My expriences so far ... first two days in Toronto!!!

[CharlotteJ]

hello Caribgirl ...

So nice to read such encouraging text and sure I will keep writing and share my experiences again.

It isn't easy but am sure your application will go through and you will eventually be admitted immigration to Canada and hopefully by the time you get here the economy will be in better shape and things have picked up so you land a job asap.

In the meantime, just save as much as you can and just go with the flow and don't forget to live.

I had a busy day today, after a lot of hesitation and thinking, just applied for a few job, did put me together, fixed up my resumé and refined a cover letter in making from a few weeks ago and I shall slowly get started looking for other jobs.

It was also an emotional day speaking to my bf on the phone and it was difficult to hear him crying and missing me so much. We will both be patient and see what the future will bring upon and if his employer wants him to really go to New Zealand, then so be it and I will follow him. All I know now is that it is more important not to be alone and be together than being separated and living on double costs.

I shall start a new episode this time, being more hopeful and confident of having had a Canadian job experience which is so essential in any job search here but also given the fact that there are plenty of institutions, schools, workshops etc to attend and now I am not working, I can use this time wisely and prepare myself for something better in near future and so I shall update you all with yet to come useful new experiences.

In the meantime, you keep living the way you have to, perhaps improve your French and just be patient. If you really can prove being bi-lingual and fluent in French, the more likely the chance for you to land a job shortly after arrival.

Good luck,

Charlotte

 

[niwrrehs]

Charlotte...
Thanks for sharing your experiences in toronto.. It was such an eyeopener for everyone wants to stay in toronto (like me). But despite of some negative post, i will still be flying to toronto this coming march.
I have some few questions and hope you will answer me back.

1. Whats your country of origin?
2. Base from your observation, what is the status of blue collar job in toronto?
3. Can i survive in toronto if i earn minimum wage? (For simple lifestyle)

Thank you.

 

[CharlotteJ]

Charlotte...
Thanks for sharing your experiences in toronto.. It was such an eyeopener for everyone wants to stay in toronto (like me). But despite of some negative post, i will still be flying to toronto this coming march.
I have some few questions and hope you will answer me back.

1. Whats your country of origin?
2. Base from your observation, what is the status of blue collar job in toronto?
3. Can i survive in toronto if i earn minimum wage? (For simple lifestyle)

Thank you.

Well, you are more than welcome.

I am from "Holland"
There are some Blue Collar jobs to find, but in most cases, even they do require Canadian job experience. Or otherwise you will be "overqualified" and simply ignored. Difficult to find jobs, but you never know. We are all different.
Minimum wage, entry level pays mostly 10.25 before tax, after tax you get like 8.95$ an hour. If you work F/T (Full Time) and can find a cheap apartment, can make it to supermarkets where you can buy your food cheaper and minimize your costs, no gifts, just internet and a cell phone etc, no insurances etc, you might be able to survive with 1400 dollars a month, after tax, maxed out! But that I don't know.
I know that in such case, you should either live in a worn out apartment in less fun neighbourhoods downtown or anywhere along the Subway, but then again, don't forget to need to pay for a subway pass that can cost you 120$ a month for sure. If you own a car, then no.

So, one person, working F/T earning minimum wage in Toronto? No Way!

 

[Saudi]

Hello CharlotteJ,

It's nice to read a real life example for a newcomer who's doing her best to survive in such an expensive city!

I'm Saudi from Saudi Arabia (obviously!!)..... and what your Saudi neighbour has told you is almost right...but I think the $2,700 should cover all expenses as the gov't would only pay that amount on monthly basis + college tution fees + health insurance.

what your friend doesn't know, if he tries to apply for a PR when he's about to get his degree, the saudi gov't would sue him coz once the gov't knows that a citizen wanna go for a PR and then a citizenship eventually, he/she'll in a real trouble.

However, I'm somehow willing to take that risk for so many reasons. I cann't apply before June 2011 because my job category has reached the annual cap so I have a plenty of time to prepare. My initial plan (once I get the PR) is to get 5 to 6 months off as unpaid vacation and land in Canada. If I manage to find a job that pays a bit more than surviving expenses, I'd take it and stay there for ever. If I couldn't, I'd go back to my job in Saudi Arabia and keep applying for decent jobs from home and once I get one, I'd go again to Canada.

I'm not a big fan of Toronto but since my background is finance and banking (business development), then I'd assume the best place is Tornoto because of the number of banks headquarters and other financial firms.

My advice to you is to follow your bf if he decided to go to NZ. You'll always have a second chance to start a new life in somewhere else or even go back to Canada with him.......but will you guarantee to have a second chance in love?

 

[CharlotteJ]

Saudi...

Nice to meet you

No, he is a proud Saudi young man and doesn't want to stay here. I was asking him that question and actually him and most of his friends are here to study and once finished either work here or go back to Saudi Arabia for work which is "if you ask me for one" is more than "wise".

Why would you live in a country where finding a good paid job is such a hassle and why would you drive a beaten up Pick up or a second hand Japanese car and living in a mouse hole and pay the blood money of your entire family as 'rent" to a greedy landlord and live as such, when you can have a great job,
a big home, a nice car, the privacy of a your own house off course, a great degree, travelling first or business class with REAL AIRLINERS "Emirates, AlQataria or Etihad or even Royal Jordan Airlines" and have enough money to shop and be happy and travel to all corners of the world as a proud high educated Saudi family but then go for a Canadian passport?

Believe me, before I came here, I was dreaming of Canadian citizenship, now after a few months here, I won't even think of exchanging my European passport for a Canadian!

This for a few reasons I keep to myself or else I won't be able to write about it. But believe me, I 've seen and heard and experienced things here especially during my "seasonal" job that I rather keep to myself.

But no, He doesn't want to stay here, although he too is now wondering if he better go to USA.

HE is lucky, his government pays his study anywhere on this planet, just because all of his other friends are studying in USA, he wanted to try a new place and so he landed in Canada, now he doubts if Toronto isn't too boring and quite "seggragated".

I told him to go to Seattle, San Francisco or Dallas.

Yes, New Zealan as is appears is a better place to live and work. So 100% right.

 

[CharlotteJ]

Oh btw, ... I got a phone call from a "marketing" firm willing to interview me.

All looked nice and meeting is set up, I go to check on them and gosh, another scam.

It is all about "door to door sale' and "charitable donations" to which these companies refer as "non profit organizations".

Yeah ... some organizations.

I shall keep looking. so long "interview" ;D

 

[niwrrehs]

charlotte.

Where couple actually, i am just counting for myself and will consider my wife earnings as savings. My wife is a registered nurse here in our homecountry and willing to work as caregiver prior to getting Canadian nurse license. Bout me, i finished banking and finance but my experience is in the office as graphic artist by experience for almost 8 years. and very much willing to do blue collar job in toronto as my survival job while hunting for graphic artist work...

 

[caribgrl55]

Charlotte,

when I read about all of those 'scam like' job interviews you went to, it brought me back to a few years ago when I was job hunting in Florida. I would see these posts on job sites advertising marketing jobs that require no experience as they will train you or fresh college graduates!!! 'Manager Trainee' positions where you would be rotated in different departments to gain an 'all rounded experience'!!. I got duped 3 or 4 times then now I feel like I can spot these ads from afar. I've been to 'companies' that when I got to the interview, I realize that the place is in a hole in the wall in a seedy part of town, run down building with Managers who look questionable. I've experienced perfume sales, 'event marketing' (which really means setting up a table in the parking lot of a business and trying to get people to sign up for whatever product or service you are selling, going door to door trying to get people to sign up with some yellow pages..... I've seen it all...

I was so frustrated that I called my parents crying at one time. At the time I had a degree but no real job experience and I thought I was doomed to getting one of these type of jobs. I don't want people to think that is all that's out there but just try to be able to pick up these scams from the printed ads. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Don't give up Charlotte, I'm rooting for you!

 

[BMWXC60]

Hi Charlotte,

We as a couple, landed in Sep 2009 , ofcourse since then we both have been following up on many things through the internet.I have been regularly reading your threads.We have plans for one of us to come to Toronto , in 2 months from now, and continue our evening studies and look out for some work which will keep us occupied as well as get some cash coming in.

What we have been advised is as follows (this was mainly from positive minded family members,freinds and wellwishers) :-
1) Try and save whatever is possible before we land coz every cent is immensely valuable once you land.
2) Try and stay in a rental apartment(even if we can afford to buy one) coz if you end up buying one you might have to look out for a job which is closer to your apartment.It should be vice versa.
3) Try for sublets - this way you dont have to be committed for an apartment for 1 yr.You might get something for 3/6/9 months.Who knows one might just get some decent work in those months.
4) Try and stay within minimal means(expenses) for the first 6-9 months , coz thats the period one needs to settle down and know the right places.
5) If you stay in the suburbs , you might need a car while the same cant be said abt downtown.Basically both places have their own pros and cons.
6) Let the other person move once the first one gets something which can cover basic costs(rents,food,transportation)
7) Dont hesitate to take up any job, u never know that job might be changing point in your life.
8) Make sure you have enough savings which can lasts for atleast 1 yr(more the better) , considering the worst case scenario that no one gets a decent job.
9) Dont give up, it might take 1/2/3 yrs but things will turn around.

These are basically some of the points we have been advised with.

Now that you have spent some months there, do you think you can add some more points to this list?

Cheers

 

[CharlotteJ]

BMX: Thank you so much for sharing these valuable points with all of us. Subletting is indeed a good one to bear in mind as well as I totally agree with enough savings to bridge at least the first 12 months ANYWHERE in Canada.

Regarding the quite interesting times in which we live, it is important for any new immigrant to this country, to at least afford living without a job and a steady income and on his/her own to set aside 1500$ A MONTH to survive all living costs. I can tell that money sneaks out of your pocket just like that regardless.

If you are a family of two, add another 200$ to 300$ to that amount and if you have any childeren, do not even consider coming here if you can not spend 2000$ a month to say least. Especially in Toronto.

Off course there are exceptions, those who have family or relatives who will support them or are willing to help, or one might not even need to go and live on his own with his wife and kids, but perhaps share a home and live in with relatives, but then again, have at least 1K a month and you might be ok here in Toronto!

I also totally agree with the points as to stay positive and don't despair or give up. It needs time and this is the whole point when one mentions "adjustment" in your new home. Eventually, things will start to turn around and work out well and to your benefit. But it needs time.

But then again, we are in really bad times.

Just yesterday you could see/hear that Canadian Budget Deficit is now second after USA! meaning: This country is heading to face the same unemployment rates as its southern neighbour sometime sooner or later in near future. sadly though :-[

And It was said that while USA government is trying to stimulate the economy, the federal government does none!

Anyway ...

We won't despair, we will look out for the "scammy jobs", but if you can find a job that is quite challenging and is 'real", take it and who knows, you might come out of it victoriously.

Same happened to me.

I really had NO experience in retail, but was solely offered the job because of my looks and positive attitude obviously, I took the seasonal job and I now can say for certain that:

1. I loved the job
2. I discovered how excellent I can sell and that in a decent honest way
3. I am more confident now that I soon will land another job

So, don't give up and don't do it alone.

Stick to each other and if you can afford being together here in Canada, do it and go through it all together, otherwise, be sure the one who is mentally the strongest come over here first "like me and am glad I am doing this and not my bf', or else you better forget the whole adventure.

I better go and get me some liquids as I am experiencing my first "Canadian" flu! :'(

 

[Saudi]

Saudi...

Nice to meet you

No, he is a proud Saudi young man and doesn't want to stay here. I was asking him that question and actually him and most of his friends are here to study and once finished either work here or go back to Saudi Arabia for work which is "if you ask me for one" is more than "wise".

Why would you live in a country where finding a good paid job is such a hassle and why would you drive a beaten up Pick up or a second hand Japanese car and living in a mouse hole and pay the blood money of your entire family as 'rent" to a greedy landlord and live as such, when you can have a great job,
a big home, a nice car, the privacy of a your own house off course, a great degree, travelling first or business class with REAL AIRLINERS "Emirates, AlQataria or Etihad or even Royal Jordan Airlines" and have enough money to shop and be happy and travel to all corners of the world as a proud high educated Saudi family but then go for a Canadian passport?

Believe me, before I came here, I was dreaming of Canadian citizenship, now after a few months here, I won't even think of exchanging my European passport for a Canadian!

This for a few reasons I keep to myself or else I won't be able to write about it. But believe me, I 've seen and heard and experienced things here especially during my "seasonal" job that I rather keep to myself.

But no, He doesn't want to stay here, although he too is now wondering if he better go to USA.

HE is lucky, his government pays his study anywhere on this planet, just because all of his other friends are studying in USA, he wanted to try a new place and so he landed in Canada, now he doubts if Toronto isn't too boring and quite "seggragated".

I told him to go to Seattle, San Francisco or Dallas.

Yes, New Zealan as is appears is a better place to live and work. So 100% right.

trust me, not all saudis can afford big homes and nice cars....and I never fly on international flights and on business class because,simply, I cann't afford it.

I'm single and I'm from the same neighbourhood where u currently live (if u know what I mean )..... and Saudi Arabia is the most conservative country in the ME so no social life or rights.

what you've said is right and in order to choose life A, you have to sacrify wth life B. I just sometimes wonder what if I regret it when I get older for not immigrating to Canada when it becomes too late for me? ..... that's what I'm worried about because I feel I won't be able to survive here for much longer time.

I know you've experienced a lot and I'm aware that being a woman would make things even tougher ....but I always appreciate other opinions and inputs that would enlighten me since I have spent my whole life here in Saudi Arabia ...and I hate it!!

 

[CharlotteJ]

For you!? ... YES ... you can make it here and it might be difficult in the first few weeks, but you ll be just fine in Toronto!

 

[PG]

CharlotteJ,

I was silent reader of your post since the begining. I was more interested on your topic as I was also planning to move to Canada from continental western Europe. I did landing formalities and came back to complete my work here. When I landed in Toronto, I didn't think that I would be going to settle there. Well, if you are from Europe, mostly from Germany and its neighbours, you can be never be satisfied with the systems in any part of the world if the issue comes to permanent move.

I will be participating to your thread in coming issues. In fact, I registered to this forum to reply to your post (but didn't post until you were off from your work.)

I am also an immigrant living in continental EU for several years. When I first entered into Germany as a student, every day was a nightmare because of not getting a work and loosing hard earned money brought from my home country. I always thought to return back every day and talked back to my girl friend about returning. She was always urging me to stay at least I complete the "mission". Well, next year she joined me (after a lot of struggle), I was doing a "survival job" on part time basis. But the greatness of the country, life could be adjusted in 700 Euro for 2 person per month. We managed as such for almost one year. Now both of us are doing well and working in research field and earning well enough to spend the "Euro" for vacations. If we had given up we would be ended up without any achievement. Now I am about to obtain the passport from Germany if I will. Of course I am grateful to Germany and will consider it. So my point is don't loose your heart.

Its not only you, any person going to Canada from western Europe finds it very difficult and frustrated to adjust in rest of Canada except for millionaires destined to Vancouver or adventure lovers moving to Alberta or Nunavat. Canada is still 20-50 years behind than western Europe in many aspects, that means you have to adjust your life. I believe if you were with your bf and when both people were earning there even with survival jobs, you would really start to enjoy your life. I have seen many immigrants living early stage life in Canada live in small houses in suburbs. You are living in downtown "condo", thats already a great expense you are paying for.

Second part is Canadian education. I don't think its really education, its about polytechnic courses the colleges provide. Probably that "education" is important because many Canadian employers don't know about the real education or technology taught in other parts of world.

Third is the most retarded concept I have ever heard in this world the so called "Canadian experience". In the globalized context, nowadays people value the globalness. If you see many job advertisement in EU you will find "a foreign experience will be given priority". Ironically that theme is not applicable in Canada, probably because the employers don't have or don't know about the exposure or may want to get rid of fake experiences from third world.

Fourth, probably you are from the service sector. I guess most of the immigrants in Toronto are from the service sector, may be the Canadian born too. So its always competitive, but the service sector there is very small if you compare to EU or Asia to fulfill the job demand of the flooded number of applicants. May be changing the field (by taking some college courses) or waiting further could be only way left.

In my case, it comes in my mind several times a day, if I am really going to say goodbye to the world's highly protected, disciplined and civilized society like Germany for the sake of Canada?

I sometimes think, why not! (but sometimes not !)
The spacious houses with gardens and courtyards in Canada.
Open space to move, travel or whatever.
Cheap accessory costs if you live in townhouse or detached house compared to Europe.
Friendly neighborhood, who will not mind you if you do barbeque on your garden or stay till late talking on your garden, which is always a problem in Germany.
Heavy health insurance cost (even after pension about 15% is levied for health insurance).
Monotonous and highly developed materialistic life here in EU.

I guess it is better to give a try rather than regretting for what one couldn't do. I still have few years until which I can move there and in between I can search a job there. If I move I will be missing the wine and beer!

If I were in your case, without any doubt I would suggest bf to bound to NZ, go with him and work there for 2-3 years. Within that time period try to look for jobs in Canada or further training in NZ. At least that job would give enough money to resettle in Canada. I guess many people prefer Canada to NZ to live. Don't loose your PR status in Canada, I guess you will love it when you are above 65! But you must have a home till then! I don't know how old are you, but once you start to cross 35 you will feel that you need to settle, money doesn't matter, but stability matters at that time.

So, don't give up, try to minimize the cost. Go with your bf, take him to Canada with you later....just do any work for the start, you will make your way. Right jobs are not opened every second, they are in very few numbers than us! May be it will take several months to land on it. If you want to return to Holland, you can come anytime, its yours! So don't loose..you have to win...cheers..Very happy new year and good start of the year!

Saudi: I agree with you. Freedom and civilization can not be bought by money. I may work in ME for few years but can not think of living whole life there even if someone present me a Jet.

 

[clubcanada]

@ PG:

I'm also from continental europe, so I kind of can contribute to this discussion. canada is a great country - but just make sure you don't come based on false facts:


>>> The spacious houses with gardens and courtyards in Canada.
Not quite sure what your plans are but if you're looking for a typical white collar job you probably will end up in major cities such as toronto. average house prices in toronto is about $500K. An average house here is neither spacious nor does it have a large courtyard. In addition, this might also involve long daily commutes to work. Take also in consideration that salaries tend to be a little lower than in germany. It's true that you can buy cheap houses in canada. However, these properties are in areas where you probably dont want to live. And if you go to eastern germany you will find also cheap houses...

>>> Open space to move, travel or whatever.
I grant you this one. Travel is great - however take into consideration that the number of vacation days is typically around 10, later maybe 15 days per year compared to 25-30 in germany. BTW: most people I've met from ON have never been to BC. One reason might be that a flight ticket from toronto to vancouver is almost as much as a flight to europe...

>>> Cheap accessory costs if you live in townhouse or detached house compared to Europe.
I dont see the difference between canada and germany...

>>> Friendly neighborhood, who will not mind you if you do barbeque on your garden or stay till late talking on your garden, which is always a problem in Germany.
True, people here tend to be a little bit more tolerant. However, this involves that you're expected to be tolerant as well. So please dont freak out if your neighbor turns on his music at 2am on a wednesday morning...

>>> Heavy health insurance cost (even after pension about 15% is levied for health insurance).
Health insurance in canada is free - or let's say financed through taxes, which means you still pay for it but you do not how much. Basically your spend on medicals/treatments might be slightly less but the quality compared to germany is much lower. I dont mean the quality of doctors nor the treatment. I mean the waiting lists - even for treatments that involve heavy pain you might need to wait several months before you get treatment. Unfortunately you can't even get a private insurance that provides you a better treatment. There's a number of patients who fly out to the States to get the treatment without waiting. They're even willing to pay a fortune for it. When you're healthy, it's a good system. For chronic diseases or you're in pain and need fast treatment you're better off in europe.

>>> Monotonous and highly developed materialistic life here in EU.
Frankly, canadians are not that different in their spending habits as americans. toronto talk number one is 'buying and owning property'. you will also find numerous offers 'buy now, pay later' or 'interest free'. people here spend more money than they have....

again, canada is a great country - otherwise I wouldnt be here. The advantages over continental europe are quite slim though. Depending on your plans and personal circumstances, you better think twice. If you have enough money, no major barriers and looking for an adventure, go for it. But make sure, that this is not a one-way....

 

[qwerbilzak]

Canada is still 20-50 years behind than western Europe in many aspects,

To what aspects are you referring that Canada is 50 years behind Europe?