08/01/2025
When the “Canadian Dream” isn’t what you expected 😰
A message came in today from an anonymous account. A story that’s both inspiring and eye-opening.
She was a branch manager at a well-known bank in the Philippines. Life was good. She had a stable career, a strong circle of friends, and a future that seemed clear. She loved her job and was doing well.
Then, an opportunity came.. an invitation to apply through Canada’s Express Entry program. It sounded like a dream too good to pass up. So she took the leap. She gave up everything: her career, her support system, and her comfort zone. She landed in Canada as a permanent resident. Wow 😱
At first, it felt like success. But reality hit fast.
She had no relatives or close friends in Canada. No one to guide her. No one to help her figure things out. She started from scratch, finding a place to stay, navigating public transit, learning the systems, dealing with the loneliness. Everything was overwhelming.
Then came the hardest part: FINDING A JOB.
Despite having years of professional experience and already being a PR, she struggled. Her Canadian resume wasn’t “Canadian enough.” Her background wasn’t recognized. She applied, applied, and applied but the rejections piled up. Months passed, and the savings she brought started to shrink. The mental toll was heavy.
🎓 The Lesson ✨
Dreams are beautiful but they also need preparation.
Her story reminds us that moving to another country, especially Canada, is not just about getting approved. It's about being ready emotionally, mentally, financially, and professionally. She admitted she never really studied what life would be like here. She didn’t know about the Canadian job market, the need for local credentials or networking, or even how expensive the cost of living could be.
Immigration is not a finish line, it’s the start of an even bigger journey.
Guys, if you're planning to come to Canada, especially through Express Entry or any PR pathway, take the time to learn the reality of life here. Do your research. Build connections. Prepare your heart. Because the maple leaf dream is real but so are the struggles that come with it.
Thank you to the brave woman who shared her story. May it guide others before they take the same leap. 🌙
~ ccto 🇨🇦🍁
