Adventures in Relocation: Making the Move from Cape Town to Vancouver

I’m now eleven days into my quarantine in Vancouver, Canada, and it’s been a whirlwind of emotions—exciting, exhausting, overwhelming, and, at times, downright scary. There’s something uniquely disorienting about crossing oceans and knowing you’re not heading home anytime soon. It’s like every decision suddenly feels monumental, and I’m constantly grappling with how I’m going to navigate this new chapter.

But one thing is crystal clear: I needed this move. I needed to make a drastic change across continents to truly understand myself, uncover my passions, and figure out what I want as I step into the next phase of my life.

Back in South Africa, I was comfortable. I had good jobs, a supportive family, and a life I was incredibly grateful for. Yet, despite all this, I felt a deep-seated urge for a major change. Simply finding a new job, home, or hobby in South Africa wasn’t going to cut it. So, here I am in Vancouver, navigating quarantine and reflecting on what I truly want and how I can achieve it.

I know this journey won’t be easy. There’s a sense of apprehension, but it’s overshadowed by excitement. I’m thrilled by the unknown, the endless possibilities, and the chance to reinvent myself. The process has already begun, with my husband’s job offer leading to a period of unemployment for me. This unexpected time alone has been both challenging and enlightening. I find myself waking up at 3 a.m., contemplating the future, but I’m more determined than ever to put in the necessary work.

I’ve been applying for jobs because I know it’s the practical thing to do, but part of me dreams of investing that energy into my own business. What if I could channel those eight hours a day into building something that’s truly mine?

To anyone considering making a move, living abroad, or stepping far outside their comfort zone: I say go for it. You might feel unsettled and anxious for a while, but the excitement of new opportunities and the potential for personal growth make it all worth it. Sometimes, a big leap is exactly what’s needed to turn your dreams into reality.