Calgary Web Designer Jenn Armour | Info Architecture + User Centric Web Design + Online Marketing + Social Media + Ideas

On re-locating from Vancouver to Calgary

// May 12th, 2009 // Ramblings

I have recently had to make the decision to re-locate from Vancouver to Calgary for family reasons. In being here only a short time I have noticed some interesting differences not just in the actual landscape but the social/employment landscape as well.

In the absence of a nearby ocean and being thousands of feet above sea level the air in Calgary is dryer. Ahh my skin and hair.

One of the first things I noticed after getting off the plane was how friendly the people were. From the Starbucks barista to the person waiting for the bus, there was a general sense of community unlike in Vancouver. The people seem less jaded, self-centered and more open and helpful. Refreshing.

Someone even noticed I was lost and stopped to ask me if I needed help! This kind of thing rarely happens in Vancouver. People in Vancouver stick to themselves, are distrustful and cliquey. These may be generalizations but I feel I am entitled to say after living in Vancouver for the past 8 years.

I have talked to many people who re-located to Vancouver over the years and the 2 things that are said most often is: how difficult it is to get connected in social circles and the terrible service in restaurants. These are important things in my opinion.

While Vancouver is perhaps the most beautiful place in Canada to live it is at the same time depressing. The rain, homelessness, drug problems, high cost of living, low minimum wage and lack of friendliness are all reasons why short doses of Vancouver may be best. 8 years is too long.

As I am beginning my job search the thing I noticed right away is how Craigslist.org is not a Calgary thing. Craigslist.org is used extensively by job seekers and employers in Vancouver. This could be related to the number of jobs in Calgary that are for higher level executives. I also noticed less Calgarian’s on Twitter. It will be interesting to see how quickly I can gain employment here.

I am relieved to be in Calgary. It is a welcomed change for me. Although I am not sure I appreciated having to pay to put air in my tires at Petro Canada! I suppose the company is short on profits. Laughing.

Related articles

• Vancouver vs. Calgary
• Alberta headhunters now coaching jobless workers (ctv.ca)
• Minimum wage to rise by 7p (netnewsdaily.com)
• Timing wrong for minimum wage increase, says chamber (cbc.ca)
• The Crime Wave No One Talks About (tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com)
• Freeze minimum wage, small businesses tell the Ontario Government (newswire.ca)
• Mapping Hidden Twitter Data For Epidemiology (tech.slashdot.org)