In the last several months, I’ve been inspired to reconsider what my work could look like in a post pandemic environment. There are options to work remotely and with that option there are opportunities! Maybe you’re thinking about moving to be closer to family or to a more remote location and want to keep your job or maybe you want to travel and work at the same time! I’ve moved to several cities across Canada for different reasons over the last 15 years. I found myself moving to British Columbia back in 2009 with a sense of adventure having never lived on the west coast of Canada (I am an Ontario lady). I also found myself moving to Alberta in 2018 for a job. Although both moves had very different objectives and I felt differently about both of them, I ended up pursuing similar ways to feel connected. Even in a COVID-touched world where masks might be the new norm for some time, there will be opportunities to explore and connect with others. If you find yourself moving to a new city to take advantage of an opportunity, here are a few tips I’ve learned and practice to feel more at home. 1. Walk or jog/run around your new city as soon as you canI have found walking or jogging is slower than driving (and healthier than sitting in a car). When I’m moving slower, I’m able to take in more of my surroundings and get a good sense of the area. After my move to Barrie Ontario from Victoria British Columbia in 2015, I was surprised at all the hidden trails, beautiful waterfront, cool shops that I found when jogging around that I would likely not have seen if I hadn’t been on foot. I would go out and enjoy those same trails again when I needed to connect with nature and relax. I would feel connected to people in the community when I knew the places locals were referring to in conversation and I would feel good sharing my first hand experience. |