A couple of employers to consider would be CGI and XWave -- both have offices in Halifax -- about an hour from Truro. I don't know if either are hiring, but they are both quite large and probably have numerous opportunities.
Being a former Martimer (Saint John), I've thought about returning as well, but don't think it'll ever happen... at least not while I'm working. Your idea is certainly appealing -- and I know a number of people here in Toronto who are considering something similar (selling their current house and living mortgage free in the Maritimes). The only consideration I'd suggest is that it's difficult to go back to a big city later and maintain a comparable lifestyle (especially as the cost of homes continue to rise).
In terms of the working environment, I think Devils' Advocate hit it bang on -- the labour market is completely different on the East Coast, so employees are treated differently (in a bad way). There's an oversupply of talented workers competing for a limited number of "good" jobs... therefore salaries and benefits are nowhere near as competitive as you might like. Furthermore, employers don't seem as willing to do the little things (flex time, additional training, bonuses and incentives, gym memberships, etc.) that you may have come to expect. They simply don't need to worry as much about employee retention as their counterparts in Calgary do.
Good luck with things -- if you can find a job that makes you happy, then it's probably a great decision.
|