1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Category: Featured Articles

  • Conflict Resolutions: Handling Disagreements Smoothly (French version available)

    Conflict Resolutions: Handling Disagreements Smoothly (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    There is no “I” in teamwork, so goes the adage. And as much as you want to believe that everything will go smoothly in group tasks or projects that require your participation, one way or another, there’s always a possibility that you’ll encounter a team member, or members, whose ideas will differ from yours.

    Reaching a compromise to reach an end goal is the best strategy, of course; however, that tends to be easier to say than do. However, consider these four approaches to work through differences to accomplish your mission.

    1. Take time to listen.

    As COVID forced most of us to conduct meetings and discussion in an online setting, it’s been much easier to talk over someone else or monopolize conversations, without being fully aware of it. And if you don’t agree with the views being presented, you may become easily frustrated. As a result, you tend to shut off and don’t make an effort to pay attention to what’s being said. However, keep in mind that listening to what others have to say is the first step in handling conflicts.

    1. Be empathetic and understanding.

    When you want to make a point, sometimes you get carried away and become too self-involved that you fail to recognize emotional cues from the other participants in your meeting. They may be having a tough time following the topic at hand, or they may be having issues at home that they’re not ready to talk about and are affecting their current disposition. Do all you can to drive your point home, but be sensitive in your tone and manner of speaking if you notice someone seems to be having inner turmoil.

    1. Don’t underestimate the theory of democracy.

    Everyone has their own plan to accomplish a task. Sometimes, certain factors come into play, like personal preferences or tastes. For instance, if you were assigned to do a group outing to build team rapport, and you prefer to head to a museum because you love the arts, but others have suggested a picnic at the park, then put it to a vote. This way, you and your team members come to a decision that’s fair to all.

    1. Be open to compromise.

    The skill to learn how to compromise with your peers can’t be developed overnight. However, if you open your mind to it, in due time, you’ll be a master at this. Remember, collaboration skills take practice, and they require a mindset of taking into consideration other people’s needs and working around them to meet your own needs as well.

    No matter what setting you’re in or how old you are, you’ll likely find yourself in a situation that requires you to put your conflict resolution skills in full gear. During these times, always take things in stride and remember that team effort overpowers individual effort.

     

    Sources

    MindTools. “Managing Conflict in Meetings.” https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMM_65.htm.

    Morreaux, Angelique de la. “How to Lead a Conflict-Resolution Meeting.” Chron. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/lead-conflictresolution-meeting-10665.html.

    Neely,  Joe. “10 Most Effective Conflict Resolution Tips for the Workplace.” Toggl. https://toggl.com/blog/conflict-resolution-tips.

  • Getting Dirty May Be Healthy (French version available)

    Getting Dirty May Be Healthy (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    For much of human history, we lived close to the natural world. As civilization evolved, we became increasingly urbanized, and most of us now live in cities. As we’ve moved away from nature, we’ve seen a decline in other forms of life. Biodiversity is disappearing. The current rate of loss is perhaps as high as 10,000 times the natural rate. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s 2008 Red List of Threatened Species shows that 16,928 plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. This includes a quarter of all mammal species, a third of amphibian species and an eighth of bird species. And that’s only among those we know about; scientists say we may have identified just 10 to 15 per cent of existing species.

    It can be a challenge to communicate why this loss is important. We know species diversity is critical to the healthy functioning of ecosystems that provide services on which humans depend. But could we live with fewer? Some would argue we could do without mosquitoes and other annoying critters. We could keep the ones we want and those that are useful to us. Do we need biodiversity to keep humans healthy?

    According to an article in Conservation magazine, there is a link between biodiversity and human health. Ilkka Hanski and his colleagues at the University of Helsinki compared allergies of adolescents living in houses surrounded by biodiverse natural areas to those living in landscapes of lawns and concrete. They found people surrounded by a greater diversity of life were themselves covered with a wider range of different kinds of microbes than those in less diverse surroundings. They were also less likely to exhibit allergies.

    What’s going on? Discussion of the relationship between biodiversity and human health is not new. Many have theorized that our disconnection from nature is leading to a myriad of ailments. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, says people who spend too little time outdoors experience a range of behavioural problems, which he calls “nature deficit disorder”. It fits with theories of modern ecology, which show systems lacking in biodiversity are less resilient, whether they’re forests or microbial communities in our stomachs or on our skin. Less resilient systems are more subject to invasion by pathogens or invasive species.

    Hanski studied a region in Finland where few people move far. He randomly selected 118 adolescents in an equal number of homes. Some were in the city, and others were in the woods or on farms. The team collected skin swabs from subjects and then measured the biodiversity of plants around each house. Their data revealed a clear pattern: higher native-plant diversity appeared to be associated with altered microbial composition on the participants’ skin, which led in turn to lower risk of allergies.

    Hanski and his colleagues found that one group of microbes, gammaproteobacteria, appears to be associated both with plant diversity and allergies. And it didn’t matter whether they considered allergies to cats, dogs, horses, birch pollen or timothy grass. People with more diverse kinds of gammaproteobacteria on their bodies were less likely to have allergies.

    The immune system’s primary role is to distinguish deadly species from beneficial and beneficial from simply innocent. To work effectively, our immune system needs to be “primed” by exposure to a diverse range of organisms at an early age. In this way, it learns to distinguish between good, bad and harmless. If not exposed to a wide array of species, it may mistakenly see a harmless pollen grain as something dangerous and trigger an allergic reaction. We also know that bacteria and fungi compete. Fungi are often associated with allergies, and it could be that the high diversity of bacteria keeps the fungi in check.

    A conclusive explanation for Hanski’s observations is not yet available. More research is needed. But we know we evolved in a world full of diverse species and now inhabit one where human activity is altering and destroying an increasing number of plants, animals and habitats. We need to support conservation of natural areas and the diverse forms of life they contain, plant a variety of species in our yards, avoid antibacterial cleaning products and go outside in nature and get dirty — especially kids. Our lives and immune systems will be richer for it.

  • Your post-secondary goals may change, and that is okay. (French version available)

    Your post-secondary goals may change, and that is okay. (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    I wanted to be an accountant. I figured I’d complete my mandatory year of prerequisite arts at the University of Alberta, transfer to the Faculty of Business, and major in accounting. I’m now a writer. So what happened?

    During my first semester, I found myself enthralled with my writing-focused English courses instead of the Business calculus, statistics, and economics prerequisites. I spent hours perfecting my essays, and my professors encouraged me to pursue the arts. I always enjoyed writing; however, I never considered it as something that I could monetize. I went on to work at my University’s writing center, instruct introductory English courses, and get a job writing marketing content for local businesses.

    As a disclaimer, there is nothing wrong with sticking to your original plan; dedication is a wonderful trait to possess. If you’re sure of what you want and how to get it, then you should be proud. However, if while studying you stumble upon something better suited to your aptitude and passions, shouldn’t you reaccess your original goal and make sure you will still feel fulfilled when you, after the hard work, reach it?

    I frequently encounter people who, while in University, were exposed to a career path that they regret not following. Among them are engineers who wanted to be teachers, scientists who wanted to go into marketing, pharmacists who wanted to be nurses, and the list goes on.

    Their reasons for not pursuing these alternate goals are varied, but they often focus on “even though I would have rather done y, I already put so much effort into x” – this is called the sunk cost fallacy and sometimes makes us act silly.

    I fell victim just last week: I was watching a series on Netflix, and halfway through, I determined that I didn’t like it. Instead of choosing something else, I told myself, “I’ve already watched half of this, so I might as well finish.” I knew that I had already wasted hours of my life on this series, yet I used that poor investment as a reason to continue watching. I’m sure if you reflect on some of your decisions, you can catch yourself doing this, too!

    Sticking to your goals is paramount to success, but make sure your goals are evolving with you. If you find yourself bored or depressed from dedicating your time to studying something you no longer enjoy, you may benefit from reconsidering your options. Of course, following your heart may not always be viable, and there are reasons to stick with an imperfect situation, such as financial limitations. However, if you see a viable, more fulfilling, alternate plan, remember that the time, money, and other resources you invested into your original goal are in themselves not a logical reason to continue something you no longer want. It’d be a shame to work hard at studying a discipline you are no longer passionate about just to get a job dealing with more of the same!

  • The Pros and Cons of Starting a Business with a Friend (French version available)

    The Pros and Cons of Starting a Business with a Friend (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Starting a business with a friend may seem like a fun and exciting idea. Although it may be a great idea, it also has its disadvantages. If you are curious about whether starting a business with a friend is a good idea or not, this article is just for you!

    Pros

    • You Know Each Other’s Strengths and Weaknesses

    If you start a business with a friend whom you have known for a long time, you probably know their strengths and weaknesses. They also probably know yours. This will help both of you decide which duties are best for each of you. There will also be fewer surprises when you are working with someone you already know.

    • You Can Spend More Time with Your Friend

    Working with your friends can make you excited to go to work each day. You get to talk about more than just business throughout the day. A large amount of your life is spent at work, so it is important to work with people you get along with.

    • You Can Freely and Comfortably Communicate

    If you’re starting a business with a friend, it’s most likely going to be with someone you can freely and comfortably speak to. When running a business, it is very important to communicate and remain on the same page as your partners. Working with a friend can help you comfortably communicate your thoughts.

    • You are Each Other’s Support System

    Starting a business is not easy, but doing it with a friend can help make it a little less overwhelming. You and your friend will be sharing this amazing experience and will go through all the highs and lows together. You could give each other the confidence and support needed to continue running the business.

    Cons

    • It May Be Difficult to Be Straightforward

    When communicating with a close friend, it may be difficult to be straightforward. This could be because you may not want to hurt your friend’s feelings. You may also be afraid of losing your friendship over a disagreement. For these reasons, you may not always be as honest as you would like to be.

    • It Can Be Difficult to Know Who Is in Charge

    If you start a business with a friend, it may be difficult to know who the boss is, especially if the business is equally divided between you both. There may be times when one of you works more than the other, making you feel like you deserve a larger part of the business. If there is a lack of communication, it can lead to bigger issues and could also lead to your business failing.

    • You Could Lose Your Friendships

    When working with a friend, you should keep in mind that there is a possibility that you could lose your friendship. You may not know what your friend is like in a business setting. You two could also have different goals, which can cause conflicts. These conflicts could potentially lead you two to part ways. This is why it is important for you and your friend to always openly communicate with each other.

    • Drama Could Get in the Way

    When doing business with a friend, drama can get in the way. It could make it difficult for you to separate your professional life from your personal life. For this reason, it is important to set boundaries when you first begin working together.

    Starting a business with a friend has many pros and cons. Whether or not one should start a business with a friend is very personal. It is something that should be carefully thought through and reflected upon.

     

    Resources

    Desmarais, Christina. “11 Pros and Cons of Building a Business With Friends.” Inc. https://www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/11-pros-and-cons-of-building-a-business-with-friends.html.

    Kelly, Marsha. “The Pros and Cons of Starting a Business with Your Friends.” Zen Business. https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/pros-cons-starting-business-friends/.

    Litonjua, Eduardo. “Should you start a business with a friend? Pros, cons and key questions.” Keap. https://keap.com/business-success-blog/networking/should-you-start-a-business-with-a-friend-pros-cons-and-key-questions.

    Scribaceous. “The Pros & Cons of Starting a Business with a Friend.” https://scribaceous.com/pros-cons-of-starting-business-with-friend/.

    Susman, Aron. “The Pros and Cons of Starting a Business With Friends.” Business Collective. https://businesscollective.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-starting-a-business-with-friends/?syndicate.

  • How to Deal with a Failing Grade (French version available)

    How to Deal with a Failing Grade (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    No one is perfect, especially when it comes to school; after all, we’re all still learning.  Part of the learning process means that you might not completely understand everything you’re taught the very first time.  Practice is necessary, which is why we do homework, group projects, in-class assignments, and tests.  These are all ways to learn, understand, and apply the things we’re taught.

    Because these are part of the learning process, it means that sometimes, you might get a failing grade.

    What a bad grade doesn’t mean is that you’re a bad student, can’t be taught, or shouldn’t be trying to learn a certain subject.

    Getting a bad grade can be disappointing and discouraging, and you’re allowed to be upset.  However, it’s important not to let being upset make it harder for you to keep trying to learn and understand.

    There are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re dealing with a bad grade.

    Try and Keep Calm While Your Process the Grade

    Being upset is okay, but try not to let these feelings overwhelm you or become a storm of anger and frustration.  Everyone gets a bad grade at some point in their education; it’s not the end of the world.  Take some time away from thinking about your grades to help yourself calm down.  You can spend time with friends and family, enjoy a hobby, do some physical activity, or simply focus on something that isn’t school.

    Talking about the grade and your upset feelings can also help.  Find a friend, teacher, or family member you trust and share how you’re feeling.  Chances are good that they will be able to help you understand and deal with the situation.

    Ask Your Teacher for Feedback

    Your teacher’s job is to help you learn, and they don’t give out bad grades to be mean.  They are simply showing you what you still need to learn.  When you get a bad grade, talk to your teacher and ask them to show you where you made mistakes and how to fix these mistakes.  Sometimes all you need is a bit of an explanation or seeing a different way to work through a problem, in order to understand.

    Your teacher will also be able to point you toward resources that will help you learn, such as study guides, online resources, and practice questions or practice tests.  They may also be able to offer a make-up assignment or test that you can complete in order to get a better grade.

    Find New Study Strategies

    Not every student is equally good at all subjects, but because of the way a classroom is structured, usually, the teacher spends most of their time teaching everyone the same way.  Everyone learns slightly differently, and if you get a bad grade, it might simply be that you need to find a new way of studying the material that works better for you.

    This could be as simple as spending more time studying and doing practice questions for subjects you have trouble with, asking your teacher to explain it a different way, or studying with a friend and helping each other learn the material.

    Or, it could be as intensive as finding a tutor, or seeking out hands-on extra-curricular programs that can help you learn.  Your teachers, guidance counsellors, family members, and local libraries are all good resources to speak with when you are looking for new ways to study a subject.

    The most important thing to remember is that sometimes a bad grade is just part of the learning process.  All it means is that you still have some learning to do.

     

    Sources

    Dolin, Ann. “How To Handle Bad Grades: A Practical Guide For Parents.” Educational Connections. https://ectutoring.com/bad-grades.

    Ekkanath, Shivani. “6 Smart Tips for Dealing With a Bad Grade.” CollegeXpress. https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/6-tips-dealing-bad-grade/.

    Pritchard, Ashley. “How to Deal With a Bad Grade.” WikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Bad-Grade.

  • The Health Benefits of Swimming and Tips for Practicing Swimming (French version available)

    The Health Benefits of Swimming and Tips for Practicing Swimming (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Swimming is an activity that people of all ages can do. It has many health benefits, and it is great for your body as well as your mind.  If you don’t swim regularly, maybe this article will convince you to hop in the pool more often!

    So, what are some of the benefits of making swimming a habit?

    It Can Reduce Stress

    Like other exercises, swimming can reduce your stress. It can help you keep your mind off of things that could be stressing you. When you exercise, your body reduces the stress hormones and releases endorphins. Endorphins are natural “feel-good” chemicals that help boost your mood. If you’re feeling stressed, go for a swim and you will feel better by the time you get out.

    It Works Out Your Entire Body

    Swimming works out your entire body. It may seem like your arms and legs do most of the work, but that is not the case. Swimming can strengthen your core, tone muscles, build strength and endurance, and also increase your heart rate. When swimming, you will feel a burn in your body in as little as 20 minutes. There are many different strokes you could do. Each of these strokes focuses on different muscle groups. These strokes include breaststroke, backstroke, sidestroke, butterfly, and more.

    It Has a Lower Impact on Your Joints

    Most workouts are either high intensity and hard on your joints or low intensity and easy on your joints. Swimming has a lower impact than other cardio exercises. This is because water holds you up and will reduce the stress and the impact on your joints. Since you are being held up by the water, your chances of injury are reduced.

    Tips for Practicing Swimming

    • Don’t Waste Your Breath

    You may end up inhaling water if you gasp for air every time your head reaches the surface. Instead, you should exhale all the air from your lungs before taking another breath. Beginners usually need to take a breath more often, but as you build endurance, you’ll be able to control your breath much better. When taking a breath, make sure to alternate sides. This will reduce the strain on your neck and shoulders.

    • Keep Practicing

    When you watch professional swimmers swim, you may think that they make it look easy and relaxed. This is because they have been practicing for a very long time and still continue practicing. In order to improve your swimming skills, it is important to keep practicing.

    • Get Feedback

    Receiving and listening to feedback is a good way to know what you are great at doing and what you need to work on. If you can, try to get a coach or a friend to watch you swim and later give you feedback. Another option is to record yourself swimming. The next time you swim, make sure to keep the feedback in mind.

    If you’re looking for a low-impact, stress-reducing workout for your entire body, then go hit the pool!

     

    Resources

    Bean, Matt. “Seven Steps To Better Swimming Technique.” Runner’s World. https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/triathlon/a764520/seven-steps-to-better-swimming-technique/.

    Berry, Jennifer. “Endorphins: Effects and how to increase levels.” Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320839.

    House, Lydia and Morgan Fargo. “12 major benefits of swimming that’ll convince you to take it up, from better sleep to weight loss.” Women’sHealth. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/fitness/g27268961/benefits-of-swimming/.

    Marcin, Ashley. “What Are the Top 12 Benefits of Swimming?” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-swimming#get-started.

    Petty, Amber. “13 Reasons to Just Keep Swimming.” Greatist. https://greatist.com/health/benefits-of-swimming.

    Poirier-Leroy, Olivier. “Swimming Tips: The 7 Fundamentals of Faster Swimming.” YourSwimBook. https://www.yourswimlog.com/swimming-tips/.

  • Careers & Jobs That Keep You Close to Nature (French version available)

    Careers & Jobs That Keep You Close to Nature (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Do you enjoy spending time in nature? Are you curious about which jobs or careers keep you close to nature? If so, the following are a few jobs and careers that may interest you, along with a short description of each. If any of these jobs interest you, do not hesitate to research them some more!

    Marine Biologist

    Marine biologists study the ocean and its relationship with the many organisms living within it. This includes coral reefs. They collect specimens and examine them, and conduct experiments in laboratories.

    Park Ranger

    Park rangers manage parks. These parks could be local parks or even national parks. They are responsible for protecting the wildlife in the park as well as those that are visiting. Park rangers also give tours and guide people throughout the park. They show the many beautiful parts of the park during their tours. A majority of their day is spent outside in nature.

    Nature Photographer

    Nature photographers do exactly what it sounds like. They are photographers who observe and photograph nature without disrupting it. They often travel and spend their time outdoors in nature. Their photos can be used for educational purposes or just to show off the beautiful environment.

    Wildlife Biologist

    Wildlife biologists study wildlife and different animals to understand how they interact with their environment. They study animals’ physical characteristics and behaviours. They also research the impact humans have on wildlife and their natural habitats. Wildlife biologists collect specimens to later analyze in laboratories.

    Environmental Geologist

    Environmental geologists research solutions to issues in the environment. They closely observe and study floods, earthquakes, pollution, and natural hazards. Human interactions with the Earth are also studied. Environmental geologists have to collect samples of soil and rock, conduct surveys, and record information from reports.

    Agriculture and Food Scientists

    Agriculture and food scientists look into crops and farm animals. They find ways to improve the safety and quality of our food. This could be by developing better methods to process, package, and deliver food in ways that won’t negatively affect our health.

    Conservation Scientist

    Conservation scientists work with farmers, foresters and mining companies to determine the safest way to extract natural resources from the Earth without causing damage to the environment. They also analyze damaged forests, usually caused by forest fires and the area’s soil quality.

    Meteorologist

    Meteorologists study the weather. They look into how the weather changes and how it affects everyone on Earth. They spend time in nature collecting data and afterwards analyze the data to understand the weather.

    Wildlife Forensics Specialist

    Wildlife forensics specialists are scientists who investigate wildlife crimes. They collect evidence from animals and their environment to later investigate in laboratories. The evidence collected and examined will help identify crimes that were committed.

    Environmental Engineer

    Environmental engineers use their engineering principles, biology, chemistry, and soil science to evaluate and find solutions to environmental problems. They can work on improving recycling, waste disposal, controlling air pollution, and even climate change. Environmental engineers are often consulted to advise agencies on procedures to clean up contaminated areas.

     

    Resources

    CareerExplorer. “What does a conservation scientist do?” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/conservation-scientist/.

    CareerExplorer. “What does a geologist do?” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/geologist/.

    Environmental Science. “What is a Wildlife Forensics Specialist?” https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/wildlife-forensics.

    Kolmar, Chris. “10 Best Jobs for People Who Love Nature.” Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/advice/jobs-nature-lovers/.

    NewScientist. “What Does a Marine Biologist Do?” https://jobs.newscientist.com/article/what-does-a-marine-biologist-do-/.

    Renzulli, Kerri Anne. “15 high-paying jobs for people who love to be outside.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/18/15-high-paying-jobs-for-people-who-love-to-be-outside.html.

  • Farm Equipment Mechanic Career Profile (French version available)

    Farm Equipment Mechanic Career Profile (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Every machine breaks down at some point, whether from frequent use or from being badly made. When that equipment is essential, such as on a farm, a person who can repair the machinery becomes very important. Working as a farm equipment mechanic can help keep farmers working and ensure that people have a reliable source of food.

    Most farms have a variety of equipment, depending on the type of work being done. Grain farms have tractors, harvesters, and other large machinery useful for working on large fields and digging up soil. Dairy farms might have equipment for milking cattle, and egg farms would have different types of equipment. For each of them, however, having equipment that functions well is important.

    Farm equipment mechanics work to make sure that the equipment works as well as possible. They inspect the machinery and maintain it by cleaning it, oiling the moving parts, and doing whatever else is necessary. At least once a season, many farm equipment mechanics do a thorough overhaul of everything to find any issues that might cause problems in the future. They might tighten bolts and deal with rusty parts or any other potential problems.

    Sometimes, farm equipment mechanics need to take machines apart to find the problem. Then they can replace or repair faulty parts, using welding machines, hand tools, or other equipment. Being able to put the machine together again is also very important so that the farm workers can use it again. Having a good memory and being methodical can help avoid the problem of having an extra piece left over at the end. Mechanics might also need to drive large machines to a barn or other repair facility. Having expert driving skills is helpful for this task.

    A high school diploma or equivalent is normally the minimum requirement for farm equipment mechanics. Being able to communicate is important, and so English classes are helpful. Any courses in mechanics or even in physics could also be helpful. Taking classes at a technical college could give workers an advantage in looking for work.

    Jobs for farm equipment mechanics are normally located in the country or in small towns near farms. Wages for people in this trade start at about $15 per hour or $33,000 per year and can rise to $34 per hour or $68,000 per year. Some people might choose to become experts in certain types of equipment, but others might prefer to deal with any type of machine that they can.

    Like many other trades, the job of a farm equipment mechanic can be physically demanding, especially when people bend over machines for hours at a time. The work can be dirty, as moving parts in machines require oil to keep them moving properly. Testing the machines to see if they are working can also be loud, and the repair shops can be dusty and hot. However, the work can be rewarding for people who enjoy putting machines together or finding solutions for mechanical problems they encounter.

    A career as a farm equipment mechanic can be the right choice for people who are detail-oriented and good with their hands. If that describes you, why not consider this important trade?

     

    Bibliography:

    Career Planner.com. “Farm Equipment Mechanic.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Farm-Equipment-Mechanics.cfm.

    Job Bank. “Agricultural Equipment Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/26452/ca;jsessionid=44CBD3300650D70B70C4EFAB1589BF53.jobsearch74

    Payscale Canada. “Farm Equipment Mechanic Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Farm_Equipment_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate.

    Salary.com. “Farm Equipment Mechanic.” https://www.salary.com/research/job-description/benchmark/farm-equipment-mechanic-job-description.

  • Find Your Musical Inspiration!

    Find Your Musical Inspiration!

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Having a deep-seated love of music is one of life’s simplest and yet greatest pleasures. Whether you have an appreciation for hearing and supporting music, or you have a passion for creating it yourself, there will be few things as rewarding. If you grow to love music as a kid, it will follow you throughout your whole life.

    If you are anywhere between grades one and six, chances are you have met the recorder: a simple way to learn basic notes and songs. Maybe you love playing it, or maybe you find it boring. Whatever you feel, in a bit we’ll talk about ways to get the most out of your time with the instrument. When I was in grades five and six—along with being introduced to the recorder—my elementary school provided classes with a ‘music period’. This was my absolute most favourite class, and I was not alone. Our teacher Mr. B would sit on a wooden stool in front of the class with a guitar balanced on his knee. We would sing along to songs like “If I Had a Million Dollars,” “House of the Rising Sun” and “Puff the Magic Dragon.” There is something about collaborating and creating that makes school so meaningful and—dare I say it—Fun!

    Depending on your school, typically band classes will be offered starting in grades six or seven. Here, you’ll get to choose an instrument (like the flute, saxophone, percussion etc.) For some, this part of school isn’t fun because it seems like homework…like you’re being forced to do it. Don’t let the school have that kind of power over you. This is YOUR time. YOU get to pick the instrument, and maybe your teacher decides what you play at school—but at home…YOU’RE the conductor.

    Ways to find your own musical inspiration:

    • If you play an instrument (even if it’s the recorder!) find some sheet music outside of school. Songs you love! Google search free sheet music or buy some with your allowance. Do you love The Beatles? The internet is full of free sheet music and if you’ve learned basic music reading skills at school, you can definitely play “Here Comes the Sun.” Find a way to link up your personal taste and the tools your school has provided. If you find the recorder boring, play your favourite songs on it—or better yet, create your own.

    • What is your favourite movie, TV show or video game? All of these are scored—meaning they all have music specially written or handcrafted for them. Make them your obsession and they will become the soundtrack to your life.

    • Get your parents to take you to middle and high school band concerts. See what the older kids are playing and maybe something will call out to you.

    • Ask a role model what their favourite album is and listen to it. Associating someone you admire with music may mean a lot to you one day.

    Who knows- maybe you’ll love playing musical instruments so much, you’ll choose it as a career. A lot of bands/ solo artists need what you call “session players”; musicians that come into the studio to record on an album. For example, if there is a solo artist who needs a saxophone player on his album, he can contact a recommended saxophone session player.

    “Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble with the singers that they are accompanying and they often do not achieve individual fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Session_musician)

    Whether you just want to play music for fun or make it a career somehow, music is always needed in the world. If you have a passion for music and are inspired enough by other musicians, get playing!

  • Career Profile: Network Cabling Specialist (French version available)

    Career Profile: Network Cabling Specialist (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Suppose that your Internet connection or your phone suddenly stopped working. If unplugging the connection and plugging it back in failed, you might need the services of a network cabling specialist. These tradespeople are an important part of keeping people informed and connected.  If you are detail-oriented and good with your hands, this career might be right for you.

    Communications systems like the Internet and phones use cables and data networks to send messages from one place to another. Network cabling specialists install or repair these networks and keep them working properly. They might work in residential neighbourhoods, commercial businesses, and industrial buildings. These networks can include single lines, coaxial, and fibre optic cables for voice, video, and data transmission. People in this trade need to know the best type of cable to use in each situation.

    Becoming a network cabling specialist normally involves completing a program that includes theoretical work, practical experience, and a trade certification exam. Normally, this process takes about two and a half years, and training is available through career colleges like Herzing. Courses in the program teach basic skills like how to test cable connections, but also how to comply with safety standards, how to prepare cost estimates, and other skills that people in this trade need. As in many fields, high school courses in mathematics and English are useful, as well as anything related to electronics.

    Trade schools are good places to learn the skills necessary for becoming a network cabling specialist.  A typical program is twenty-four weeks long, including both practical experience and theoretical work. Other career colleges have similar programs that teach people what they need to know to work in this trade.

    In some cases, on-the-job training and apprenticeships can be good ways of learning the trade. The first step is to find an employer who is willing to train an apprentice. Once the apprenticeship is registered, the employer can start the process of training. This option could be a good choice for many people, since they can start on a job right away and get the experience they need.

    After completing the program, people in this trade can work with telecommunications or network installation companies, construction firms, data centres, and other companies that provide phone, Internet, or television services. Some of the work is indoors, but people in this trade might need to work outside to deal with underground cables and controls.

    Being detail-oriented and careful is important for network cabling specialists. Patience is an important part of the work since it can take time to find a problem and to solve it. Becoming an expert in this trade could be a good choice for people with these qualities, and job opportunities are likely to be steady in the next few years.

    Working as a network cabling specialist is not necessarily very physically difficult, but it can become harder as people age. Salaries in this trade generally begin at about $46,300 per year and can rise to approximately $85,300 per year. Jobs are likely to be more plentiful in cities than elsewhere, but almost every community has at least some need for people in this field.

    Network cabling specialists do important work for keeping people connected and informed. If the job appeals to you, it could be a good choice.

     

    Bibliography:

    Herzing College. “Network Cabling Specialist.” https://www.herzing.ca/programs/network-cabling-specialist#.

    Network Telecom. “Network Cabling Specialist: How to Become One.” https://network-telecom.com/what-do-network-cabling-specialists-do-how-to-become-one/.

    Payscale Canada. “Hourly Rate for Skill: Cabling.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Skill=Cabling/Hourly_Rate.

    Skilled Trades Ontario. “Network Cabling Specialist.” https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/network-cabling-specialist/.

    Talent.ca. “Network Cabling Technician: Average Salary.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=cabling+technician.