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These mistakes will cost you a lot

Plus in Quebec Montreal, 80% of the Jobs will require you to do this

Author

Oluwaseye Adesina
June 30, 2024

Hello, new local👋

In today’s Newsletter:

  • Rookie mistakes that might cost you a lot

  • Cheers to Africans breaking records in Canada

  • Top opportunities of the week

I know they say "old habits die hard" and "a leopard never changes its spots." But as a new immigrant in Canada, you have to shed these old habits quickly to get the best out of your stay in the land of Maple Leaf.

  1. Never Be Late: These guys don't do "African time." There's no such thing as being fashionably late either. You're simply late, and if it has to do with work or an opportunity, that's 70 points off for you.

  2. Try to get a valid license: This is talking from real-life experience. I know some who got an opportunity with Metrolinx paying 28$ per hour and for a new immigrant, that’s a lot right? Everything was going well until they asked him for a G driver's license. 

  3. Learn French: Canada is a bilingual country. A little “Bonjour”, or “Merci Beaucoup” here and there won’t cut it. Most bilingual jobs even pay more. Don’t even go near Quebec because 80% of the Jobs will require you to speak French.

  4. When Asake sang, "It's lonely at the top," he might have also been thinking about Africans in Canada. Yes, it's super lonely, and it takes a while to build your community. Sad fact: Most Africans never fully get used to the loneliness, no matter how long we stay here.

  5. Reduce your expectations: I know you were a tech bro or sis before relocating to Canada but you might have to start with that Customer Service or Hotel Receptionist Job. Pay your bills, keep body and soul together and use it as leverage to acquire some Canadian work experience. I see a lot of people writing to me saying they've been job searching for over a year. Oftentimes, I realized it was because they didn't want to do low-end jobs.

  6. The Credit System: You know when your pastor in Africa hosted a 3-day revival against the "Spirit of Debt"? Turns out you might need that spirit back here. The credit system is super weird! You have to live with a reasonable amount of debt to live here. Don't overdo it, though.

I'd love to hear from you. What mistakes/assumptions did you make as a new immigrant in Canada that cost you a lot, or almost cost you a lot? 

P.S.

A big welcome to the 72 fantastic folks who signed up to New Local last week!

INSPIRE ✨

“....To me, it represents a certain level of acknowledgement for good, hard and maybe inspired work. But that pales in comparison to what I think it means to the community at large. It tells me that I do live in an amazing community, in a wonderful country, a wonderful province and a fantastic city that embraces talent in all of its forms,”

Cheers to Nigerians breaking records in the diaspora! 🎉

On June 15, 2024, Winnipeg's Bridgwater neighbourhood celebrated the inspiring inauguration of Emeka Nnadi Park, the first park named after a Nigerian community member. Emeka Nnadi, a Canada-based Nigerian architect and community leader has played a pivotal role in the development of the Bridgwater area, hence the landmark achievement not only honours Emeka Nnadi’s contributions but also celebrates the vibrant and diverse community that makes Winnipeg a unique and welcoming city.

COMMUNITY CORNER 🔗

Transitioning into Canadian professional life comes with its fair share of surprises. From workplace customs to everyday interactions, the cultural journey is full of eye-opening moments. As people who have navigated the rollercoaster of cultural transitions, we know firsthand how impactful those 'aha' moments can be.

We are eager to learn about your own experiences – the good, the bad, the unexpected, and the downright hilarious! Reach out to us below 👇

LOOK WHO’S HIRING! 💼

Seronda Network

Patterned Learning Career

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