though his gym back home was free and I'm not sure he'll be impressed with having to pay for one here. lol Maybe a running club or something!

 

[kandc]

Can't your husband go to freebies such as public libraries, city & provincial parks, trails, window shoppings, etc.? On some days, there are no entrance fee for some museums. Some people play their music in the streets... ;D

Awesome idea about free museum days. I didn't even think of that. I'll look them up!

 

[nonoo]

Hi ,
I am in the same boat as your hubby is, my husband applied for my immigration as an inland spouse and since that day I am dying to get myself busy into something or the other. We find this as an opportunity to plan our baby and now I am a mom of Cute little boy. I am also a fitness freak so I am hitting the Gym almost every day. I too not into volunteering and of course there is no chance to do anything once you have an infant at home. My hubby applied for my immigration in Dec 2011 which was 7 or 8 months after I came to Canada. I really regret not applying before. I don’t know if your husband enjoys fine art? There is nothing like getting fit and molding your thoughts into canvas. Besides Canada has vast range of lakes and rivers he can probably go for fishing once he is in it, it’s more like an addiction. I know its indeed excruciating sitting around idly but there is nothing much one can do.

 

[Sweden]

Awesome idea about free museum days. I didn't even think of that. I'll look them up!

I would suggest - let him look it up! so he is busy during that time too!

 

[ladyjess]

check any prks programs or city works programs in your area... maybe he could coach a childrens sport? he might enjoy it although it is "volunteer" work...

 

[bonitanita]

I've been in Canada for a year now without being able to work. Here's what I've done to keep myself busy:

- free spanish lessons on bbc website
- writing
- experimenting with cooking
- working out (Shaun T's Insanity)
- Reading

 

[Shylox]

Going through the same thing here, waiting to hear back about my visa extension and going crazy with stress about that AND not being able to do anything during the hours of 10:30-6:30 while my wife is at work. Ugh, honestly the only thing I've been able to do to keep myself busy is clean, and I hate that too because then I feel like such a housewife hahaha Not that theres anything wrong with that, it's just not my thing I guess.

 

[kandc]

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

 

[ladyjess]

is there a recreation team he can join... check out local YMCA

 

[OhCanadiana]

Congrats on sending your application in

I saw what you said about volunteering, but could it just be a matter of finding the right opportunity? Bear with me...

Would he enjoy helping out at events he otherwise wouldn't be able to go to now and where he can play next year, such as:

"Watson's Mill is hosting it's annual Wine Tasting event. There will be live music, appetizers, and representatives from a variety of wineries. We need volunteers to help with set-up/clean up, greet our visitors, serve food and assist the staff with general tasks. We are also looking for smart serve certified volunteers to help act as representatives for the wineries."
http://www.volunteerottawa.ca/vo-clean/view-opportunity.php?opportunityId=3095

Or would he be interested in learning more about sound to learn tricks for his own performances later? Something like http://www.volunteerottawa.ca/vo-clean/view-opportunity.php?opportunityId=3766

Or, come Fall, offer to help music teachers at local schools help a few students one-on-one?

Or would he be more interested in something long term
"Music for Life Fundraising Concerts is seeking a Public Outreach Director to lead our Communications, Marketing and Donor Services teams. The Public Outreach Director will determine and establish appropriate channels of communication to help promote, build, maintain and manage the reputation of Music for Life Fundraising Concerts. The Public Outreach Director along with their team will communicate key messages, defined target audiences and build relations with Donors in order to establish and maintain goodwill and understanding between Music for Life Fundraising Concerts and the public. The Public Outreach Director will provide guidance as well as work with their teams to plan, develop and implement a Public Relations strategy, liaise with and answer inquiries from media, individuals and other organizations, often via telephone and email. They will conduct research, write and distribute press releases to targeted media. They will also source and manage speaking and sponsorship opportunities and, foster community relations through our concerts."
http://www.volunteerottawa.ca/vo-clean/view-opportunity.php?opportunityId=3476

I just searched entertainment and came up with these - what other interests does he have? What happens if you look up the field he usually works in ... volunteerottawa.ca has opportunities for CPAs and other professions so he could keep his skills 'active.'

 

[3000miles]

My wife sometimes feels bad because I'm away at work all day while she can't. She very much would love to be working as well. We write lists together of things that need to be done around the house, and she works away at the lists as she pleases. The bonus is it gives us more free time together while I'm not working

 

[Shylox]

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

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.