Moving to a new country is never just about packing bags and boarding a plane. It’s not just about starting fresh—it’s about leaving behind a life you’ve built and stepping into the unknown.

March is a special month for me, as this is this blog’s anniversary month. So, instead of featuring another immigrant story, I want to share my own.

As an immigrant myself, I can attest that the journey was filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments of self-doubt. But through it all, I found resilience, purpose, and a voice that I never knew I had.

A Life Left Behind

Back in the Philippines, my life was structured, stable, and fulfilling in many ways. I had built a career in Human Resources, working for over 10 years in the field. I was used to the fast-paced corporate world—interviewing job applicants, handling company policies, and managing people. I had a steady job, a small business, a reliable support system, and a comfortable routine.

But life had other plans. In 2009, my family and I moved to Canada, carrying nothing but dreams and a deep hope for a better future. I knew that life would change, but nothing could have prepared me for just how much.

Starting Over from Scratch

The first few months were the hardest. In the Philippines, I had house help—I never had to worry about laundry piling up, dishes in the sink, or cooking every single meal from scratch. But in Canada, I was suddenly alone in all of it. I went from managing teams of employees to managing diaper changes, endless loads of laundry, and sleepless nights with two toddlers.

Back then, I only had one cousin here in Winnipeg, no close friends to rely on, and no corporate job waiting for me. I wasn’t just adjusting to a new country—I was adjusting to an entirely different version of myself. The independent, career-driven woman I once was felt buried under the weight of motherhood and household responsibilities.

When the time came to find work, I quickly realized that my professional experience I brought with me didn’t mean much without “Canadian experience.” It was frustrating, but like many immigrants, I had to do what was necessary. So, I realized that I did not have the right to be choosy, and I soon found a job—not in HR, but as a coffee shop crew member. It was a stark contrast from the corporate office I was used to.

It was an entirely different story. I went from leading meetings to taking coffee orders. From reviewing resumes to cleaning tables. From making hiring decisions to throwing huge garbage bags filled with coffee dregs. There were times I asked myself, "Is this really what I left everything for?" It was humbling and frustrating, but it was also necessary. Looking back, I see that season of my life as a necessary part of my journey. It taught me resilience, humility, and adaptability—qualities that later helped me in ways I never imagined.

Finding an Outlet in Writing

As I navigated these struggles, I found myself longing for an outlet—something that would remind me of who I was beyond just being a wife and a mom. That’s when I turned to writing.

I started a blog, initially just as a personal space to document my experiences as an immigrant. I shared the ups and downs, the funny cultural shocks, the struggles of raising kids in a foreign country, and the longing for home. I didn’t expect anyone to read it. But to my surprise, other immigrants started reaching out, saying they could relate.

This small hobby soon became something bigger than I ever imagined. My words were resonating with people. My stories were helping others feel less alone. I realized that the challenges that I had to face had a purpose—to give hope and encouragement to those walking the same path.

Finding Purpose in Helping Other Immigrants

Despite the struggles, I never lost sight of why we moved—to create a better future. And as I slowly adjusted to life in Canada, I found myself drawn to helping other immigrants who were going through the same challenges I had.

I became active in the community, offering guidance and support to newcomers. I answered questions about settlement, job searching, and the realities of life in Canada. My passion for helping others eventually led me to an incredible opportunity—becoming the face of Welcome Pack in Manitoba.

Welcome Pack is an initiative that provides gift boxes to new immigrants, filled with products from Canadian brands. But for me, it was more than just a welcome gift. It was a symbol that newcomers are not alone, that there is a community ready to support them.

After my partnership with Welcome Pack, I became even more involved in community events, volunteering at programs focused on helping immigrants navigate their new life in Canada.

My Biggest Struggle in Canada

One of the toughest experiences I had in Canada was when my parents visited us for the second time. A few months into their visit, my mom suffered a heart attack and had to undergo an angiogram and angioplasty—twice. It was a terrifying and overwhelming time for our family, both emotionally and financially.

I had repeatedly requested a financial advisor who was then a close family friend to secure insurance coverage for my parents. However, for reasons that were never clearly explained to me, she was never insured. The unexpected happened and I had to face massive medical bills. That was one big financial blow to me—I had to spend tens of thousands of dollars on her hospitalization and medical expenses. It took me more than five years to fully settle all the bills.

That painful experience was a turning point for me. I never wanted anyone else to go through the same hardship. That was the moment I decided to pursue a career as a financial advisor. I wanted to do things differently—to educate people properly, to ensure that families are protected, and to make sure that no one would be left in financial distress simply because they didn’t have the right guidance.

A Full-Circle Moment

Over time, I found my way back to my professional roots—but in a completely new direction. In 2012, I was hired by Canada’s largest grocery chain to work in the HR Shared Services in their Winnipeg Office. I started in the benefits department, helping employees understand their coverage and entitlements. Over the years, I worked my way up to becoming the office manager. Later, I transitioned to a government office where I continued working in HR Shared Services, administering retirement benefits.

That role gave me a deeper understanding of how crucial retirement planning is in Canada. I saw firsthand how many people approached their retirement unprepared, struggling to make sense of their options. That insight, combined with my personal financial struggles, reinforced my decision to become a financial advisor.

In 2019, I became a licensed financial advisor, and in 2021, I became a mortgage broker. I didn’t just choose these careers—they chose me. I saw firsthand how hard it was for immigrants to understand the financial system in Canada. I had struggled with homeownership myself, navigating the confusing rules and processes. I wanted to help others avoid the same mistakes. I wanted to provide guidance, not just in numbers and budgets, but in understanding the emotions, patterns, and beliefs that shape how we handle money.

Lessons from My Journey

Your struggles have a purpose. Everything I went through—the career shift, the self-doubt, even the financial struggles—led me to where I am today.

Reinvention is possible at any stage of life. I had to rebuild my identity, career, and even my confidence. And I did - I was in my early 30s when we moved to Canada and I was in my 40s when I decide to build a profession in the financial industry.

Never stop learning. I wasn’t great with technology, but I had to learn how to maintain my blog myself. I wasn’t a finance expert, but I studied to become one. If you’re willing to learn, you will always find a way forward.

Help others when you can. I learned this from my Lola. The ability to help others is a gift and is an important part of life. It gives you purpose, meaning and boosts happiness while positively affecting the people around you.

Community is everything. The most important thing an immigrant can do is find a support system. Whether it’s through a local organization, a blog, or even an online group, having a community makes all the difference.

Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. There were times when even those closest to me didn’t understand my journey or did not even supported me, not even my husband, he doesn’t even know what my blog name is or he didn’t even read the articles I wrote. But I kept going. And I’m glad I did.

My story is not just about career transitions or starting over in a new country—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

If you’re a newcomer struggling to adjust, I want you to know this: it gets better. The early years are hard, but you are capable of building a life that fulfills you. You may have to start over in ways you never imagined, but every step forward—no matter how small—is still progress. And one day, you’ll look back and realize that every challenge was shaping you for something greater.