Is Canada the better country for me? Wrong question!
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“Jesus is the answer!”
Many, many years ago, when I was (obviously) a bit younger I would often see some billboards proliferating atop urban buildings, as well as around rural landscapes. This was an era when another Christian revival was happening.
“Jesus is the answer!”
The popular slogan would proclaim in bold letters. If you were a romantic follower of Christian faith, you would surely feel your heart beat a little faster with that kind of affirmation. “Amen to that!”
However, one late afternoon I saw myself commuting with my late father. After we passed by a similar billboard, he muttered something which amused me even until today.
“But what is the question?”
I saw my father’s mischievous smile when he made that comment.
“Is Canada the better country for me?”
“Is Canada the better country for me?” I have been fielding this question from people outside of Canada for many years. Most especially when I started my blog, and it became obvious to my readers that I am residing in Canada. And since this question is being asked more and more, I have decided to pitch in my few cents.”
A reader outside of Canada named CJ has just asked this question early this morning. So, I took it as a sign that I must finally write a blog in answer to this now-popular question about people wanting to immigrate to Canada.
Most especially in the past 5 years or so, the topic of Canada being the favorite country of destination for people wanting to start a new life has been getting hotter. No wonder so many source materials have been proliferating on social and mainstream media. You find them in thousands of blogs and on YouTube.
So, “Is Canada the better country to immigrate?” My honest answer always starts with “That is a wrong question.”
This is Part I
By the way, I plan to write a series of blogs related to this topic. And for this first part, I would like to expand on why starting the conversation with that particular question ends up missing the right answer. It is just like the slogan about “Jesus is the answer”, and how I find it as somewhat misleading and sounds more sentimental. For how can Jesus be THE answer if we do not know the right question? (I know, it is just about semantics. But you get my flow.)
DISCLOSURE: DO NOT RELY TOO MUCH ON WHAT YOU HEAR OR READ FROM ANY SOURCES ABOUT CANADA. INCLUDING THIS POST. THEY MOSTLY COME FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCES. DO YOUR DILIGENT RESEARCH. AND MORE RESEARCH. FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES.
Now, why do I say that “Is Canada the better country to immigrate?” the wrong question to start a conversation? Here are my 3 personal reasons:
- Who are you? (Self-examination)
- What are you looking for? (To make a better life)
- Do you find them in Canada? (Know more about the country)
Self-examination
In this First Part of the series about immigrating to Canada, I start with self-examination. The philosophical maxim from the ancient Greeks is always timeless: “Know thyself.” And in this context, the self per se is not the only one subjected to examination. This includes other individuals close to you. In a way, they can be a part of your own self.
6 areas of your life that you need to examine
The self
It should, of course, all start with where you are coming from. And this is more than just geographical. For example, what does your present life look like? Or what do you have in life right now? Are you single or married? And how old are you?
The loved ones
If you are married, how is your marriage? Is your marriage steady and strong enough to face drastic changes and bigger challenges? Do you have kids? How many kids do you have? And how old are your kids? How is your overall health, and that of your loved ones?
The extended family
How is your relationship with your close relatives? Are you currently in a position where you are expected to help them, especially on the financial side?
The skills and profession
What skills do you currently have? Do you have any degree? Are you happy with what you presently have? Do you love doing the special skills or professional degree that you have today?
The personality trait
Also, examine your type of personality or trait. Some examples to ask yourself very honestly.
Are you an agreeable person? Do you tend to care about and enjoy helping others?
Are you a conscientious individual? How is your level of thoughtfulness? Are you the type of person who sets his life’s course according to a well-thought goal in life?
Are you the type of eager-to-please person? Do you tend to kiss some a*# just to appear being the good guy? Are you a conformist?
Are you an extrovert type? Do you love social connections? Are you the type who enjoys always having an audience because you relish sharing your thoughts and opinions publicly?
Are you an introvert? Do you prefer to thrive in a more private setting? Are you a quiet and reserved type of individual?
Do you have a higher amount of neuroticism? (Yes, everybody has some of its ingredients, in some form or another. But some have higher dose of it than the average people.) Do you easily get rattled when in stressful situations? Are you a worry-type of person, who experiences significant mood swings?
Are you an open adventurer type? Do you see yourself as someone who is always ready to try new things, and loves tackling new challenges?
Your native country
How well do you know your native country? What do you like and dislike about it? What direction do you think it is heading?
Why the 6 areas of self-examination are important
Those questions in each area are very crucial. That is, if you are a conscientious and goal-oriented individual. You ask them first and find your honest answers. Before you even think about immigrating to Canda.
Here are some of the reasons why
One, Canada is experienced in different ways by different immigrants. It can be a garden of Eden to some, but a paradise of broken dreams to others.
Many immigrants are hugely successful here in Canada. However, the word “successful” is a very loaded term. It can mean a lot of things. But one thing that sums them up: a better life.
I also know of immigrants who have been in Canada for decades and wake up one day realizing that life has been the same when they first landed here. Or, worse, finding that those decades have been filled with regrets.
Two, Canada is a fast-changing country. I have known Canada for almost 20 years now. For the past 5 years alone, I have witnessed how rapid are the changes. Some of these are cause for brighter hope, others are harbingers of some alarming things to come.
Those who immigrate to Canada 20 or 30 years ago can see the evolution of the country. For those who came recently, say in the past 5 years, have found a much different Canada since they do not yet have that “look-back” experience.
Three, do not trust the words of those who are selling Canada more than what it is truly worth. These include people in government. Especially its politicians. And, yes, those on social media who may profit from the hysteria among future immigrants.
Is Canada the better country?
So, Is Canada the better country to immigrate? It depends on your self-examination.
In the second part, I will try to explore the possible things that you may be looking for, based on the hypothetical answers to your self-examination.
And in the third part, I will share to you my own experience of Canada. And you may include it in your own thoughts as you make you final judgment whether or not Canada is the better country for you to immigrate.
Immigrating is a huge undertaking to do. It not only changes your life in the present, but its consequence will reverberate down to your future generation.
Stay tuned.
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