You’re Abroad Now, What’s Taking So Long?

 The immigrant journey is often painted with a broad brush of resilience and success. Society loves stories of those who "made it"—the entrepreneur who built a business from scratch, the professional who climbed the corporate ladder in record time, the student who became a shining example of excellence. But beneath these triumphs lies an unspoken burden—the immense pressure to succeed quickly.

The Weight of Expectations

For many immigrants, success isn’t just personal—it’s communal. The moment you step onto foreign soil, you carry the dreams, sacrifices, and hopes of those left behind. Parents, siblings, extended family, and even entire communities look up to you as their proof that a better life exists beyond borders.

The expectation is clear: Don’t just survive—thrive, and do it fast. 

Note the word "FAST".

This pressure comes in different forms:

• The urgency to secure a well-paying job, even if it means working multiple shifts.

• The need to send money back home as soon as possible.

• The fear of "wasting time" pursuing passions or taking career detours.

• The unspoken rule that failure is not an option.

"You’re in Canada Now, What’s Taking So Long?"

The world assumes that moving to a developed country automatically guarantees success. What they don’t see are the hurdles—foreign qualifications not being recognized, job market bias, language struggles, and the psychological toll of starting from scratch.

You watch as time ticks away, comparing yourself to peers who are already "settled." Some immigrants find themselves stuck in survival mode for years, taking jobs far below their qualifications just to stay afloat. And even when they do succeed, there’s little time to pause—the next expectation awaits.

The Guilt of Not Making It "Fast Enough"

For immigrants, the road to success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about proving that all the sacrifices were worth it. There’s guilt in not sending enough money home. Guilt in not affording that house as quickly as expected. Guilt in choosing mental health over a high-pressure job.

Society rarely talks about the immigrant who struggles for years before finding their footing. But those stories are just as valid. Success isn’t a sprint; it’s a journey—one that unfolds in its own time.

Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

Breaking free from the pressure to "make it early" starts with embracing your own timeline. Success doesn’t have to be measured in speed; it should be measured in growth, stability, and fulfillment.

A few reminders for immigrants navigating this pressure:

Your journey is valid, no matter how long it takes.
You are not a failure for taking time to figure things out.
Mental well-being matters as much as financial success.
You don’t owe anyone an unrealistic timeline—focus on sustainable growth.

The immigrant experience is one of perseverance, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of  your health and peace. The pressure to make it early is real, but so is the importance of embracing the process. Every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.

Your story is still unfolding, and that’s perfectly okay.

Abroad go whyne you, na you no go gree. 

I will write again.

S.