Money and time are the two things you rarely have at the same time

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What does your work as daily commitments involve?

Vice President, business development, Innovatec Systems, financial technologies. I am responsible for the sales and partnerships department. I make presentations and sign contracts with financial institutions in Canada and the States that need lending software.

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?

I live in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. 30 minutes from Toronto.

21 years ago, I came to Canada to do my master's degree at Ottawa University. After I graduated, I started working at the Bank of Canada and my career developed very well. I got married and moved to Toronto because that is the financial capital of Canada. We moved outside the city when my wife got pregnant. I have two daughters.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

The biggest challenge for me was to get used to the slower pace of life compared to that in London, England. I also had the right to work only at the university because I was an international student.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

The language barrier was not a problem in English because I had lived in England before. I had to learn French because in Ottawa many positions in the public sector require you to speak both official languages.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

Initially, the Bulgarian student organization and volleyball created a group of friends and acquaintances for me.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?
My information about Bulgaria may be outdated, but 20 years ago the difference was that if you worked hard abroad, you advanced in your career. This was an exception, not the rule in Bulgaria.

What values and practices in the workplace impressed you the most?

For me, the biggest difference between Canada and other Western countries is that they treat people equally, regardless of where they come from. My career developed very well because I have the desire to try new areas while using what I learned from previous ones. My career started with accounting, copyrights, databases, marketing, sales, partnerships, new market development, and more.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have challenged you?

Certainly. In England, it was a problem for them to pronounce and remember my name. So I told them – “Call me Bob.” 25 years later, my children call me Bob.

How does finding a job differ in your current country compared to your homeland?

In Bulgaria, the labor market is smaller and people often find jobs through acquaintances. In Canada and the States, there are many more options.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

Local education gives an advantage, no matter which country you want to work in. I completed my master's degree and worked at the university, so I have local Canadian education and local Canadian experience.

Have you encountered prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?

Of course. More often in England and the States, and less in Canada, where 30% of Canadians are not born in Canada.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

Local education and local experience open many doors. It is also very important to develop skills that are in demand. I broke through with statistical analyses because there was little supply and a lot of demand when I started my career abroad.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?
Yes.

What do you miss the most from your homeland in professional and personal terms?

I miss relatives and a more active social life.

Have you considered returning and under what conditions would you do it?

No, but I started to come back more often to see relatives.

What do you think about money? What is its influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

This is an interesting question. Money and time are the two things you rarely have at the same time. It is important what makes you happy. For me, professional fulfillment is important and I love to travel and play sports. I have found a way to combine them.