Many dream of relocating abroad and getting well-paying jobs. However, the journey to achieving this is often filled with ups and downs and so many rejections. In this interview, Helen, who left Nigeria in 2022 to join her husband in Canada, shares her experience of job hunting in a new country and how her skills created opportunities to earn.
What was it like when you first arrived?
When I arrived, I wasn’t expecting things to be all rosy because I already knew what to expect. I see relocation as starting life all over again, and I believe anyone who sees it this way would not expect to get things handed to them on a platter. Although I had it easier than most people, as my husband was already here and had put some things in place.
What was it like looking for a job?
I didn’t start looking for a job until December 2023 and started working in April 2024. It was challenging at first, and this is because there is something companies here generally look for: the Canadian experience. They want you to have an experience, even if it’s in a volunteering role in Canada, so that way, they feel you understand their system.
I sent applications out, but kept getting rejected until I was referred by someone who had been in the system. That was when I got a slot for an interview, and that was how I eventually got the job. Though this job is not my exact line of work, it’s what pays the bills.
You said it’s not your line of work. What was your career or job role before your move?
Back in Nigeria, I worked in the communication industry. I still work in communications here, but as a volunteer. I love it because they value my input, and it is sort of placing me where I’m supposed to be. I am gaining the experience I need in communications, which was a barrier to my getting jobs. I believe that with time, I will be able to get a paying job in communication.
What do you do now?
I work with an energy company in the meter data management department. So now I’m working with data and have very good experience with data analysis, not analytics.
Before getting this job, what did you do to keep busy?
I learnt hair dressing before leaving Nigeria, and it was a very lucrative business for me when I got here, as that was all I did when I was not working. I lived in an area that did not have a lot of people. I was in Richmond Hill, and it was almost like I was the only one braiding hair here. I had people drive one hour to me just to get their hair done. People paid me well, and I was always fully booked. In fact, I was even making more money than some people working in the office. My challenge was standing a lot while braiding. I only had a ‘people challenge’ once, and it was two Nigerians. There and then, I told myself I would never make these people’s hair again because they were problematic.
I don’t braid anymore, as I moved to a different province and a lot of people are into the hair business here. I don’t know if I will go back to it, but maybe when my garage is set up, I might consider it, since I do not want anyone in my house or hair scattered everywhere.
How do you combine work and family here?
Combining work and family has been good. So far, I’ve only done remote jobs. I see how good it is, especially when you think of the weather. I was out the other day, and while in the car, I couldn’t help but wonder how people go out daily to work in this weather. That is not something I think I want to do. I only apply for remote jobs, and if I don’t get it, I would rather do a business that would allow me have time for family.
Moreso, you also have to think of childcare. If you say you want to do a full-time job and have to go out every day, you would have to pay for childcare, which is expensive. At the end of the day, it’s better to earn less and work from home than earn more and go to work every day. You would end up using the big salary you are earning to pay for childcare.
Canada sounds like a very different life compared to Nigeria. Would you say you are happier here?
Canada is a very different life compared to Nigeria. I would say I’m indifferent. I can’t say I’m happier or sadder. I kept a small circle back in Nigeria. This helped me when I got here. I wasn’t looking forward to making friends. I have only one friend I have made here. Others are people I have known from way back, and those are the people I talk to. I don’t have any new friends. I wasn’t attending parties in Nigeria, so I’m not bothered about attending any here. I have my family, and that’s enough for me.
Final thoughts and advice for aspiring Japa candidates
Search yourself. Some people come and begin to complain about it being difficult. I feel like these are people who did not do enough research before moving. You need to know what you’re coming to face. Just know it will never be the same as where you left. Even if you move from Lagos to Ibadan, it will still be different. People need to anticipate that life will be totally different, so don’t have too many expectations. Don’t get here and start converting to naira when you want to spend. You no longer earn in naira. You also need to know that you would make sacrifices, and if you think you would rather remain in Nigeria and do your oblee (out enjoying life, partying, having fun), why not?
Interested in sharing your Abroad Life experience? You can reach me here.
