Posted on: 25-05-10 10:52:43
Don't get me wrong. However, ever since we are planning to move to Canada, I have been visiting this site regularly.
My personal observation is that Canada seems to be like any other western or first world country. I have lived in Europe, Australia and Singapore.
What comes accross to me (pardon me for my bluntness), is that the negative opinion about living in Canada is a vicious cycle coming from those who came here dircectly from India. They were the ones who had difficulty in understanding, assimilating and adjusting.
Most threads talk about advise on - no job is too low / manners/ knowing English / not rushing in trains / not talking loudly etc. etc.
So tell me, how is it different adjusting in Canada against any other place?
The only thing that I do agree is difficult to aurmount is - that they do not recognise your qualification. That is the crux of the whole matter.
The rest is all "when in Rome, do as the Romans" kind of stuff.
I also understand that most people, who do stay back, are kind of settled in 6-7yrs and stop the cribbing, once they have learnt the ropes.
I personally think that all this "Canada life is difficult" is a mindset and mantra that people like to spout to show people that they are the ones who went through a trial by fire.
Its like the lone eye-witness who keeps repeating his story to different channels - becoming more vivid and larger than life with each narration.
Correct me if I am wrong. I am prepared to change my opinion after having had a personal "Canadian" experience.
PLEASE 'Do not open a can of worms here' .
It seems perception of the country changes with personal success .
P.S: if you believe in what you wrote above , I can promise you that you are not far from being successful in certain terms .
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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional
Thats the whole point Ashwani. Why is it such a can of worms?
Indians have gone to all parts of the world. They have settled. They have done lowly work. They have worked hard. They have gone without any knoweldge of English, yet been successful.
What is at the base of all this "unable/difficult/impossible to settle in Canada" issue?
I am sure there are many people, including you maybe, who asked these questions, and thereafter graduated to an acceptance or understanding of the situation by virtue of having lived there for a while.
Its a learning curve that all people have to go through. Its like we provide answers to children, since we are older and wiser.
I am totally at a loss here.
I guess to some people here, I am going to appear an oversmart and overzealous new immigrant. But I would like to know where we are headed.
From what i have gathered, people come with too many expectations (again these expectations are for any new country), these are dashed (again this happens everywhere), they are shocked at the aadjustments they have to make?????? (this point surprises me).........and eventually, they settle down and are able to make a life for themselves.
The only and only valid point/grouse I have come accross is that it is dificult to get jobs i n Canada. Off course, most problems are connected to money and thats the whole base.
But other than that.......I still maintain (as of now).......its all hype....
I arrived in Canada in 2004 (It seems like yesterday) and I would say that my initial settlement has been pretty smooth. However, since I am in IT field, many may consider it as an exception to general rule. Based on my experience, I am more inclined to agree than disagree with you. I agree that transferability of qualification is biggest reason that IT guys have had relatively more success than other professions. It would be worth mentioning that I have a colleague from Dubai who was in sales and made in his career and is currently working in TigerDirect for Corporate Accounts. I personally thought that it would be extremely difficult for someone in sales to get a decent job in canada. However, he proved to me that if you have right approach and hardworking attitude, you can succeed.
So, I do agree that qualification and experience is the crux of the matter. Immigration is tough decision and I believe Canadian Government is doing fair work in settlement of new arrivals.
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Manjeet Singh
Because:
1. New immigrants tend to compare US-H1b with Canadian immigrantion always, and thus Apples to Oranges. Majority of immigrants' friends have been immigrated to States on H1b and with jobs they're enjoying better lifestyle than Canadian immigrants. I personally believe this comparison is definitely uncalled for. Both are different set of immigration policies. The day you stop comparing yourselves to others, you (or any new immigrant) become very happy.
2. So many expectations. When you understand that you can't achieve anything without hard work and perseverance, you are on your way to success. It's hard to believe in today's Internet age as to why a due research is not done when moving to a far off country.
Shed all the expectations and comparisons, and the path of success and happiness will be yours. Trust me - Been there done that.
I also believe that Canada is just like any other western country. Geetakhanna and OP, I agree with you word-by-word here.
I could not agree with you more however I am trying to refrain from 'Bash Canada thread' . We have countless people here who will grab every opportunity to spread their venom for this beautiful country . Just do search on this forum alone and you don't have to go far to know what I am trying to say here .
Most of us who landed here , expected it to be a bed of roses .
We continuously fail to realize that 'rewards' need sacrifice not alone hard work.
I guess life become easier when we have some one to blame for our own failures.
I like your positive attitude , so please keep coming back .
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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional
Hi Geeta,
I like your attitude. However everything might not be so black and white. As you mentioned yourself, not being able to get a job that is commensurate with one's skills and qualification plays a big role in how many feel about Canada. The difficulties associated with this are not only financial.. they affect one menatally, emotionally and socially, especailly when one suspects that lack of Canadian experience and acceptance of professional qualification is often an eyewash for more hidden prejudices.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/feeling+having+been+conned/2935870/story.html
IMHO it is not only the difficulties we face here but the feeling of always being a secondary citizen that gets to most... Of always having to be careful of who we present ourselves.. added to that is the stress of bearing the sole responsibility of raising our children without supports and stressing over aging parents back home.. It becomes hard to tease apart what stresses are associated with Canada and what with immigration in general...
Quote:
Originally posted by geetakhanna
Don't get me wrong. However, ever since we are planning to move to Canada, I have been visiting this site regularly.
My personal observation is that Canada seems to be like any other western or first world country. I have lived in Europe, Australia and Singapore.
What comes accross to me (pardon me for my bluntness), is that the negative opinion about living in Canada is a vicious cycle coming from those who came here dircectly from India. They were the ones who had difficulty in understanding, assimilating and adjusting.
Most threads talk about advise on - no job is too low / manners/ knowing English / not rushing in trains / not talking loudly etc. etc.
So tell me, how is it different adjusting in Canada against any other place?
The only thing that I do agree is difficult to aurmount is - that they do not recognise your qualification. That is the crux of the whole matter.
The rest is all "when in Rome, do as the Romans" kind of stuff.
I also understand that most people, who do stay back, are kind of settled in 6-7yrs and stop the cribbing, once they have learnt the ropes.
I personally think that all this "Canada life is difficult" is a mindset and mantra that people like to spout to show people that they are the ones who went through a trial by fire.
Its like the lone eye-witness who keeps repeating his story to different channels - becoming more vivid and larger than life with each narration.
Correct me if I am wrong. I am prepared to change my opinion after having had a personal "Canadian" experience.
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Immigrant Parents in Canada http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrantparentsincanada
