Running away from corporate life and moving towards a chateau lifestyle look identical from the outside. You're leaving Canada either way. You're selling your house either way. The difference is invisible until something goes wrong, and then it determines whether you survive the bureaucracy, the visa delays, and the moment when you've sold everything but don't have permission to stay yet.

Stephen Cole's advice: make sure you're going towards something, not escaping from anything. If you're running from a bad situation, every visa form and tax document and language requirement becomes harder because you don't want it enough. If you're building something, the effort is palatable. The distinction matters when you've sold your Fergus house, bought a 37-acre French chateau, and your visa still hasn't come through.

Moving countries doesn't fix what you're running from. You take your problems with you. But if you're moving towards a business, a community that wants you, a lifestyle you're building, the problems become obstacles instead of dealbreakers.

Topics: running towards not away, move to France lifestyle, expat decision making, sell house buy chateau, Brexit visa

GUEST: Stephen Cole | http://manorandmaker.com

Originally aired on 2026-02-17

Running away from corporate life and moving towards a chateau lifestyle look identical from the outside. You're leaving Canada either way. You're selling your house either way. The difference is invisible until something goes wrong, and then it determines whether you survive the bureaucracy, the visa delays, and the moment when you've sold everything but don't have permission to stay yet.
Stephen Cole's advice: make sure you're going towards something, not escaping from anything. If you're running from a bad situation, every visa form and tax document and language requirement becomes harder because you don't want it enough. If you're building something, the effort is palatable. The distinction matters when you've sold your Fergus house, bought a 37-acre French chateau, and your visa still hasn't come through.
Moving countries doesn't fix what you're running from. You take your problems with you. But if you're moving towards a business, a community that wants you, a lifestyle you're building, the problems become obstacles instead of dealbreakers.
Topics: running towards not away, move to France lifestyle, expat decision making, sell house buy chateau, Brexit visa
GUEST: Stephen Cole |<a href="http://manorandmaker.com"> http://manorandmaker.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-17

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.