[raheemsterling2]

Hi all,

Canadian here. I need some advice. Currently have job offers for both the Ontario Internship Program (in Toronto) and the FORD program – federal government position (Ottawa). I’m currently living in the GTA so accepting the FORD position would entail moving to the NCR. It would also entail paying rent (probably around $12,000/year) that I wouldn’t otherwise spend if I were in Toronto, which makes me believe moving doesn’t make sense from a financial perspective as my income net of living expenses would actually be lower in Ottawa compared to Toronto. But here are the details of each option:

FORD

Full time permanent

Was told I would be promoted to FI-02 after 2 years as long as I performed well (meaning 85k salary 7 years from now)

$800 annual bilingual bonus

Paid CPA fees

Benefits, pension, vacation

OIP

two 1 year contracts

Pretty good possibility of extended employment after 2 years, probably starting at a salary from 55k (more likely) to 65k (best case scenario)

likely limited to 3% raise per year (if any)

Easy to move laterally across the OPS, vertically pretty difficult

Could be stuck with short term contract work until I’m permed in

No benefits until permed in

Becoming manager is likely competitive and I imagine more nepotism will be involved

I really never anticipated I’d be lucky enough to be in this situation so I’d appreciate any input. I would likely visit Toronto at least every other week but really afraid of being homesick and not making new friends. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

If you're going to be traveling home every-other week, then I'd take that as a hint that you aren't really “into” the idea of moving, and would probably not move. Moving and living far away from family and friends is a big commitment. Some people do well with it (growing up my family changed states every few years), some people don't. From the tone of your post, I'd guess you're someone that wouldn't do so well with it, but I could be wrong.

Other than that, I'd say the FORD position looks better due to it being a permanent gig from the start. If the cost of living in general is higher with FORD than OIP, then the net financial affect might not be so good, but if rent is the only cost difference, then $20-30k more ($85k compared to $55-65k) would mean much more in your pocket if rent is about $12k.

However, having more money and a better job isn't worth it if you'll feel uprooted and homesick. Some people do better staying close to home, and there's nothing wrong with that. Like I said, my family moved a lot when I was growing up, but it's not my preference so I haven't moved from the town that they lived in when I became an adult, and I don't plan to move any time soon if ever. (Like, maybe when I retire, but that's a long ways in the future still!) If moving seems like something you'll regret, then don't do it.

[Author]

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