Starting work...

[mkmurrays]

31st August 2007 10:32

Crossed my mind, with so many people starting work in the valley, what their experiences were? What was different to their previous jobs/the UK? What's the same?

Might be useful / interesting for other people moving over?

[mkmurrays]

31st August 2007 10:33

My first stab is when OH had one of many, many forms to fill in re his job, he was asked if he 'is bondable'?

Never been asked that before - anywhere - and not least on an employment form

[woody]

3rd September 2007 09:07

Good points
--------------
Good bunch of people
Relaxed dress code - some people where shorts and flip flops
Great view from my desk
Reasonable wage - more than I thought I was going to get in Kelowna
A 15 minute commute
Working with intelligent people - well they seem it so far
Get paid every two weeks.

Not so good points
---------------------
Only 3 weeks holiday - and had to negotiate to get that

I'd say overall it pretty much the same as working in the UK, just a little more relaxed - my head hurts at the end of every day though - I'm suffering from infromation overload - I guess you get that starting any new job though where ever it might be.

Woody

[PIG-WIG]

3rd September 2007 12:49

People really friendly. Work very hard but take their morning, lunch and afternoon break. Offices are very nice and have my own office too.

Disappointed that no-one wanted to know if I was bondable!!!

Paid bi-weekly (so this Friday is first pay day - hopefully). Day off too!

Not so Good - Salary is well under half of what on in UK. Holiday is half of what got in UK too.

Good news flexi working on regular hours and get every other Friday off. Paid overtime for extra hours at time and a half and can put this in for time off too.
Benefits - additional health cover; dental treatment; pension (can retire at 55) and pay BC Health Care to get tax break on it.

Not really complaining after first week but there is a huge amount to learn - not just the job but how Canada works too.

[mkmurrays]

3rd September 2007 20:17

Interesting experiences.....we had to 'google' the term 'bondable' before we answered the question.....turns out he is...

[proto]

3rd September 2007 20:36

My first stab is when OH had one of many, many forms to fill in re his job, he was asked if he 'is bondable'?

Congrats to your OH on landing a job. I must have missed the news in my absence.

I am not in the valley but I suppose some of the differences are not regional. For example, I did not have to produce any certificates or evidence of my claimed qualifications as they had got all that confirmed through my references. I have also been pleasantly surprised at the level of trust - no clocking-in, timesheets or other wearysome management rubbish. On the other hand, they have been laid-back top the point of falling over with some of the other admin stuff - I had to chase them to get paid for my first two weeks after I got paid for weeks 3 & 4, I am still waiting for MSP to get off my back as they (work) have not yet put me on the group plan (should have happened at the beginning of last month), etc.

In general people have been friendly and welcoming.

[mkmurrays]

3rd September 2007 20:51

Thank you.....needless to say it was a relief!
OH starts work on 10th September. Interestingly his references in the UK were checked. He'd got 'to whom it may concerns' and these were contacted and verified. Think they were a bit surprised to have calls from Canada.

[Nigel123]

11th October 2007 21:41

Well it has happened, yes i have actually started work. OMG!
I was really getting used to the easy life, well apart from all that painting.
I am now totally knackered and i've only been doing it for 2 days. The first day was 12 hours the second was 10 hours!!
I was nearly ready to quit by the end of the first day but then again i get paid for every hour i work and i can take time off when i want and there is no weekend work unless i want it as at present they are busy and are working 7 days.
We were in Penticton today and finished up in Peachland, yesterday we were in Kirschner Mountain, Upper Mission and Peachland so it's nice to get about.

So apologies if i don't post too much but i don't get the time you see.

[Crowphonic]

11th October 2007 21:59

What do you do??

[Nigel123]

12th October 2007 17:59

What do you do??

I could tell you but i'd have to kill you afterwards.