Stage 1 - The Vacation
Stage 2 - The Pressure
Lucky or unlucky, just when I started looking out for a job beginning of 2020, Covid-19 was spreading all around the world bringing along with it all kinds of restrictions and a general pause to working life and my job search in Canada. Of course, jobs were available but mostly within the frontline which was more suspectable to contracting the Covid-19. Considering 2 kids at home, it would be a very risky proposition, maybe not worth the money it brings in.
My wildest idea of a work break was a 6 months period, which as of date exceeded by 3 months with no end to the sight of the Covid-19 situation. Running through my SAVINGS was getting to a point I am forced to feel the PRESSURE, a pressure which I never felt in Kuwait. The need for this pressure was the reason I actually did not mind leaving Kuwait and taking on a new adventurous life in Canada. Why pressure is the reason you ask? Its because I was missing something in my life "POTENTIAL", my potential which I felt was left to rust in Kuwait because in Kuwait I did not have the need to worry about money. To tap my "potential" I needed to endure the struggle and pressure and to feel it, I needed to throw myself in the FIRE which in my case was moving to Canada.
Leaving my comfort zone and coming to a new country when I am close to half my lifespan with 2 kids and wife to support was a risky move, although a planned risky move, still a risky move. The STAKES of the move to Canada reached an all-time high with the arrival of Covid-19 which has left me competing for jobs, which initially was competing with other new immigrants to now having to compete additionally with the Canadian laid off workforce. During the initial months after landing in Canada, I had in my free time applied for nearly 15 job postings for which I did not receive even one request for an interview. I knew I needed to do more than just fruitlessly apply, I needed to change something.
Stage 3 - The Present
Considering the grim-looking situation and dwindling finances, I joined a Canadian workplace connections program to help me better understand and tap into the job market. The program helped me develop a better understanding of the workplace culture in Canada, equip myself better, and promote myself something which I definetly did not have to do in Kuwait.
As I nearly the end of the program, I am feeling the PRESSURE, the pressure that is supposed to help me develop myself to remold my old ways and become a stronger and better person. At the age of 38, I have finally become fully aware of myself, my contributions, my needs, the expectations of me, and how I can fit, contribute, and grow within the Canadian society.
I can see the long road, the difficult path I need to take, that will change and shape me to be a better person for my family, Canada, and myself. Now begins the real struggles in my life, the steep learning curve, which I will overcome to be the person I want to be, the best I can ever be "Debin Davis".
It has officially been 9 months since my family and I have immigrated to Canada. It sure does not feel like a long time, especially when I got extended family around and time just flew, going on road trips within Canada (Quebec, Montreal, Others) adjusting to winter and summer weather, dropping and picking son from school, taking care of the baby more as my wife had to attend some coaching classes in the initial months. In the first few months, I did a lot of walking/trekking in parks, using the subway, got my G license, filed tax returns, moved from Toronto to Mississauga. I couldn't get the M license as I missed the training school dates being closed due to the winter season. Other than that, everything about Canada was great. Few of the things I absolutely love about Canada.
Why I love Canada
1. Canadians in general are so respectful of each other. Take a walk down the park and it will be a surprise if someone does not smile or does not make friendly small talk. Yes, you do not have to be Canadian to get respect.
2. Canada is a beautiful place. The first winter will take time to get used to but for me it a preference over the summers in Kuwait any day. Springtime in Canada is absolutely beautiful, Making road/trek trips across Canada is a joy in itself. There are always places to go, weekends are all about it. Note this was before Covid-19 made its presence.
3. Efficient Postal system "Canada Post". By far the best postal system I have ever seen, people can safely send their passports through the post and be sure it will be safely reach the destination on time.
4. Canada Free Healthcare. You can walk in public hospitals and not worry about the costs of healthcare but you do have to pay for your medicines (unless ur a child or a senior).
5. Canadian Government Childcare support: Just one of the reasons I love Canada and believe the taxes are put to good use.
Things that could improve in Canada:
1. Getting through customer service: through a telephone can take 1 to 3 hours literally. I would never believe it till I started calling government entities and even the insurance companies sometimes. In the cultural context, my understanding is that waiting 1-3 hours on the phone is a norm in Canada and is not a big deal.
2. Canada Healthcare: Long waiting lines in health centers and depending on severity can wait up to 1 to 4 hours to see a doctor. I had a first-hand experience when I took my son to the hospital, they asked him about his stomach pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and my son trying to show he can take it said 4. This was the same guy who was crying because of the pain at home. We got to see the doctor after 2.5 hours but not before he started crying as the pain returned. My son and I learned from this experience that day.
3. Taxes: It is a new concept for me and still getting used to it. But do not have to worry till I start earning.
Lucky or unlucky, just when I started looking out for a job beginning of 2020, Covid-19 was spreading all around the world bringing along with it all kinds of restrictions and a general pause to working life and my job search in Canada. Of course, jobs were available but mostly within the frontline which was more suspectable to contracting the Covid-19. Considering 2 kids at home, it would be a very risky proposition, maybe not worth the money it brings in.
My wildest idea of a work break was a 6 months period, which as of date exceeded by 3 months with no end to the sight of the Covid-19 situation. Running through my SAVINGS was getting to a point I am forced to feel the PRESSURE, a pressure which I never felt in Kuwait. The need for this pressure was the reason I actually did not mind leaving Kuwait and taking on a new adventurous life in Canada. Why pressure is the reason you ask? Its because I was missing something in my life "POTENTIAL", my potential which I felt was left to rust in Kuwait because in Kuwait I did not have the need to worry about money. To tap my "potential" I needed to endure the struggle and pressure and to feel it, I needed to throw myself in the FIRE which in my case was moving to Canada.
Leaving my comfort zone and coming to a new country when I am close to half my lifespan with 2 kids and wife to support was a risky move, although a planned risky move, still a risky move. The STAKES of the move to Canada reached an all-time high with the arrival of Covid-19 which has left me competing for jobs, which initially was competing with other new immigrants to now having to compete additionally with the Canadian laid off workforce. During the initial months after landing in Canada, I had in my free time applied for nearly 15 job postings for which I did not receive even one request for an interview. I knew I needed to do more than just fruitlessly apply, I needed to change something.
Stage 3 - The Present
Considering the grim-looking situation and dwindling finances, I joined a Canadian workplace connections program to help me better understand and tap into the job market. The program helped me develop a better understanding of the workplace culture in Canada, equip myself better, and promote myself something which I definetly did not have to do in Kuwait.
As I nearly the end of the program, I am feeling the PRESSURE, the pressure that is supposed to help me develop myself to remold my old ways and become a stronger and better person. At the age of 38, I have finally become fully aware of myself, my contributions, my needs, the expectations of me, and how I can fit, contribute, and grow within the Canadian society.
I can see the long road, the difficult path I need to take, that will change and shape me to be a better person for my family, Canada, and myself. Now begins the real struggles in my life, the steep learning curve, which I will overcome to be the person I want to be, the best I can ever be "Debin Davis".
