Hey, I am a 20 yr old male currently living in Regina, SK. As most of you canadians know, the prairies SUCK and I visited Vancouver in the summer for the first time, fell in love, and have been depressed since. I am currently attending UofR for general classes in the Arts program, but I dont know if I want to continue school. I dont know if its due to my depression, or if Im just a bad student, but school isnt working out for me. and I have to pay for it. I currently have 3,500$ CAN saved. My questions are:
1) Do you think its possible for a 20yr old to make it out in Vancouver all by himself?
2) What hourly wage do you think I will need in order to sustain life? 11$/hr?
3) Do you guys recommend going to school? What do you recommend for someone who is clueless? My grades in highschool were average, I dont like math, science is ok, I am more of an English student myself. I have no hobbies so I dont know if Im good at art or film or music or anything like that. I am just so lost and confused.. any input?? I really just want to leave Saskatchewan and enjoy living life in Vancouver, but I wont be able to enjoy life without finding a job. I was hoping that maybe I will be inspired as to what I want to do if I took a year off and just chilled out in Vancouver, working.
Hello. I’m Asia. I am not from Vancouver and I hope some of the Vancouverites will read your post soon so they can respond to you. From what they all write about Vancouver, it does not sound that great to live in but that’s just my opinion based on the complaints I have read here and on the other forums. You are definitely right to question what you’re doing if it isn’t bringing you much happiness, although I believe you should remain in school but taking what you enjoy and not just going through the motions. If you don’t know what you want yet in terms of education then you should definitely take the time to think about it but don’t wait too long. I wish you all the best.
Hello Asia, thanks for your response. I was in Vancouver, living at my friend’s aunt’s house for all of this past August. Despite being in summer, I got to experience both rainy days and sunny days. Although the summer rain is at a considerably lower degree than the winter’s rain (I’d imagine), I really want to take another trip back there sometime really soon, for a bunch of reasons: I will get to experience winter rain, and to visit friends, and to get away from harsh Saskatchewan winters, and it will give me a chance to scope out my future new residence.
One thing I want to try out is the whole ‘living in downtown, getting around town via city transit’ living thing. That seems to be eco friendly, and saves me hassles of parking, traffic jams and car shopping. Which, of course, is A-Ok in my books. But the trade off is higher rent prices in the downtown area, am I correct?
I might need to find a random roommate to live with in order to split costs. If I had a guaranteed job in Vancouver I would move there right away! I wouldn’t look back! Even 10-12$ an hour would be good enough for me!
Mikey, that sounds exciting in fact. Yes, downtown living is definitely something to experience. I did when I was single. I’m 44 now and married with 2 sons. You are young and you should try it. Yes, the cost of living will be higher. You’ll need a room mate and I hope you get a nice room mate and not one who will smoke (unless you don’t mind that) and disrespect your space and your peace (for example a room mate who will bring home a lover and they are loud, ha ha ha). Anyway, I say again, I wish you well.
Thanks again Asia. Well I think I made up my mind, after christmas sometime in january I will be hopefully moved out to BC! I am looking for an apartment, a roommate, and a job right now for january. If not january, then february. Id like to take this time to post a little summary background of myself incase someone comes across this and is interested or knows of someone who is! Ok here we go:
If you couldnt already guess, my name is Mike, I am 20, half chinese half white if that matters but id say im more so white ha, Friendly, Fun, Sociable!
Roommate Situation:
I am moving to Vancouver in Jan on my own from Saskatchewan.
For the first month if I cant find an apartment downtown i might live in a hotel or something, but after that i want to be somewhere more permanent.
I am looking to share a place with someone as i want to meet new people coming from a different province, knowing no one at all, plus I dont think i’d like to live on my own.
I want to work as an electrician apprentice. If anyone knows of any connections that would be great. I took a semester of Electrical Engineering Technology at SIAST but I found the engineering part too hard; however I took a liking to the electrical part and which to further this! I am an outgoing, funloving sort of person but the same time am responsible, sensible and honest.
I spend my time and money going out with my friends making great memories along the way.
My interests are sports, music, movies, travelling/exploring, relaxing, sleeping, eating food, meeting new people and going out with friends.
As a housemate i am respectful of the people i live with and their views and am openminded.
I, like anyone else need my own space but i am not the sort of person to lock myself in my room all the time.
I am a tidy person but won’t have a fit if something is an inch out of place.
I am respectful of other’s personal lifestyles, belongings, as well as their privacy.
I am open minded in nature and like to apprehend and appreciate the cultural lifestyles of others.
I am cool headed, pretty laid back and easy going person.
My favorite music is the Blues, any type of metalcore/hardcore metal, classics like The Doors, Led Zep, eric clapton, pink floyd, pantera, metallica, slayer, black sabbath, down, crowbar, bob dylan, bob marley (just to give you an idea) i even listen to some hiphop! I dont watch tv but when i do its usually family guy, simpsons, game shows, two and a half men, king of queens, friends, you know shows like that. I love movies so any movie I am always down to watch. Electrican Apprenticeship
If anyone out there knows of, or is an electrical journeyman and is looking for an apprentice, I am your man! Although with no previous school I attended SIAST for Electrical Engineering Technology, as stated above. I own a pair of certified steel toe boots, safety glasses, gloves, even some electrical tools. I will not have personal transportation while down there but I am serious when it comes to a job. Especially one that I so desperately NEED to live in the glorious city! So I hope bus routes have their ways, or even company vehicles! I have references available upon request here in Regina, SK. I worked at Sobeys grocery store for 4 yrs as a cashier. Handled customers very well, remembered all the codes for foods, and handled cash. I also worked at a flour mill on the production line, john deere parts warehouse as a general warehouse worker, doing Order picks for tractor parts. Also worked at Purolator as a warehouse worker aswell, handling freight and unloading trucks efficiently. My grades in highschool were 70s and am currently attending University of Regina, but I am not enjoying it so much and just want a chance to experience the trades side!
Apartment
I am looking for a 2 brm apartment, downtown vancouver, ~1200-1400 a month. Utilities dont have to be included but bonus if they are! Preferably furnished but not necessary. pets arent that necessary although I have no problems with them as I own both here at home. I have only 1 reference, and thats in Moose Jaw, SK. I dont know if I have the number anymore, I can look for it if you really need it though! However, If I cant find a roommate I guess Ill just be needing a 1 bedroom apartment, or a basement suite or something. But those are usually more money, I would need a good deal on one =/
Thanks guys, appreciate any hook ups if you guys got any, or any info or ideas
Sure you can make it by yourself…too many people bitch about the cost of living but when you’re young it isn’t bad at all. You can live in shared accommodations which keeps your rent low and introduces you to some people right off the bat, there’s lots of work, you’ve been here already so you know your way around. So quit being a sniveling little cry baby and get you ass out here before you’re snowed in.
PS. I should also mention that you cant swing a dead cat in this city without hitting someone from Saskatchewan (Im from Saskatoon) so you’ll have company who knows what a “bunny-hug” is and what frostbite feels like.
I dont know because one of my friends moved down there couple years ago.. he had 2 jobs (minimum wage) and he still couldnt afford to pay the bills :S Sounds a little extreme to me
lots of jobs here as well i know a person that works waitering at four season they only get like 11 bucks an hours but with tips it goes to about 19 to 20 an hour
I wasnt really interested in the other places, too inconvenient as I wouldnt be driving a vehicle there. Traffic is too crazy, parking is too crazy, insurance, air care, etc. Rather just take the bus But with the waitering job, thats a good idea I dont have any experience with restaurants or bartending or anything of that sort so it might be hard to compete with everyone else there. I’ve never had a job where I received tips, do they really add that much more money?
The bus system is pretty good here. I live in the Burnaby/New West area and I don’t drive. And you can always try and get a job first then find a place to live within walking distance… Save even more money and get a little exercise too :o)
hey mikey. I can really relate to your post. I am a 20 year old male as well living just out of vancouver (New Westminster). I can tell u the truth because i want to do the same… as in move into the city and live more of the city life. But the truth is that its very expensive, especially making 11-12 $ an hour, and even if u can find few roommates it’ll be a hassle..
u can move just out of vancouver and rent will be cheaper. but it’ll be hard for you because vancouver is expensive and there are alot of costs in life expenses! get a job with atleast 20$/hr and u should do well.. but i’d recommend u get the hell out of SK!! that must be terrible. Are you living with ur parents there or alone?
Just a bit of an opinion from someone who is north of 55 yrs . An aspect of life that generates some satisfying (non-depressing) times
is a job that is enjoyed (or at least not despised). A job that generates some reasonable income. A job that will
provide sufficient remuneration to pay for necessities of life like housing and food and clothing. After paying for the
necessities it would be nice to have the option of acquiring some of the luxuries like a car or stereo or movie tickets or ski tickets
at Whistler etc. Unfortunately it is very expensive in this world and especially in BC and more so in Vancouver.
The better paying jobs that are going to provide for the above mentioned aspects of life are generally associated
with some form of education whether it be via a college /university degree , or a professional designation (cga etc)
or trade school (plumber , electrician etc.). I would respectfully suggest a focus on some form of education that
would give you a chance in not getting trapped in a depressing job, but one that would provide for a satisfying,
rewarding and happy contribution to society and which in return would provide you with the means to enjoy life.
The sooner education / training is completed the sooner the benefits flow. It doesn’t get easier to go back to school once
you have left. Just an opinion in the hopes that you will land on your feet in a position and location that will
make you a happy person…Morse
Mikey - this is the period when you need to concentrate on your education. You can determine the appreticeship situation before leaving home - don’t wait until you get here - you may really regret it later.
If you don’t finish your training, you’ll never have the opportunities to make much money or have a good job the rest of your life.
You were in Vancouver when it may have been at its best. Winter in Vancouver is usually dark, cloudy & lots of rain. People here get depressed also & want to escape to a sunnier, warmer place.
If you are depressed m- the best medicine is exercise - lots of it ! It always works - much better than a “geographical cure” such as you are seeking. You can get very depressed here too, especially without friends, decent roommates & working at McDonalds.
mu husband is from Regina too, we never rarely ever go back to visit,I hate it there! too cold in the winter ,too hot in the summer and lots of mosquitos.
You will LOVE it here! good Luck!
come out to B.C. and start building your life. go through the struggles of making your own life happen. i also recommend BCIT. can you get a student loan? i live in the Main and Broadway area and it’s very close to Downtown but not as expensive. i have a great apt in an old home and it’s just perfect - $900 monthly for rent. get a roommate and it’ll be cheaper.
just watch where you spend your money and make sure you budget.
i have friends who have done it and so have i. don’t be afraid as you only have this one life to live. face your fears head on. since you are depressed, i just want to warn you to not solve this by drugs or alcohol as that will mess up the rest of your life. get out there and exercise and surround yourself with positive people and eat right and focus on good things.
you will learn so much from this experience and one day you will be grateful that you had to go through these major challenges as you will be so strong and wise.
all the best to you and good luck!
btw - joint meetup.com groups when you are and also look into things like the Vancouver Dodge Ball league or some other activity that will be fun!
Living downtown is nice, but be prepared for higher rents. It’s pretty difficult to find a decent apartment downtown for a reasonable price. If you don’t mind a roommate it should be a little easier. For a shared 2 bedroom apartment downtown I would estimate a rent of around $700-$900 a month, which is pretty doable if you’re working. We do have a good transit system here (both buses and the Skytrain), so you can always look for places outside of downtown.
I came here about 2 years ago myself from Europe and I must say I still quite enjoy it here. If you want to meet some new people, just join a sports club (lots of those here) and you’ll fit right in.
First goal is to make new friends, try http://www.plentyoffish.com, http://www.boompya.com or facebook.com. I find facebook difficult to meet new people but great for keeping old connections. You probaly don’t want to live downtown due to high rents. If you really broke and can get close to a sky station, i’d try surrey. It’s an alright place….
Hey, I am a 20 yr old male currently living in Regina, SK. As most of you canadians know, the prairies SUCK and I visited Vancouver in the summer for the first time, fell in love, and have been depressed since. I am currently attending UofR for general classes in the Arts program, but I dont know if I want to continue school. I dont know if its due to my depression, or if Im just a bad student, but school isnt working out for me. and I have to pay for it. I currently have 3,500$ CAN saved. My questions are:
1) Do you think its possible for a 20yr old to make it out in Vancouver all by himself?
2) What hourly wage do you think I will need in order to sustain life? 11$/hr?
3) Do you guys recommend going to school? What do you recommend for someone who is clueless? My grades in highschool were average, I dont like math, science is ok, I am more of an English student myself. I have no hobbies so I dont know if Im good at art or film or music or anything like that. I am just so lost and confused.. any input?? I really just want to leave Saskatchewan and enjoy living life in Vancouver, but I wont be able to enjoy life without finding a job. I was hoping that maybe I will be inspired as to what I want to do if I took a year off and just chilled out in Vancouver, working.
thanks guys!
It’s not your depression, it’s not that you’re a bad student… It’s that you’re stupid.
Arts program (english?!?!?!) at U of R? Why don’t you just pay me 10k and I’ll hand you a warm piece of my shit… I’ll probably save you money and time in the long run… seeing that you’re probably too stupid to even get a BA.
Hey, I am a 20 yr old male currently living in Regina, SK. As most of you canadians know, the prairies SUCK and I visited Vancouver in the summer for the first time, fell in love, and have been depressed since. I am currently attending UofR for general classes in the Arts program, but I dont know if I want to continue school. I dont know if its due to my depression, or if Im just a bad student, but school isnt working out for me. and I have to pay for it. I currently have 3,500$ CAN saved. My questions are:
1) Do you think its possible for a 20yr old to make it out in Vancouver all by himself?
2) What hourly wage do you think I will need in order to sustain life? 11$/hr?
3) Do you guys recommend going to school? What do you recommend for someone who is clueless? My grades in highschool were average, I dont like math, science is ok, I am more of an English student myself. I have no hobbies so I dont know if Im good at art or film or music or anything like that. I am just so lost and confused.. any input?? I really just want to leave Saskatchewan and enjoy living life in Vancouver, but I wont be able to enjoy life without finding a job. I was hoping that maybe I will be inspired as to what I want to do if I took a year off and just chilled out in Vancouver, working.
thanks guys!
Hey, you will definately make it in Vancouver if you join the security industry. Security is one industry that booms during the recession. And with the comming of the olympics, there is just so much work that I want to tell the recession world to come and grab some hours because there is more work than there are people to fill these vacancies. We have new immigrants fresh off the boat coming into this industry with lots of overtime hours. And you are actually only from another province, so you will have no trouble. In fact, you can work as many hours as Ft. McMurray would give you hours, (although not as high in pay, of course). These days, some will pay you $12.00/hour just to sit on your butt in front of a construction site to do nothing. You say you are in school. Perfect. Why not get paid to do your homework? If you come to Vancouver, you will definately make money, even as a student. The problem that many of the security guards face is that we get called to work extra shifts on every single spare time we have.
One fellow had to get creative as a student. He went to school took 5 classes each having a 3 hour block that meets one day a week. He had to stack his 12 hour shifts to start either just before one of his 12 hours or just after. Then he would go to sleep, wake up, do his homework on his 12 hour shift, go to school and sleep. He made so much money 84 hours X 12.00/hour and 84 hours x 18.00 on overtime, that he couldn’t get a student loan. Now imagine that for a paycheque for a student. Now you might make a bit less than that depending on how your schedule will pan out, but I cannot see you getting less than 120 hours biweekly unless you wanted to just have a life outside of work and school.
Now, many security guards who take this approach to schooling not only kill two birds with one stone and avoid getting into debt with their student loans, they also get very good marks in school because they take only their schoolwork with them, which gives them little room for distraction to do anything else.
Now, will you have time for a girlfriend? Now, this is the unfortunate part. You will have money, you will have good grades. But will you have love? Now having little time for relationships, many have lost their significant other doing overtime security. You will make enough money to match a high school teacher’s union salary as a student, but you may regret the missed romances later in life. But if you are single already, and not want to get saddled into debt, you might want graduate with $30,000 in your bank account than have $30,000 in student loans. And believe me, you won’t have to eat kraft dinner like the rest of the students do while you build your savings account.
By the way, if you know friends who are bitching at the lack of hours they are getting at their fast foods or coffee shops due to the recession, tell them to come to security. I gurantee you they will quit their $8-9.00/hour job to work overtime in this field. Tell your new boss that you want to work as many hours as they can give you, and you will be sorry after a few months when you had no time to connect with your friends other than with your cell phone. Some of us wonder what good is making all this money rising up from taking home $6-800/biweekly paycheques that tranformed into $1800-$2200/biweely paycheques after taxes only to find that one has no time to enjoy it. But if you have thousands of dollars in debts that you want to settle once and for all, then, it is the perfect way to settle it in break neck speed.
Heavy Duty Mechanic… Schooling Required Excellent pay !!!
HUGE demand!
Yeah huge demand for labour. Will Vancouverites really starve for work? I think not. I think even if we let all those unemployed Americans into our land to come and work, there would still be enough hours for all of us.
Mikey - this is the period when you need to concentrate on your education. You can determine the appreticeship situation before leaving home - don’t wait until you get here - you may really regret it later.
If you don’t finish your training, you’ll never have the opportunities to make much money or have a good job the rest of your life.
You were in Vancouver when it may have been at its best. Winter in Vancouver is usually dark, cloudy & lots of rain. People here get depressed also & want to escape to a sunnier, warmer place.
If you are depressed m- the best medicine is exercise - lots of it ! It always works - much better than a “geographical cure” such as you are seeking. You can get very depressed here too, especially without friends, decent roommates & working at McDonalds.
Don’t work for McDonald’s! They pay nothing! It is for high school students who want a little job experience. They can’t do security because they are under 19 years of age. (Oh, by the way, if you are 17 or 18 going to university, you will have to wait until you are at least 19 years old to start.)
Thanks again Asia. Well I think I made up my mind, after christmas sometime in january I will be hopefully moved out to BC! I am looking for an apartment, a roommate, and a job right now for january. If not january, then february. Id like to take this time to post a little summary background of myself incase someone comes across this and is interested or knows of someone who is! Ok here we go:
If you couldnt already guess, my name is Mike, I am 20, half chinese half white if that matters but id say im more so white ha, Friendly, Fun, Sociable!
Roommate Situation:
I am moving to Vancouver in Jan on my own from Saskatchewan.
For the first month if I cant find an apartment downtown i might live in a hotel or something, but after that i want to be somewhere more permanent.
I am looking to share a place with someone as i want to meet new people coming from a different province, knowing no one at all, plus I dont think i’d like to live on my own.
I want to work as an electrician apprentice. If anyone knows of any connections that would be great. I took a semester of Electrical Engineering Technology at SIAST but I found the engineering part too hard; however I took a liking to the electrical part and which to further this! I am an outgoing, funloving sort of person but the same time am responsible, sensible and honest.
I spend my time and money going out with my friends making great memories along the way.
My interests are sports, music, movies, travelling/exploring, relaxing, sleeping, eating food, meeting new people and going out with friends.
As a housemate i am respectful of the people i live with and their views and am openminded.
I, like anyone else need my own space but i am not the sort of person to lock myself in my room all the time.
I am a tidy person but won’t have a fit if something is an inch out of place.
I am respectful of other’s personal lifestyles, belongings, as well as their privacy.
I am open minded in nature and like to apprehend and appreciate the cultural lifestyles of others.
I am cool headed, pretty laid back and easy going person.
My favorite music is the Blues, any type of metalcore/hardcore metal, classics like The Doors, Led Zep, eric clapton, pink floyd, pantera, metallica, slayer, black sabbath, down, crowbar, bob dylan, bob marley (just to give you an idea) i even listen to some hiphop! I dont watch tv but when i do its usually family guy, simpsons, game shows, two and a half men, king of queens, friends, you know shows like that. I love movies so any movie I am always down to watch. Electrican Apprenticeship
If anyone out there knows of, or is an electrical journeyman and is looking for an apprentice, I am your man! Although with no previous school I attended SIAST for Electrical Engineering Technology, as stated above. I own a pair of certified steel toe boots, safety glasses, gloves, even some electrical tools. I will not have personal transportation while down there but I am serious when it comes to a job. Especially one that I so desperately NEED to live in the glorious city! So I hope bus routes have their ways, or even company vehicles! I have references available upon request here in Regina, SK. I worked at Sobeys grocery store for 4 yrs as a cashier. Handled customers very well, remembered all the codes for foods, and handled cash. I also worked at a flour mill on the production line, john deere parts warehouse as a general warehouse worker, doing Order picks for tractor parts. Also worked at Purolator as a warehouse worker aswell, handling freight and unloading trucks efficiently. My grades in highschool were 70s and am currently attending University of Regina, but I am not enjoying it so much and just want a chance to experience the trades side!
Apartment
I am looking for a 2 brm apartment, downtown vancouver, ~1200-1400 a month. Utilities dont have to be included but bonus if they are! Preferably furnished but not necessary. pets arent that necessary although I have no problems with them as I own both here at home. I have only 1 reference, and thats in Moose Jaw, SK. I dont know if I have the number anymore, I can look for it if you really need it though! However, If I cant find a roommate I guess Ill just be needing a 1 bedroom apartment, or a basement suite or something. But those are usually more money, I would need a good deal on one =/
Thanks guys, appreciate any hook ups if you guys got any, or any info or ideas
If you are by yourself, why do you want a 2 bedroom appartment, rather than a 1 bedroom or a bachelor suite?
you should really visit vancouver in december to get a real view of it. you should also check out the east side of vancouver to get a real idea of what vancouver is. vancouver is NOT yaletown.
you should really visit vancouver in december to get a real view of it. you should also check out the east side of vancouver to get a real idea of what vancouver is. vancouver is NOT yaletown.
Now, you will need an SUV for december since we will have snowed like crazy. Rembember last winter, it will be that way or worse this year.
you should really visit vancouver in december to get a real view of it. you should also check out the east side of vancouver to get a real idea of what vancouver is. vancouver is NOT yaletown.
To say the contrast is anything but stark is an understatement. Good post mate.
ha, Friendly, Fun, Sociable!
