Spousal Employment

This can easily be one of the most contentious issues when it comes to moving abroad. In fact I've heard (rumor with no hard numbers) that the main reason people return early is because the spouse is unhappy, and that's often because they have no job.

Heading out on post right now I have decided to take the advice of the spousal employment officer Brad (a great guy). He himself is a spouse and has been on post many times. In some cases he worked on other occasions he didn't. His advice to me, "prepare for everything, expect nothing". By this he means, take advantage of all the training, and opportunities available, but don't freak out if you get to post and you end up not working (particularly at first).

My added advice to you before you go on post is explore the wonderful world of hobbies. Long before you go on post take up a hobby that you can do yourself. Go to an art store, buy a camera, get a musical instrument, anything that you can find mentally gratifying. Do this before you get on post because it may take a few tries to find something you like and it would be horrible to find out on post that you just don't have the fingers to play the violin.

The Movers

Movers and packers are frankly the only silver lining I've discovered in this whole posting ordeal. When your movers come the first tip I'd give you is be prepared. Prepared means have things organized is order of how you want them shipped. Have piles for sea, storage, and for the love of god hide everything you don't want moved. We had but one ordeal and we now have a telephone in storage that we wanted to take.

The other strange thing about movers is one I didn't expect. If you're not used to other people packing your stuff you may get a strange sense when they show up. I think the sensation comes from feeling useless (since you really don't do much while they're packing) and a sense of violation (because a bunch of strangers are touching your stuff). From what my movers told me:

A. Being around is good, but staying out of the way is also good. It may be boring for you, but at least your not packing and lifting.

B. They don't care about your stuff, it's just stuff and it means nothing to them except a weight and a shape.

C. You're leaving the country, they will never see you again, no matter how many strange toys they pack they're not going to send a letter to folks wherever you're moving to just to make you look like a weirdo.

Spread Sheet VS Inventory Software

For those of you starting out on your first post, I have one question for you, why are you reading this and not working on your inventory? It's pretty much the worst thing you'll have to do and it will take you 10 times longer to do than you think it might. If it's not your first posting and you're familiar with inventory then I have one question for you, why are you not updating your inventory with the latest purchases you've made?

The only other advice I can give on the subject of inventory does not come from experience as much as computer common sense and something I heard from another person. I heard that SERV regularly changes/updates the inventory software that they provide. The problem is I've also heard that the old saved inventory files do not work on newer software. You can pretty much figure out the problem already. SERV does however except inventory as a spreadsheet file, and spreadsheet files have not changed formating for more than 10 years and I don't think they will soon. So my advice is don't use their software and set up a spreadsheet yourself. Now if I get a good spreadsheet file that works well for inventory I'll post it on this blog.

Animals Abroad

So you've got a cute little pet and you can't live without them for the duration of your move abroad. This kind of attitude will get you many chuckles and off handed comments in this lifestyle. Most people think that "getting rid of a pet" is a logical solution when you move abroad. I disagree, and suggest you do a little research long before you head to the airport with your little friend in hand.

First of all if you happen to have a cat or a dog you're in pretty good shape, most airlines take these animals with a proper carrier. Most countries have clear rules about bringing cats and dogs into their country and a quick call to the embassy of the country you're being posted to will get you an answer.

Now if you happen to have a budgie or hamster that just can't be left behind, it's a whole new ball game. Many airlines are clear that they only take dogs and cats period, however I've found Swiss Air to be nice about flying my pet cockatiel to Europe.

Secondly many embassies have no idea what their importation rules might be on animals other than cats or dogs, and may choose not to be very helpful. The first thing you should do is contact CITES (http://www.thecre.com/fedlaw/legal2a/cites.htm) and get all the info you can on your pet. Next call these guys (613) 274 7473, CFIA, they'll tell you if there are any regulations and what kind of paperwork you might need.

If you have a vet you'll have to book an appointment with them before you leave (most of the time about 10 days before) to get a check up and the proper paper work. By the way if you happen to have a bird and no vet I recommend these fine folks (Lynwood Animal hospital (613) 820-0443.

The Costco Shop

There's this great idea that before you go on post you are entitled to items tax free and that your mover will come and pick them up for you before your move. Two things to know about this before you commit are your mover is not obliged to pick up anything for free, second, stores are not obliged to give you things tax free with your paperwork. So if it doesn't work out, then that's just the way it is.

The Costco shopping spree however is legendary and you'd think it would be easy, but there's one detail that can screw you over quick. I've learned that the only Costco to recognize the tax free status is the one located in Gatineau Quebec. I attempted to buy my groceries at an Ontario location and they had no idea what I was talking about. I called my movers and they suggested that I try the Gatineau location and it went like a charm. You don't have to set anything up, just shop, go to the cash with your paperwork and they'll do the rest.

Now my mover does pick ups with no additional cost on this particular shop, but I'm not sure if they all do, so check first.

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The idea behind this blog

The idea behind this blog is simple, it's a little help guide based off of my experience moving abroad with a foreign service officer in the Canadian government. The first rule of this blog is simple, it's not about complaining, it's about finding solutions. So no complaints about such and such a policy and why no one is helping you.

I'll quote the great Homer Simpson "You chose fruit, you get fruit" (he said this to Lisa with his hands full of ice cream cones). Basically if you choose the foreign service lifestyle you get the foreign service lifestyle, you take the good with the bad.