Pakistan: Six Digit Salary & Canadian Immigration

Dear Workplace Sanity, I am 35 years old. I work at a multinational bank and earn a six digit salary. My spouse also works for a multinational. I am qualified from a best-in-class institute and have a reasonable level of educational and professional networking. My siblings live outside Pakistan and I live here with my mother.

Due to the problematic law and order situation, the repercussions of which  have faced firsthand (I have been mugged a few times, my home was burgeld, I encountered several car accidents and road rage fights,  and had trouble with the police because I refused to bribe them), I applied for immigration to Canada, so that i would have and option in hand if things got any worse.

I have now Canadian immigration. I know there are no real career prospect for me at my current level in Canada. I will be starting from zero. I have been doing a pros and ons analysis, but can not seem to make up my mind. One thing is for sure though; i recently visited a neurologist/psychologist and was diagnosed with anxiety and mild to moderate depression. The daily stress of life here has impacted me negatively. I would appreciate your views and advice on my situation. Go-or-not-to-go

Dear Go-or-not-to-go, Relocating is a big step that comes with its own from of ‘stress’ and ‘anxiety’. Just thinking about the challenge of relocating is often enough to keep people planted in their conform zone, unwilling to take on the risk and discomfort of relocation.

Take the risk. Like they say: No pain, no gain. However, take a logical, well thought out risk, and for that I have two pieces of advice for you. First, have a clear discussion with your employer and let them know you are considering relocating for security reasons. Discuss two options: one, explore if you can be transferred abroad to their Canadian setup; second, if they are not present in Canada, see if you can secure a sabbatical with your employer for three to six months, even if it is without pay. That way if thing do not work out, you will have something to come back to.

Second, start job-hunting BEFORE you go. Connect with recruiters on Linkedin and job portals. Connect with employment agencies in Canada as well. If not a job, at least line up some interviews for yourself for when you get there. All the success! Workplace Sanity

    1. Rukhsar Ali

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