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  • Profiling a Career as a Mental Health Counsellor (French version available)

    Profiling a Career as a Mental Health Counsellor (French version available)

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    It is essential for high school students to understand the various career opportunities available. Only with this understanding can they make responsible decisions about their educational and professional futures. With that in mind, students can use this resource to explore a career in mental health counselling and understand this option a little better.

    Roles and Responsibilities

    Mental health counsellors work with individuals and groups to enhance their psychological and emotional wellness. That could involve substance use treatment, family therapy, safety planning, and many other forms of support. These counsellors provide safe, empathetic spaces for clients to talk about their problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, suicidality, etc.).

    Their responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

    • Conducting intake interviews (i.e., collecting information about an individual and their medical history, family background, mental health, substance use, etc.)
    • Providing counselling services through talk therapy, support groups, treatment plans, and other therapeutic exercises
    • Referring clients to community supports, emergency services, or psychiatric facilities
    • Submitting assessments to schools, workplaces, child services, parole officers, etc.

    What are the Benefits of a Career in Mental Health Counselling?

    Mental health counselling can be a fulfilling career for those who want to help others and make a positive difference in their communities. Although it can be exhausting work, it can also be gratifying to see people feel better because of your support.

    Another benefit of this career is that you can work for yourself. As a mental health counsellor, you can start a private practice – meaning that you would be your own boss. This gives you complete control over your scheduling and salary. It also allows you to focus on a specific field of practice, such as child psychology, trauma counselling, or suicide prevention.

    What are the Drawbacks of a Career in Mental Health Counselling?

    Providing mental health support can be stressful. As a mental health counsellor, you may work with clients dealing with abuse, poverty, housing insecurity, and substance use. You must be prepared to set aside your own emotions and focus on the client.

    How Much Can I Make as a Mental Health Counsellor?

    In Canada, mental health counsellors earn approximately $59,000 per year on average. At the beginning of your career, you may receive around $46,000. As you accumulate experience in the field, you can expect to earn up to $76,000 annually.

    In British Columbia, mental health counsellors can earn up to 14.5 percent more than the national average.

    Education and Experience

    If you’re interested in this career path, consider pursuing a degree in psychology. You will need at least an undergraduate degree to work as a mental health counsellor.

    The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association is the regulatory body for mental health counsellors. To register, you must hold a master’s degree in counselling or a related field. Additional certification criteria can be found here.

    Advancement and Other Career Opportunities

    As a mental health counsellor, you may advance to the position of psychotherapist, clinical manager, or clinical director. If you decide to pursue a different career path, there are many options available to you. A degree in psychology could be applied to any of the following careers:

    • Teacher or guidance counsellor
    • Researcher for governmental agency or NGO (non-governmental organization)
    • Advertising or Human Resources representative
    • Social worker
    • Correctional services or parole officer

    Employment Challenges

    For mental health counsellors, burnout can be a significant barrier to staying in the field. Burnout is characterized by a sense of exhaustion, hopelessness, and dissatisfaction. When you’re constantly confronted with people’s problems, it can be challenging to remain positive and energized.

    In 2020, roughly a third of Canadian counsellors were struggling with their mental health. Some counsellors may decide to leave the field as a result of the emotional strain.

    Career Prospects

    Across Canada, mental health counsellors are expected to remain consistently in demand. Almost 19,000 job positions will become available by 2028, which should allow aspiring counsellors to find work with relative ease. It is worth noting that many mental health counselling jobs are part-time.

     

    References

    Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2017, May 18th). Canadian Graduate Programs. https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/membership/students/graduate-programs/canadian-graduate-programs/

    Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2017, May 18th). Certification. https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/membership/certification/

    Canadian Job Bank. (2021, October 5th). Mental Health Counsellor in Canada. Government of Canada. https://ab.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/2254/ca

    Canadian Psychological Association. (n.d.). Careers In and Related To Psychology. https://cpa.ca/students/career/careersinpsychology/

    CareerProfiles. (n.d.). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Psychologist. https://www.careerprofiles.info/advantages-disadvantages-psychology-career.html

    Glassdoor. (n.d.). Mental Health Counsellor Job Description. https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job-Descriptions/Mental-Health-Counselor.htm

    Payscale. (2021, November 12th). Average Mental Health Counselor Salary in Canada. https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Mental_Health_Counselor/Salary

    Smith, M., Segal, J., & Robinson, L. (2021). Burnout Prevention and Treatment. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm

    Statistics Canada. (2021, February 2nd). Mental health among healthcare workers in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Government of Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210202/dq210202a-eng.htm

  • Pink Shirt Day is on February 25th: What it is, and why it matters.

    Pink Shirt Day is on February 25th: What it is, and why it matters.

    By Avreet Jagdev

    If you grew up in Canada, you might have heard of Pink Shirt Day. It’s also called Anti-Bullying Day and takes place every year in February. As the name suggests, it is a day on which people wear pink shirts to take a stand against bullying.

    Bullying is a huge issue — it impacts one in five children and has detrimental effects on everyone involved, including its victims, perpetrators and even bystanders.  Children who are victims of bullying are prone to experiencing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which can often persist into their adult lives. In addition, they are likely to have decreased interest in their academics, resulting in lower performance at school.

    Those who bully others are also impacted negatively by bullying. Bullies are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs in their lifetime and may display violent behaviour such as engaging in physical fights and committing crimes. Even those who simply witness bullying can face negative impacts from it — including poor mental health and skipping out on school.

    Evidently, bullying is an issue that impacts many Canadians and needs to be solved — which is why Pink Shirt Day is so important. It is a day on which students, teachers, parents, and community members alike stand in solidarity with those who have been bullied, making this statement by wearing pink shirts to their schools and workplaces.

    Although Pink Shirt Day is now a national movement, it sparked from just a small act of kindness at a Nova Scotia high school. After a ninth-grade boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school, two of his classmates decided to take a stand. They organized a protest by giving out pink shirts to all the boys at their school. On February 22nd, many students came to school wearing pink shirts, and standing with the boy who was bullied. The bully wasn’t heard from again.

    This story tells us an important lesson: when people decide to do the right thing by standing up against bullying, a lot of positive change can occur. This has been made clear since the initial event because a small act of kindness became an anti-bullying movement that has grown across Canada and even other parts of the world. In addition, it has evolved from just an initiative at schools to something that is commemorated at workplaces and within the community.

    However, bullying is still an ongoing issue. As of today, bullying impacts the majority of children in Canada – at some point in most kids’ lives, they will either engage in bullying behaviour or be the victim of bullying. We know the consequences of bullying can be long-lasting and serious, so it is important for all of us to contribute to take action.

    There are many ways you can do this: by calling out bullying when you see it, talking openly with your friends, family, and classmates about the issue, and wearing pink on February 25th to show that you care.

  • Advice for Handling Winter as It Stretches into February and Impacts Your Mental/Physical Health

    Advice for Handling Winter as It Stretches into February and Impacts Your Mental/Physical Health

    Winter can be a very interesting season. While it brings heartwarming moments like snowball fights or Christmas decorations, winter undoubtedly has some negative facets as well. These include sometimes stressful/dangerous situations that involve commuting in extreme weather conditions and trying to stay warm when experiencing freezing temperatures. As these things occur, it’s understandable if the season has had certain effects on your well-being thus far and continues to do so.

    Here is some advice on how to handle winter as it goes into February and impacts your mental and physical health:

    How to Handle Winter’s Impact on Your Mental Health

    Designate Some Time to Go Out

    Of course, many have been spending a lot of time at home over the past three years due to COVID-19, which, in turn, has prompted people to discuss how important it is now more than ever to look after your mental health. If it’s safe, and on days when the weather is relatively mild, try designating some time to go out. Whether it’s just for a walk or you want to buy lunch, leaving the monotony of life at home every so often can help improve your mood.

    Check-in with Yourself

    Check-in with yourself once in a while and see how you’re doing, especially if you notice that you’ve been experiencing a lot of negative emotions. Even if you can’t immediately adopt direct measures to address these emotions (such as making an appointment with a counsellor/mental health professional), simply taking some time to acknowledge them, and reflect on why you’re feeling this way could make a huge difference.

    How to Handle Winter’s Impact on Your Physical Health

    Make Healthier Alternatives for Treats Often Consumed During Winter

    During this cold season, people often turn to hot and sweet foods/beverages. Hot chocolate, for instance, is a popular go-to drink. These (of course) usually contain a significant amount of sugar and are also, at times, high in fat. They’re fine when you have them in moderation but might pose a problem if too much is consumed.

    Therefore, if you find yourself craving these treats, a great way to continue enjoying some is by looking up recipes for healthier alternatives that can also satisfy your taste buds. Also, preparing sweets could be a fun activity, which is another positive aspect.

    Try Exercising More (If You Aren’t Trying Already)

    Though this depends on everyone’s unique situation, e.g. state of health, how much time you have in a day, etc., it’s a good idea to work out on a regular basis. A suggestion would be alternating between cardiovascular exercises and weight training. If you’re unsure where/how to start, there are many helpful videos online. Ultimately, what’s important is determining a way to stay active that works for you.

    All in all, winter without a doubt can be a very challenging season to get through and dealing with its effects takes its toll in more ways than one. This is why it’s so crucial that you engage in various acts of self-care. If you consider the advice stated above and take the initiative where these areas are concerned, you’re on the right track to effectively handling winter as it stretches into February.

  • Valentine’s Day and the Culture of Commercialism (French version available)

    Valentine’s Day and the Culture of Commercialism (French version available)

    Every February 14th, we engage in the indulgence of chocolates and romantic dates known as Valentine’s Day. The holiday has existed for millennia, but only became the day we currently recognize in more recent times. For some, it is a testament to love and a day to shower a significant other with gifts to display love and affection. For others, it is a trap concocted by corporations in order to pressure the masses into spending more and more money. So, what is Valentine’s Day? There is no clear answer. But now more than ever, we can shape the day to better align with our values and turn yet another corporate money grab into something more special.

    Humans have a long history of traditions and holidays. Prior to it being declared Valentine’s Day, Ancient Romans celebrated February 14th with the Feast of Lupercalia as far back as 300 B.C. Despite Valentine’s Day having obvious financial gain for corporations, it continues the pattern of annual traditions that people have had since the early days of civilization. We have used these days in positive ways – to celebrate, rest, and spend time with family and friends. They were days just like any other until humans imbued them with meaning through our actions. Valentine’s Day may not have profound spiritual or historical origins like some holidays, but we can take action to make it mean something more for everyone.

    The University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, a post-secondary institution in Pakistan, is doing just that. With Valentine’s Day becoming popular in the region, public celebrations were banned in 2017. The University has opted to instead celebrate the day their own way, focusing on women empowerment and naming it ‘Sister’s Day.’ Just as the Feast of Lupercalia evolved, so too can Valentine’s Day.

    Jefferey Alexander, a Yale sociologist, has noted that rituals have always helped humans feel a sense of solidarity. He refers to gifts as “materializations of meanings and emotions.” By taking part in the holiday in the way that matches our own values, just as the students at the University of Agriculture have done, we are able to take part in that ritual and improve our sense of belonging.

    Instead of focusing on the holiday’s negative aspects, such as overpriced superficial gifts and the overemphasis on romance, try to look at Valentine’s Day from a broader perspective. Consider how our modern holidays are primarily evolutions of older traditions, and the underlying thread connecting them is the love and bond between fellow people. Take advantage of the day to reflect on the important people in your life, what you can do for them, and what you can do better. These may be romantic partners, relatives, friends, colleagues, or even acquaintances. This is an opportunity to strengthen those bonds. It could be through small tokens of appreciation you can reasonably afford. Even without spending money, you can put your love for that person into action by taking the time and energy to make them something or spend the day with them.

    Valentine’s Day is definitely a corporate invention for the sake of profit. However, being bitter about this and avoiding it completely only feeds into negativity. By focusing on the positive aspects of the day and the significance of traditions throughout the history of civilization, you can take positive steps to strengthen your relationships and bring another ray of positivity into a world wrought with problems. Actions speak louder than words. They also speak far louder than commercialism.

    Sources:

    Oppenheim, Maya. “Pakistan university rebrands Valentine’s Day as ‘Sister’s Day’ with free headscarves for women’.” Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-university-valentines-day-sisters-free-headscarves-faisalabad-university-a8728681.html

    Zareva, Teodora. “How did Valentine’s Day become so commercial – and is it a bad thing?” Big Think. https://bigthink.com/design-for-good/the-history-and-commercialization-of-valentines-day

  • After Valentine’s Day, Let’s Discuss Disability in Romance Movies (French version available)

    After Valentine’s Day, Let’s Discuss Disability in Romance Movies (French version available)

    By Erin Rebello

    Oh, Valentine’s Day, the so-called sweetest day of the year! With this festive holiday having happened during COVID-19, you might have found a classic romance movie to watch with a loved one at home. Although these cheesy movies can be great fun, if you look closely, you might just notice that there’s a lot more going on beyond the sickly-sweet facade. One issue I’ve recently noticed is the lack of diversity for disabled people with disabilities in romance movies and television shows. Although this might seem insignificant to some, the lack of partnerships featuring those with disabilities in romance movies can cause major societal issues that reach far beyond the silver screen.

    Disability and the Film Industry

    To analyze the lack of representation in romance movies, I think it’s important to step back and criticize the film industry as a whole. For years, stories of disabled people have been hidden from the big screen. If any movies were about a disabled character, they would be from an outsider’s point of view, rather than the person themselves. In addition, many disabled characters have been played by able-bodied actors, which further excludes disabled individuals from the conversation. For example, although The Fault in Our Stars is a great film about illness and love, the actors who play Hazel and Augustus are both able-bodied, which sends very mixed messages.

    Why Representation Matters

    Now that we’ve established how the film industry has suppressed these stories, it’s important to discuss why exactly representation is so crucial. For starters, viewers need to be aware of the diversity in modern society. Without representation, a population might never understand the situation of a disabled person, which can lead to issues like bullying, intolerance, and a lack of public accessibility. This is especially important in a genre like romance because so many individuals hold ableist views about it. For example, oftentimes people forget that individuals with a disability can feel romantic or sexual. Although it sounds like basic common sense, it’s a notion that has been very damaging to the differently-abled community.

    Another reason for romance representation, and perhaps the most important reason, is the fact that disabled people deserve to see themselves in the media! According to the CDC, one in four adults will experience some sort of disability, however, only 2.1% of characters on television have a disability. By creating movies highlighting stories centred on people with disabilities, the film industry shows other disabled individuals that it’s okay to be who they are, and that regardless of their differences, they deserve a welcoming space in society. By including disabled people in books, television shows, and movies, we’re actively sending the message that they are loved and accepted – which is very important for all of us!

    What Comes Next

    Although we have made slow improvements over the years, there is a long way to go in terms of the inclusion of the disabled in the romance film industry. While seeing disabled characters on the silver screen is important, we must also work to ensure that more of these roles are given to talented, disabled actors. Representation is important in any industry, but the film industry is especially important because of its widespread reach. Although you may not be able to direct your own disability-inclusive movie as yet, hopefully, this article has at least made you think twice about how your movie choices impact the disabled community!

     

    Sources:

    CDC: 1 In 4 US Adults Live With A Disability | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC. (2018). CDC Newsroom. https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0816-disability.html

    Leary, A. (2018, June 28). Asexual Disabled People Exist, But Don’t Make Assumptions About Us – Rooted In Rights. Rooted In Rights. https://rootedinrights.org/asexual-disabled-people-exist-but-dont-make-assumptions-about-us/

  • Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas You Can Make at Home

    Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas You Can Make at Home

    Valentine’s Day is coming up soon! Are you thinking about making gifts yourself this year? Taking the time to make gifts for others is a very thoughtful gesture. If you’d like to make gifts instead of buying them this year, here are a few ideas to inspire you!

    Valentine’s Candy Jar

    Most people enjoy eating candy. For this gift, all you need is a jar and several different types of candy. Then, you fill the jar with all of the candy. If you’d like, you could also decorate the jar with strings, fabric, or even paint it.

    ‘You Mean the World to Me’ Globe

    Who wouldn’t like being told that they mean the world to someone, especially on Valentine’s Day? To make this gift, you will need a globe and craft supplies. On the globe, you could write the phrase “You Mean the World to Me” with markers, paint, or letter stickers. Afterward, you may decorate the globe with Valentine’s Day-themed decorations however you’d like!

    Candy Hearts Garland

    Have you ever seen those cute, little candy hearts near Valentine’s Day? If you think they’re adorable, you could create a garland inspired by them. All you need are colourful pieces of paper to cut into hearts, some string to connect the hearts, and a marker to write words such as “cutie” and “love” on them. This gift will have everyone craving candy hearts!

    Valentine’s Day Cupcake

    Cupcakes are perfect for any holiday or occasion. They are simple to make and there are several recipes online that you could easily follow. There are also cupcake kits you could buy. To make the cupcakes extra special for Valentine’s Day, you could decorate them with coloured icing, sprinkles, and cupcake toppers!

    Friendship Bracelet

    Friendship bracelets are great to give as gifts and they are simple to make. Although they are called “friendship bracelets,” they could be given to everyone and anyone! All you will need is string and beads if you’d like to include them. There are several tutorials online showing how to create different types of patterns.

    Fortune Cookies

    Have you ever had a fortune cookie? Wasn’t it fun reading the note inside and then eating the cookie? If so, you would probably also have fun baking the cookies and deciding on the fortunes that go inside! Online there are several recipes that you could easily follow to create your own fortune cookies. You could also make them any colour you’d like to fit the Valentine’s Day theme! For the fortunes, you could either write them by hand or print them out on thin pieces of paper. Be sure to make your fortunes Valentine’s Day themed!

    Personalized Candle

    Candles make amazing gifts! There are several colours, scents, and sizes to choose from. If you’d like to give someone a candle and personalize it a bit, you could engrave a message onto it. For this, you would need to buy pillar candles that don’t come in jars. You could engrave a message on the side and paint it! Another option is to use that pillar candle and place it in a decorated jar. You may also create your own special candle if you’d prefer!

    Bath Bombs

    What is a better way to relax than taking a bath? Bath bombs can help make your bath even more relaxing. You can choose whichever colour and scent you’d like. Bath bombs look quite interesting and difficult to make, but you could make them at home! There are several tutorials online. To keep it Valentine’s Day themed, you could create pink, red, purple, and white heart-shaped bath bombs!

    You now have eight different gift ideas you could make at home! You should try to make at least one of them for this year’s Valentine’s Day. Once you realize how fun it can be, you’ll want to make homemade gifts for every holiday!

     

    Resources

    https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g2020/easy-valentines-day-craft-ideas/?slide=3

    https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/holidays-celebrations/g3024/valentines-day-gifts/?slide=7

    https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g526/homemade-valentines-day-gifts/?slide=7

    https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g1093/valentine-day-crafts/?slide=7

  • Don’t Let the Hulk Out: Tips to Curb Your Anger (French version available)

    Don’t Let the Hulk Out: Tips to Curb Your Anger (French version available)

    Imagine this scenario. You’ve poured your heart and soul to complete a school paper on Canadian Heroes, and you’re sitting on the living room couch putting on the finishing touches on your laptop, when all of a sudden, your older brother and his friends enter the front door and think it’s the best time to play indoor football. Next thing you know, you’ve been tackled by one of them, and you’re lying on your back on the floor, with your laptop beside you, and you hear it suddenly turning off. You rush to sit up and turn it back on, but it’s completely dead. What’s worse, your sibling and his friends merely laugh at the whole situation, even teasing how you’re not a good football player.

    Of course, this scenario will make anyone angry, and when people are overtaken by anger, most of them lash out at the cause of their fury and say hurtful things that they will regret later. However, if something does cause you to fly off the handle, remember there are ways for you to keep the Hulk inside and respond to the circumstances calmly and without any casualties of hurtful words. Here are suggestions to keep in mind:

    Do relaxation techniques.

    It’s a cliché, and most of the time, those who have been provoked are most likely to act even more outraged when people tell them to “calm down.” However, calming yourself down is something you can do yourself when you’re infuriated. Breathing exercises can help, as well as counting from 1 to 10. Another strategy is to picture yourself in a relaxing scene, like lying on a pristine beach and getting a suntan or being atop a quiet hill where only greenery and colourful blossoms surround you.  Once you’ve managed to calm down, you can move on to the next step. Remember, no one can think clearly when they’re gnashing their teeth.

    Assess the situation.

    Give yourself time to think and assess the situation. So your brother and his friends unknowingly made you a part of a football play, which eventually led to them damaging your laptop and you possibly losing your paper. If you let anger take over and you let yourself explode, you’ll react in a way that could worsen the situation—throwing your laptop on the floor in anguish, making it completely unsalvageable, or even worse, throwing your laptop towards your brother or friends, possibly causing harm to them. Evaluate what really happened first and then move to the next step.

    See it from the other party’s perspective.

    People who find themselves in a dire situation often automatically act as the victim, and then it becomes all about them or “Me, Me, Me!” With this mindset, you’ll fall into the quicksand of self-pity quicker and quicker, and you’ll never get out. Try to see the point of view of the other party and understand where they are coming from. Based on the scenario above, your brother and his friends probably didn’t know you were working on something important. In addition, you were in the living room, a common room. This doesn’t mean to give them a pass for what they did, but you need to understand they are not 100% to blame. After this step, there’s only one more.

    Work together to find a solution.

    Learn to prioritize and instead of directing all your fury and negative anger towards the cause of your anger, focus on what’s more important to you at that given moment. Channel your energy instead towards working towards a positive outcome despite what happened. If it was your paper in danger of being lost, ask for help on how you can fix it. Maybe they can suggest a computer whiz who can bring a dead laptop back to life. Or maybe you can’t have a workable laptop, but you can still recover the disk and also all your files saved in it.

    Getting mad is a normal response when something bad happens, but don’t let it control you.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/how-to-control-anger/

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201208/powerful-two-step-process-get-rid-unwanted-anger

    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434

  • It is never to learn a musical instrument—even if you don’t know what to play (French version available)

    It is never to learn a musical instrument—even if you don’t know what to play (French version available)

    By: Julia Skoczypiec

     

    Have you ever wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument but do not know where to start? Studies show that approximately 74% of adults have (at least once in their lifetime) learned how to play at least one. It may seem intimidating at first, but choosing a musical instrument is ultimately a fun and life-changing experience. Below are some tips and questions to take into consideration before you venture off to your local music store.

     

    1. Learn about the various families of instruments. Each instrument can be categorized based on one of four families: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. Knowing about the different types that belong in each family will teach you about their unique sounds, their difficulty levels, and the styles of music in which these instruments are often used.
    2. Know your favourite music genres. Look at the songs that you stream or open your favourite online playlists. What music styles do you notice? While there are over 75 music genres that are considered on the “top charts,” the instruments and sounds used in each genre vary. Maybe you are someone with a playlist full of classic rock songs full of gripping electric guitar? Or maybe you prefer ballads that feature somber piano tones? Paying attention to the instruments used in your favourite songs will help you to identify what speaks to you.
    3. Consider your practice space. As the cliché goes, “practice makes perfect.” To master a musical instrument, you must spend time at home to learn it. Unfortunately, not every instrument is ideal for every living space. Larger and louder instruments, such as a drum kit, saxophone, and trumpet, often create lots of resonance and may not be ideal for apartment living. On the contrary, ukuleles, guitars, and keyboards are ideal for smaller spaces—especially since some amplifiers can use headphones!
    4. Determine your preferred size and weight. Instruments come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and weights. For someone of smaller stature, playing something large and heavy instrument—like a stand-up bass, for example—may become extra difficult. In addition, some instruments are easily transportable while others are not. Are you thinking of taking your keyboard to grandma and grandpa’s house to show off your skills? Or perhaps you have a camping trip coming up, and you want to play some guitar tunes around the fire? The size and weight of the instrument you choose should make you comfortable and should match your lifestyle.
    5. Think about your budget. Some instruments, like ukuleles, harmonicas, melodicas, and kazoos, can be found for under $50. Others, like guitars, basses and keyboards, range between $100-$1,000 for beginner level models. Generally, when starting out, you do not need to pick the most expensive or “highest quality” instrument on the shelf, but still be sure to do some research on the many brands available.
    6. Be mindful of the maintenance needed. Depending on the type of instrument you choose, you must take into consideration the proper ways to take care of it. For example, a guitar will need its strings changed when they break or start sounding dull—this can be as often as every month, but it all depends on how much you play. Make sure that you learn the proper maintenance techniques for your instrument to ensure your investment stays in great condition!
  • The Benefits of Traveling (French version available)

    The Benefits of Traveling (French version available)

    Traveling can be fun, but it is also very beneficial. It is good for your mind as well as your body. You don’t have to travel far or for too long to benefit from it. The following are some reasons why traveling can be so beneficial.

    It Helps Improve Your Communication Skills

    When you travel, you will have to speak to people from different cultures. Some may speak the same language as you, while others may not. If you don’t speak the same language, you will have to learn how to communicate using gestures. This is a good way to step out of your comfort zone. Putting yourself out there and conversing with different people will help you improve your communication skills, whether they speak the same language as you or not. Improving your communication skills is not only important for when you travel – it is a good skill to have in your life. It can help in your personal life as well as in your work life.

    You Can Make Memories

    When traveling, you are able to make memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life. We often revisit positive memories. When traveling, try to take many pictures and videos to look back to. You can also collect items and souvenirs from your trips. Traveling with a group can create memories which you all can talk about for a lifetime. Memories can be made anywhere, but memories made on your trips will be cherished forever.

    It Helps Relieve Stress and Anxiety

    Many of us have a fast-paced and stressful life. It is important to remember to take breaks every so often. Traveling is a good way to calm your mind and reduce stress and anxiety. Traveling gives the opportunity for your mind to reset because you are breaking your repetitive lifestyle. You don’t have to travel for a long period of time to benefit from it. Even a short three-day trip can help.

    It Helps Increase Your Confidence

    Traveling is a good way to help increase your confidence. Even traveling within your own country can help. This is because you are putting yourself outside of your comfort zone. Since you are exploring an area you’re not familiar with, you may need to ask around for directions. You may have to do it in a language you’re fluent in or even one you’re not. It may be scary at first, but it will help you boost your confidence, which can help you in other aspects of your life.

    It Can Help Boost Your Creativity

    Traveling is a good way to boost your creativity, especially if you are experiencing a creative block. The scenery, smells, and sounds can help inspire you. They are not things that you would usually see on a daily basis. These new things could interest you and may spark a new creative thought or idea.

     

    Resources

    CabinZero. “15 Benefits of Traveling and Why Travel Is Good for You.” https://www.cabinzero.com/blogs/our-journey/benefits-of-traveling.

    Eilers, Christian. “Why is Travel Important? Here Are 7 Important Benefits of Traveling.” Goodwall Blog. https://www.goodwall.io/blog/benefits-of-traveling/.

    Humphrey, Guy. “The benefits of travel for your mind.” Winged Boots. https://www.wingedboots.co.uk/magazine/the-benefits-of-travel-for-your-mind/.

    Teneva, Maggie. “10 Benefits of Travelling.” Sky Refund. https://skyrefund.com/en/blog/benefits-of-travelling.

  • Should You Relocate for a Trades Career? Consider the Pros and Cons (French version available)

    Should You Relocate for a Trades Career? Consider the Pros and Cons (French version available)

    One of the greatest benefits of being a skilled tradesperson is that there are opportunities everywhere, and your skills are directly transferable.  But should you relocate specifically to take on a trades job?  There’s no single answer that is right for everyone, but there are some core pros and cons you should consider if you’re thinking of moving for a job.

    Pros

    1. Availability of Jobs in Your Trade

    A common reason to relocate is the availability of jobs in your chosen trade.  Trades employment is often based on supply and demand, though demand is often high.  But depending on your trade, certain areas will have more opportunities than others.  For example, if you are in a trade related to oil & gas, there are typically more jobs and more companies hiring in the Alberta oil sands compared to Southern Ontario.  Make sure to consider both the availability of jobs and the suitability of the location before committing to a relocation.

    1. Higher Wages, or a Lower Cost of Living

    Whether you’re considering a relocation to a job that pays more, or to a city with a lower cost of living, the end goal is the same: a better financial situation.  In-demand trades in high-demand areas will often command a higher wage.  By the same token, moving to an area where the cost of living is lower can provide the same benefits, allowing your wages to stretch farther when it comes to renting or buying a home, shopping for essentials, and paying for utilities.  It’s a good idea to research your prospective city or town and compare the cost of living to the potential wages of your trade.  Work out a budget to see whether the move would make financial sense.

    1. Find the Lifestyle that Suits You

    Not everyone wants to stay in their hometown or live in a city, but luckily for people working in the trades, they have the flexibility to seek out work somewhere that offers the lifestyle they want.  For example, fast-growing cities and towns are likely to have opportunities for construction and service trades and offer exciting amenities in terms of entertainment and social life.  Rural towns offer a slower pace, close-knit communities, and affordability, and may have more opportunities for agricultural tradespeople, outdoor recreation, and tourism.  The important thing is to find a job in a location that offers you the lifestyle you want.

    1. Financial Incentives

    Relocating, especially across a significant distance or to another province, can be pricey.  However, many companies hiring tradespeople for high-demand jobs may offer financial incentives to people willing to relocate.  This could be a hiring bonus, or offering to cover the costs of moving.  While counting on a monetary bonus shouldn’t be the main consideration when seeking a new job, it can offer some security in the process to help you establish yourself in a new place.  Relocation costs can also be deducted from your taxes, so be sure to keep track of what you pay for transportation, storage, temporary living expenses, and other costs associated with your move.

    Cons

    1. Relocation is Expensive

    As already mentioned, relocating for a job can be quite expensive between moving costs and a different cost of living.  It is important to make sure that not only can your existing financial state afford the move, but that the new job will pay a high enough wage to ensure you can live comfortably and put money into savings.  Even if you get a hiring bonus or are reimbursed for moving costs, it may not be enough.  Do your research to price out moving costs and living costs, and examine different budgets to make sure that the move will be the right financial choice.

    1. Partners and Family May Struggle to Find Work or Community

    If you are considering relocating for work and have a partner, it’s important to consider the effect moving will have on them.  You may have a job, but will they be able to find work easily, as well?  Does the lifestyle and financial situation of the new location fit with their needs?  If you have children, will they have access to the schools, entertainment, and community that they need?  When you are the only person relocating, this might not be a concern, but if you will be bringing family with you, make sure you keep their wants and needs in mind.

    1. Need to Build a New Social Circle

    While it’s true of any move, the farther you go the more isolated you will be from your existing family and friends.  You will need to build an entirely new social circle in a new place, which isn’t always easy.  It can also be difficult to go long stretches of time being unable to visit family, especially if you are used to seeing parents, siblings, and friends all the time.  This can lead to feeling homesick, isolated, or depressed, and makes it hard to enjoy a new job or new home.

    1. You May Need to Re-Certify

    Depending on the trade you’re in, moving to a new province might mean you need to complete additional training or recertification to meet the regulations and standards of that province.  This is an additional expense that can impact your move, both financially and by requiring time spent training instead of working. To help avoid this issue, consider completing the Red Seal certification for your trade.  This not only ensures you have proof of all the right skills but makes it easy to work in your trade anywhere in Canada.

    Relocating might not be right for every tradesperson, but for many, it can provide opportunities not available where they currently live.  The important thing is to do your research into the requirements and availability of your trade, the lifestyle and costs associated with new locations, and whether you believe you can build a community and a life for yourself.

     

    Sources

    Fraser Dove. “The Pros And Cons Of Relocating For Work.” https://www.fraserdove.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-relocating-for-work/.

    Government of Canada. “Moving within Canada to work.” https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/labour-mobility.html.

    Impact Recruitment. “Benefits of Relocation.” https://impactrecruitment.ca/relocation-options/.

    Red Seal. “Red Seal Program.” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/about/pr.4gr.1m.shtml.