This text is part of the special section Professions and careers
Returning to settle in Quebec after several years spent abroad has its share of challenges. This is what Vicky Maltais, Hélène Mercier and Celyne Roy observed. Whether it was forced or desired, the return allowed them to see what they had learned from the trip. What do they have in common? The door is never closed for new adventures.
From sea to land to embark on ecotourism
Vicky Maltais and her partner, Patrick Prévost, spent five years living on their sailboat, Exodus, In the Caribbean. “Our plan was always to travel long term,” says Vicky, who met Patrick while they were both working for the same aeronautics company. We wanted to find the best place to develop an ecotourism accommodation project. »
After about two years of crisscrossing the Caribbean, an engine failure forced them to stop in the Bahamas. On site, they work in particular for an ecotourism company. Then came the pandemic. They say goodbye to their sailboat and return to Quebec without knowing what awaits them.
It was by returning to Vicky’s native region, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, that they discovered the land which corresponded in every way to what they imagined for their project, in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. . The adventure of Exodus in nature can begin. “We are nomads at heart,” says Vicky. But we found our paradise. »
A few minutes of conversation are enough to see that they have retained the spirit of the trip. “We love talking to people from everywhere,” says Vicky, who has seen many Europeans come and go since the site opened in 2022. “We want people to feel like they’re on a trip, while still being the House. »
From international cooperation to Radio-Canada studios
Journalist at ICI Radio-Canada Première for 13 years, Hélène Mercier left alone with her backpack for the first time after finishing her college studies. “After my DEC, I worked in radio for a few months, I collected my money and I went to Europe and Asia for a year. I lived on around 20 euros per day. »
“I was gone almost my entire twenties,” she continues. I did my baccalaureate at McGill University and did a one-year exchange in Sweden. As soon as there was a school break, I went to do an internship or take part in international cooperation projects. For 10 years, I didn’t have a fixed address. »
She completed a master’s degree in international development in Sweden, then worked in Kenya and Burkina Faso for renowned NGOs. What convinced her to come back to settle in Quebec? “After these 10 years, I no longer had the strength to move every two or three months. I was disenchanted with the world of international development, both my grandmothers were ill and I felt the desire to have my own couch. […] I also wanted to return to journalism. »
When she returned to Quebec, the job search proved more difficult than she had imagined. “It took me about three months to find a job. […] I think that at Radio-Canada, there was a positive bias because I had lived in Sweden and had an international background. » This baggage continues to accompany him on a daily basis. “My travel experiences have given me confidence, assurance and presence. I know that things may not go as planned, but there will always be a solution. »
Now, even though she is well established, she feels the need to believe that anything is still possible. “Even today, I don’t want permanence. I like to think I can still leave if I want. »
A new career between two continents
Celyne Roy has a journey that is anything but typical. After traveling in Europe and living for ten years between Florida, Texas and California, then in France and on a sailboat with her husband, she returned to Quebec with him to study computer management and an MBA at the dawn of fifty. “I was more ready to invest at that moment. Before, work was used to provide me with my lifestyle. Being older and more mature, I found more satisfaction in my work. »
Undecided, she chooses exploration while her friends build their careers. Passionate about sailing and skiing, she works in different jobs everywhere. She then discovered an interest and facility for computers and managerial qualities.
After finishing her studies and separating, she headed to Catalonia, where she stayed for 15 years. “I got a job at Nespresso in Barcelona when I was 60. I was 65 when the company I still work for hired me. » Her mother being at the end of her life, she expressed her desire to return to live in Quebec. Since January 2023, she has been a project manager for the same company, but in North America.
Regrets ? Not in the least, although she admits it would have been wise to put more money aside. “I haven’t worked seriously all my life, so I have to compensate for my pension plan. I knew it very young. I wanted to travel when I was young and think about my career afterwards. »
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.