Not at all surprised Albertans were not that interested in your Japanese cultural knowledge. People who live north of the river: never been south. Never needed to: everything we need is right here. People south of the river: never been north of the river. Never needed to. Everything we need is right here. Anyone in Edmonton: why leave AB? Everything a person could want is right here.

As a PhD holder (U of A, REES, completed when I was 42), I can attest to the uselessness of the degree in many ways. It did open certain career doors but closed a lot of others. I agree that changing speed to just living and not having a constant challenge is an adjustment. There is a lot to be said for making the adjustment and learning to just live. Putting our energy into creative pursuits, family, friends, etc.