The Bangalores find work and a home in Canada
Credit to Author: Margaret Jetelina| Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2019 06:18:07 +0000
Despite facing a few ups and downs, Keshav Bangalore and his wife, Preethi, have successfully settled in Canada, and now offer some tips for others
In spring 2001, Keshav and Preethi Bangalore took their first steps into Canada with both hope and uncertainty. Like for other immigrants, the future was uncertain for the successful couple from India. They had not only left their high-paying jobs behind, but also their families and friends and a whole lifetime.
“When we decided to immigrate to Canada, we gave ourselves a sort of timeline to make things happen, failing which we would return to our lives in India. It was a tough decision,” Keshav recollects. “But we had made a choice and we needed to find out what lay in store. And being negative was not going to help at all!”
Keshav’s optimism and steadfastness led to quick results. Within just three weeks of landing, the young professional managed to secure a job in his area of expertise — marketing.
“Ensuring your resumé reaches out to the right people greatly plays a role in landing a good job,” the young marketing manager advises. “I went to a lot of recruitment agencies and it was through one of them that I got my first break in Canada.”
Overcoming setbacks and disappointments
Finding their own place to stay posed a greater challenge. With practically no rental or credit history, landlords and property managers were reluctant to provide long-term lease agreements, and the Bangalores had to settle for whatever was available.
The initial excitement of getting his foot in the professional world also proved to be a short-lived one. “I was in my downtown office when 9/11 happened. I lost my job; I was let go,” Keshav recalls grimly. “I have never been let go before. Leaving a job had always been my decision to make.”
With the subsequent decline in the stock and job market, Keshav found himself looking for a job all over again. “Those were difficult days faced with uncertainty.” But his persistent efforts paid off and Keshav was back into the corporate world the following spring.
“Always personalize your resumé and cover letter and make them relevant to the job you are applying to,” he advises. “Do your research, find out who the hiring manager is and personalize your cover letter accordingly.”
Meanwhile, is wife, Preethi, who had taken a step back from working to look after their young children, had also kept herself busy. She completed the Canadian securities course and did her certification in project management and later took a job as a technical analyst. “If one spouse has a steady job, the other can be a bit adventurous. Taking up a role in a totally different industry can sometimes be a blessing in disguise,” Keshav laughs. “You may end up with a job that you actually like more than what you were doing all those years!”
Never stop trying for happy endings
A couple of years later, the Bangalores were comfortably settled. They had jobs they liked and were living in their own townhouse in Toronto. But they have not forgotten their initial years in Canada. “The first few years were tough, no doubt,” Keshav reflects. “With our parents and loved ones being 12 time zones away, homesickness is inevitable. But once you start making your own friends here, that makes a big difference.”
From renting a condo to owning a townhouse and finally owning their own detached home, the Bangalores have come a long way since they landed in a new country. “Financial planning is important, Keshav says, as he looks outside his office, shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight. “Prioritize your expenses. You always need to be prepared for a rainy day. Above all, never lose your calm and composure when faced with challenges, else you may find yourself making wrong decisions.”
Keshav was lucky enough to get a job that matched his expertise and experience. However, there are a lot of immigrants who end up taking up survival jobs just to make ends meet. “There is nothing wrong with that either,” Keshav says, “But never stop trying to get back on your career path. Be open to choices but never stop trying.”