From Business Insider · Catherine Collins · · 1m 30s
Two countries, one relationship, no plans to choose
A Chicago writer flies to Winnipeg every month, and after two years the split life still beats picking a side.
In brief
A Chicago writer flies to Winnipeg every month, and after two years the split life still beats picking a side. Living across two countries is a set of daily trade-offs, not a problem waiting to be solved by moving. Originally reported by Business Insider.
A week a month in the air
Every month means a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Chicago to Winnipeg to see Andrew, a partner of more than two years. Kids from previous marriages keep both of them where they are.
“For a week every month, I take a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Chicago to Winnipeg, Canada.”
Friends first, business partners now
They met a decade ago at a conference for financial bloggers and were colleagues for years before dating. The online business they run together funds all the back-and-forth.
The apps do not cross
No Venmo or Cash App in Canada, so they settle up through Wise. A movie started on Hulu has to wait until she is back in the States.
Chick-fil-A for poutine
Andrew stocks up on Chick-fil-A in Chicago because Winnipeg has none. She orders poutine up north, since the American A&W does not serve it.
“I often feel like I get the best of both worlds.”
Hustle on one side, calm on the other
Fifteen years of self-employment pull her toward Chicago's motivated entrepreneurs. Winnipeg runs slower, and she has started calling Canada her safe haven.
“I often think of Canada as my safe haven.”
Fast bills or long waits
Canada's tax-funded system means no surprise ER charge, but longer waits for emergencies and surgery. In the US she books appointments quickly and pays for the speed.
At a glance
Living across two countries is a set of daily trade-offs, not a problem waiting to be solved by moving.
