Five months ago I moved to Canada from Nigeria hoping to live my Canadian dream. My friend moved here about 3 years ago and constantly told me about how amazing it is to be here. So I decided to come over. It wasn’t until I got here that I realized that he was still struggling to make enough to support his wife and kids. He has been working as a Laboratory Technician even though he has a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Regardless, I decided to stay here hoping that things would come together for me quickly as I am a single man and thus have more free time to hustle.

5 months down and I’m still struggling. Anyway, I went to a career session last week and they gave some interview tips and emphasized dressing for success. I took their advice. So later that day I went to Hudson’s Bay to pick up some new clothes and shoes. I got a few ties as well. I was paying at the register when the store associate asked me what I was shopping for. I told him that I wanted new work attire. He then suggested that I get a new and trendy laptop bag called Yetu. I initially hesitated but he persisted and convinced me to buy it by saying that it would make me look more professional at interviews. So I bought it even though it cost $500. I mean I have to put in my best to get a good job right? Oh well, I got home and put my laptop in my new laptop bag and it fit right. I was glad I didn’t have to go all the way back to return it.

The following day I woke up, went for a run, had breakfast, and settled into my usual routine of applying for numerous jobs. I’ve been applying for jobs all around Canada and not just in Toronto, where I live. Excitement filled my veins, later that afternoon, when I saw an email regarding an interview in Vancouver. First I responded to the email with a yes and my availability for an interview. Then I proceeded to look up common interview questions to start preparing with.

The following week, I packed my bags and headed out. I couldn’t stop reciting my rehearsed response to the “Tell me about yourself” interview question that I saw everywhere on the internet on my bus to the airport. I kept making mistakes so I decided to stop and give my brain a rest. Just as I stopped my recitals, the bus stopped at my terminal and I got off with my laptop bag and carry-on luggage. This was the first time I traveled light by the way. It was a 3-day trip though. So I forced myself to leave all the things I know I wouldn’t use at home.

I went straight to the security section as I had checked-in at home. I noticed someone in front of me with the same laptop bag and I got excited. For once I had a trendy item. I thought about how I would tell this to my friends who always teased me about lagging. Then it was my turn to get all my items in the bins. I placed in all my items including my jacket and shoes. Getting through was pretty quick except that I was pulled aside for further screening, which I am already used as it happens quite often. But at least I didn’t feel molested this time. With only a few more minutes to the boarding time, I picked up my bags and headed to my gate. I got to the gate only about 5 minutes later and noticed that they were boarding early. Feeling nervous and anxious, I brought out my passport and opened up my apple wallet to show my boarding pass to the attendant. As I handed them over I got a whiff of the nastiest fart ever. “Omg, I hope that didn’t slip out of me”, I thought. And then I remembered that we’re all human and decided to not worry about that.

I slept all through the flight as it was quite smooth. I needed it. Once I arrived at the Vancouver airport, it only took about 45 minutes to get to my hotel.

The next day I woke up and decided to review my interview prep notes before getting ready. I pulled out my laptop bag from the closet, placed it on the bed then opened it up. I screamed so loudly after opening it as I realized it wasn’t mine. Shocked, frustrated, and confused, I screamed again and then I found myself sweating on my sofa in Toronto.

What a dream!

Oh Canada, please give an ‘MBA’ a job!