![[Vancouver city view.jpg | banner]] > [!info] Substack > The post is on substack: https://yomaru.substack.com/p/my-first-month-in-vancouver-navigating In this article, I would like to share my honest feelings and thoughts about my first month in Vancouver. Despite encountering difficulties and feeling upset, the experience ultimately provided an opportunity for personal growth as I recognized my own immaturity. In this reflection, I aim to explore the challenges I faced, both external and personal, without compromising on the details that shape my narrative. ## Challenges in the Job Market One of the significant disparities I encountered was the stark contrast between job hunting in Vancouver and my expectations based on my experience in Hong Kong. Back home, sending out resumes often resulted in prompt interview requests and job offers. However, Vancouver proved different. I diligently sent out over 20 to 30 resumes during my first month, yet received no replies. Part of this can be attributed to macroscopic reasons, such as a struggling IT industry and companies downsizing their workforce. Moreover, the Canadian approach to work tends to be slower compared to the fast-paced nature of Hong Kong. I learned that companies in Vancouver prioritize meticulous candidate selection due to strict labor policies, resulting in a longer hiring process. ## Personal Factors at Play However, I also recognized my own role in contributing to the challenges. Having assumed the role of a lead developer at a startup in Hong Kong immediately after graduating from HKUST, my ego had become inflated. I expected to easily secure a similar position in Vancouver or, at the very least, a senior software engineer role. Yet, Canadian companies place greater emphasis on tangible experience rather than job titles. They would prefer hiring a "software engineer" with five years of experience over a "lead developer" with only one year of experience. Undeniably, the number of years of experience impacts interview opportunities significantly. ## The Value of Soft Skills Through this experience, I came to realize that what enabled me to secure my position as a Lead Developer was not merely my technical proficiency but also my mastery of soft skills. In Hong Kong, my communication and interpersonal abilities set me apart from my peers. I possessed clear logical thinking and could effectively express and document my ideas. Additionally, I excelled at understanding the needs of others and harnessing my knowledge of web/app development to lead a team of Junior Developers. However, transitioning to Vancouver led to a temporary erosion of my soft skills. While I could communicate in English, my proficiency fell short of my native tongue. I found myself struggling to find the right terms and vocabulary, hindering deep conversations and logical explanations. My confidence in communicating effectively waned, prompting a reflection on my language abilities and whether I could perform at the same level as I had in Hong Kong. ## Addressing the Challenges Though disheartened by my job search experience, I made a decision to take a step back and alleviate the stress. I asked myself, "What can I do to improve my current situation?" My focus shifted to honing my soft skills, particularly by improving my English language proficiency to match my Chinese abilities. Additionally, I resolved to expand my social circle by proactively approaching and befriending individuals in Vancouver. I also recognized the need to develop a more balanced lifestyle, allocating time and effort toward personal growth beyond professional skills. By establishing a solid foundation in Vancouver and embracing areas within my control, I sought to regain confidence and navigate my way to success. ## Valuable Lessons Learned Reflecting upon this experience, several important lessons emerged: 1. Feelings of nervousness and anxiety often indicate an unstable position. 2. Identifying the direct factors contributing to instability is crucial, such as housing, job opportunities, and social connections. 3. Digging deeper to uncover the underlying reasons behind these challenges is essential. This analysis can lead to actionable steps towards resolution. 4. Prioritizing and dedicating suitable time and effort to each task aids in maintaining composure and progress. ## Conclusion In conclusion, my first month in Vancouver tested my resilience and presented its fair share of hurdles. However, these challenges served as catalysts for personal development. By acknowledging the disparities between job markets, recognizing the vital role of soft skills, and embracing a comprehensive approach to growth, I am confident in overcoming the obstacles I encountered. This journey has reaffirmed my belief in adaptability, self-reflection, and the importance of addressing both external factors and personal growth when faced with unfamiliar circumstances.