Back in 2021, I had my own little company—a cool online shop selling hygiene products. With an awesome team of 5 employees, I didn't have to be there every single day. It was more about overseeing their work, dabbling in some SEO stuff for the website, and creating fun content to keep things fresh.
Life was pretty good—I got married just six months before that and even managed to buy a cozy apartment in Tehran. Oh, and not to forget, my trusty car, not the fanciest, but it got the job done.
I felt like I was on a roll, exploring the corners of Iran during a memorable trip. everything was right, expect one thing, Future of Iran!
Meeting Mahya
One day, I came across Mahya's profile on Facebook and decided to send her a friend request. I secretly hoped she would respond and accept it, and to my delight, she did! After some time, I mustered up the courage to ask her out, and to my utter surprise, she agreed. I couldn't believe my luck at that moment!
On our first date, I nervously met her with a red rose in hand, and we spent a lovely time together at a cozy cafe. The connection was undeniable, and we continued to date, cherishing each moment we spent together.
As life unfolded, Mahya got accepted into the management master's program at the University of Tehran. In addition to her academic pursuits, she was also passionately pursuing a part-time job as a theatre actress and was shining bright with her performances at "Theatre Shahr". Her talent and dedication left me in awe and admiration.
And one day while strolling in a beautiful park in Tehran, we made a pact.
We decided that I would take the responsibility of pursuing a successful career in Iran and strive for a high income here, while Mahya would explore the option of immigration and consider making a decision in the future between these two paths.
I focused on my career, but unfortunately, due to the high inflation in Iran, progress in my work didn't mean much. You could have twice as many customers this year as last year, but when you check the numbers, you realize you earned less in terms of dollars compared to last year. This is why the immigration option came back into the picture.
It's tough to make a decision, but we're keeping our options open. Who knows what the future holds?
Mahya discovered an incredible study opportunity at the University of Manitoba for a master's degree in Economics. Excited about the prospects of both of us making a new beginning in Canada, she decided to pursue this opportunity. As her partner, I received an open work permit, allowing me to accompany her as a dependent. This opened up a world of possibilities for us, and I'm thrilled at the prospect of building our lives together in Canada!
BALANCING
In our journey here in Winnipeg, Canada, we're all about finding balance. We're eager to create a new future, embark on fresh careers, and perhaps down the line, start our very own business here. Our goal is to be active, contributing members of Canadian society, giving our best to this welcoming country. But hey, if things don't quite go as planned, and finding the perfect job becomes a challenge, we're open to the idea of returning to our roots. After all, the future remains a beautiful mystery waiting to unfold.
Good Things about Manitoba
Friendly People
You know what's really cool about Winnipeg? It's got the friendliest bunch of people you could ever meet! When I first thought about moving here, I had this fear of feeling like an outsider, but I was wrong! From the moment I arrived, I felt like I belonged. Everyone's so warm and welcoming; it's like being in my home country all over again! I'm telling you, Winnipeg's got that magical vibe that just makes you feel at ease and connected with the community. It's awesome!
Low Cost Of Living
Winnipeg rocks for one big reason: low cost of living! Compared to flashy cities like Toronto or Vancouver, it's way more affordable, especially for newcomers. Starting here gives you a chance to save up and get settled before taking on the big city expenses. Plus, you can actually dream of owning a home here, unlike in those crazy expensive places! I'm loving it!
speaking english
Being fluent in destination language, is like the key to success in a new country. We didn't even think of applying to European countries or French provinces in Canada, 'cause we were already familiar with English. Imagine trying to learn a whole new language from scratch just to communicate with folks? It's a major time-sucker and can kill so many opportunities.
English is the universal language that's taught in high schools all around the world. So, in the battle of Winnipeg vs. Montreal, Winnipeg 1- Montreal 0
MPNP Nomination
Oh, and let's not forget about the awesome MPNP nomination program here! Manitoba's got it going on! You can work here and apply for MPNP as a skilled professional, which means you get to become a part of the community way quicker than in other places. And once you've got your PR, you can think about buying a home or studying without breaking the bank. It's like a turbo boost for your progress compared to other provinces in Canada. Manitoba knows how to make things happen!
Finding First Job In Winnipeg
Finding my first job in Winnipeg was a bit challenging. When we applied for our work permit, we initially got it for just 8 months, expecting to extend it later. However, due to unforeseen events like the Taliban situation in Afghanistan and the Ukrainian war, immigration files got delayed.
As a result, we had to wait for our new permits, and during that time, I accepted a sales associate position at Bell in Polo Park. Unfortunately, the permit expiration date became an issue, and the job offer fell through, making it tough for me to secure employment.
Nonetheless, I persisted and eventually found a job at McDonald’s because I wanted to apply for MPNP as soon as possible, learning Canadian work culture, and enhance My English Ability too. After few months of waiting, we finally received our new permit with a three-year expiry date. It was a relief to have the permit situation sorted out after facing some hurdles along the way.
Striving to Be the Best
Whether I’m working in digital marketing for a company, managing my own business, or even serving as a crew member at McDonald’s, one thing remains constant—I always aim to give my best effort. I have a strong aversion to idling around, and I consistently go the extra mile in everything I do. By doing so, I not only help the company succeed but also contribute to my personal growth and development.
During my time at McDonald’s, I had the privilege of winning the Employee of the Month award after just four months. Although it came with a simple $25 reward, it meant the world to me. This recognition was more than just a monetary prize; it showed that the company valued and appreciated my dedication. I earned the award for my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of performance, displaying strong teamwork skills, and being a dependable team member. It was a truly rewarding experience that further motivated me to strive for excellence in everything I do.
Looking For New Opportunities
Currently, I am actively seeking new opportunities, eager to embrace the Canadian work culture. Over time, my English language skills have significantly improved, and I’ve obtained the necessary certifications to excel as a digital marketer in this market. I’m excited to see which company will have the privilege of collaborating with me. Let’s make the most of this journey together!