Ok, I get it, when our family and friends migrate they tend to make the countries they migrate to looks like heaven. And mind you, I am not saying they are wrong, for me I know Canada is pretty awesome. I think there are some things Caribbean People should know before migrating.
1- Family will always tell you to come till you start using to much water and electricity- the truth is, unless you’re going live with a very close relative, you should be extra careful. You know the “I will be staying by my Uncle Who I’ve never met” they will be nice at first but once you overstay your welcome and start using more water than they think you should is problems. If you are coming for a short vacation, then it’s all good. But if you are coming to stay, you better be prepared to move out in 6 months.
2- Canada real stingy when it comes to accepting “outside” education and work experience – As soon as you get here try validating your education and getting it assessed to show that it’s equivalent to the education here. If not you may have a hard time. You can always opt to go back to school in that way you will have the “Canadian education.” That’s the route I took.
Also, take any job in the meantime to get the so-called Canadian work experience. Ok, not any any job, but you know what I mean. When I just got here, I had an HR manager say to me, get any work and do it for a year and then call me back and I will work something out for you. I was applying for a middle management role in a credit union, a position I had the experience and education for, but hey, I lacked Canadian experience.
3- Out here you’re a minority– Obviously when we are home, we don’t think about this, but out here you’re considered a minority. I had no idea I was a minority till I got here. In Grenada, I am Kimron, Janice big son.
Also, keep in mind, racism is alive and kicking, especially in the US today, you may be called a Nigger a couple of times and not in the “whats up ma nigga” way from your homies. But there are also a lot of very nice people, especially in Canada. Sometimes they have your back more than your countrymen.
4- Every country have local organizations here– No matter which country you’re from, there are organizations of people from your country. Find one, join them, they can help make your transition as smooth as possible. Toronto alone has 100 Grenadian organizations, ok that’s obviously an exaggeration, but you get the point.
5- Out here its opportunities galore – There are a lot of opportunities here especially in entrepreneurship. I’m singling out entrepreneurship because obviously I’m biased, there are opportunities in many different areas as well. However, out here the Governments understand that entrepreneurs are responsible for job creation amongst other things, so they provide a lot of resources to help you. The trick sometimes is finding them. But if you have hustle in your veins, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
Bonus
If you don’t have papers yet, and you get a little work on the down low. Shut your mouth; your coworkers don’t have to know your business. I don’t care how nice he/she is; you piss them off they may just call immigration on your backside.
Ps. FBI if you’re reading this I’m in no way encouraging people to work illegally, just stating an observation. Besides I’m just a simple social media strategist, nobody does read my blog, and I have my papers. Just saying