I'm feeling secure enough now to share my upcoming changes. School is almost over, I already have a job secured and I'm focusing on getting myself organized...
...for a move to England!
Yes, that's what I said. :) I've been feeling "homesick" for a couple of years now and over spring break, I was feeling particularly drawn. I don't know the reason for it, but it was very heart-centred and brought me to the verge of tears several times, which is highly unusual in itself. I'm not an (openly) emotional sort, so this really hit me hard.
Anyhoo, I've talked with my brother, a cousin, my sister, my landlady, friends - they're all very supportive and willing to help me. I'll be landing on my brother and SIL in London for a few days, then moving south to Southampton to stay with my cousin for "a while." I don't want to stay forever, but I'll need a fairly permanent address to use for job searches and that will work nicely. From there, who knows?
Why the change? I'm not really certain, apart from it being like a harpoon to the heart. It feels more like a NEED, rather than a want, although I'm not sure how permanent it will be. I am a dual citizen, which makes it somewhat easier and more convenient, and it's not like I can't come back if things don't work out. Part of me is simply feeling like a change. I'm not getting any younger and if I don't go, I don't want to spend the next years regretting that I didn't when I had the chance. I'm getting too old for any more regrets. I'm open to a new adventure and to whatever awaits me.
Work-wise I don't know what to expect. I've got a wide range of skills, so am not worried about finding something - as long as it's not illegal, morally reprehensible or tests my integrity I'll be happy. :)
So the summer will see me working hard to save, start paying down my debt, divesting myself of almost everything (keeping my winter things...and some books I particularly want to keep), renewing my British passport and readying myself for my new adventure. My landlady has already laid claim to my cat, which pleases me no end, so he'll be moving upstairs with her. As much as I'll miss him, it would kill him to move that far. He's about 15 and very shy. Besides which, I have nowhere to take him to, and that's not fair to him. I think this is his way of letting ME go, seeing as I've had to say good-bye to two so recently. He's been through a lot as well, so this works out well for both of us.
I've secured a job starting full-time in May, they are aware that I'm leaving and they are okay with that. The position is essentially temporary, so it works out beautifully. My landlady has also offered me a room upstairs for $300 per month so I can save!!!! I'm still thinking about this, but it would make things much easier in the long run, particularly with the amount I'll be able to save. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to have to make up my mind quite quickly, as I'm planning on leaving in about 6 to 8 months time and I'll need to save almost $10K in that time, so I have a fund to land with...
So. There you have it. If I could leave now, I would, but it just isn't feasible. Perhaps I'm planning too much, but I don't think so.
I. AM. SO. EXCITED!!!!!!!!
16 comments:
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited for you!!!!
You are right following your gut. Time for the next life chapters to write itself.
Good stuff -- I couldn't be happier for you!
OMG - I am so jealous - fell in LOVE with England when I went there last year.
I could not be more excited for you - definitely an excellent adventure!
I didn't know you were 'British'!
I'm going to be so excited to follow you in the UK..you WILL be blogging,won't you?
Jane x
MW - Thank you! I appreciate your support. I sincerely hope that you'll consider visiting me on one of your trips, or meeting up on the Continent somewhere. I have to admit the lure of cheap travel is a great motivator for me as well, but I'm very excited anyway you look at it. :)
Jennifer - thank you! And thank you for stopping by my blog. I've added you to my blog roll. I, too, love England - I can't say what it is that's drawing me so strongly - my roots perhaps. Regardless, I won't know until I try, right?
Jane - Yes, British on both sides. :) I do plan to continue my blog, yes, but likely in a slightly different vein. I enjoy it and I'd miss all of you if I didn't. It's a place I can turn to for support, comfort and friends. X
Wow! Very big changes for you. I'm so happy for you. I can feel the tone of this blog post and its so exciting and positive.
How exciting and wonderful at the same time! I think it would be best to downsize a.s.a.p and move upstairs for 300 dollars a month. This will be easier on your cat too, I think.
I hope you will continue to blog. It will be so exciting to follow your new adventures.
Holy wow how exciting! You definitely have a goal in mind. Thank goodness you can keep blogging from across the pond. I would miss you too much.
Good luck to you on your new adventure. Wonderful that your cat already has a new loving place to go live.
I AM SO EXCITED TOOO!
Good luck for getting ready.
I've added you to the Sealed Pot list.
Sft x
Wow. That's AMAZING! Congrats on the new job... And WOW. That's amazing.
I had no idea you were British! (I for some reason thought you were from Nanaimo?)
Anyhow, I'm so thrilled for you. I love England. Will you still be Northern Living Allowance? Or... British Living Allowance? ;)
I will keep track of your whereabouts for sure. You never know where the winds will blow!
When I see all those inexpensive flights within Europe I just shake my head. It takes so much effort and expense flying across the Atlantic a few times a year.
I can just imagine the adventures you'll be having. You could visit a different country every weekend if you wish! Doesn't get much cooler than that.
ND Chic - Thank you! While I've already started separating from my stuff, I still have doubts as I really love the Yukon. I'm just feeling ready for a new adventure, however long it lasts.
T'Pol - I think you're right. The sooner I move, the more I can save. My only concern is hoping that my landlady and I will still be on good terms when I leave. But the opportunity to save so much so quickly is amazing. And it IS only temporary...
Jolie - Thanks! I wouldn't stop blogging, I enjoy this community far too much. I'd miss you all as well!
Marjorie - Thank you! Yes, my cat was my main priority, but it was resolved with one short conversation, and I can let go far more easily, knowing he will be loved and cared for.
Sft - Excellent! I can't believe how much support I've been getting for this announcement. It's amazing. Being accountable to the community re: saving for it with a sealed pot will only help motivate me more. :)
Pear - Thank you! I am Canadian, just have British parents, hence the dual citizenship. It does make the move a bit less scary as I have family and friends as a bit of a safety net. Regardless, exciting and scary anyway! I'm not sure the Brits have a Living Allowance, so I'll have to find a suitable name, but will likely still be NLA for a while...
MW - the flight prices to London from Vancouver are STUPID. What happened to those $699 return flights? They're twice that now. It's why I'm definitely looking forward to the 20 Euro RyanAir flights and weekends away...how fun!
HOLY MOLY!! JUST DO IT! as they say. I am VERY happy for you and feel VERY positive vibes coming through from you. Everything seems to be working in your favour so I think this was meant to be! I'll be rooting for you and encouraging you to SAVE SAVE SAVE!! You can do this!
Wow! I'm very excited for you...it's always best to follow your gut :)
It sounds absolutely incredible!! I see wonderful experiences and sooo many good things in store for you!! :) You're an inspiration!
I can't wait to follow your adventures over there! But first things first good luck in the new job. I will be interested to hear how the next 8 months go as you prep for the move. Congrats!
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