Richard and Thelma had built a comfortable life together. Both worked at a renowned semiconductor firm in Cavite, where Thelma held a critical position as an accounting supervisor while Richard was a Section Head in the testing facility. They were proud of what they had accomplished—four children, three boys and a girl, studying in exclusive private schools, a beautiful house and lot in a pristine subdivision, and significant savings in the bank. Life was stable, and with their combined incomes, they were living what many would consider the dream.
But the global semiconductor industry was changing, and competition, along with shifting supply chains, started to take a toll. It wasn’t long before their company felt the strain. Operations were scaled down, and soon, Richard’s department was reduced to a shell of its former self. Richard was one of the many to be laid off. The blow was softened by the fact that Thelma still had her job, but even with her income, they began to feel the weight of the loss. Richard tried desperately to find a new job, but the industry was shrinking, and opportunities were scarce. For months, he searched, each rejection chipping away at his confidence.
Then, the unthinkable happened—Thelma’s department was next. The entire company ceased operations in the Philippines, and Thelma, too, was laid off. Their savings dwindled faster than they expected, and the once-secure future now seemed bleak. Forced to sell their cherished home to stay afloat, they wondered how their once-bright future had darkened so quickly. Desperation turned into a decision they hadn’t considered before: applying for immigration to Canada. To their relief, they were accepted under the Independent Immigrant program.
But life in Canada was not the immediate salvation they hoped for. Richard and Thelma struggled, much like many new immigrants, finding only temporary jobs that provided no long-term security. The transition to this new chapter felt like another steep climb, but they kept pushing forward, determined to make it. After months of uncertainty, Richard finally secured a stable job with a telecommunications company. Not long after, Thelma landed a permanent position at a well-regarded food processing company in Richmond. Just as quickly as they had been brought down, things began to turn around.
Now, several years later, Richard and Thelma have found their footing. Their family lives comfortably in a welcoming neighborhood in Surrey. The children are thriving—the eldest three working in their own fields while the youngest is pursuing a degree in marketing. It’s been a journey full of twists and turns, but through it all, Richard and Thelma have shown resilience and determination. They’ve come to appreciate the challenges they’ve overcome, knowing that every twist and turn in their story has shaped the success they now enjoy. (Contact: jblarano@gmail.com)
by Joe Larano Jr.