While it is true that a lot of Victoria British Columbia real estate is in the hands of retired people (it's one of the favourite cities of retirees in all of Canada), most home owners here still have to work for a living. If you moved to Victoria before finding work, one of the first things you will have to do is look for a good job. After all, it costs money to pay the mortgage, have that Europe SIM card in your phone, and put food on the table. Here are some of the sectors in Victoria where you might have a good chance at finding work.
Government
The provincial capital, one of the main drivers of the city's economy is the government. That means there is a lot of high end work for a diverse array of professionals. Whether you have an education in law or experience in accounting with Sage software, BC's capital buildings may have an opening for you.
Tourism
Next to government, the tourism sector is Victoria's biggest employer. The city is a hot spot for visitors from all over Canada as well as the United States. People come for the beautiful scenery, the historic architecture, the welcoming climate, the many opportunities afforded by the Pacific, and of course local attractions such as the British Columbia Museum. It's likely that if you work as an executive recruiter for a Vancouver firm, your company has had a retreat somewhere in the city, with the amenities it offers.
The strength of the tourism sector means that there are dozens of different types of jobs available in Victoria. The levels of expertise and training in demand range from little to highly specialized. You can work in one of the many restaurants here, for example, and expect to make good wages (if tips are factored in) with little education. On the other hand, you may want to work in the front offices of a tourism giant such as the local Museum, in which case some specialty training will be needed.
Self Employment
Many people in Victoria have taken advantage of what both government and tourism have to offer by starting up their own businesses. The right pitch can see you doing contract work for the province, and the right talents can land you a high paying gig along the Sea Wall. During the summer, the best buskers in the city can make thousands of dollars in one night entertaining the Ottawa recruiting firm employees, honeymooning lawyers, and others who travel this high traffic area.
And of course, there is always a need for people with a real estate license in this city. With some of the highest value properties in the province, a few sales in a month can earn you a very decent living!
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