r/torontoJobs

I joined the Canadian Armed Forces after taking a gap year following high school. My family was on ODSP, we couldn’t afford a car, I didn’t have a driver’s licence, and I was stuck packing skids at a factory. My parents were immigrants with no formal education, and nobody in my family had gone to university.

Joining the military was a culture shock, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made. I gained valuable life skills, had opportunities to do things I never would have otherwise, saved a substantial amount of money, and built a pension. Eventually, I left, earned a university degree without taking on debt, transitioned into civilian employment, and am now a homeowner.

I still remember working at that factory, sweating in the heat with machinery blaring in the background and no hearing protection. Meanwhile, some of my friends from more financially comfortable families were off at college or university. I remember feeling miserable and wondering how I was going to get ahead in life.

That’s why I feel for young people who have an education but are struggling to find meaningful work, stuck in part-time jobs, and barely making ends meet. It can feel like you’re working hard without actually getting anywhere.

One option worth exploring is the Canadian Armed Forces. Check out the careers section on the official CAF website and browse Reddit for firsthand experiences. Look for occupations that genuinely interest you, especially those that offer skills and qualifications transferable to civilian careers.

You don’t necessarily have to make it a lifelong career. The military can provide a steady income, training, valuable experience, and pension benefits while helping you build a foundation for your future. If you’re a student or want something part-time, look into the Reserves as well. Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, there may also be education reimbursement benefits.

I’m not saying the military is for everyone, and it certainly has its downsides. But coming from a family with very limited financial resources, it gave me opportunities I might not otherwise have had.

If you’re struggling to find your footing, I’d encourage you to at least look into it. You might find an opportunity you hadn’t considered.

I have been looking for a job for over 6 months, haven’t really found anything. If you know any leads or are willing to assist I would appreciate it! Thanks

I am into IT Service Management, and I was laid off 2 months ago. I have done most of the things that are out there, reaching out to people on LinkedIn and tailoring my resume for each job, applying directly on company portals, getting referral links from people I know, etc. Nothing seems to work. What's strange is that, after 12 years in this space, I am doubting whether I am cut out for it; why haven't I received a single call yet?

I came here to ask about other job boards you guys might be using. Sorry about the rant above though!

Trying to escape the grind that is 5 days a week in the office with endless budget cuts and delayed contract negotiations

Hi, I’m a recent high school graduate and I don’t have any work experience, just volunteer.
I’ve been applying to entry level positions mainly in customer service & food service since I like speaking to people but I haven’t gotten any process currently.

Is there any advice some one who works in food service could give me? I’m looking to work full time so my availability is completely open too.

Thank you

Hello,

Looking for opportunities in the Communication Industry for below roles:

- Public Relations Manager
- Account Supervisor
- PR Relations Executive
- Communication Advisor

I have over 5 years of international experience and am try to land a job in the industry. If anyone can help with an opportunity in their organization or through an acquaintance or referral, please PM. Any help would be deeply appreciated 🥹

Thanks in advance!

Hey guys,
I just wanted to say keep searching and don’t give up!
I was searching for a minimum wage job for months and started falling into depression due to not finding anything but today i had two interviews and got hired for both jobs and now i have to choose one! I am so grateful i kept searching.
My advice is to go and apply in person and speak to a manager.

As the title says, I get the fortunate badge of being let go/laid off within 3-5 years. Great.

Here's a brief background of what has happened to me so far. I moved to Toronto in June 2019 from Niagara Falls after landing a job with a mortgage lender within the Financial District, just before I graduated from university. In 2021, I moved to another department. Then I was let go in November 2024 after being there for 5 years. (They were going through restructuring, but I also felt that I was being asked too much and I was giving too little. They were making everything a priority.) I was unemployed until March 2025, where I got a contract job. Things started to get hard so I started looking for a full-time permanent job, which got me into another mortgage lender at the end of December 2025. Then yesterday, I got the dreaded call that I was being laid off due to "decrease in leads". They said that I did nothing wrong and it wasn't performance-based.

I'm just feeling a bit shattered. I had goals to pay off my old debt, save up for a new apartment, and build up something in the background as passive income. I'm not really looking for sympathy. I'm more curious if other people in Toronto are experiencing something similar. It feels like I finally got myself back into a permanent position, started making plans for my future, and then had the rug pulled out from under me less than a year later.

For those who have been through something similar, how have you been navigating the current job market?

Today I was rejected from a job that I genuinely needed. It's the third time in four months that I've made it to the last stage before offer only to lose out to another candidate. I am tired and depressed and barely functioning. I know I have to keep going but I don't know how much longer I can feign enthusiasm. I literally don't care what I do anymore as long as it is legal, moral, and offers a steady pay cheque. How are people surviving this job market!? I just want to curl up and die.

I am genuinely looking to change industries- currently have 15yrs of progressive experience in consumer goods industry, name it toothpaste,bodywash big companies worked in their business sales, and strategy functions however I really had enough of this same retailer problems, dealing with WM/ Loblaws and etc, same profit issues , same cost cutting issues- i am extremely hardworker who has great financial acumen and business knowledge and I want some stable provincial government job where I can raise my kid without having a mental toll on profits and etc with
Private sector and still contribute vastly. Anyone who worked in private sector (consumer goods) got a job in provincial government without connections? If so how?

I have taken three years off from work due to mental health issues and am currently on ODSP. However, I’d love to work again so I’m going to college in order to pursue a career change. How do I explain the gap to future employers? I’m not trying to enter the corporate world again or climbing a career ladder. I’m just trying to find a medical administration job and somewhere that I can be employed long term.

Work Experience

2013-2021: Worked primilary as a restaurant server and host, but also off-premise or expo at times

2021-July 2026: Retail Telecom Sales - Selling phones, plans, accessories, internet/TV packages, credit cards, etc for a large carrier.. (made around $47k-48k)

August 2026-present: Bank Teller at a big 5 bank branch. ($21 per hour)

Education

2 year college diploma in computer programming (finished in 2024): Learned the fundamentals of topics related to or including hardware, operations systems (windows, linux), web development/software development/coding, database development (SQL focused), systems analysis, and more.

I am probably going to start serving on the side for the tip money and ride out the teller job for at least another 3-6 months..

I'm looking for recommendations on the best positions I should be looking for that pay well, have good working conditions, is in demand, which makes sense to aim for whether it builds right on top of my current skillset or is a change that is attainable from where I am even if it's a left turn..

I'm open to any advice