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Today I attended a job fair for the first time since coming to Canada. It was similar to joint information sessions held in Japan, with various companies’ representatives in human resource departments. I was a bit excited because it had been a long time since I graduated from university in Japan. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see a crowded venue with over 150 people waiting in line. Despite Vancouver not being as populated as Tokyo, I was even more taken aback by the number of older individuals in their 40s and 50s present. This realization that everyone was struggling to find employment gave me some comfort.

Fifty percent of the exhibitors were hiring companies, while the remaining half consisted of organizations, schools, loan companies, etc. that support international students and immigrants in their job search efforts in Canada. Half of the hiring companies were in the physical labour field, such as construction, warehouse operations, and security services. Due to my lack of confidence in my physical abilities, I chose to focus on the other exhibitors. I was particularly interested in the customer care departments of drugstores, supermarkets, hotels, and rail companies. I was informed during my research that there may be a possibility of on-the-spot group interviews, but I only handed in one resume and no interview. Most companies only had a QR code on their desk, with someone explaining the position and suggesting that I apply online. This left me feeling a bit disappointed.

From the moment I entered the venue, I knew that success would require excellent communication skills and a strong elevator pitch. I spent considerable time observing others and their interactions with recruiters, which was quite enlightening. Overall, the job fair was a great experience, and I am glad I had the chance to attend it. I realized that would be suitable for people without prior experience and fully confident to communicate with a person in English. I believe that I am better suited to apply for jobs on Indeed or other online platforms and prepare for interviews. With this in mind, I plan to start working hard again tomorrow.

カナダレストランおつまみあるある5と「私はあなたのサーバーではない」と言われるはなし

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It’s been a while to talk to you. It was because I left my job again and honestly got depressed for a while. In addition, I went to see a doctor because my health condition was getting worse and had some tests such as x-ray, ultrasounds and blood tests. Today I got a result and realized there is no problem. I don’t have to return to the clinic so I’m coming back and now recovered. Somehow I came back to be usual. Someday I wiil talk about this kind of thing but today I have something special to talk to you.

I often go to restaurants by myself especially when I feel exhausted and need a tap of beer. Here is Canada, No one judges me for being alone. Since I went to so many places here, I found something interesting.

First of all I want to let you know there are some standard menus in Canada which look like Otsumami in Japan. According to my research, there are 5 standard starters that you can easily find in Canadian restaurants as follows, fries, nachos, chicken wings, tacos and edamame. Yes, Surprisingly you can find Japanese edamame anywhere, back and forth! You must be proud of that. Speaking of fries and chicken wings, Usually, there are some options in taste. I do recommend having Nachos which are usually large enough and good to share with someone. Basically, there are vegetarian options to some extent in any restaurant. Especially I love to have tacos because I never went to a restaurant where it is not delicious. I do recommend it.

The other thing, what is interesting is that the roles of the people who work there are clearly separated. In Japan, you can order to anyone who’s working there but here, if you try to order to someone, that might not be the right person. Sometimes they will decline by saying “I’m not your server and I’ll let her know.” That means it can be hard to order if you cannot be aware of your server. You need to be patient. You cannot say “excuse me” to your server, unlike Japan. Sometimes they ask us too often “would you like anything else?” “Another beer?” But sometimes it’s hard to find your server depending on how busy it is. That’s Canada.

Anyways you should try Canadian Otsumami in case you have. Do you have any recommendations for starters in your country? Please let me know.

One for all, all for oneだって聞いてるよ！

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Today’s episode is about the thing I’ve learned in Vancouver.

It is about the way of thinking of Teamwork.

Since I came here 1 year ago, I had a lot of opportunities for group work in the class. In that case, I tend to take the role of a team leader because I love thinking about the big picture of the work. I was thinking that good leadership is to find a place where everyone feels happy. I mean, everyone has their own opinions that might be very different and discuss with members many times to build a consensus. Everyone needs to help each other if someone is struggling with something. That was the Japanese ethic in teamwork. That’s why we have the word 連帯責任  Joint liability in English that each pterson has a responsibility for 1 person's fault. In other words, One for all, all for one. That’s why if someone in a team is in a difficult situation, we help them. But I realized this is Japanese style.

I found out that teamwork overseas means different. One day, I asked teammates to gather together in order to discuss because I wanna make sure if everyone agrees the idea and if there is something difficult to accomplish. but the day, no one showed up. I was disappointed as a team leader but on the presentation day, everyone made their each part and presented perfectly.  At that time, I was really glad and realized that Teamwork for them meant not helping each other but each team member has to do his or her part. One for one, turn out to be for all. What I would say is that I don’t have to help other people. just believe and rely fully on them. That was interesting experience for me.

What do you think about teamwork in your culture? I’m glad if you let me know your justice about Teamwork.

職場2週間出金になって入金なくて財布も風邪ひいてる

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It’s been for 2 weeks or more since I uploaded the latest episode. It is because I had a cold and was coughing all the time. Surprisingly, it lasted for 2 weeks which was longer than expected. It was tough because I was not allowed to come to work while I had a cough. That means I took days off for 2 weeks. That was terrible…I missed the Christmas party that I was supposed to attend, shopping on Boxing day and any opportunities to meet my friend. But luckily I still have a job and I’m glad that I would come back to work.

Anyways, it was the first time to have been sick since I came here. This time I saw a doctor only online and took over-the-counter medicine without any prescription because it was difficult to find a walk-in clinic during the holiday season.

But instead, I guess this is a good opportunity for learning about the Canadian healthcare system. So I just want to pick up some points that I got to know about it.

Firstly, In Canada, as in Japan, a universal health insurance system called medicare is adopted. The great thing about this system is that patients do not have to pay any medical costs. In Japan, generally speaking, we pay 30% of the medical expenses at the hospital counter, but in Canada, you do not have to pay anything at the hospital. Once you are done, you can go home as it is. Also, there is no monthly payment for "National Health Insurance" because everything is covered by taxes. But unfortunately I couldn’t take this benefit because now I only have travel insurance and not a member of this system.

In addition, one of the differences between the Canadian and Japanese healthcare systems is the family doctor system. A family doctor is the primary physician of the family. It has both advantages and disadvantages. As long as you have a family doctor, you might feel relieved because you can consult whatever about your health with the same doctor. But here is the thing. In Japan, you can always choose your own specialist whenever you want and go to the hospital of your choice, on the other hand, in Canada you cannot go to see a specialist without a referral from a family doctor. Sometimes you turn out to kill the time if it is difficult to get an appointment with a family doctor, and even if you can get an appointment. Even if you are referred to a specialist, the appointment may be several months or a year later. The reason for this is that the number of facilities and doctors are limited due to the government's policy of curbing medical expenses.

That means it is not an environment where anyone can receive medical care immediately as they want. Anyways, I felt I should have applied for medicare as soon as possible and gotten a family doctor in advance. It was regrettable.

What do you think about healthcare system in your country? This time I figured out that I love the Japanese medicare system because it is much easier to find a doctor whenever I want.

久しぶりに楽しみながら英語の勉強した

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As previously mentioned, I am hungry to watch comedy programs. Recently, whenever I have time, I tend to watch Japanese comedy on youtube against my determination even though I got to study English. Therefore, a few days ago, I started watching stand-up comedy as a compromise.

So today you are welcome to the world of stand-up comedy that I recently watched a video of Jimmy O. Yang who is a Hong Kong-born American actor, stand-up comedian.

You can jump into the video that I watched by the link put on the transcript. https://youtu.be/lbicNSnF7e0

This is my favorite episode that he talked. It was about his college trip 10 years ago, he went to Mexico and when he’d come back to the states, things happened. He got nervous on the border and unintentionally told a lie that he had a citizenship. Uuu I know this it going to be a problem.

What’s interesting for me was the conversation between the guard and Jimmy. Let me introduce as follows.

The guard said, “you do understand this is a very serious offense we could deport you for this”

Jimmy said, “i was like deport me? i didn't know that was an option

what was i going to do back in hong kong? Restart my ping pong career? That ship has sailed man!” I love it.

By the way “Deport” means to force someone to leave a country.

That means he didn’t have any idea to do in hong kong except becoming a ping pong player. That was interesting because he put himself on American’s shoes. From my perspective, as Japanese women, I would probably say “should I become a geiko in Kyoto or something?“ in this case.

The other thing, I got a new idiom. "That ship has sailed" means an opportunity has already passed and is no longer possible. This is going to be more useful. the older you get.

Lastly, I would like to mention the conversation Jimmy and his father had. I love that.

This was when Jimmy decided to tell his dad that he was going to be a stand-up comedian.

After he told he was going to do stand-up, his father said as follows. Pursuing your dreams is  how you become homeless. i was like no no dad it is things are different now we're in america okay in america we're supposed to do what we love!  His father was like “No

Everyone does what they hate for money and use the money to do what they love.”

I don’t have any exact reason but I really like this conversation.

This was when I found out watching stand-up comedy is suitable for my English study.

How was today’s episode? I really recommend trying Jimmy O. Yang especially if you are an asian people.

シャバに戻ったぞー！