When most newcomers arrive in Canada, they carry dreams that stretch far beyond the airport terminal. They imagine professional growth, financial security and maybe even finally doing the work they’ve always wanted to do. But very quickly, many find themselves in jobs that are nowhere near their field of work or passion.
You might have been an engineer, teacher, entrepreneur or artist back home. And yet, your first Canadian job might be at a fast-food restaurant, cleaning offices overnight, driving as an Uber, stocking shelves at Walmart or working as a cashier. If that’s your current reality, you are not alone, and most importantly, you are not failing.
In fact, you’re doing something powerful: surviving. Sometimes, that’s the first step in order to thrive.
The reality of the “survival job”
A survival job is just what it sounds like – a job that helps you cover your basic needs while you settle in. These jobs may not require Canadian credentials or fluency in English. But what they do usually offer are flexible hours and quick hiring processes, which can be a lifeline when rent, groceries and travel costs start piling up. These roles are not glamorous. They can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining, but they are also incredibly valuable.
Working a survival job doesn’t make you any less intelligent, talented or capable than when you were back home. It simply means you’re doing what you need to do for yourself and often for your family.
The hidden strength behind these jobs
What people don’t always see is the resilience behind that first job. Every early morning shift and long night on your feet is a sign of your commitment to rebuilding your life. That takes courage.
It also builds important soft skills like time management, problem solving and communication in a new cultural setting. Many newcomers report that these first jobs, while far from ideal, taught them how to navigate Canadian work culture, understand labor laws, build their language skills and make their first connections.
You’re more than your job
One of the hardest parts of taking a job beneath your qualifications is the potential hit to your sense of identity. After all, you’ve worked hard, studied, built a career and developed a sense of purpose. Working a job that doesn’t reflect your capabilities can feel like starting from scratch, or worse, losing a part of yourself.
But here’s the truth: your worth doesn’t disappear just because your title does. You are still the experienced professional you were before. That expertise is still inside you, even if it’s not on your name tag. It’s okay to grieve the loss of status or direction. It’s a real loss, but don’t confuse a temporary detour with a dead end.
What to remember when you feel stuck:
- You are not alone. So many newcomers have walked this path before, and many are walking it beside you.
- This is temporary. A survival job is a season, not a sentence.
- You are more than your paycheck. Your dreams, skills and goals still matter.
- Ask for help. Community centers, settlement agencies and employment programs (such as Employment Ontario) offer free resources, workshops and mentorships.
Canada often markets itself as the land of opportunity, and it can be. But the truth is, those opportunities don’t always appear right away, and they rarely come without struggle.
If your first job isn’t your dream job, know this: you are still doing something extraordinary. You’re adapting, you’re learning and you’re laying the foundation for something better. Don’t let shame or disappointment define your journey. Take pride in your persistence. Trust your process and know that in time, your dream job might just find its way to you.