Costs/expensive

One of my major worries about making the move to Canada was the financial aspect. Living in the Netherlands is pretty budget-friendly compared to Canada, especially when it comes to housing costs and rent. If you’re eyeing a spot in downtown Vancouver, for example, brace yourself for an average monthly rent around $2,600 per month for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment. Need two bedrooms? Well, that’ll set you back roughly $3,600 a month. Quite the difference from our current setup – a 70m2 apartment in Utrecht for $1,600 per month.

What makes it even more challenging is that buying our own house, something doable in the Netherlands, becomes a distant dream in Vancouver, where average housing prices hover around $1,000,000. While both my boyfriend and I have decent-paying jobs, the reality of Vancouver’s housing market hits hard.

Sure, living in a smaller Canadian town is more budget-friendly, but we’re not keen on straying too far from downtown. Big cities offer better job opportunities, and after enduring a daily 2-hour commute in the past, I’ve sworn off that experience. But if you’re open to the charm of a smaller town, these concerns might not weigh as heavily on your decision.

Work-life balance

One of the reasons causing some hesitation from my Canadian boyfriend about returning to Canada is the work-life balance. In the Netherlands, it’s standard for employers to provide anywhere between 20 to 25 public holidays. On average, Canadians typically get around 14 paid vacation days. This difference poses a bit of a challenge for me, but I’m hopeful that I can land a job with more generous holiday allowances than the average employer. 

The bright side is that the work-from-home culture has become more prevalent in Canada since the onset of the pandemic, promising a more balanced work-life dynamic. However, it’s worth noting that in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, working from home has long been socially normalized. So, while this shift is catching on in Canada, it’s not exactly a groundbreaking concept for those of us coming from a European work environment.

The weather

Alright, let’s talk about the infamous Canadian weather. For many, it’s the stuff of nightmares – cold, snowy, and just generally not great. On the west coast, things are a bit milder, but brace yourself for more rain in those parts.

Now, here’s where personal preferences come into play. Me? I’m all about skiing! I used to be a skiing instructor, and the thought of living close to the mountains in Vancouver is like a dream come true. You see, the Netherlands is as flat as it gets, and I have to endure a whole year of waiting to hit the slopes in the Alps. It’s a yearly sadness routine.

So, if you’re not a fan of the white stuff, Canada might not be your ideal spot. But for fellow ski enthusiasts like me, the weather could be more of a perk than a downside. That’s also why I’m eyeing the west coast – Toronto and Montreal may have their own charm, but they don’t quite match up when it comes to skiing opportunities.

Money culture

During my initial visit to Canada with my boyfriend to meet his family and friends, a noteworthy observation quickly emerged: Canadians have a distinct habit for discussing money. This recurrent theme became apparent in almost every conversation, steering discussions toward strategies for becoming rich. While some might find this motivating, I also thought it was a bit boring. 

Moreover, a striking facet of Canadian culture is the prevalent tipping culture. Unlike the European 5-10% tipping norm in restaurants, Canada demands a substantial 18-20% gratuity. Surprisingly, this practice extends beyond restaurants. Hairdressers, taxis, even at a take-away coffee bar expect a gratuity! I was shocked when I was asked to decide on a tip in a nightclub. I almost had to laugh, as back in the Netherlands, the notion of someone asking you for a service fee in a nightclub is unheard of.

Immigration process

Going through the whole immigration thing? Yeah, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster – long, expensive, and honestly, pretty tough. There’s this maze of visas to choose from – working holiday, spouse, working – you name it. And guess what? Your age, education, language skills, and whether you’re married or not, they all play a role in your eligibility to get accepted for a visa. 

But hey, don’t throw in the towel just yet! Loads of people have cracked the code before you. I remember feeling like I was drowning in a sea of visa info at first. What pulled me out of the confusion? YouTube, my friend! I practically had a video for every form and sentence I had to tackle. It’s like having a virtual guide through the immigration process. Alternatively, seeking guidance from an immigration lawyer can be immensely beneficial, allowing you to assess your options before starting the immigration journey. 

Feeling unsafe

While Canada is known for its generally high standards of living, homelessness remains a big concern in bigger cities, especially in Vancouver. I was really shocked about the homelessness and drug users in Vancouver. Some streets were completely taken over with hundreds of homeless people living on the streets. When I asked about it people were saying “it is fine, they are harmless”, but I didn’t feel safe walking through some streets or sitting by myself in public transport. Even though I am still really excited about moving to Canada, this is one of the ugly downsides of Vancouver. 

Canada is known for its generally high living standards and quality of life. But, here’s the real talk: homelessness is still a massive deal, especially in big cities like Vancouver. I was shocked the first time I saw the drug scene in Vancouver. Picture this: streets are completely taken over by hundreds of homeless people. When I asked around, people were like: “Oh, they are harmless, no biggie”. But truth be told, walking down some streets or chilling solo in public transport didn’t exactly feel like a walk in the park for me. I know this can  be a tough and sensitive topic, but I have to address it: People were doing coke and heroin in the tram, and there was even someone being arrested for harassing a girl. So, actually, I do think it is “a biggie”. I noticed that the people living in Vancouver don’t want to talk about it. But as a woman, I want to feel safe and this has definitely been a big worry of mine. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still buzzing about moving to Canada, but we can’t ignore this – Vancouver has got this ugly side, and it’s not pretty. 

Missing your family

Leaving my family and friends behind is probably one of the scariest things and main reasons why I was having a lot of doubt. Ever since childhood, homesickness has been a familiar feeling. While it has lessened as I’ve grown older, I still value the strong connection with my family and the support they provide. The prospect of living without them does stir up some anxiety. Additionally, the financial side hits hard – a return trip back to the Netherlands costs about $700 Canadian dollars for a 10-hour flight. Regular visits would significantly increase my yearly expenses. However, a few years ago, I made a conscious decision to stop letting fear dictate my life choices. I would rather miss home, than miss out on what life has to offer! 

Being well-informed and realistic is crucial, but let’s face it – decisions like these aren’t solely about logic. If I could have hired an analyst to crunch numbers and determine the optimal scenario, I would’ve done it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. Ultimately, it comes down to how the idea of making a move resonates with you. In my perspective, the reasons against moving weren’t strong enough to keep me where I am. Again, it’s vital to be realistic, but the heart tends to play a significant role in these decisions. Listening to what my heart was saying, as challenging as it may sound, made a world of difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, here’s a little trick:

1. 1. Find a comfy spot, close your eyes.
   2. Place your hand on your heart.
   3. Breathe slowly, repeat a few times.
   4. Think about something that brings you joy (for me, it’s riding my horse in the forest).
   5. Notice all sensations – what do you smell, hear, and see?
   6. Now, think about living in Canada. Visualize your life there. Does this feeling change, positively or negatively? Do you still feel warm and relaxed?

This exercise helped me realize that logical and practical reasons take a backseat. I sensed that Canada was calling for my next adventure, and it gave me a warm feeling to listen to my heart rather than my head.

If you’re interested in exploring more reasons to consider a move to Canada, check out the six reasons why you should move to Canada.