There’s a growing conversation happening across Canada—and it’s one that’s hitting home for many. More and more people are struggling to find steady employment. The gap between qualifications and opportunities have never felt wider. Qualified and educated Canadians are feeling that despite how many degrees they have, it’s just not enough.
A recent viral clip spotlighted an Uber driver who holds both a law degree and a doctorate yet still finds himself driving to make ends meet. In the video, he shares the emotional toll of working outside his field:
“It will get better, but this moment when I’m not living what I’m supposed to be doing, it’s probably one of the hardest things that anybody would ever have to go through.”
Unfortunately, stories like his aren’t isolated. According to Statistics Canada, the national unemployment rate sits at 6.9%, but Ontario’s job market appears to be in even rougher shape. A recent article from NOW Toronto outlines how residents are finding it harder than ever to land a position, even with experience and credentials on their side.
To understand what’s really happening in the job market, we spoke with Tempin CEO Sid Nouar, whose recruitment company has been helping Canadians find work for years. He says employers have raised their standards significantly:
“Employers are a lot more strict than they were two years ago.”
Despite this tightening job market, Nouar remains hopeful. He believes this challenging period won’t last forever:
“I believe that it will be another six months of this uncertainty. By the beginning of next year, I think things will be much better than whatever they are already, if not sooner. But I am really more of an optimist.”
As thousands continue to search for roles that match their skills and aspirations Canadians are left searching for jobs and hoping things will get better.
