For those of you who eventally got out of Calgary, how did you do it?

[normtwofinger]

Wife and I sold everything and moved to Costa Rica. Just back for a few months over the summer to make some money and then we are back home to CR. Rasied in Calgary, and it takes moving away to realize how bad the weather is here. But the scenery here (mountains) is amazing, you don't realize how good it is until you move away.

But as for the weather and the me-first attitude of the city, I do not miss that aspect of it.

[Bunk]

I understand that urge to want to live in a bigger place. It's unfortunate that you spent your university years in an even smaller city rather than going to say Toronto or Montreal. I left Calgary half way through my undergrad to go to U of T - mostly because I liked big cities and wanted to experience that vibe - felt that I needed a change of scenery. I got to experience that and enjoyed it quite a lot over the 6 years total that I ended up living there in two different 3 year stints. But, eventually I made my way back to Calgary, where I work to help make it a better city and love every minute of it.

Almost any city can be dull or extremely engaging and interesting- 90% is what YOU make of it - how involved you become in what's going on.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by fotze

I wouldn't mind hearing more about this story. i.e. how much money you need, what type of housing.

+1 to this post.

Also, the rationale/impetus for change.

[Weiser Wonder]

Calgary isn't that dull. But, this isn't rocket science, look for a job in a city you find less dull and move there.

[Bunk]

Originally Posted by Option84

It's been 4 years now since I left university and that whole time I've been stagnating at the same company back in the same city that I was born in. Other than spending 5 years of school in Waterloo Ontario, the bulk of my life has been spent in Calgary. Granted Calgary has undergone some tremendous change in the past few years, but it's just lacking the vibrancy and sense of excitement that other places can offer. Truthfully it feels like I'm wasting my youth living in such a dull place. I was hoping that learning what paths other former Calgary residents took can give me some ideas and inspiration on where to get started on getting out. My background is in chemical engineering by the way, but it's hard finding work outside of the oil industry in Alberta.

I'm just curious about what you do living in Calgary besides being a Chemical Engineer? What kinds of things do you involve yourself in (cultural events, volunteering, leisure activities) and what do you feel you can't do in Calgary that you'll get elsewhere?

One thing that always mystifies me is when people say things like "there's no culture in Calgary" - but don't actually take part in the cultural elements the city does have to offer. Calgary's a city of 1.1 million people, there's always something happening, sometimes you might have to dig a little to find out something intersting for you that's going on but it's there.

[Nage Waza]

What are the chances Option84 posts in his own thread? Troll?

[FlamesAddiction]

I'm a habitual mover. I just love the excitement of living in new places. I haven't lived in the same place for more than 4 years in the past 17 years.

It's really easy. Tell your landlord you are moving, pack your things and go. The internet makes it pretty easy these days to find jobs far away as long as you are persistent and let them know you are serious about moving.

[CaramonLS]

Honestly, I'm more shocked to find out Option84 graduated University, much less has a background in chemical engineering.

[THE SCUD]

As long as you don;t end up in Edmonton, what a hole!

(pretty sure the OP is an Edm troll)

[jar_e]

There is no way in hell the OP has actually done any sort of university and still posts such ghey threads on CP. What a disgrace to people with so called "higher learning"...

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by Jake

I live in Vancouver. I want to come back.

I lived in Vancouver. I came back.

[TorqueDog]

This thread kinda makes me laugh. I spent my late teens and early 20s working my bag off just so I could get out of Winnipeg and come to Calgary.

That said, I understand the need to experience other places. If one city is all you've ever really known, sure you'll get bored and want to see what else is out there. Hell, I have the itch to transfer to Houston and I'd seriously contemplate it if the opportunity were to arise.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by Bunk

One thing that always mystifies me is when people say things like "there's no culture in Calgary" - but don't actually take part in the cultural elements the city does have to offer. Calgary's a city of 1.1 million people, there's always something happening, sometimes you might have to dig a little to find out something intersting for you that's going on but it's there.

+10 to this post.

For all it's pitfalls (sprawling suburbs and bad weather) Calgary is still one of the best cities in the world to live in. It drives me nuts to hear people that constantly complain that there's no culture in the city, when the only thing they're willing to do is go to the local Boston Pizza for beers on Thursday. (not that I'm saying that's all that the OP is doing). It's a vibrant and growing city, but it's only that way if you take a chance and get involved.

One of the things I would strongly suggest if you (OP) are bored with the city is to completely step away from your current circle of friends. It sounds like you've spent a good portion of your life in the city, so I imagine you have a good chunk of friends that you've known for years. So I'd suggest getting involved with a volunteer opportunity or take a chance with a new job. That might help change things up.

From my experience the late 20s and early 30s are some of the most awkward times. Everyone around you is getting married and setting up roots. Friends are changing and becoming very family-centric as they start setting up roots. And to be frank their lives are going to be far more boring.

One of the easiest ways to get out and move to another city would be to look into doing a masters or ph.d in engineering. My wife decided to start her masters and that was the impetus for uprooting our lives and heading to Washington. We love our life here and it's a fantastic city. But in all honestly nothing will take away how much we love Calgary and we would be back there in a heart beat if the city could just fit our professional goals a bit better.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

I am completely flabbergasted an engineer is bored with his life.

Explains why he wastes our time with all of these troll threads though.

[OILFAN #81]

By plane.....to California.

[MelBridgeman]

I lived in Vancouver and Victoria - I came back

It is what you make of it

[peter12]

I just moved to Ottawa to start school, and let me tell, while it's not a bad town, it doesn't seem to hold a candle to Calgary. The weather stinks back home, but Calgary is a great little city. Lots of life, and the potential for so much fun.

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by fotze

I wouldn't mind hearing more about this story. i.e. how much money you need, what type of housing.

you should come back to the tribe.

[normtwofinger]

Calgary will always be my hometown, but I do not regret leaving for Costa Rica. The wife and I were getting so sick of the rat-race of work work work, and then having very little time on the weekends for R&R. There was always competition between us and our friends for having the best house, car and 'toys'. After visiting friends who already moved to Costa Rica, and seeing the local people and their relaxed attitude towards life, it really struck a chord with us.

Family and friends are the priority, not money. Sure they work hard and realize you have to make a living, but ammassing the most wealth possible is not important to them. Having great relationships with family is their priority.

As for living there, some things are cheaper than here and some things are more expensive. Fruits and Veg are alot cheaper, but imported foods like cheese, peanut butter are more expensive. Vehicles have a higher value, but they do not depreciate quickly. For example, I have a 93 Pathfinder that I paid $6,000 USD. That's about average price for something like that. We pay $350 a month for rent for a 2 bedroom house on 7 acres. Beer is $1/can, rum is $3/40oz.

We are just happier having a simpler, slower paced life.

[Bonded]

what do you do for a living in Costa Rica