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Have you ever said something at work that sounded perfectly fine to you, but left your colleague staring at you like you just cursed their ancestors?
Yeah. That’s the silent culture clash nobody prepares us for as immigrants. For instance, back home, calling a friend “mad man” can qualify as banter. In Canada, it could lead you to a sit-down with HR.
That’s the reality of working in a new culture: what feels normal to you can sound offensive to someone else. And sometimes, it’s not your skills or experience that get tested first but your words.
In this week’s issue:
How to adapt your communication style in Canadian workplaces.
Two guides to help you navigate mortgages and home ownership.
Ten negotiation scripts to help you finally ask for (and get) that raise.
Plus: handpicked jobs across Canada.
And remember — if you enjoy this newsletter, please forward it to one friend, colleague, or fellow newcomer. It’s the simplest way to grow this community.
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🗣 When your words don’t land
A Nigerian newcomer once shared how a casual workplace joke nearly cost him his job abroad. Back home in Nigeria, it was perfectly normal to laugh with your friend and call him a “mad man.” It’s lighthearted, maybe even affectionate.
But in his new office, the same phrase, which had been used in a funny conversation, landed as an insult. Those same words almost cost him his job. The colleague reported him to HR, and it turned into a tense situation overnight.
That was his wake-up call: when you migrate, you don’t just bring your skills, you carry your culture too. And not all of it will translate.
So how do you adapt? How do you protect yourself while still being yourself?
4 practical things to remember:
Pause before you joke. What’s normal banter back home may sound aggressive, sarcastic, or inappropriate here. Stick to neutral humour until you understand your workplace culture.
Watch how feedback is given. Directness (common in Nigeria and most African countries) can be mistaken for rudeness in Canada. Soften your phrasing: instead of “This is wrong,” try “Here’s another way we could try this.”
Unlearn & relearn. You don’t need to erase yourself, but you do need to adapt. Listen closely to how colleagues speak, and borrow phrases until you find your balance.
Emotional intelligence is everything. The higher you climb, the heavier your words get. A casual remark can shift how you’re perceived by peers, managers, and even leadership.
👉 Bottom line: success in Canada is as much about cultural sensitivity as it is about hard skills. It’s about cultural fluency. The way you joke, give feedback, say “no,” or even phrase small talk; all of it can build bridges or burn them
🏡Buying a home in Canada: two guides worth saving
Last week, we shared 10 lessons from immigrants and experts on navigating the housing market. Many of you asked for even more detail, so here are two fresh guides from our library:
A step-by-step roadmap on mortgages, down payments, credit scores, government programs, and expert advice.
Clear breakdown of conventional vs. insured mortgages, fixed vs. variable rates, and how to qualify as a newcomer.
If home ownership is part of your Canadian dream, bookmark these.
💵 Ten salary negotiation scripts that actually work
One of the scariest moments in any professional’s career is asking for more money. And as immigrants, it can feel even harder — because you’re worried about “rocking the boat.”
That’s why I love this guide: 10 Winning Salary Negotiation Scripts for Professionals.
It’s not just theory. It gives you:
Exact phrases to use when countering an offer.
Scripts for performance reviews.
Local 2025 examples that feel realistic.
If you’re nervous about your next salary conversation, this one’s a keeper.
💼 Jobs worth a look this week
We combed through dozens of postings — here are three that should pique your interest this week:
Data Entry Clerk – Vancouver, BC (Terra Dygital Solutions Inc)
$25–$30/hr. Solid pay for entry-level work in data management. A good fit if you want office experience with growth potential.
Filing & Data Entry Clerk – Ottawa, ON – Know History
Perfect for recent grads. A way to gain Canadian work experience while building your resume in a professional setting. $22/hr.
Packaging Operator – Florenceville-Bristol, NB (McCain Foods Limited)
$22.24/hr + health benefits and mental health resources. A chance to work with one of Canada’s most recognizable food brands.
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Cheers,
— Dami from New Local