AboutRob Janus Expertise I'm a resident of Victoria, and have been for 25 years. I'm happy to answer questions about
tourism, housing, local government, or similar things.
Experience Resident of the area for a quarter century. Writing a book about tourism in Victoria.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Expert: Rob Janus Date: 11/11/2007 Subject: moving to Victoria
Question Dear Rob,
I am a 39 year old Canadian male coming back to my home country after 17 years of being abroad. I have a (Taiwanese) wife and 2 young children. We have a very comfortable life here in Taiwan, but I would regret for the rest of my life sending my kids to school here. I have been a teacher/administrator for many years, and was in advertising before that, but am looking for a complete change in career. International liaison interests me as I have a lot of cross-cultural experience and speak 4 languages. On the other side of the spectrum, I am also interested in substance abuse counseling. I am very open to different directions. I am also open to going back to school if need be, as long as Ii can provide for my family.
Victoria appeals to us for its size, pace and weather. I just don't know if it's a good place to start again at 40, with no network and a foreign wife who has good (but not excellent) English ability.
It's all for the kids so we are prepared for substantial sacrifice in our standard of living. As long as I can feed, clothe and shelter my family, I'll be happy!
How are the job opportunities in Victoria? Would I be better off in Vancouver? I hear cost of living in Van is through the roof. I also hear that Van is the most difficult Canadian city for a Chinese to find gainful employment due to the large number of Asians who already live there. We are loking at Calgary, too, but frankly it doesn't have the right "feel".
Any comments, suggestions or words of encouragement for this crazy thing we are about to do next summer would be appreciated...
Have a happy day, Rob.
Answer Hi Patrick,
Thank you for your question. First, let me say that I think you're completely justified in pursuing a move to Victoria as a place to raise your family. Many, many families have done the same thing, usually citing quality of life as the main reason. In fact, I know of one family with a net worth of about $600 million that chose Victoria over any other place in the world that they looked at as a place to raise their 3 young children when they were about to start school. Victoria is fabulous for families. As you've lived here, you know doubt know what I'm talking about.
It seems from your question that your decision hinges on two main points: employment opportunities and cost of living. Unfortunately, this is where the news gets a little bad. Victoria currently has an unemployment rate under 4%, but that doesn't mean there's a lot of "good" jobs out there. On the other hand, the largest employer is the government sector, so your experience as an administrator will serve you well in a job search. You didn't mention what your wife would be looking to do for a living, but with her being Chinese, she would certainly have some opportunities in our tourism sector. In general, Victoria has a reputation as very much a "who you know" town when it comes to career jobs (as opposed to entry level or dead-end positions). This certainly presents challenges for new arrivals, but it also works to the benefit of people that are personable and can get out there and meet people. With your background in advertising, perhaps this isn't such a bad thing.
When it comes to the cost of living in Victoria, again, the news isn't good. Housing costs are some of the highest in the country, with the median price hovering around $500K. Coupled with comparatively expensive groceries, gas, energy, taxes and consumer goods, and you're looking at a lot of dough just to live comfortably.
In a nutshell, Victoria is a great place to live if you can afford it. If your experience and abilities can get you and your wife good jobs (only you and perspective employers know the answer), you'll be fine. If all you can get is mid-level positions, don't expect to thrive here. Sorry, but that's the truth. Remember, you're in essence competing with all the retirees and wealthy people that want to live here too.
One final thought: although I think most people who live here absolutely love the quality of life, there are people that leave and move to get away from some of Victoria's down sides. These include the weather (although it's mild and only rains half as much as Vancouver, it IS grey here all winter), the narrow social/entertainment scene, and the isolation that comes with living on an island (yes, it's big, but it's still a pain getting to the mainland).
I hope that helps Patrick. I don't mean to present Victoria in a bad light. Personally, I love it here and can't think of another place I'd rather live as long as I'm working (I'd like to retire to Hawaii).
