Hello Zagy,
Nice post. I'd like to share my thoughts as if I'm doing it. In fact this is what I will do myself.
1- I prefer going alone first. This is to pick the right neighbourhood, house, school for kids,
reality check and
expectations management.
I mean by reality check is that you will be the first to test life in Canada, its challenges, its goods and bads. Then you reflect on these and feel the reality.
Then, gradually you start setting your wife and kids expectations correctly. By managing their expectations correctly, you minimize the stress and mixed feelings your wife and kids will have. Expectations on cost of life; eating, going picnic, cinemas .... are all issues that your family needs to understand how they are different in canada. If your one kid gets a AED 100 a day as pocket money, he might get half it there!
2- I'm not sure about this, but picking the right size accommodation is important to settle.
3- I would rather go for one month. First, start searching jobs online at monster.ca, workpolis...etc. Then spend a month there hoping you land on a job quickly.
If it doesnt work, you would still have a job in UAE. You get a canadian phone number that can get you reachable to interview calls from Canada. Yes you will incur extra expenses but having a Canadian number makes easy for employers to approach you.
4- I am not sure it is a wise decision. You have relatively big family with various demands. Don't forget you need to control and reduce your expenses once you land. Start small better.
Keep in mind that health insurance and coverage doesnt exist for 90 days in Toronto and you have to buy yours. Buying a coverage for one is definitely affordable than 6.
Just quick thoughts and hope you have safe landing and wonderful life out there.
Cheers
Mezo
zagy said:
Dear Qorax and All friends!!
Now its a time to discuss about the settlement issues. I need serious advices to finalize my relocation an the basis of following:-
Total family members = 6 ( me, my wife and 4 kids between five to thirteen years old)
PA Profession = Accounts and Finance
Funds available = AED 200K
Job in UAE = Satisfactory
last date to enter Canada = 01-08-2011
My questions:-
1- Shall we move altogether? or Shall I go first and Call the others later?
2- What size of flat will be enough and how much will be a rent in a decent community in Toronto?
3- Shall I quit the job before leaving or take vacation and come back to resign? (being a finance person I have to give them a sufficient time to get the replacement and I have to handover every thing to new guy)
4- Some times I think to close the chapter of UAE, rent out the home in Pakistan, take my family and relocate to Canada. Than start my struggle with full force. Is it wise decision?
5- All other suggestions are welcome from all the friends that could help me in to finalize my relocation issue.
Thanks in advance!!
