Been offered a job in Kanata (close to Ottawa) but don't know whether to accept it ....

I have the choise between staying here in Zurich
- I like Zurich and Switzerland, love that it is central in EU
- weather is acceptable, close to South-of-the-alps nice weather
- however the quality of my job is degrading (but may go up again, don't know)
- realistically speaking job won't last another 5 years but you never know.

or going to Kanata
- never been there (but can go and have a look at new companies expense)
- job is good and interesting, pay is good (~140K can$, 8 wks holidays)
- but I will most probably hate winter (already don't like it here)
- will take a big $ hit as I just bought a brand new Merc which I will have to sell

In my 'life-plan' I forsee a move to either sunny Spain or sunny Italy (I really like warm
sunny weather) in 5 yrs (when I am in my early 40-ies) where I hope for a low-stress
part-time job and enjoy my savings.

So the decision is for the next 5 yrs... My 'old-folk-home' argument says go to Canada
as I will regret not going there when looking back on my life when in the old folks home.
But I am really scared of the cold and boredome of Canadian winter. But I am also scared
of the boredom of sitting in my degrading job here in CH...

Don't know what to do, all suggestions appreciated !

I am afraid you are the only one who can tell. Follow your instinct.
I just had to make an important decision at work. Despite the fact that I really like my job right now, I decided to quit and go working for another company.

I do not know whether it will be a better job or not, less stressful or not but it is a new challenge and THIS IS NOW (or never...)

I guess you also have to feel comfortable with the weather and general atmosphere. You do not seem to like winter and there in Canada, well, it's not Italy...

> Your move <

Good luck in any case !

I am from Canada. I know Ottawa.

It is a beautiful city but not much to do. And to give you an idea, I don't want to move back to Canada because of the weather!

If you want to enjoy traveling and go where it is warm, I would think to stay here.

Canada has beautiful seasons. My favorite one is fall. It is absolutely stunning! Summer can be very hot but too short for my taste. And winter? I hate it from evey little millimeter of my body! It is long, cold and snow non stop on the floor for 3-4 months.

To travel around it is more expensive over there since everything is far of everything.

I have this opinion because I come from there. I have they experience so maybe my opinion is biaise.

If you don't try, you'll never know and you can ask yourself if you need to know!

It is your choice, your decision.

My only advice is go and take a look. The climate there is extreme but you know that so you go into it with your eyes open. I have a diplomat expat friend who lives there (he moved from Zurich 10 years ago) and the long winters really get him down even after all this time - especially during the ice storms. Other than that he says it's a friendly, affordable place to live but quiet and quite dull compared to the life he had in Zurich. But that's just his view so take it for what's it's worth.

$140K in Canada is an outrageous salary, btw. Not many people earn that much. You would live very well.

Ottawa does have harsh winters, no hiding that. It's a pleasant place, a bit out of the ways compared to Zurich's location. On the other hand, Montreal, one of the greatest cities in the world is only 2 hours away. Again, it's not surrounded by dense population though. And the social life will be quieter than Zurich.

As to whether winter is boring, that depends on you. Lotsa nice x-country skiing in the area plus some very small downhill locations. And skating on the canal. If you truly hate winter, then probably not the best place to be as it does get dark and cold. Ottawa does have a good pub scene to help pass the time.

Hmm with 8 weeks of vacation you could spend most of the winter somewhere warmer.

In addition to the high salary, 8 weeks of vacation is unheard of in Canada.

I don't know.

I find there comes always a moment when you just know whether yes or no it is right to go to a new place, to take up that new job or not.

As Nev said, why not go and have a look first, plan a vacation there, meet the people and let your gut help you decide and your girlfriend also of course!

Well, I could go there of course but it's kind of shitty to turn them down afterwards based on 'winter is too cold for me'... I feel if I go there to have a look I need to have already decided winter is acceptable.

Tough being a decent person

Kanata is the suburbs but Ottawa city centre is within easy reach.

The package sounds good. Even though taxes are high, you can enjoy a good lifestyle - take your holidays in the winter and you can escape the cold.

Look into shiping the Merc. They do have Mercs there.

A visit is a necessity, but do let the potential future employer know that you want a relocation firm to give you an orientation visit that meets your needs. Make a list of what you want to investigate beforehand. At the end of a good look/see you should have all the information you need to help you with your decision. Relocating is a big decision so best to equip yourself with information.

I loved Ottawa, but it is not for everyone.

Good luck with the trip.

TOugh choice!
I would consider two things really:

1.- Your quality of life here and there (winter might make you miserable but maybe there are loads of other things to do in Kanata ???)
2.- Do you like your job now? If I could change jobs now I would, I do not want to leave CH but really my job now is so depressing...although it is beginning to improve this might be a deception...so really I would recommend going to Kanata now that it must be nice, read about winter and what to do there and then decide.

Success!

A

CANADA Winter is a peace of cake with 8 weeks holidays
BTW. Winter is harsh yes but is better then Zürich ,Snow ,rain ,wet and shitty all around .Canada cold try and sunny lots of the time

I negotiated 8 weeks so that I can go for family visits (Holland) 4 times a year (1 week each) and have time left for some fun in Canada (2 weeks) and go to spain/italy for 2 weeks.... didn't really budget to take 8 weeks to escape winter...

Cuba ,mexico ,california,aruba list is endless

P.S. DONT live in Kanata if you go. Suburban hell. Live in the centre.

I looked for an hour on maps.google, I can't find the centre (of Kanata) ?

You won`t Kanata is part of the city of Ottawa BTW !
I live in Ottawa ,just ask if wanne know some thing,glad to help

There is no centre of Kanata anyways. As I said, suburban wasteland where hi-tech companies are located.

I meant centre of Ottawa: Glebe, Byward Market, Centreville, ....

from what you said, canada sounds like a good move.

hell, it's only for 5 years, so who gives a damn. you could probably manage being in prison for 5 years so canada can only be a little bit worse than that!

the money aspect doesn't seem to matter, and you'd hardly be a pauper there.

i don't actually mind the winters and quite enjoyed it here in CH last winter. but you have holidays etc.

i certainly would go and visit. that's the whole point of them offering so that you can see the place first hand to help make up your decision. when you're there you can talk to people to see what they do during the winter period.

if it's just 5 years and the money isn't a problem, the for me it's a no brainer: go and do something new.

Don't forget the Senetors. Kanata is a great place to check out some fantastic hockey from an Ontario team that isn't built to lose.