ZanyBrown

  

Like a shaky hand trying to thread the eye of a needle, the new immigrant to Canada often goes through a rough ride on a giant wheel in search of a job. Even afterwards, every now and then the down-ride creates butterflies in the stomach. Such is the insecurity of the job related market in Canada.

For most immigrants,  it takes a while to secure employment. But patience is the key. Then, at last, ones Resume manages to attract attention and the phone rings. This is just stage one of the bumpy  journey that will thereafter be replayed periodically for most immigrants.

However, with the first pay cheque, things change vastly. You can head for the Superstore with a newly found confidence and slowly one stops counting pennies. Suddenly you don’t feel looney but the dollar does. And it will help you buy things that you once thought were out of your reach.

But things are even better if you work for a good employer.

To the extent possible, try seeking employment in commercial establishments owned and run by third to fifth generation Canadians and please don’t be naïve enough to enquire whether they fit the bill. If you have an option, do seek employment in a Canadian company. Chances are, you will not regret it.

Avoid working for people of your own ethnic background. They tend to carry forward the same employer-employee attitude that is reminiscent of the old world “master-slave syndrome.” Work for them, and you will wonder why you came to Canada. I offer this advise based on my observation and the experiences of people who I know.

A Canadian sizes up a prospective immigrant based on his or her references. Work hard and well, such that when you leave you have a good reference to present to your new employers. Nothing goes unnoticed in Canada-especially good work. In India, good work does not necessarily improve your position in the company because of the in-built neoptism.

Try to refrain from expressing how much you miss the old world till you have made your third visit to the old country within one decade of coming to Canada. By that time you would have adopted new ways that might preclude living in conditions that are symbolic of dirt, noise, sweat, grime and corruption of the old world.

Keep your voice low, even when talking to people of your own ethnic background. It is a habit that will come of good stead when speaking in public. The two words you don’t want to be described as-“rude” or “gross.”

If you choose to Anglicize your name avoid pet names like “ Dick”- even if your name is Dixit or Hardik. You can instead change it to “Bala” to rhyme with “ballerina” or “Dave”that fits like an acronym for Davinder.

Don’t offer Indian sweets like kaju barfi or mysore paak to Caucasian people lest you want them to dread your company since those delicacies are far too sweet for Western taste buds. Instead offer them “samosas” or invite them over for butter chicken and pulao. That ought to add a new chapter in the book “How to win friends and influence people.”

Grow vegetables in your backyard garden in summer and be kind to the environment. And while on the subject of the environment, do remember that burping too results in polluting the environment since it is the release of methane gas.

It would be a good idea to get rid of the old incandescent bulbs at home, and replace them with contemporary “ power efficient” lighting. And do buy a hybrid car if you can afford it, at least fill gas in your car with an ethanol mix to help sustain a greener environment.

Always be quick to say “ Thank you” or “Sorry” depending on which is appropriate. In due course of time you will graduate to expressions like “ I really appreciate that.”  In case you accidentally bump into somebody in the Asian Aisle in Superstore just say “ Sorry about that” and don’t say “ Heartfelt apologies.”

Don’t bother about the burlesque characters portrayed by Russell Peters and Sugar Sammy even though some of it is true and most of it is exaggerated. Let us face it squarely: The Indian accent is funny and it is time we finally laughed at ourselves. Remember, that the flip side is that we are world leaders in information technology and bleeding the West with getting work “outsourced.”

And lastly, this may sound prophetic but the most likely people to help you in your initial stay in Canada are ethnic Punjabis, Anglo-Indians and Caucasian people though the latter tend to be a bit formal when they help out.