Disclaimer: This serving of lemonade is for immigrants only😬
My tiny way of putting out info that I didn't find in any article or blog when I moved and I wish I had. I hope this is helpful 🙏
Moving to a new country is a mixed bag of emotions. Excitement, apprehension, the I-can-conquer-all attitude.
But, as an immigrant, you face a host of challenges that most articles, blogs, and other immigrants do a pretty good job of preparing you for or guiding you with.
However, there are always those unconventional things that are either left out or fall through the cracks. Well, I’m here serving up some lemonade from a bag of pretty unconventional lemons I was handed.
I hope this helps other immigrants out there! 10 things that are unconventional but needed as an immigrant in North America:
1. Firstly, it’s a ‘sidewalk’ not a ‘footpath’ here. Footpaths are the ways of the Queen.
2. You should get into one of the more North American sports - Hockey, Basketball, or Football. It makes for great conversation starters (besides the weather of course!) at networking events, meetings, and even interviews
3. Use the words football and soccer correctly. Bruno Fernandes plays soccer and Tom Brady plays football. (cue all Man United fans gasp- she mentioned one of their own)
4. No matter the advice you get from others, your journey will be your journey. Things may work out wonderfully or take time, nothing is promised. All you can do is not lose hope.
5. Your relationships with people across the globe will change. They will need more work and you will have to decide which of them are worth it. (not always easy, but necessary!)
6. Know your credit score and maintain it.
7. Sometimes you will encounter crazies on the subway or the bus. Wear sunglasses even at night, keeps them away from you. (cause they think you are one of them!) Advise courtesy - a very kind Aunty Viv!
8. If you are from India, like me - you will spend time explaining to recruiters, networking contacts, colleagues - why you speak fluent English. Just be patient.
9. There is no shame in looking for deals! It’s the whole reason flyers exist. Groceries, appliances, Christmas trees, everything!
10.Facebook groups are golden. Join the right groups and you can find a great place to rent or pick up freelance work or even find great make-up artists, wedding coordinators etc!
Enjoy your time as a FOB, take all the pictures, try every cuisine, take it all in because once you start hustling, it’s pretty common to lose sight of the beauty in the ordinary and the TTC will annoy the hell outta you in Toronto atleast!
“You nerve know. You hope for the best and make do with what you get”
- Nick Fury.
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