In 2023, I left my hometown of Hong Kong and moved to Toronto, Canada. I left my job in Public Relations, where I found success and continuous promotion within a PR agency, and returned to school to study UX Design and Digital Marketing.

In 2024, I started a job in Canada, using my second language, English. I’ve experienced, embraced, and sometimes struggled with the cultural and language differences.

Many changes. Many transformations. Many adaptations. If you are reading this article, I assume you are experiencing similar changes. In this article, I will outline the challenges and thoughts running through my mind. If they resonate with you, I hope it brings you comfort. At the very least, I hope you realize you are not alone in experiencing these challenges. I am here, my friends are here, and I believe there are many others.

1. Should I openly let people know I come from another country?

I appreciate that Canada is a multicultural country where people embrace their own cultures. Yet, sometimes, I want to hide my non-local background. I avoid disclosing the countries of my previous employers on my resume, refrain from talking about my hometown unless asked, and even change my manner of speaking. People inevitably realize I am not local, but I don’t want to openly discuss it.

Some people say, “You should embrace your characteristics, be proud of where you come from and your culture.” I know this, yet I don’t want to be seen as different.

2. Why would people give me opportunities or want to talk with me?

When I get a job, the first question that comes to mind is: Why did they give me the job? My English is obviously not as good as a native speaker’s. I differ from others in language, culture, and experiences. This also crosses my mind when people contact me and express interest in talking to me because of my background. I instantly wonder if they overlooked the fact that I am a newcomer to Canada.

I know I have skills, knowledge, dedication, and proactiveness. However, amid all these changes, I tend to undervalue these qualities in myself.

3. Did I make a good choice?

Last week, I noticed my former colleague, who used to work in the same position as me, has climbed to a much higher position within the company. I instantly compared myself to her. Where would I be if I had not made these changes? Would I have achieved the same position as my former colleague?

It’s not easy to discuss these struggles with people because they might perceive you as weak. But I want to tell myself and you: It’s okay to have these struggles, and having them means you are finding your way.

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