Key Takeaways:
- Zina Malas, a 24-year-old from Lebanon, moved to Canada at the age of 5 and later returned to Lebanon before moving back to Canada at 21.
- Malas struggled to find a job in Canada due to a lack of Canadian experience and difficulty understanding the Québécois French dialect.
- Despite having a good compensation package, Malas found the cost of living in Canada to be high and struggled to make new friends, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.
- Malas eventually returned to Lebanon and started her own business, Tawlé Consultancy, which helps businesses in the MENA region.
- Malas is happier living in Lebanon, where she can be closer to her culture and community, and has found success with her business.
Introduction to Zina Malas’ Story
Zina Malas, a 24-year-old from Lebanon, has a unique and fascinating story to share about her experiences living in Canada and ultimately returning to her home country. Born and raised in Lebanon, Malas first visited Canada at the age of 5 and was immediately drawn to the country’s beauty and opportunities. However, after moving back to Lebanon with her family, Malas grew up fearing for her safety due to the war and instability in the country. As a result, she jumped at the chance to move to Canada again at the age of 21, hoping to build a better life for herself.
Challenges of Finding a Job in Canada
Despite her high hopes, Malas struggled to find a job in Canada. She applied to numerous roles in marketing, social media, and business development, but was consistently rejected due to a lack of Canadian experience. Malas found it difficult to understand the Québécois French dialect, which made it hard for her to communicate with potential employers. She estimates that she applied to over 200 jobs before finally landing an interview with a Lebanese HR representative who gave her a chance. After three months of searching, Malas finally secured a job as a content manager, but the experience left her feeling frustrated and demotivated.
Cultural Differences and Cost of Living
Malas also struggled to adjust to the cultural differences between Lebanon and Canada. In Lebanon, the work culture was more relaxed, and Malas was used to a more laid-back atmosphere. In Canada, she found the work culture to be more formal and organized, which was a significant adjustment. Additionally, Malas found the cost of living in Canada to be extremely high, and despite having a good compensation package, she struggled to make ends meet. The high cost of rent, bills, and groceries left her feeling like she was living paycheck to paycheck, which added to her stress and anxiety.
Struggles with Mental Health and Isolation
Malas’ struggles in Canada were not limited to her professional life. She also found it difficult to make new friends and connect with people in her community. In Lebanon, Malas was used to a close-knit community where social connections were easy to make. In Canada, she found that people were more individualistic and less willing to engage in conversation. Malas’ feelings of isolation and loneliness eventually took a toll on her mental health, and she began to feel depressed and anxious. Despite her best efforts, Malas found it difficult to adjust to the Canadian way of life and eventually decided to return to Lebanon.
Starting a New Business in Lebanon
After returning to Lebanon, Malas decided to start her own business, Tawlé Consultancy, which helps businesses in the MENA region. Malas found that she was able to connect with people and make a meaningful impact in her community, which brought her a sense of purpose and fulfillment. She was able to use her skills and experience to help businesses in need, and found that she was able to make a real difference. Malas’ business has been a success, and she is grateful to have found a way to use her talents to make a positive impact in her community.
Conclusion and Reflections
In conclusion, Zina Malas’ story is a powerful reminder that moving to a new country is not always easy, and that cultural differences and personal struggles can be significant obstacles to overcome. Despite the challenges she faced, Malas was able to find success and happiness in her home country, and her story serves as a testament to the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing one’s passions. Malas’ experiences in Canada were not without their difficulties, but they ultimately taught her valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community and culture.