What’s New

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This episode of The After Work Hangout explores the darker side of work, while offering practical, hopeful guidance from a clinical and career counsellor.

Farah Kotadia has had various career setbacks, and each time, she’s developed a stronger sense of who she is. With a background in HR and the immigrant integration sector, she now brings her full self to Wellness Works Counselling, where she supports others with a mix of passion, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice. Join us as we discuss strategies to navigate toxic workplaces, layoff grief, rejection fears, and imposter syndrome.

In this episode:
How Farah’s experience in HR and supporting immigrants informs her equity-focused counselling practice (1:52)
Why mental health matters in career conversations (6:32)
When it comes to your purpose, which part of the puzzle do you want to work on? (11:31)
Recently laid off? Tips from a certified grief counsellor (14:51)
Remember to be kind to yourself (19:29)
Find your way out of a toxic workplace by connecting with your core values (22:17)
Overcome fear by separating your identity from your job title (26:38)
More exciting things to ask than “What do you do?” (31:20)
Dare to pursue your passions and be who you are (33:05)
Celebrate your effort instead of focusing on the outcome (37:36)
Everybody is replaceable, so take care of yourself (40:30)
Advice for managing imposter syndrome (43:48)
Resources for making friends and building an identity outside of work:
Meetup
Bumble For Friends
Facebook Groups – search for groups in your area and groups related to your interests
Community Events – attend local gatherings, book clubs, and walking groups
Pursue a hobby – join a class or share skills with others

Whether you’re a recent graduate, considering a career shift, or simply looking for new opportunities, Immigrant Women Initiative is a collective based in B.C for professional, skilled, racialized immigrant women.
Together we are building a community to support career goals, tackle barriers in our workplace growth and elevate our journeys in this fast-changing environment.

Register now and take the first step towards a new phase! Connect with like-minded professional women who are also looking to make a change, and network with people from various fields who can provide guidance and opportunities.

We are on a mission to create an inclusive, collaborative space with the purpose to inspire, equip and support every immigrant woman to carve and own her narrative with confidence and conviction.

Co-founders, Prachi Jatania and Tina Balachandran are both storytellers and creative sector leaders who have experienced first-hand the barriers to thriving and growing in the Canadian professional landscape. This is what inspired us to build an inclusive community that can proactively unlock opportunities.

Register to join our Community – www.weareiwi.ca

“I’m scared of being vulnerable.”

This was something a client said to me recently.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because it will make me look weak.”

Society often equates vulnerability with weakness. Keeping our emotions and challenges private can be a protective mechanism to keep us safe, free of judgement and rejection.

The employment journey can be full of challenges – from the uncertainty of job searching to the pressures of starting a new business. These ups and downs often bring stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. But with the right tools, it’s possible to navigate these moments with greater confidence and resilience! Join us for an interactive workshop designed to provide practical strategies to ease stress, calm anxiety, and build resilience along your employment journey

Job loss can be tough, but it also brings new possibilities. Use this time to reassess your skills and explore fresh career paths. Lean on supportive friends and family during this transition. Remember, every ending is a new beginning, and with the right mindset, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth.