Test of character............
 

I received an unwelcome christmas present yesterday, I got made redundant. The seafood business is a challenging one these days and my former employers are going through hard times.

So I get to face the challenge most new immigrants face in Canada, albeit a year after I landed. I was fortunate to secure a good job, equivalent or above my UK job before I arrived. And I've had a year of well paid employment which has helped settling in considerably.

But now its beat the bushes for a new position. Complication being that we really want to stay in Newfoundland as my wife has family here and we've really settled in. But, that might be a challenge as good jobs in my field (supply chain / purchasing / logistics) are not exactly 10 a penny here.

So its NL first, Nova Scotia second and beyond that who knows. It'll be an interesting conundrum because our Canada experience is all about coming home to Newfoundland. Like many others here I have become convinced that having a good job is a fundamental requirement to make it all work. A quick webtrawl shows potential positions for me in Ontario & Alberta and yes lots back home. That would be a tough decision for us. We like the space and freedom of Atlantic Canada and dislike cities. I don't know whats going to happen.

I'm trying to keep positive and focussed. After a day getting used to the idea, tomorrow is CV/Resume update time and then its schmooze all the contacts I know and get out on the street job hunting. Its difficult though - first time being made redundant in a 15 year career. Not nice, but being made redundant is not something that only happens in Canada or even only to immigrants to Canada!

So if anyone out there wants or knows of anyone who wants a well experienced supply chain/purchasing/logistics director/manager or has tommorrow nights Super 7 lotto numbers please feel free to get in touch!!

AX

Re: Test of character............
 

A real test, you're right.

I really hope a great job comes along soon.

Let us know how you get on.

Re: Test of character............
 

Sorry to hear your bad news! Hope something comes along very soon for you!

Good luck and keep us up-to-date on your progress in finding a new job!

Good luck karma sent to you!

Re: Test of character............
 

Sorry to hear that, good luck in the job search.

An aquaintance of mine in Ontario upped sticks to go back to the Rock, he was a (veg) buyer for one of the supermarket chains here, and headed back in search of a similar job there. He had a couple of possible openings through finding where the new stores were opening and talking to the managment.

We've lost touch since he headed back, so that doesnt really help, but he was pretty upbeat about the market there this time last year.

Good luck, hope its a brief layoff.

Re: Test of character............
 

Thanks for sharing with us, Atlantic Xpat.

I'm impressed with the logical way you're approaching the situation.

Sorry, I can't do the Super 7 Lotto thing, but the least I can do is send you a boost of karma. :)

All the best as you take the next steps.

Re: Test of character............
 

Was in the same situation ... thought about moving back east, toughed it out in Alberta instead ... still here with a way better job, so no regrets :cool:

Don't panic or get negative, explore every possibility, it'll work out in the end.

Re: Test of character............
 

Sorry to hear the news......wishing you every slice of luck and spin of the dice.

Rich.

Re: Test of character............
 

Sorry to hear your news. Sounds as if you're taking it very calmly and sensibly - hopefully it will mean you can stay in Newfoundland.

Deborah

Re: Test of character............
 

5, 15, 23, 26, 31, 46 and 48 ... :confused: but if you win, I want a cut. :D

What a bummer though! :(

I like your attitude; I think you'll pass the test. :)

Re: Test of character............
 

Hi

I also joined the redundancy club last week, so I know how you feel. Still, at least it happened to me over here and not in my first year in Canada.

Good luck and I hope you find a new job soon.

At least you do not have to avoid telling potential employers of your intention to up sticks and leave the UK within a few months/weeks of starting a new job.

Re: Test of character............
 

A mate of my brother mentioned to his boss that he was considering migrating to Canada and was promptly sacked.

Re: Test of character............
 

Wow! Thanks for all the comments and karma .... I've gone from 315 reputation points to 1027 overnight it seems! I'm still in shock and pretty sick about it but live does move on. In 2 years we've emigrated, I've started and now lost a new job, we've got married (in itself a challenge involving the judge cancelling a week before, terrible wedding photo's and Mrs AX's maid of honour abandoning her a mont h prior to the wedding.), we bought a house here, went through the stress of taking a year to sell in UK, my father was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer, Mrs AX has completed a second degree & still cant get a full time teaching job and we had to have the dog put down.

All in all we were looking forward to a slighty smoother 2006. Here's still hoping!

AX

Re: Test of character............
 

Hi, you have gone through the "wars" mate!

Here in NB they have a system where by, if you put in enough full time hours in a past year, you can get some "social benefits" to assist.
They must have similar on NF?

Re: Test of character............
 

Its a good question which maybe someone can shed light on.....

I'm a family class immigrant. So Mrs AX has signed an undertaking that she will financially provide for me for three years. So my thinking/understanding is that I would not be able claim EI (Employment Insurance) for another 2 years.
But, I have paid a years worth of contributions. So it would be a bit of a bugger to think I get no benefit from that.

Anyone with any thoughts or experience of this?

AX

Re: Test of character............
 

I think...but dont quote me...that if you do claim, anything you manage to get in the short term will get clawed back at income tax return time from her assesment. Might help if there is a short term cash flow problem? If its true, which it might not be.

I'm basing that in my EI experience where I got EI, but then ended up paying it all back with my tax return as having landed a job my annual income exceeded the number they based the payment calculation on.

Nothing unusual about paying into the system and not being able to get anything back...just ask anyone on a work permit :( But, if you dont ask...