Newcomer Stories: More Job Hunting Experiences Within Canada

Didn't quite realise that by the time I posted part 1 of my job hunting experiences within Canada, I'll be finished with my second job hunt.

 

It's a shame that most newcomers encounter the problem of not having Canadian experience to be on the same playing field as the rest of the job force. I think I've mentioned that unless you're some kind of wonderful in your line of work, that the competition is stiff and fierce. Not to say, of course, that you should just give up and go home. It's more to say that you need to double your hard work and perseverance.

I did just that. Or I think I did.

After getting my first Canadian job at the start of the year and starting my Canadian experience meter, it didn't take me long to figure out that I've become marketable as soon as I got off the unemployment line. I wasn't in the best of jobs but being a newcomer, getting paid sure beats getting nothing. I continued giving my best to my company although I was on the prowl for a more suitable job.

And what do you know? I found an ad listed on LinkedIn. Now you will remember that I've had a previous slightly hit-and-miss experience with LinkedIn. But I still had faith. I surged on. I emailed my resume off to the address mentioned. There was nothing to lose on my part.

And by the next few weeks, I had a phone interview, 2 face-to-face interviews and a job offer at the end of it all. I was thrilled and happy. It was another adventure waiting for me.

Cherry Blossoms At High Park, Toronto

Blooming Sakura

According to its website, High Park is famous for being “Toronto’s largest public park that features many hiking trails, sports facilities, diverse vegetation, a beautiful lakefront, convenient parking, easy public transit access, a dog park, a zoo, playgrounds for children, a couple of eateries, greenhouses, picnic areas, a bunch of squirrels and various events throughout the year”.

High Park is also known for its authentic Sakura cherry trees, which were planted here in 1959. The trees were a present from the residents of Tokyo. The Sakura cherry blossoms are identifiable by their pinkish-whitish flowers. Unfortunately, the blooming period for these cherry trees don’t last very long. At the most, they probably last a week.

Hence the reason for our impromptu visit to High Park one spring day. Spring finally came out of hibernation.

Sakura trees in High Park

The family and I were experiencing our first spring in Canada. After being holed up the whole winter, we were eager to get out of the house. We’ve heard that week that the cherry blossoms were blooming in High Park and of course, it was simply an event not to be missed.

We made our way to the park but arrived a bit late in the day and so we got stuck looking for parking. It was almost like being stuck in traffic on a traffic circle.

However, once we started walking around, it was pure magic. The whole scenery was stunning and the cherry blossoms did not disappoint. The park was well-maintained and had other views to enjoy as well.

I made a mental note to come back here in the fall. Preferably early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the parking frenzy.