Our journey to Canada was marked by careful planning and preparation. We were aware that not every plan would work out immediately and that the first few years would certainly be challenging. Now that our deadline for job hunting has passed, we’re facing unexpected hurdles. Despite promising job offers from some companies, changes in immigration programs have caused complications. Many companies lost their “Designated Employer” status, meaning they can no longer hire foreign workers until they regain this status. This process can be lengthy and requires companies to meet certain criteria again and undergo a review. For us, this means that our start in a new life in Canada has been delayed, and we are exploring alternative options.
Before leaving, we had already found tenants for our apartment, as it’s never good for a home to sit empty. This rental agreement remains in place, providing us with additional financial stability. My job provides me with temporary housing, and during my time off, I stay with Gernot’s grandmother. At 99 years old, she is still remarkably independent but has recently experienced dizziness more frequently. She agreed that I could temporarily move into the old children’s room on the upper floor to be nearby at night in case she needs assistance. Gernot’s parents take care of her during the day, and I can contribute to making sure she feels safe.
The situation of not seeing Gernot and our animals for an extended period reminds me of my year abroad in Switzerland. Back then, I worked in Bern to gain valuable professional experience. I spent about one week a month in Austria, while the remaining three weeks were spent in the beautiful city of Bern. Although I learned a lot and wouldn’t trade that experience, it was often challenging to spend so much time away from my familiar surroundings and loved ones. That time taught me how important it is to maintain contact and make time for each other, even when physically apart.
Saying goodbye to our animals has been especially difficult. The dogs and cats are used to Gernot being with them more often and taking care of them, but the thought of not seeing them for months is hard for me. They are such an integral part of our daily life. Thankfully, technology helps bridge the distance a little – I can stay in touch with Gernot every day through video calls. The time difference of about five hours makes planning slightly more complicated, but it’s not too big of a gap, so daily contact is still manageable, even when I return to working shifts in healthcare.
This is undoubtedly a challenging time, but we are still grateful for the opportunities we have to stay focused on our plans.
Your Thoughts?
Have you ever had to transition from a regular relationship to a long-distance relationship, even for a short time? We’d love to hear how you managed this change and what helped you bridge the distance. Sharing your experiences can often help others facing similar challenges, and perhaps we can all find helpful tips in the process.