Relocating for a job can bring up a range of emotions – joy, apprehension, curiosity…the list goes on. Don’t worry, these emotions are totally normal, because moving to a new city is, frankly, a big deal. In a popular metropolitan city like Toronto (or the 6ix, as Drake calls it), you’ll enjoy so many new adventures and life experiences. This can be an absolutely amazing opportunity for your future!
You may have some reservations about moving away from your family for a job, especially if you and your family are having a staggered arrival. This is normal too. Living in a city far from your loved ones can be a new concept for many people. Luckily, the relo-to team is here to make relocating a lot easier. Our relocation experts will serve as a friendly, familiar face in the new city, as we help you get acquainted with Toronto.
If you are planning a corporate relocation to Toronto, here are the best ways to cope with moving away from family for a job:
1. Surround yourself with family mementos
When you move to a new city, your surroundings will seem unfamiliar at first. Your apartment might look different, you haven’t gotten used to the scenery yet, and you’re still figuring out how to navigate the directions. The good news is that you will quickly adjust to the new environment. You’ll discover your favourite restaurants, you’ll have a go-to place for the best coffee, and you’ll come to feel relaxed in your new home.
A great way to find comfort is to make your home as cozy and intimate as possible. Put up framed family photos around the home, along with keepsakes that are meaningful to you. The items can include an anniversary gift, a vacation souvenir, or even a funny drawing from your children.
These personal mementos will make you feel closer to your family. Every time you see those remembrances, it will remind you that they aren’t as distant as you might have thought.
2. Explore the city’s activities
Thinking about your family is inevitable after you’ve moved away for a while. When you have a lot of idle time, you may think about your loved ones more frequently. A possible solution is to keep yourself occupied with work, hobbies, and events. The goal is to engage yourself in various activities and steer your thoughts towards these new routines.
You don’t need to stay busy all the time, but it helps to pick up a few leisure activities around the city. Do you love the theatre, outdoor cycling, or always wanted to try axe-throwing? Particularly in a diverse urban metropolis like Toronto, it’s easy to find groups or businesses catering to even the most niche interests.
This is also a great time to explore the things you know your family will love so you can report back on what you’ve learned and what they can look forward to. It wouldn’t be a horrible punishment to vet the best gelato spots in the city…or uncover the playground gems! This keeps you connected while building their anticipation!
Our relo-to team knows Toronto inside and out, so contact us if you need ideas to explore this vibrant city!
3. Move to a regular routine
During a time of transition, our regular routines can feel quite reassuring. When your schedule is filled with familiar routines, it helps to bring a sense of predictability to your everyday life. Each regular routine will help you settle into your new lifestyle.
Some of the best routines can be found in the events happening within your neighbourhood. Maybe there’s a farmer’s market down the street every Saturday morning, where you can grab a tasty pastry. Or maybe there’s a yoga studio around the corner packed with people in your age group. Once you develop these interesting routines in your schedule, you’ll look forward to enjoying the next day more and more. All this will connect you with both people and places!
4. Invite your family for a city tour
You’ve relocated to your new home, you’ve been working at your new job, and you’ve grown quite attached to your new life in Toronto. Well, guess what? Now is the perfect time to plan the next trip you’ll take to see your family. Even if you don’t have availability right now, you can still plan for the visit in advance. Just the anticipation of seeing your loved ones will add an extra sparkle to your upcoming days.
Hopefully you’ll also get a chance to share the city with your family ‘live and in-person’ so they can see the city through your eyes! Show them the classic sights like the CN Tower and pose in front of the iconic Toronto Sign in front of our City Hall. Meander among the fantastic vendors at the St. Lawrence Market or take a ferry over to the Toronto Islands. Sign up for Toronto’s ‘Bike Share’ program so you can tuck into some of the beautiful neighbourhoods on a search for the perfect cup of coffee. Truly, so much to do (and eat)…and so little time!
After your family visited Toronto, they’ll have a better understanding of your new lifestyle, and your connection with them becomes even stronger. We’re pretty sure they’ll come to love Toronto quickly! This city offers something for everyone…12 months of the year!
5. Write to your family
You may be used to communicating with your family through emails, text messages, and video calls. For something a little more unexpected, have you considered writing them a letter instead? As much as online communication has evolved, no electronic technology can compare to the elegance of a traditional letter.
When your write a letter by hand, you put more thought and sentiment behind every word. These handwritten letters will feel intimate, and even a little romantic if you are writing to your partner. Exchanging the letters can also establish a new daily routine. And, who doesn’t love the excitement of cracking open a sealed envelope from anyone other than your utility company!
6. Communicate with your family electronically
While writing a letter to your family can be therapeutic, you should still chat with your family through text messages and e-mails. The greatest benefit of modern communication is its immediacy. Any time you feel nostalgic about moving away from family, technology allows you to hear their bright voices and see their smiling faces through a digital screen.
If you’re running a load of laundry, watching a funny movie, or doing anything else that reminds you of home, send your family a text about it. Or video chat with them so they can join in on the fun. Then ask them to do the same for you, when something in their normal routines remind them of you. These simple, quick messages will be a welcome taste of home away from home.
7. Talk to a friend about your feelings
Moving away from your family can be an emotional time, and it’s important to be open about your feelings. Fortunately, your social circles are great pillars of emotional support. Share your honest feelings with an old acquaintance, a new friend, or even a fellow co-worker. Meet them in person or virtually for a chat over a cup of coffee or a weekend brunch. These exchanges will connect you with others and put your feelings into perspective.
8. Keep a positive attitude about moving away
Our final piece of advice is to focus on the positives of your corporate relocation. For many people, moving away to Toronto for a job would be the opportunity of a lifetime. Think about how your job position may come with a higher salary, better career prospects, and a new set of responsibilities. These benefits can be a great source of motivation, giving you the encouragement to settle into your new life.
If you are planning to relocate for a job, the relo-to team is ready to help. Our extensive corporate relocation services can assist with different aspects of the move. Contact us for more information and let’s get started on your new life in Toronto!