EPISODE · Mar 5, 2026 · 58 MIN
Why Survival Jobs Are Keeping Immigrants Stuck (And How to Move Strategically)
from Our Immigration Stories - As Told By Canadian Immigrants · host Kristina McPherson
Many immigrants in Canada fall into the Survival Job Trap—working jobs that pay the bills but don’t move them closer to permanent residency.But the real problem isn’t immigration.It’s strategy.In this episode, career coach Mher Mardoyan explains the biggest mistake newcomers make in their job search—and how to escape it.You’ll learn:The survival job trap and why many immigrants get stuck thereWhy applying to jobs should often be your last strategyHow networking actually works in CanadaHow LinkedIn can help newcomers build real professional relationshipsThe CAN networking framework: Connection, Action, NurtureWhy checking the NOC code before accepting a job matters for immigrationHow to transition from survival jobs to career-aligned opportunitiesOne of the most powerful reminders from this episode:Your survival job is a bridge — not the plan.The key is staying intentional about your strategy while building relationships that can open the right doors.Resources mentioned in this episode:Passage – Student funding aligned with in-demand careers https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/passageImmigration Strategy Course https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/courseGroup Mentorship https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/contactImmigration Consultation https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultantConnect with guest Mher Mardoyan:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mhermardoyancareercoachLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mher-mardoyan-careercoach/Question for listeners:Are you currently in survival mode, comfort mode, or strategy mode in your career journey in Canada?
What this episode covers
Many immigrants in Canada fall into the Survival Job Trap—working jobs that pay the bills but don’t move them closer to permanent residency.But the real problem isn’t immigration.It’s strategy.In this episode, career coach Mher Mardoyan explains the biggest mistake newcomers make in their job search—and how to escape it.You’ll learn:The survival job trap and why many immigrants get stuck thereWhy applying to jobs should often be your last strategyHow networking actually works in CanadaHow LinkedIn can help newcomers build real professional relationshipsThe CAN networking framework: Connection, Action, NurtureWhy checking the NOC code before accepting a job matters for immigrationHow to transition from survival jobs to career-aligned opportunitiesOne of the most powerful reminders from this episode:Your survival job is a bridge — not the plan.The key is staying intentional about your strategy while building relationships that can open the right doors.Resources mentioned in this episode:Passage – Student funding aligned with in-demand careers https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/passageImmigration Strategy Course https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/courseGroup Mentorship https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/contactImmigration Consultation https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultantConnect with guest Mher Mardoyan:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mhermardoyancareercoachLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mher-mardoyan-careercoach/Question for listeners:Are you currently in survival mode, comfort mode, or strategy mode in your career journey in Canada?
NOW PLAYING
Why Survival Jobs Are Keeping Immigrants Stuck (And How to Move Strategically)
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m