There is an ad about taxi driving school on desi radiostation that goes like this

Wife: Seema ke shauhar ne taxi chala ke apna ghar bana liya. Aur aap to harroj naukari se nikal diye jaate ho. Aap bhi taxi chalana kyon nahin sikh lete.

Husband: Main thahera ek qualified engineer. Main kaise taxi chalaunga.

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I always feel very offended when I listen to this ad. While I am very well aware of the fact, that there are thousands of qualified immigrant engineer that do not get job in their field and are forced to do odd jobs, still, there are people like me, who were able to find job in engineering field, and are successful.

How many people immigrated to Canada, just for the sake of money? If earning money was only goal, you can do it in India or Pakistan too, if you have the required skills.

Or did you immigrate to Canada just for a better lifestyle and kids future? If yes, do you think, it hardly matters how you earn your living? While it would have been necessary to do odd jobs just for survival, do you think you are satisfied with what you have been doing? Are you happy with the adjustments you had to make?

Time to time, I had been advised to move to USA or to Alberta, to become an IT professional or even a nurse, to do 18 hour shifts or work on weekends just to earn more money, to deliver pizza or work in stores - and forget about what I wanted with my life.

I believe ultimately it boils down to what is important in your life - Is earning more money the only goal in your life or whether it is something else? One can get satisfaction just by earning more money - no matter what is the source of your income. And for some people, earning US dollars may be more lucrative than Canadian dollars, although it won't make any difference if you are never going back to India.

For me, career satisfaction has always been an important parameter of what I do. I do not think, I would be really happy working as a gas station attendant, a cab driver, real estate agent, financial broker or any other such job. It really matters that at the end of the day, you are happy with what you have been doing at your job.

While money is important for survival and comforts, there is something more than satisfying your basic needs.

What are your thoughts???!!!

Meghal

"Money can't buy you happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." -- Spike Milligan

Money can't buy you happiness, but it'll let you park you yatch next to it."
- Dave Gilmour, Pink Floyd

Although money can't buy happiness, it will get you the kind of misery with which you can live comfortably.

“Money can't buy happiness, but it can make you awfully comfortable while you're being miserable.”

Meghal:

I think you have answered your own question!
Its very personal. Hundreds of thousands of Immigrants that come to Canada each year will have different reasons for moving. Those thousands that leave Canada each year have different reasons.

If you are a young professional with a lifetime of career growth that you want .. and savings and/or no dependants you can take your life path differently. If you are a middle aged person with children to raise and put through college in the coming years you will have different priorities.

I work with immigrant professionals etc. My own thoughts are that even a engineer who is working as a gas bar attendant is still an Engineer at the end of the day. Who you are..is who you are..and no 'job title' will take that away from you. If I lose my job today and have no choice but to take that survival job, I will still be a professional. Know what I mean?

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~ Morning rain

Money brings security. Whether the security brings happiness/ satisfaction depends on the individual.

DIO

you are right morning _rain: we all come her to make a life for ourselves and our children : one has to do alot to survive in this world and there is no reoson to feel small if you are doing a labour job -instead give yourself a pat on the back . there is no shame in working. as ling as you dont theive and beg. I always thank god for giving me the oppertunity to work and I dont have to ask for help.

this is story of every immigrant it doesnt matter where they come from - keep your eye on the ball where you wnat to go : keep alook for the kind of job you want ultimatly and if you can keep food on the table and shelter over your head you have a chance.

Meghal, Is this some sort of a trick question? Money, of course !! If you don't believe me, watch "The Apprentice", "Survivor" and a whole range of reality shows where back-stabbing is at its finest....just for the MONEY.

Ok, I hope you got my cynicism

I agree with 'Desi in Ottawa'. Money does bring security, not necessarily happiness/peace of mind/content in life, etc.

Lately, I am finding, that at work, people who have been earning more money seem to be getting laid off more than the peons like me. This is one way to derive satisfaction

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Dimple2001

Quote:

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Orginally posted by morning_rain

Meghal:

I think you have answered your own question!
Its very personal. Hundreds of thousands of Immigrants that come to Canada each year will have different reasons for moving. Those thousands that leave Canada each year have different reasons.

If you are a young professional with a lifetime of career growth that you want .. and savings and/or no dependants you can take your life path differently. If you are a middle aged person with children to raise and put through college in the coming years you will have different priorities.

I work with immigrant professionals etc. My own thoughts are that even a engineer who is working as a gas bar attendant is still an Engineer at the end of the day. Who you are..is who you are..and no 'job title' will take that away from you. If I lose my job today and have no choice but to take that survival job, I will still be a professional. Know what I mean?

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