Maybe it’s a midlife crisis, a mild form of depression, or just plain ole boredom, but I need to change my environment. Something has to give. I’m burning out at my job, and I’m sick of the oppressively conservative political/social climate here in Mississippi. I’m not talking so much about the republican kind of conservatism but more the afraid to think out of the box and move forward brand. I need an adventure, and I’ve been thinking about moving out of the country to pursue a teaching position someplace vastly different from where I stand now. Since I only speak English, I’m limited to a handful of countries: Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are the natural front runners. I’ve never been to any of these places and really don’t know where to begin on immigration, so maybe the odds are against me. What I do have in my favor, I suppose, is that I’m not married and don’t have to worry about dragging a family half way across the globe on some hair brained pilgrimage that could very well end tragically if it actually happens at all. Maybe I’m just frustrated and need to vent since I’ve been down this path before. I can recall wanting to move to Vancouver in the not so distant past for the very same reasons I want to pack up and go right now. That obviously didn’t happen, but I feel more … I don’t know –
frustrated …bored … lonely – than I can ever recall feeling before, so something has to give.
What’s actually involved in immigrating to a new country anyway? I’m sure it’s a long and drawn-out process with all sorts of legal hoops to jump through and mounds of paperwork. The uncertainty of it all is what makes it such a frightening prospect to consider. Still, starting over someplace new and reinventing yourself is more than appealing to me.
(Edit) Okay, I'm feeling better now that I vented, but I'm still burned out with my job.
6 comments:
Emigrating to a new country can be very expensive, and can be fraught with various barriers thrown up to discourage you (Canada is a good example; they generally want younger, healthier people with certain needed job skills).
There may also be considerable cultural barriers, that would only be exacerbated with your lack of fluency in a second language.
Sweetie and I looked into Canada briefly after Oregon voters killed off Gay Marriage here; but in the end decided to stay and fight instead. (Being told that I might be turned down due to age and health issues certainly influenced our decision.)
Job burnout is real, and can be big all by itself. Consider emigrating to another state as a more reasonable and cheaper possibility first.
Thanks. If I do jump to another country it will probably be Canada. I'm just drawn to Vancouver.
I do love Oregon and the Pac. Northwest.
Having applied for a long term work visa to another country, younger individuals are given preference as they want the tax income to offset the social payout for medical and retirement expenses. You must go and fill out the forms. Start with the consulate in your state.
The US is a big country with lots of different terrains in both a geological and a political sense. You don't have to get a visa to work in Washington State while enjoying the proximity to cross the Canadian border.
Look for a different job. Just the act of looking may help you realize that things aren't so bad in your current position or you find something that is wonderful and you go for it.
I can understand the job burnout. I am lucky that I am in a position to go back to school and hope that the extra education is worth the investment.
I was lucky enough to be born in the country I love so I don't know anything about moving to a new country. My roommate came here from Germany as a student and is now a citizen.
This website may (or may not, it is a government site after all) answer some questions. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
As for Vancouver, I personally have never been outside the airport, but I understand it is a lovely city, but very a very expensive place to live.
I hope you find your answer.
I can feel your frustration. Although i've got no wish to emigrate that desire to "head towards the second star on the right and continue on to morning" is still very much at the forefront of my mind.
Oh...just come on over here.
And get you out the funk and into the smile
Miff
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