Big Move: Canada -> UK? Advice/Suggestions/Comments Please!!

Hi everyone, glad to find this forum. I'm about to make probably the biggest decision of my life. I'm considering to take up a Lecturer position in the UK. But I'm so uncertain about what life would be in the UK. So I would appreciate comments, suggestions, and advice of any kind from you so I can have more information to make my decision. Thank you all very much!

Depending on where you live will depend on what life is like.

All I can say is this:
*people just about fall off their chairs when they hear that putting in 45-60 hrs/week of work can be 'normal' in North America
*people are also on stun when I tell them we get 2 weeks holiday...the average seems to be about 25 days here...they moan and complain until I tell them to be thankful!
*going out for drinks after work is very normal - pubs are usually pretty busy on weeknights until late
*going out in general is pretty much the 'norm'
*Brit's don't usually cook for themselves - I wish you luck in finding a Brit that cooks!
*it isn't easy to get a job at all...I think that speaks for itself right there! They can't seem to open their minds just a bit and think how relevant experience in Canada transfers to the UK
*I find that most people always have to find a negative about things - if you solve one problem, there is suddenly another problem
*Brits have NO idea what COLD weather is lol!!!

Lynz, hit on some of the negatives & positives of what a new settler might observe or find living in the UK

The observant Canadian will find as much negativeness as the Brits portray.

Being an older expat Brit (& trying not to sound off like one) who has lived as a settler in five different countries in his lifetime - is that when you make a move to some other place in your 20-40's from your place of birth & having grown up in it, you have to deal with many issues (besides home sickness) from first adjustments, settling in, cultural to finding a job.

The OP says they have a job possibility lined up (considering it) - that in itself overcomes a big obstacle.

If a job opportunity is lined up & you have not at least been over to look & see before making the big move or accepting the position - well you can only expect the worse.

DRPHIL, my suggestion to you is that you take a trip over & go see - it'll cost you a couple of grand max. Explore your options, look at the surroundings, check out accommodations, go to the pub, walk around the supermarkets, travel on the local bus & train, read many of the local newspapers, sit idle & observe the locals - only you will know... the answer for you can't simply be found on this forum - everyones experience is different, which may be a long mile from where your head is at.

On Brits compared to Canadians - I'd agree with Lynz, they (its by their nature) probably whinge about almost anything - equal, more or less to Americans & for those who have had any dealings with Brits - you'd know that they moan at least 25 % more than Canadians.

You can find fault in almost anything anywhere with any single thing, you can compare your new surroundings to back-home & all of the things that are way better in Canada - such as cleaness, big open spaces, the winter or summers.

I always say 'get on with it', after all it was you (or could be you) that decides (ed) to make the leap of faith & if you cant cope or it doesn't work out [next option] - then move on [dont let the grass grow under your feet] or move back home ... its all too easy to moan, find fault & eventually give up out of frustration or that you run out of money

In the UK or anyhere else, what would be wrong with having 3-4 part time jobs including contract work totaling 45-60 hours per week, even at minimum wage

Depending on where you live will depend on what life is like.

*it isn't easy to get a job at all...I think that speaks for itself right there! They can't seem to open their minds just a bit and think how relevant experience in Canada transfers to the UK

*I find that most people always have to find a negative about things - if you solve one problem, there is suddenly another problem

in reverse, speaking of Commonwealth citizens, isn't that exactly what happens when a Bit, an Aussie or a Kiwi comes to Canada - including all of the other highly skilled folks from others parts of the world that end up driving cabs or working 60 hrs a week at 2 or 3 jobs just to pay rent & to support their families.

Poor foreign settlers & the dream bubble bursts in the land of milk & honey

Forgive me - that was my Brit/Canadian whinge for the day ... probably the lack of sleep, dare say.

100%!!--they are the biggest complainers. And very suspicious, mistrustful people. I think of my grandmother--always reading into things in the most bizarre way... lol

I say it with love in my heart.

--always reading into things in the most bizarre way

you hit the nail on the head +1

The job is the biggest hurdle really. I agree when it was said to come for a vacation first. I did that in March - stayed with a friend and loved it!! I love the way of life here...it's just the job...being overqualified for any job that I CAN do and underqualified for jobs which I also CAN do (if you need clarification...I worked in an office for a few years doing general office work then spent the last 2.5 years in advertising/media. I want to learn more in media but the problem is I'm overqualified for general office jobs and media executive/trainee levels yet underqualified for a position equivalent to what I did in Canada because I don't thoroughly know the media landscape because nobody will hire me and teach me aside what I can reaseach/learn from industry publications...which apparently isn't really good enough).

Anyway, that's my rant