Ever fantasize about cashing out from the big city rat race and moving to the Maritimes? Joseph Pagé did just that in August 2018. Joe lived in Vancouver for 14 years, practicing corporate law in a major national firm, and then in a smaller, community-based firm. Life and work were good, but when adventure called (specifically, a friend who was working at the Attorney General’s Office in Fredericton), Joe and his family decided it was time to take the leap.
There were many draws to life and practice in New Brunswick. Joe confirms that yes, property prices are somewhere in the range of 10 times less.
Following that ballpark math through, you can trade in your $2 million dollar home in Vancouver for a $300,000 home in Fredericton. Big city folks, let that sink in. There are also some significant lifestyle differences – both Joe and his wife walk about 10 minutes to work every day. All in all, even with a very significant pay cut, there has not been any need to make compromises given the full cost of living equation.
The opportunity to practice in a fully bilingual work environment was a key attraction for Joe to make the move. While he was serving some French-speaking clients on the West Coast, the language is much more prevalent in New Brunswick and Joe is now frequently working in French. Another key difference in the work of the Attorney General’s office is the wide diversity of files. In any given day, Joe can be working on flood disaster relief, First Nations accommodation agreements, a Tourism file or a loan, and he loves the variety and new challenges.
For those reading this profile and daydreaming of adventure, an open mind is important. Look more broadly than your own province or city’s job postings and check out other regional job boards (or our job board on not your average law job). As one example, the Law Society of New Brunswick has a job board. Based on Joe’s experience, you can expect some surprised reactions from local lawyers to your arrival from the big city, but he was quickly welcomed. Its been a year of maritime living, and Joe plans to stay (at least until the next adventure calls).