This First Person article is the experience of Irlinda Tan, A Filipino immigrant believes that hard work is a prerequisite for a good middle-class life in Canada. For more information on CBC First Person Stories, please see Instructions.
It was an unforgettable day in 2014 when I bought a vacation home in my hometown of the Philippines. I visit my family once every two years, and being able to gather everyone in that house is like a dream come true.
I had no idea the property would become a souvenir from my Alberta days. Two years later, the oil and gas industry took a turn for the worse — and I took my job with it.
But this is all part of what I call a beautiful tidal ride in the 13 years since I arrived from the Philippines. Those ups and downs in Canada made me a strong Canadian and cemented my love for the country.
Work hard to get a foot in the door
I came to Edmonton in late 2009 as the economy of Alberta was emerging from a severe financial crisis that is felt worldwide. They say timing is everything. This was true for me.
My first job was as a minimum wage clerk. To be able to manage it, I got a second job as a supermarket cashier – three days a week, four hours in the shift.
Doing two jobs was hard and some days were really long but I needed extra income. Additionally, working in the service industry taught me to integrate into my new home and honed my confidence by speaking with Canadians from all walks of life – a skill I will need later on in my career journey.
After 20 months working on two jobs, I had the so-called “Canadian experience” that my resume desperately needed and felt ready for the corporate world. With my background in Engineering, I was appointed in 2012 as Document Controller in the Oil and Gas Industry.
In those days, the price of oil was On its way to $100 a barrel And there were plenty of opportunities. I changed my job three times in three years. I was part of the rise of Alberta’s economy.
be Canadian
I was excited about my promising career, but I was even more excited when I became a Canadian citizen in early 2015.
At the swearing-in ceremony, I became a passionate singer oh Canada For the first time as a citizen. I felt like I belonged, that I was safe. My definition of home changed at that moment – the Philippines was “home” but Canada is my current definition.
Suddenly I felt a serious duty to become a good Canadian.
during the Federal elections in OctoberI followed the campaign on TV like a long series. If the citizenship ceremony was emotionally touching, the vote was empowering. On that day, I realized how important I was in nation building.
blind faith
But as the saying goes, every flow must have an ebb and flow.
In 2015, the oil slump turned into a global crisis. Energy companies are laying off thousands of employees; I was one of them.
Alberta job sites were empty. I didn’t want to move but I needed to survive.
Friends and relatives sent invitations to come and work in the US, UK, Singapore and Dubai. It was very seductive. But I just became a Canadian citizen. I had invested time and hard work: the long hours in which I stood on my feet as a cashier, watching the news on TV every night to understand politics. Should I put it all in the past and leave?
I said: I am a Filipino Canadian. I have flexibility genes. This will be tougher.
In a move to blind faith, I decided to move to Vancouver in May 2016. I had no business relationships, had no family in the city, and my church community became my support system.
I was grateful for the business insurance I lived in for a few months and got my insurance money with pride. I contributed to the premiums and knew I was entitled to them.
Finding a new job in Vancouver has never been so easy. British Columbia is rich in forests and my job experience in the oil industry was not required. I decided to accept any job offer, even if I had to start from the bottom.
I got a contract job where the pay wasn’t much but it got me to the door of Crown. After five months of working – when my savings were about to run out – I was hired by that company. Sometimes God’s perfect timing leaves you in awe.
I worked as a records officer for a billion dollar project. Then I moved on to a $10 billion project. When I retire, I can look back with pride in my heart for being part of two major infrastructure projects in British Columbia.
silver stripes
In hindsight, I see that laying off my job in Alberta was an advantage. He forced me to leave my comfort zone. I saw more of Canada, made new friends and grew in my career. Horizontal enlargement. Thank you, Edmonton, for preparing me.
I joke to my friends in the Philippines that I define a Canadian as middle-class: poor in money but rich in benefits. I couldn’t be more appreciative.
Sometimes I ask myself, Do I regret staying in Canada when I hit rock bottom? Do I regret not working in other countries? The answer is no. I think if God closes the door, somewhere he opens a window. But it is up to me to find it.
Speaking of doors and windows, my home in the Philippines is now more than just a vacation property. The concrete house, located in the heart of a commercial district and within walking distance of shopping malls and supermarkets, has become a refuge for family members from typhoons who visit the Philippines regularly.
I’m even more proud that it became the place my mom could call home.
Do you have a compelling personal story that can bring understanding or help to others? We want to hear from you. over here More information on how to promote us.