This article is intended to be of support to the thousands of expatriate Canadians in the U.S. and around the world who intend to move back to Canada in 2021 and for those who are in the process of doing so already.
The events that began in March 2020 and continue to unfold are unprecedented in their scale, scope, and future uncertainty. We are in "new territory" as a country and as a world.
What we know for sure is that there will be major impacts on the economy of Canada and the U.S. and those of most other countries.
There will also be social and political impacts.
Here are some questions, considerations, and stories shared by other Canadians in 2020 that may help with your decision as to whether to move back in 2021:
I think of this time as the end of the children's game "musical chairs". Since 2017 I have witnessed Canadians abroad and others wishing to live in Canada migrating at an increasingly rapid pace and with more and more urgency. Many were looking for a proverbial "safe chair" to be in if challenging times hit their world. This peaked in the months leading up to February 2020 where immigration hit a record high in Canada and returning Canadians were even impacting real estate prices in certain markets because of their numbers.
The music came to a stop in March 2020. You were either in a proverbial "safe chair" or you were caught without one. Sadly, millions of people in Canada and the U.S. had no "chair". They do not have the financial, health, and personal resilience to weather these challenging times easily and smoothly. I have compassion for them all.
Through the summer and fall of 2020, and right through to December 2020, the flow of Canadians moving back ramped up in numbers again. While I wouldn't describe it as an "exodus" from where they are living, it is definitely a very large homecoming to Canada from the U.S., Hong Kong, UAE, UK, Germany, Holland, and many other countries.
In summary then, yes, more Canadians have been returning to Canada recently. Many, many more than in previous years. And from my work with lots of these returnees as my clients I can say that most found what they were looking for: Safety and the opportunity to create the life they desire in Canada.
America has typically been the land of opportunity. Canada has typically been the land of safety. This is still true to a certain extent, but Canada is now a place of opportunity, too, if you can get in alignment with how Canadians think and how wealth is created here.
However, many people exchange opportunity for safety and find it a pyrrhic victory. If you consider a move to Canada to be both - safety AND opportunity - you can do really well. But if you are only looking for safety? You might not be satisfied with your choice to return to Canada at this time. Canada is not immune to the challenges facing the world. We will go through some economic and social changes in 2021 and beyond. Are you ready to take the good and the bad of these changes if you move back now?
Once the current challenges are resolved Canada will be stronger and opportunities will abound in full strength. My "read" on the U.S.? As a country they still have a ways to go before the systemic challenges in their country are fully addressed and a new path forward on many levels is achieved. The transition for them will not be easy. But in the end a stronger U.S. will emerge. A different U.S., but a stronger one.
And the UK? Europe? Arabia? Australia? Asia? Latin America? India?
The challenges of this time will impact each country and region differently. Some will rebound fantastically, seeking and embracing this time as an opportunity. Others will struggle for years with the changes that are underway.
In summary, yes, there will still be opportunities to find work or start a profitable business, to find a great place to live, and to build a wonderful life in Canada if you come back in 2021. Everything won't be proverbial "sunshine and roses" from an economic perspective for the next 12 months, but neither will we be in economic ruin, either.
Understood.
I am hearing from a lot of Canadians who were planning to move back in 2020 and 2021. Many shared their very legitimate concerns and distress about having their hard work and plans put on hold or changed completely. For example, a job they were offered in Canada has now disappeared. This can lead to feelings of "What do we do now?!" The following thoughts are an invitation to step back from your plans for the move and the current upset in the world and consider what might be best for you in the new reality we are in.
Background: What is a move to a new country, really?
When you planned to move to a new country originally (the one you are in now) you had hopes for a better life in some way: A career opportunity, more money, a new relationship, an adventure, a better lifestyle, perhaps a chance to enrich your children's life, etc.
One aspect that may have been conscious or may have only been on the edge of your awareness:
"I need to challenge myself and grow as a person."
In almost every case where someone moves abroad there is a quiet voice inside helping them make the decision to move to a new country. This quiet voice is what helps each person step through fear and uncertainty because there is an inner knowing that personal growth will come with such a move.
When you move back to Canada you may think you are returning to the same place you came from. However, in both literal and metaphoric terms you are not coming back to the same place! Canada has changed and so have you - often in deeper and more fundamental ways than you consciously know.
In many ways, then, a move back to Canada is really like moving to a brand new country!
Invitation: If you think of Canada as moving to a new country that you have never lived in before I invite you to ask yourself this question:
"Why am I moving back to Canada, really?"
And then I suggest you put yourself into the frame of mind of moving somewhere new.
If you do this you can step back mentally and emotionally from your existing move plans and anticipation of what life will be like in Canada. This "stepping back" will help you access two things:
A. A state of emotional calm that comes with detachment and thoughtfulness. This state of calm can help you look anew at what life might be like in Canada for you given the changes happening right now here and everywhere.
B. The opportunity to consider your career, location, and lifestyle options in a fresh light: Stay where you are now, move back to Canada, or go somewhere else in the world.
When you combine a calm, detached, and thoughtful perspective with a new consideration of your options I can almost guarantee that you will think new thoughts and have new ideas!
Whether you decide to continue on the path of moving back to Canada or not you will be able to do so with new perspectives on how to make it happen! This can include potentially moving to a different province because real estate is becoming much cheaper there (read: Alberta), deciding on a new career, trying new ways to make money (your own online professional service or offline business?), crafting a lifestyle that is healthier for you, or simply choosing to see the move as a personal growth opportunity, just like you did when you moved away from Canada originally, even if this reason wasn't fully conscious at the time.
If you have been away for many years or decades your move back to Canada in 2021 may be more like moving to a new country than like moving back to the country you left because Canada has changed and so have you. Why not treat it as an adventure and take the perspective of "Let's figure this out!!"
There are many opinions out there from family, friends, colleagues, and the media about whether you should move back or not move back. I suggest not taking these opinions too seriously. Gain new perspectives and ideas from what other people share but keep their opinions at arms length from your unique personal context and considerations.
Only you know what is best for you!
Here are a few questions that might help you determine if moving back to Canada in 2021 is right for you:
In summary, there is no "should" about whether to return to Canada in 2021 or not. There is only what you and your family need, whether this is a good time to do so, and whether you have the resources, strength, and patience to make the move happen right now, during these times of change and upset in the world and in Canada.
Do what is right for you!
Marie Galarneau shares her family's experience and decision: (thank you, Marie!)
Thank you for writing this article, it made me realise that we made the right choice. My family and I were meant to move to Canada from Australia in early May to be reunited with my family.
After having lived in Australia for 13 years this was a particularly big and emotional move for me. I was mentally ready, the boxes had been picked up for shipping, we had found an apartment in Quebec and given our resignations and then our flight was cancelled and we realised that our chances of leaving in the next few months was, well, uncertain.
Considering the current situation we realised that we were much better off staying than rushing to leave. We were lucky enough to keep our rental and at least one our two jobs (the other one we still don't know yet). Deciding to stay for up to another year was a very emotional decision to say the least, but I know we made the right one. Keeping some normality going for our girls in an environment that they know was also at the forefront of making this decision.
My heart is with everyone in a similar situation, but just keep in mind that we will get there eventually!
Marie
Edith K. shares her cheerful outlook: (thank you, Edith!)
Needless to say, my plans for moving to Canada are on hold for the foreseeable future, but I certainly have not given up on my plans. I'm as determined as ever, if not more so, to make it to Canada at some point ASAP!!!
Laureen shares her considerations: (thank you, Laureen!)
Thank you for sharing your stories and relieved that I'm not the only one going through this at this time. I have lived and worked in Mexico for ten years and feel very blessed and fortunate to have done so.
Was planning on riding this pandemic out here and then last week started thinking about going back to BC. My family and older children think it would be better because we don't know how long this virus could last and I work in the tourism industry.
Some days I have thoughts that I'm wasting my time here, wondering and waiting when life will resume.
Came to the conclusion that safety is first and I'm afraid to get on a plane at this time.
Should I stay or should I go now?
Paul's comment: The world-wide tourism sector is in for a couple of rough years, not surprisingly. Both Mexico and Canada will be hit hard.
Gerald shares his story: (thank you, Gerald!)
I moved to the States in 1995, thinking at the time it was a good move (career-wise) and knowing some of the downside risks of moving here as well. When I became an American (dual) citizen it was with all of this in mind.
I finally got together with the love of my life (also Canadian by birth and a dual citizen) in 1998. Together we've built a good life in the Pacific Northwest. Now, though, it is time to get back to our family and friends in Canada. The plan to do this has been complicated in the past year by a number of natural (read "pandemic"), economic, and political factors that seems to make the move back more difficult.
Thanks to Paul for setting up this page, and to those of you who have contributed your perspectives.
I look forward to hearing more from you all.
Lauren shares her story: (thank you Lauren!)
Like many people in these strange times I'm feeling a lot of "I should have" emotions. I'm a dual citizen living in the US, married to an American. We've discussed moving back to Canada for years, but now, the urgency has hit us both very hard. We would be returning with a small business, so our concerns are for the requirements of sponsorship as well as business. What I've found is that researching as much about the area we want to move to, the infrastructure and support from local government is invaluable... No matter how long it ultimately takes. I'm very grateful for your guidelines as a resource, feeling a little less alone!
Kayode shares his story: (thank you Kayode!)
I'm a Canadian currently living in the United States, and my situation is such that I would like to move back, specifically to Halifax Nova Scotia. While I was born in Montreal, I have visited Halifax on multiple occasions, and I would absolutely love to live their upon my return. I am confident that the money that I have saved will keep me afloat for at least six months. I'm not married, I have no kids, and no real property. Whenever I do move back, I won't be carrying much with me. My biggest concern is the time it will take me to find work. Even before COVID and all the issues its caused, finding work has always been challenging. The few jobs I've ever had that lasted longer than a year, where jobs I got through knowing people, or bypassing the traditional job searching process. Despite all my job experience, I can't even get called into interviews. Am I just that massively unhireable, or is it something else. The last thing I want is to move back, and encounter the same situation, never even being considered for an interview, much less hired, after having completely uprooted my whole life. All I know is that I want to be back home.
Maja shares her considerations: (thank you Maja!)
Like many, I've been flip-flopping about the decision to move back to Canada from the UK for years now, mainly to be closer to my aging parents. The current situation of me not being able to spend the summer in Canada (as I usually do) has really put a sense of urgency to come back. So here I am, wanting to make a very emotional decision, whereas my British husband is very pragmatic/realistic about finances/employment during the current situation. So it's a head vs heart decision in many ways. I've said quite a few desperate things during the situation, particularly about employment, or lack there of---''you could always be a logger for a while!''...that's not that wacky of a suggestion, is it :-) ??
Sheila shares her journey and considerations for moving back at this time: (thank you, Sheila!)
I came to the UK initially for six months and stayed for 40 years but always in my heart I wanted to return to Canada. When I retired with a good pension I went back to Canada and lasted four years before on the spur of the moment (missing friends and the better weather) I moved back to the UK. It was 18 months post Brexit and I thought the horror stories about it in the Canadian press were exaggerated but found out they weren't. Having now lived through the terrible Covid pandemic experienced here and being very frightened by it all that is facing the UK and Europe I plan/hope to move back to Canada where I do believe it is a lot `safer' whatever that means. It may be nostalgia but I have heard stories very similar to mine about people leaving Canada after a period of living there and then coming back because of all the benefits of wide open spaces, friendliness etc. On a note of caution getting a job has always difficult as a foreigner/immigrant in Canada and now I imagine it will be even more so for those who need to find work in their chosen field. It does not apply to me but for those who do need employment it needs to be a consideration.
Mark shares his thoughts relating to his life in Asia and his connection to Vancouver (thank you, Mark!)
I browsed through it a year ago or so since my second (older) brother has moved back to Vancouver from Manila to try his luck to get a job for himself. He didn't have luck at first, which became worse when COVID-19 came around in 2020. So far, he's got a part time job. But a recent conversation with him indicates that he'll likely come back to Manila again due to the job market slowing him down, likely before the end of the year if things don't change. Had to remind him that it's slow everywhere else.
To be clear on the record, he and I are dual nationals. But my first (older) brother moved to the US in the 1990s and is an American now.
Thinking about his situation in Vancouver (and I heard that the cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia are coming down), I'd say that we were fortunate to move there after high school. The things I missed about Canada is the friends I made, both those who immigrated ahead of me and those I've met in university.
I've been a resident of the Philippines since I moved back in 2015 due to family (Father says "Home is where the heart is") and health reasons (I'm healthy now). While it was good to reconnect with family and some of my friends, I realized that things have changed since I've been living in Vancouver to study. I got naturalized in my early 20s and appreciated the things my father did to ensure we had a place there.
If there's anything I'd see from my (second older) brother's situation, it's probably that he had high expectations that he can easily get a job related to Business Development considering that he worked in BD-related jobs in Southeast Asia.
What I missed about Vancouver is the absence (or the prevalence) of traffic, not being worried too much on safety considering that the Philippines has some terrorism issues and the fact that I'm not that well known by reputation just by being myself. Here... my family's known due to my father being involved in the stock exchange. So the pressure is there to work in a field that I have no expectations in.
As I type this, my plan to move to Singapore to get a Masters degree (and maybe live there if I can get a job afterwards) is postponed due to the outbreak. More and more I feel frustrated and tired that I can't connect any more further with my friends and some parts of my Manila-based family, due to a combination of my experience in getting a BA in Political Science. I'm currently doing remote-based internship with a risk management company in Washington DC for a few months ever since I got laid off my first job and being doing free volunteer work.
In the meantime, I've been sending some money slowly to my CIBC account in Vancouver just to build it up overtime. If there's anything I learn from my brother's experience in Vancouver, it's not to expect anything so soon. A challenge for me is to do remote work full-time from Manila for a company/institutes in at least Canada or the US due to time zones considering my work experience. I'm still looking.
While he had been working with reputable companies, sometimes with my father, he's frustrated that it doesn't translate to maybe a mid-level position like a manager. We both are frustrated that when he gets interviews from Canada, the company wants him to be physically present in the country before they consider him for a job offer. I think this part, in my opinion, is too cumbersome especially with the pandemic.
The only way I can go back is if a job offer is ready before I can fly back. The only place where I can think of is with the provincial/federal government, where they are more flexible for me to apply from abroad.
Joanne shares her journey and considerations for moving back: (thank you, Joanne!)
My husband and I moved here as young 20 somethings looking for adventure. He did a Doctorate at Cambridge and I started my professional career. Neither of us have ever really worked in Canada. We were part of the brain drain.
Twenty years on, we've built ourselves and our children a really nice life in central London. Many holidays to Europe, a beautiful home, fulfilling jobs, kids in great private schools and a nice set of friends. However, we are toying with moving back to spend more time with our ageing parents. I feel that we will be sacrificing a lot for our parents and wonder if this huge upheaval, risk and uncertainty - particularly now with a pandemic raging - will be worth it. I'm particularly worried about whether we will find jobs in Toronto in our mid-40s (again, with a recession-induced pandemic as a backdrop) as all of our professional contacts are in London. I'm also worried about whether our children will be foregoing a great education here.
I'd greatly appreciate any tips from anyone in a similar position, and whether your move back to Canada was fruitful in the end. Thank you.
I hope these questions, thoughts, and stories are of value to you!
Sincerely,
Paul Kurucz
Consultant and Advisor - Moving Back to Canada
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