(no subject)

[bluflamingo]

I feel like I've fallen off the face of the Earth lately - possibly because I haven't spoken to an actual person since last Friday. Which is when I went to see the doctor with earache, got told I had tonsillitis and was put on anti-biotics that make me feel like I'm going to pass out if I'm not lying down, and like I'm going to throw up.

And I have another three days to go :(

On the bright side, my ear doesn't hurt any more :)

That aside, it's been a weird couple of weeks - I nearly adopted a second cat, then pulled out at the last minute and I'm still not really sure why.

I'm looking at jobs, but thinking about maybe just quitting and temping for a while, so I have some mental space to think, plan what I want to do with my life, study, write, volunteer, meet people. Basically, not feel guilty for being off work for three days when I'm sick and can hardly go out. Assuming I could make a decent salary, anyway.

And I said, as a joke to my counsellor, that maybe I'll quit work and go work in Canada for six months. recounted this to a friend, who said, okay, look into it. And now I kind of have a plan? And am actually sort of thinking about whether I could do it? I mean, I wanted to, a few years back, but I freaked and didn't go ahead. But now... I don't know. Tell me stories about studying/working abroad and how amazing it was? Because even just writing it here makes me feel scared, like I'm committing to the idea somehow and I'm not sure I'm ready to yet.

I don't know. I feel like something's going to happen - like anything could happen, like something big is coming, and it's scary, but also it's kind of... exciting?

Comments

[emeraldsword]

I lived in Poland for the academic year 06-07 and it was great. You may or may not be able to see my entries from that time, I'm not sure - you should definitely think about going abroad, it's a really interesting experience.

[carolyn_claire]

You're ready for change--doors are opening in your mind and in your heart. This is a good thing! Don't count on being able to do the things you wish you had in your next life; do them now. Life doesn't have to be the linear progression that some people feel it does (and, these days, many of those people are being knocked off of their parabolas whether they want to be or not, anyway). People who live interesting, exciting lives often do it by stepping out of their comfort zones. If you feel you're open to change now, then there's no time like the present.

[bluflamingo]

Thank you for the comment - I printed it out and stuck it on the bathroom mirror to remind me that scary things can be good things

[carolyn_claire]

I'm glad I could be helpful, and it's sweet of you to let me know. Keep us posted about your adventures!

[tesserae]

Glad you're feeling better!

On the living/working abroad: imo, do it. I lived in Italy for 4 years (after spending ~6 months there over 2 years, all of it for work) and then was back for a 3 month gig in 2010. It was great being there with a purpose, not just on vacation - and I was equally glad o get home. Although I have to say I've always thought that had I landed in Rome (or Paris) initially I'd still be in Europe: I am a big city person, no question about it.

But if you can swing it, go. Besides, Canadians are lovely, at least the ones I've met!

[bluflamingo]

Italy is beautiful - well, the bit I saw on a short holiday anyway. I can totally see wanting to stay there.

The Canadians I've met are all lovely as well, and my kind of weird :)

[via_ostiense]

I just got back from four and a half months in Buenos Aires, and it was amazing. I went to learn Spanish, and I learned a bucketload and took tango lessons as well. I met hl and her family, made acquaintances from all over the globe whom I hope to meet again, and learned a lot about myself and how I want to be (more open, more optimistic, more generous in spirit, more happy and adventurous). My Spanish teacher was funny, kind, and a delight to spend time with, and my tango teacher and I spent almost as much time laughing as we did dancing. Overall, it was refreshing and a needed period for recalibrating my soul and personality.

[bluflamingo]

It sounds like you had an amazing time - thank you for sharing :)

[fyrefly101]

It's brilliant and terrifying at the same time. I went to Canada on my gap year to live; I moved to California for a year for undergrad school; went to Seville for 3 months for study, and moved to Geneva for six months for work. As well as going back to Canada repeatedly, for visits.

Off the top of my head? My response is always "do it". It's an adventure - there's all that life and world out there and rush from experiencing it? Never makes me want to stop trying new places. And the other side of it is always "I can come home". It's not permanent or forever if you don't want it to be.

The bonus side with somewhere like Canada is the language and the lifestyle. You don't have the communication barrier (which at best causes hilarity in the shop/bank/train station and at worst leaves you crying in them middle of the street because you can't even work out how to buy a cup of tea!)

Do you have thoughts (gut feelings?) about where in Canada? When? When I went out, I was living in Vancouver, but at one point (several years later) I did a trip to Toronto and then made my way cross-country to Vancouver, and I spent last Christmas in Calgary.

I loved all my times abroad - looking back, the bad bits are completely overwhelmed by the good. The bad was very much like any move - you have to start over, work out work, where the grocery shop is, make new friends, learn which streets to avoid. And sometimes it is really lonely, and confusing, but not any more I think that moving to London has been, or any other "small" move.

If you've got (more) questions/concerns (Canada-specific, or moving in general) let me know. Or if you want a proper chat, I can always give you a ring if you want? Happy to talk away about the whole going-to-another-country experience :)

[bluflamingo]

Thanks for sharing, and the offer to talk - I'll definitely try to take you up on it at some point, when things are less hectic.

I'm thinking maybe Toronto, since it's east coast so sort of nearer home, and the people I know are there. But my supervisor is talking about maybe applying to finish up my PhD in Canada as well, since one of the big name researchers is based out there and sometimes takes on students - but she's in Manitoba, which I think is a bit scarily middle of nowhere

[fyrefly101]

Yes, Manitoba, very much middle of nowhere, with a whole lot of nowhere. Although sometimes people say space is good...?

Toronto's pretty awesome, and knowing people, in any capacity, is sometimes just the right kind of mental safety net that helps. Lots for you to think over, but I do hope you work it all out to your satisfaction!

Open-ended offer, poke me when you have time and space to have some kind of mad conversation about it all!

[skieswideopen]

I totally missed this when you first posted it! Yes, come!

Actually, I have no idea what the legal elements are in terms of being able to work here temporarily. Do we have a program for that? But if you want to know anything else about living here--or if you do come and have questions about mundane daily stuff--then I'd be happy to answer. And truly, I think moving to another country for six months sounds absolutely awesome. On the other hand, the job market isn't fantastic right now, so there's that too.

Do you know where you'd want to go?

[bluflamingo]

You actually do have a programme for that, called IEC, but the upper age limit is 30, so if I'm going, it has to be next year-apparently I can go if I get the visa before I turn 31, which is the end of January. So I kind of think I'm going to go, because if not now then literally never.

I'm thinking maybe Toronto, since it's east coast so kind of nearer home :)

[skieswideopen]

TORONTO!!! I will show you around. Constantly. I love my city. :D

If you do decide to come, let me know and I'll help you out with whatever I can in terms of local stuff.