Caitlyn Moony, originally from Johannesburg, decided to make Vancouver her new home back in 2018. With a background in social research, she sought better career opportunities and financial stability. Vancouver, known for its beauty and livability, seemed like an ideal choice, especially with family already settled there. However, her initial expectations of a seamless transition to the Canadian lifestyle were soon challenged.
Struggling to find employment due to the lack of local connections and the ubiquitous requirement of “Canadian experience,” Caitlyn took a demanding job at a startup. The long hours, meager pay, and cramped living conditions in a basement suite left her disillusioned. She found herself resenting the city for not living up to her idealized vision.
Loneliness compounded her dissatisfaction as she missed the sense of community she had experienced in previous places. Vancouver’s slower pace and lack of easily accessible social circles left her feeling isolated. Even after seeking advice on where to find people, she struggled to connect with others, exacerbating her feelings of boredom and isolation.
The onset of the pandemic intensified Caitlyn’s feelings of alienation, prompting her to return to London, where she had previously lived. While London offered the bustling energy and vibrancy she craved, she realized that Vancouver had quietly shaped her into a more introspective and calmer individual. Despite its imperfections, Caitlyn found herself drawn back to Vancouver, seeking a deeper connection with the city and a sense of belonging that she had overlooked before.
Now, after her brief stint in London, Caitlyn has returned to Vancouver, ready to embrace the city’s quirks and challenges, knowing that it offers her the space to explore and grow in ways she hadn’t anticipated.