Redefining Success and Resilience: The Professional Integration of Highly Skilled African Immigrants in Quebec

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the global workplace, prompting a reassessment of work-life balance and professional paths, particularly among highly skilled African immigrants (HSAIs) in Quebec, Canada. This study investigates the labour market integration, work-life balance, and resilience of HSAIs in Quebec, applying Ungar’s ecological perspective of resilience and Elder’s life course perspective to understand these dynamics amidst the pandemic. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilized purposive sampling to select 16 HSAIs residing in Montreal, with semi-structured interviews conducted virtually via platforms like MS Teams and Zoom due to pandemic restrictions. These interviews, lasting between 60 and 120 min, explored participants’ experiences and adaptation strategies in the labour market during the pandemic. The data was analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, identifying key themes from the participants’ narratives to capture the complexity of their labour market integration experiences. Thematic analysis revealed key insights into how HSAIs navigate professional challenges, negotiate working conditions, and redefine success on their own terms. Results indicate that maintaining a robust work-life balance is crucial for HSAIs, affecting their well-being and professional integration. Participants emphasized the importance of autonomy in enhancing resilience, with flexible work arrangements allowing them to align professional activities with personal interests and well-being. Furthermore, employment emerges not only as a professional achievement but also as a cornerstone for socio-cultural integration and identity affirmation within Quebec. The study underscores the significance of resilience strategies, including personal autonomy and proactive career management, in navigating the challenges of labour market integration during a global crisis. It highlights the need for policies that support flexible work environments and recognize the diverse career orientations of immigrants. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between individual resilience and structural challenges, offering implications for enhancing the labour market experiences of HSAIs in post-pandemic Quebec.