Life hasn't been easy since I arrived, especially if you migrated alone. The first night was terrible. Sleeping without my husband and my baby was a torture. I even experienced chilling outside until I arrived in my destination because I didn't check the weather (stupid) and just wearing a leather jacket plus a not waterproof boots. But guess what, I'm still here, embracing what Winterpeg has to offer.
It is important to gain friends in a new environment, aside from building your network, you can have someone to run to if you need to have your resumes printed, go together and job hunt or simply catch up. I have a small circle of friends I met during the Entry Program and Employment Workshop hosted by Manitoba Start and still keeping in touch with them through Facebook. Cool, right?
I would advice aspiring immigrants of Winnipeg, Manitoba to attend the MB Start. They will help you create your targeted resume, how to be employable and gain confidence during interview. You can also use your Career Coach as your Reference in Canada when you apply for a job.
Job hunting isn't easy. I'm telling the truth not to disappoint you but to open your eyes to reality. I got my first job in a call center, attended a 1 week training (too much information that has to be taken up I guess for more than a month) and went to work for just a day. Yes, you read it right, just a day. Why? Because, I've realized that I'm not right fit for the job. Yes, you'll just answer calls for 8 hours and stuck up yourself in front of the computer and give information and process your callers' request. But that's not me. I used to work interacting personally with people. I give up the job and look for another one. I had 3 interviews this week, and luckily got a job that I wanted. It may not be full time, but I know that I'll enjoy it. While the other company invited me to 2nd interview in a different area and that will be on Monday.
Like any others, I felt depression, I can even feel it until now. There are times that I lock myself in the washroom and cry. I lie down, gather my thoughts then cry. I always tell my husband that I'll just wait for my PR card and I'll go home. However, I've realized, when I go back to the Philippines, I will also look for a job, we will look for an apartment, bring up our daughter to school and many more. The same way that we will eventually do when they arrive here, so better yet build a career in a first world country where medical assistance and school for our kid are free. Not to mention, there's also an allowance for our baby monthly. Isn't it a good deal?
Now that I can write about my thoughts, I know I have gained now myself back. Well, I'm inspired of the call I received this morning that I got the job. :) So for newcomers, we've all been through that, just remember that Winnipeg is a place to be!
