Five simple steps to falling in love…with your job

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Are you feeling stuck in a position that isn’t right for you? Do you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and getting nowhere? Dreaming of a career change, but have no idea where to start? Writer Blaire Appotive is here to help you find work you love.

You’re having another one of those days where you are counting down the clock until 5 pm, and wondering how to get yourself out of this job. You may be feeling stuck and that there are no other options, but there are! It can be a lot of work to switch careers, but there is a way out. It’s worth taking the risk because your happiness should be your number one priority. Continue reading →

Pro bono work? Are you f%#%king kidding me?

Guest Author

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As if it weren’t hard enough out there for job hunters, writer Melissa Ligertwood is here today talking about the benefits (really?) of working pro bono. But before you click on something slightly less crazy, hear her out, wouldja?

A lot of freelancers will tell you never to work for free. Generally, that’s true. As creatives, we have a hard enough time justifying our existence without undercutting our own services. It’s important to value your work.

Unfortunately, it’s not always so black and white. There are situations that call for an open mind. When paired with the right people and the right outcomes, it’s reasonable to consider accepting little or no pay. Continue reading →

No qualifications? No problem. You’re hired!

Guest Author

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It’s no BS. You can find your dream job by using these six tactics – even if you’ve got ZERO experience. Corrie Alexander explains.

There suddenly came a day when you realized exactly what you wanted to do from now until retirement. Unfortunately, you are working in a totally different line of work and have absolutely no experience in your desired field. You’ve got bills to pay and it feels like you’re going to be stuck in your dead-end job forever.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. you’re not alone. A recent survey indicates that nearly half of Canadians are unhappy in their current job. Continue reading →

Sick of work? Maybe you need to detox

Guest Author

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Working a 9-to-5 job, five days a week, all year round can take a toll on anyone – even with vacation and sick days. Liking your job may help alleviate the strain of work, but not everyone can be so lucky. Writer Jennie Lovan has tips on how to keep your zen when work gets toxic.

It’s likely that if you love your job, you’re not reading this article. It’s more likely that you may love what you do, but hate the environment you are in. You’re luckier than most, and this article is maybe for you.

There are some very unlucky folks who don’t like their job, who are working in a toxic work environment, whose complaints aren’t being heard, or worse – who are unable to quit due to high risk circumstances. Continue reading →

Creative Cultures: RAMMP takes it up a notch

Crystal Henrickson

In our Creative Cultures series, writer Crystal Henrickson spends a day inside companies to learn how hiring, onboarding, and company culture play a role in employee happiness. From startups to design firms and all in-between, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s like to work in inventive and productive environments.

It’s not unusual to find someone challenging the ladder leader to an impromptu game of ping pong or for employees to be seen playing board games in the boardroom. Fun and welcoming, just like their restaurant atmosphere, RAMMP has designed their HQ with the same vibe in mind. The parent company for casual dining restaurant chain Mr Mikes Steakhouse Casual has a full plate. From orchestrating a successful campaign that challenged Jimmy Kimmel to drink a Caesar on Canada Day to developing a growing brand of steakhouses with more than 30 locations in Western Canada, and plans to build and scale across Eastern Canada. Continue reading →

Brainstorming is stupid and you should stop doing it

Emma Bullen

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Research shows that brainstorming with a group of people is not the best way to come up with ideas. So why are we still doing it and how can we come up with stronger ideas, and still look like team players? Writer Emma Bullen has some suggestions.

Da Vinci didn’t do it, Shakespeare didn’t do it, Darwin didn’t do it. And I’m going to go out on a limb here and tell you that Elon Musk probably doesn’t do it either.

I am (of course) talking about brainstorming — the art of solving a problem by holding a spontaneous group discussion with your colleagues. Controversial this one. I’m sure a lot of you are reading this thinking, “what does she know, I brainstorm with my team all the time and we come up with GREAT ideas.” Continue reading →

Escalating the issue: when is it necessary to involve HR?

Guest Author

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Whenever groups of people of different genders, ages and backgrounds are working together, the possibility of conflict exists. Whether you feel uncomfortable with a particular situation or you think you were wronged, it’s important to know how to handle the situation yourself, or when to escalate an issue to HR. Conny Manero has some tips.

Okay, here’s a good, common example: say you feel you have a heavy workload, or you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s no need to involve HR right away; talk to your manager first, bearing in mind it may take multiple meetings to get your issue resolved.

Very few managers know the work of their subordinates, whether they consist of an assistant or a team of people. They understand their job, and they know how to delegate, but from there on it’s up to the person or team to keep their manager informed of the details. Continue reading →

Four things that all managers need to remember

Peter Mosley

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With over 40 years in business, Writer Pete Mosley’s lived by a few of these wonderful old chestnuts. He pens this piece as a kick in the pants to all the bosses who get in the way of their own success.

tip #1 When someone tells you how to run your business – you will go out of business

Never let the lawyers, accountants or consultants (and any other folks for that matter) tell you how to run your business. Trust your instincts. Trust your facts and trust yourself. You are the boss, don’t let doubts creep into your mojo! Continue reading →

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tip #1 When someone tells you how to run your business – you will go out of business