ARRIVAL LOUNGE
SAND DUNES TO SNOW DRIFTS
When the Kanwal Murtaza first arrived in May 2009, Canada was facing its own economic challenges due to the global recession.
By SHIPRA CHAUDHURY
Kanwal Murtaza’s life-changing decision with her husband to move from Dubai to Canada in 2009 led her to not only redefine her career, but also discover new strengths.
She transformed what seemed like insurmountable challenges into a story of personal growth, professional success and family resilience.
Murtaza left behind the luxury of the bustling city life in Dubai for a new adventure in Canada – a decision that wasn’t made lightly. “We chose Canada over Australia mainly because of its proximity to the US and the large extended family we have there,” she explains.
However, what seemed like a straightforward move for both husband and wife, soon proved to be otherwise.
When the Murtazas first arrived in May 2009, Canada was facing its own economic challenges due to the global recession. The dream of a better life came with unexpected hurdles. “It was hard to adjust,” she recalls. “The weather was harsher than we had imagined, and isolation became an overwhelming issue.” The lack of online resources at the time made their job search even more difficult. Without the modern luxury of remote work or the social media-driven networking opportunities available today, their early years were a crash course in perseverance.
For Murtaza, a stay-at-home mom to their daughter who was six at the time of the move, the lack of a structured social life combined with the cold Canadian winters led to a creative solution: volunteering.
“Volunteering at my daughter’s school led to my first paid job at a local non-profit in Brampton,” she recalls. That small step was a turning point in Murtaza’s career. Her husband, on the other hand, faced an even steeper challenge. With years of experience in personal and private banking in Dubai, he found himself working survival jobs, struggling to land a position that matched his qualifications.
“He was frustrated. After applying for citizenship, he decided to go back to Dubai and rejoin the finance industry there,” she explains. But their long-distance marriage and the mounting costs of back-and-forth flights made it clear that this arrangement wasn’t sustainable. In 2014, he returned to Canada and began the process of furthering his education to secure a stable role.
The Murtazas’ story took a turn for the better during the pandemic years. For her, the world of remote work became a game changer. “With the pandemic, suddenly remote work was not just a luxury but a necessity,” she says. This shift allowed Murtaza to achieve the work-life balance she had always dreamed of while also focusing on raising her second child, born during the pandemic. “It gave me the flexibility I needed and helped me stay productive without compromising family time.”
Her career also took a turn when she transitioned into operations at a Toronto-based fintech company. “I realized that process improvement was my calling,” she says. After obtaining her Six Sigma Green Belt certification, she found herself thriving in a specialized role that drew on her skills and passion for efficiency. “Looking back, those early struggles, while tough, were the foundation for the career I have today.”
By then her husband had already returned to Canada and also saw his career trajectory change for the better. He pursued a financial services program, ultimately landing a senior banking position at BMO. The couple continued building their careers, and the resilience they had cultivated in their early years in Canada now served as a powerful asset in their professional lives.
Despite the early hardships, Murtaza has come to love her life in Canada. “The diversity here is incredible. Everyone is welcomed, respected, and treated as a valuable member of society,” she says. She also enjoys the beauty of Canada’s natural landscape and the chance to experience all four seasons, even if that includes enduring harsh winters. One of the biggest advantages of living in Canada, according to her, is the freedom to be yourself. “Canada truly values diversity. You can pursue your passions without any fear of judgment,” she adds.
“The diversity here is incredible. Everyone is welcomed, respected, and treated as a valuable member of society.”
For those just starting their immigration journey, Murtaza has a few tips. “Network, network, network. Whether it’s through volunteering or community involvement, it’s essential for landing your first job.”
She also emphasizes the importance of staying busy and mentally active, especially during the long winters. “Depression is real, and it can creep up if you’re isolated. So, find ways to stay engaged. Give yourself time to adjust. Starting over is tough, but it’s worth it. Don’t rush the process. It’s okay to take your time to find your footing.”
What started as a daunting challenge has become a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and finding opportunities in unexpected places. Murtaza is thriving in her career and enjoying the life she has built in a country that, despite its tough winters, has given her a warm embrace!
• If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.