As I am writing this, my chapter on living and working in Toronto has come to an end. I have been home for about 3 weeks now; now caught up with my friends and family, enjoying being home for more than a 4-day stint for the first time in 10 months. I am excited to be starting another project immediately, one that is certainly going to keep me busy and provide another opportunity for growth. If I were to describe how I currently feel, it’d be a mix of feeling relieved to be home, proud of how I embraced the challenge, grateful for the opportunity, and reflective of the experience I just had. While the memories are still fresh, I wanted to write an article on my experience in Toronto. Specifically, I wanted to reflect on all the flights taken, the work experience, and what I’ll miss most. The fact that it’s over feels so surreal. It’s the end of an unforgettable chapter in my life.
I left for Toronto on March 2nd, 2023. From the first day to my last, I had 20 rotations to Toronto and back home. That is 40 flights, equivalent to over 8 days spent in the air. Despite earning my 35K Aeroplan Status and a lot of Aeroplan Points which I’ll be using for my honeymoon, I am very excited not to be a frequent flyer in 2024 and getting my ass kicked by jetlag as often as I did. My favourite part of flying was on my flight home at the end of my rotations when the pilot would advise “Flight Attendants, 30 minutes until landing”. These moments were great because I was close to seeing my people, but also were the moments that I would allow myself to recognize and reflect on the significance of the entire experience. Admittedly, these moments often made me quite emotional, especially during the last couple of flights home as my last day approached. It was in these moments that I would reflect on my recent work rotation or look ahead to upcoming rotations, think about my friends and family who I was going to see, or just think about what living in Toronto has meant to me and how crazy it is that I am flying across the country to work. There’s something about those flights taken that provided such a comforting sense of solitude. What distinguished these moments flying as opposed to other times I spent alone, whether it was in Toronto or at home in Vancouver, is that I felt the moments were mine. When I was living and working in Toronto, I was focused on work, maintaining my routine, catching up with my people back home, and making the most of living in a new city. Likewise, when I was home, I would attempt to get as much quality time with everyone as I could in my 4 days off. In the air, however, and especially the last 30 minutes, those moments were mine and mine alone. No calls to make. No people to see. By myself, with my thoughts, dreams, and my music. Tears were shed, smiles were shown, and it was very personal. Honestly, I felt like I was in a movie sometimes, living a very unique life. I acknowledge these moments as part of what helped me get through this entire experience. They were essential as they allowed me to check in with myself, reflect on my circumstances, and motivate me to keep going.
As I touched on in my article Change, I never anticipated working in Toronto and was excited by the opportunity. Now that the experience has come to an end, I can confidently say that the decision to come out here was a good one. The first reason is that I am proud of what I accomplished here. For starters, I introduced challenges and sacrifices to my life which believe are essential for personal growth. The sacrifice was moving away from the people I love. The challenge was mainly, working on a challenging but interesting project in a completely different part of the country. I can confidently say I will never forget my work and the people on the Davenport Diamond Project.
Author
PATRICK SMYTHE
Project Manager
Civil Engineer
Motivated
Storyteller
Big Time Dreamer
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While the big project milestone was accomplished before I arrived, I knew there was still much to offer to the project and the team. It was also a great experience to work on my first Design-Build project, especially one that would have such a positive impact on GO Train passengers commuting to Toronto. In my career, each of the projects I have worked on has been different. This was the same case in Toronto working on a rail project. I enjoyed the new scopes of work I had never been exposed to before. New challenges are presented working on new scopes, with a new team and subcontractors. It was tough at first being away from my Vancouver Infrastructure team. Although I knew I wasn’t leaving that group permanently and had their support, it was difficult to leave as I had felt I had established a strong role in that group. It took a few rotations to feel more comfortable in Toronto, with the team, and get into my groove again. That is important to me as once I find my groove, I believe there’s nothing I can’t accomplish. I learned a lot and was fortunate to work under a great manager. As a reflection, these experiences can be earned when you take a chance and put yourself in a new position. I am thankful for the opportunity and for saying yes to it. It was challenging, but I find myself reflecting fondly. I even thought to myself when I got home, “That wasn’t so bad”. I probably wouldn’t have said that when I was in the thick of it, but I am glad I can now. This adventure working away from home is one I would certainly be open to again in due time, next time with my partner too.
What I Will Miss
The Dark Horse Patio
I will certainly miss sitting on the Dark Horse patio in the Summer with my books and a Hazy IPA beer. It was a pleasure.
Friday Drinks after Work
These Fridays were special. They were what started making me feel part of the team and were often the most social moments I had outside of work.
One Old Mill
I was incredibly lucky to stay at One Old Mill. For starters, the place was completely mine and came with so many great amenities including a gym, pool, hot tub, and steam room. Oh how I’ll miss the steam room. One Old Mill offered a great, comfortable place for my partner, friends, and family to visit.
Evening Views from my Apartment Balcony
The view says it all.
Evening Views from my Apartment Balcony
A nightmare situation on a construction project. The Pit and I started in Toronto at the same time. You were my view from my apartment and greatly piqued my interest. You will not be forgotten.
Breakfast Trivia & Sunshine Diner with the Davenport Team
Weekly breakfast trivia on Fridays. I had a lot of fun at these and really contributed to feeling part of the team. It was here where I stumped my manager and team with Greek Mythology trivia.
Roof Patio and Toronto Skyline
Had some great times on the apartment building’s patio barbequing with coworkers. As well as appreciating the downtown Toronto skyline.
Breakfast Trivia & Sunshine Diner with the Davenport Team
Weekly breakfast trivia on Fridays. I had a lot of fun at these and really contributed to feeling part of the team. It was here where I stumped my manager and team with Greek Mythology trivia.
Tahinis
Way better than Osmows. Thank you for waiting to reduce the portion size until the end of my time in Toronto.
My Office
I spent a lot of time in this windowless office. You will be missed..
Davenport Zone 1
I learned a lot from you, goodbye Davenport and Zone 1.
Family Visits
Had some memorable nights with you guys and helped me when I was missing home.
My Partner
We did this whole thing together. You flew out here 7 times, or was it 8? Regardless, you were a trooper flying out to me as much as you did. We made the most out of this and had experiences I know we’ll never forget.
and What I won’t miss
- The 3am wake ups to catch my flights to Toronto
- The humidity
- The drivers
- Having to wear safety pants
- The TTC
Who knows when I’ll visit Toronto again, but it was a pleasure. I dedicate this article to Toronto and all the people I met and experienced it with. An unforgettable chapter of my life and my career. I am quite excited for 2024 and my next chapter. One that will include getting back to working with the Vancouver Infrastructure team, getting married, and adventure.
