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Category: Featured Articles

  • Why Workplace Openness About Mental Illness and Disability is Important

    Why Workplace Openness About Mental Illness and Disability is Important

    There is nothing more important for people struggling with mental illness or disabilities than a comfortable balance between work and daily life. Unfortunately, society as a whole has not entirely moved past the stigma often associated with these health obstacles—but we need to continue to take steps to ensure that that does not last forever.

    The most important thing that we can do to make conditions for those with mental illness and disabilities more comfortable is to not be afraid to talk about them. So much of our population is affected by mental illness, and many of these people do not feel secure enough to talk about it. They worry that maybe coworkers might think their disability could affect their work performance; or maybe if people knew, they wouldn’t want to be friends. Secrecy promotes anxiety, which directly opposes self-confidence; these factors discourage a healthy lifestyle and can in fact worsen mental health conditions. Stress can irritate your mental state, and therefore be dangerous to those battling these kinds of personal obstacles.

    According to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Statistics Canada, employees who found the majority of their time at work to be excessively stressful were more than three times more likely to experience major depression. This was in comparison to those who claimed low levels of stress in the workplace. But the fact is that many people with disabilities or mental illness are too scared to talk about it at work. That’s why we have to make openness about these subjects in the workplace the norm.

    Create a dialogue.

    A dialogue about your needs can help to lighten the stress. You do not have to disclose your mental illness, but if your experience is too stressful, it might be in your best interest to explain a little bit about your illness to your boss. For instance, if you are on medication, mornings might be a little difficult. Being open with management might mean later shifts or options that have you doing tasks that work better for you. Certain mental illnesses may cause mood swings or anxious behaviour. These may confuse coworkers and managers if they are not aware of your situation, leading them to question your character. If people are made to feel comfortable disclosing their struggles in the workplace, they will perform better.

    Be a trailblazer.

    Whether you work with someone who has a disability or a mental illness or vice versa, create an environment of honesty. Whether it is you or someone else who suffers from these obstacles, there needs to be more understanding on the subject. Having empathy, also, can be the key to a more comfortable workplace. When you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you start to realize things from their perspective.

  • Why Red Seal Trades Might Work for You

    Why Red Seal Trades Might Work for You

    You may have heard the advice, “Learn a trade – it’s an important skill to have.” That’s good advice: there will always be a need for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and welders. But what exactly is a Red Seal trade? What financial assistance is there for a person interested in becoming a tradesperson? How do you find out which trade is right for you? Read on to find out.

    In short, a Red Seal trade is one where you may work as a tradesperson in any province without having to take extra qualifications. The training and certifications of Red Seal trades are not individualized to each province; rather, they are standardized on a national level. Although each province is responsible for educating and training apprentices, or those who are at an entry level in their industry of choice, the Red Seal Program promotes the coordination of standards across the country. But in order to qualify as a journeyperson with a Red Seal, apprentices need a mix of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Although they earn money while training on the job, acquiring the necessary tools and classroom instruction is expensive.

    The government recognizes the necessity to fund tradespeople. There is a provision called the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, which is a $1000-$2000 per year taxable cash grant for apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year or level of their program in one of the Red Seal trades. Another is the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, which is available to an apprentice who completes their training and acquires their journeyperson certification in a Red Seal trade. But tools are expensive, too. The government provides the Tradesperson’s Tools Deduction of up to $500 yearly to assist in the purchase of new tools necessary for the trade in question. That leaves one final question: which trade to choose?

    In Ontario, there are forty-seven trades of the Program’s available 55 that you may choose from. These range from Automotive Service Technician to Baker to Hairstylist to Welder. The official website, www.red-seal.ca, contains a detailed job description of each. For instance, its page on carpentry tells us that “Carpenters construct, renovate and repair residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial … structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials.” We read about the risks involved, knowledge that a carpenter ought to have, and other useful skills. It tells us the career path a carpenter may be interested in taking. Further down the page, there is a chart that tells us that there is a provincial certification in all thirteen provinces and territories. Beyond that is additional information with links to relevant documents. You can also find this information on any of the other Red Seal trade pages. Read them over and decide which one may fit you best. Do you have an affinity for working in the kitchen? Bakers and Chefs can become Red Seal certified. Like tinkering with engines and other machines? A wide variety of trades will let you do just that: Automotive Service Technicians and Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians are among those who may acquire their Red Seal.

    The opportunities are numerous, and you can work anywhere in the country. Why not look into qualifying for a Red Seal trade?

  • Surviving an All-Nighter: Tips, Tricks, and Long-term Strategies

    Surviving an All-Nighter: Tips, Tricks, and Long-term Strategies

    Students know the procrastination struggle all too well: deadlines have a habit of sneaking up on you if you aren’t careful. As a result, many students resort to unhealthy habits, including pulling the dreaded all-nighter, to get their work in on time.

    If you have reached the point where you feel the need to stay up all night, you are definitely not alone. Below are some tips to keep you working diligently until the sun comes up. Yet, it is important to remember that all-nighters are definitely not good for your body or your work ethic—long-term planning and strong study habits will help you avoid these kinds of predicaments in the first place.

    Before you Begin:

    Prioritize. If you aren’t spending the night sleeping, you ought to make sure you’re being as productive as possible. Before you start, make a list of everything you’d like to get done—then, place your most urgent tasks first. If you fall asleep halfway through the night, at least you’ll get what was really important out of the way.

    Set up. You’re going to need sustenance and a proper workspace. Clear your desk, sharpen your pencils, and have coffee and snacks at the ready. Taking 10 minutes to get organized before you crack open your books will save you many instances of sleepy-eyed scrambling and confusion closer to the wee hours of the morning.

    Throughout the Night:

    Work in shifts. If you’re staying up late, chances are you’re going to tire out faster than you would on a full night’s rest. Set a timer and track your progress throughout the night so that you are only working in small intervals, and taking much-needed breaks in-between. A good pattern to follow is 25-30 minutes of work, and 5 minutes of a break, during which you should stand up, stretch, and refocus before getting back to business.

    Power-nap. Running on low sleep can rapidly drain your energy. Take time out during your all-nighter and nap for 20-30 minutes to recover. Don’t force yourself to stay completely awake throughout the entire night: there’s no point in barreling through if you can barely keep your eyes open. Set an alarm and stretch out on the couch. You will wake up refreshed and ready to continue.

    The Morning After:

    Proofread. When you’re sleep-deprived and still typing away at that paper at 4 AM, you can literally think anything you write sounds brilliant. It’s crucial that you take 15 minutes in the morning to check for typos that you may have missed in your sleepy stupor. For tests, flash through the basic concepts one more time to make sure you registered all the information.

    Reflect.     Hand in your work—then sit down and think about why you had to go through such an ordeal to finish it in the first place. Plan to start earlier, work more efficiently, and eliminate distractions next time. All-nighters can be brutal; you made it through this time, but in the future, make sure you don’t have to do it again.

  • Running a Business in the Trades

    Running a Business in the Trades

    Do you want to pursue a career in the trades, and prefer to be your own boss? Starting and running your own business in the trades might be a good option for you.

    Though some of the particulars may differ depending on the trade you pursue – like carpentry, electrical, or plumbing– many parts of running a business remain the same.

    If you are thinking of starting a trades business, you likely already have experience working in a trade and want to pursue it further. Before starting your business, make sure you have all the education, skills and licenses to work in your trade. This can include college programs, apprenticeships, work experience, and any necessary local or provincial regulatory licensing. You may also want to register with your local and provincial trade union, as these groups can be a good resource when you need help or information.

    The process of setting yourself up as an entrepreneur usually involves creating your own company. You can have a sole proprietorship (just you), or some form of partnership agreement (you and one or more other tradespeople, business people, administrative, etc.).

    You will need to register a business name and number with Service Canada. This number is required for most dealings that involve your business, especially for work permits and taxes.

    You will also need to use this business number to open bank accounts for your company. It is recommended to keep all business finances separate from your personal accounts.

    Make sure you have a very clear idea of what service you plan to offer. For example, if you want to run a carpentry business, you need to decide if you will specialize in a specific task, such as detail work like cabinetry, trim, stairs and railings, or rough work such as framing and roofing.

    Once you decide what your business will focus on, it is time for the most important part of any business: the business plan.

    A business plan is a document that you research and compile, which sets out your goals, product or service offerings, finances, and plans for future growth. This document is essential to directing the course of your company, and any banks or financial investors will require it. Ask yourself a few questions like; what will make my business special from others? What is my target market? What kind of prices will I charge for my company’s services?
    Networking is important and will lead to potential clients. Talk up your company and skills when you meet people in your trade industry. Attend trade shows or conventions related to your trade and those related to other trades. You may be running a plumbing business, but it can be helpful to meet people in other trades like construction – you never know where you might find your next customer!

    Another key factor to running your business is to market yourself and your skills. These days, you will need a website that details your business, the skills and services you offer, and even list prices or quotes to help gain customers.

    Once you are working jobs, make sure to build your reputation – do quality work at a good price, be on time to start and finish projects, and treat your customers well. After the job is done, the best thing to do is ask for a client review; good words go a long way!

  • Know When to “No”

    Know When to “No”

    Finish your homework. Clean your dirty clothes. Help your friend with their project. Apply to jobs. Help another friend move into their new dorm room. The list of things to get done grows like a self-sustaining organism, never-ending and duplicating with ease. Before you know it, there are so many items on that list that there are simply not enough hours in the day to check them all off. We all experience this at one point or another, but for some of us, knowing our limits and when to stop adding items to that list can be nearly impossible to decipher.

    Saying “yes” to a request is easy. The English language offers so many positive words and phrases in order to do so: “sure”, “absolutely”, “okay”, “no problem”, and so forth. Yet saying “no” is harder, and it might not be a coincidence that we do not have as many phrases to offer a negative response. We evolved as a communal species; helping one another has been crucial to our survival. Saying no and turning someone down means fighting that instinct.

    “No” takes practice. It is a skill that must be cultivated. Yet it is a necessary skill. When that to-do list explodes in excess, the inevitable burnout means accomplishing few or even none of the tasks that you set out to do. Saying “yes” to every request becomes a burden, and one that could result in homework left incomplete and bitter friends left to move into their dorm on their own after you failed to show up like you said you would. It can damage many aspects of your life.

    It is important to remember that when you start using “no” more often, it will not go well at the beginning. You will stumble over your words and likely upset people who are used to you saying “yes”. But that is okay. This is a great exercise in really understanding yourself and your own personality, and determining how you feel comfortable delivering a negative response. Some people are more effective with a harsher “no”, whereas others are suited better for a softer rejection.

    This raises perhaps the biggest question to ponder – when should you say no? There is the obvious fact that you can only divide your time into so many different activities. Ultimately, anything you say “yes” to must pass these two criteria: Is it true to your character and your values? Will it benefit you in some way? The more you say no, the more you will be able to assess the first question. As greedy as the second question may seem, it is far from greed. When you help a friend because it makes you feel good or because you want to strengthen that bond, you will provide better help. When you volunteer for the experience or to meet new people, you will put in a better effort. A healthy dose of self-interest is ironically quite selfless.

    Sources:
    Bernhard, Toni. When to Say “No” or “Not Now”. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201108/when-say-no-or-not-now?collection=88636
    Mamas, Michael. How to Say “No” the Right Way, and, Yes, There Is a Right Way. www.entrepreneur.com/article/253523

  • How to Handle Rejection

    How to Handle Rejection

    One of the most important lessons you can learn is how to deal with rejection and the feelings that accompany it. No matter how successful someone is they will inevitably face some form of rejection at some point in their life. Take Michael Jordan for example; he was cut from his high school basketball team, but he used his rejection as motivation to get better, and went on to become one of the most successful NBA players of all time.

    Everyone has a fundamental need to feel valued, to feel worthy and to be accepted. When rejection happens it can impact your self-esteem, making you feel inadequate, unworthy or like a failure. You could feel hurt, pain, disappointment, anxiety, loneliness, disconnected or angry. You can face rejection in various aspects of your life; in social situations, relationships, careers and school. It can come in all forms, big and small. A friend may not return a text, someone you like and ask out might say no, you could be passed over for a part in the school play, not get accepted to your top pick for university or not get hired for a part-time job you applied for. Whatever the situation, it’s important to know how to cope with your emotions when they arise, so you can work through the pain of the rejection and move on.

    Here are 8 ways to handle rejection:

    1. Talk to someone you trust. It could be a teacher, counselor, relative or coach. Pick someone who will listen to your situation and your feelings surrounding it. Someone who want judge. Often talking about your feelings can help ease the pain. The person might also be able to help you sort out what went wrong (if anything).

    2. Allow yourself to feel bad about the rejection. Don’t try to cover up your feelings or burry them. It’s healthy to let yourself feel what you feel. Try to process your feelings; it may even help to journal about them.

    3. Don’t go on social media to complain about the situation. Angry Facebook posts and Tweets blaming others will not help you deal with your feelings. It may even cause more problems.

    4. Try not to take it personally. It is not a personal attack. If someone you ask out says no or you don’t get a job you applied for, they are not rejecting you. They may be rejecting your request, but not you as a person. They don’t know you well enough to reject you as a person.

    5. Distract yourself. After you’ve given yourself time to process your feelings do something to take your mind off the situation. Read a book, hang out with friends, watch a movie, or go to the park to play basketball, do something you enjoy to help take your mind off the rejection.

    6. Think of a time in the past when you overcame a difficult situation. It’s helpful to remember what strategies you used then and apply them to your current situation.

    7. Learn from the rejection and use it to improve. If you didn’t make the football team you may need to practice more to improve your skills. Just because you didn’t make it this time doesn’t mean you never will. And it certainly doesn’t mean you’ll never make any other teams you try out for. Be sure not to overreact and turn one rejection into thoughts of, “I’ll never be able to…” or “It’ll never happen.”

    8. If you can’t shake off your feelings of rejection and you start experiencing feelings of depression be sure to talk to a school counselor, teacher or care giver so they can help you. It’s okay to need support from others. Seeking help for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues is nothing to be ashamed of. It takes a strong person to recognize when you need help. Don’t let shame or embarrassment prevent you from doing so.

    Remember, everyone faces rejection in their lives. But you can’t let it define you. How you cope with and overcome hard times says more about you as a person then the rejection ever will. Sometimes it’s hard to move past your feelings, but it’s important to remember to keep trying, and to believe in yourself, after all rejection is part of success.

  • Fighting Social Anxiety with Exposure

    Fighting Social Anxiety with Exposure

    Are you staring at your screen to avoid socializing? You are far from alone. Though this is often perceived as anti-social behaviour, those with social anxiety know that it is a far different ordeal. They want to reach out and want to speak with others, but feelings of anxiety impede them. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You may exhibit shyness; you may not. However you experience it, the condition is debilitating. So much of what we do in our lives revolves around and depends upon social interaction.

    Whether it be school, work, or dating, conversations are inevitable. This form of anxiety, like all others, can hold you back from meaningful relationships, excelling in group projects, and finding success in the workplace. If you believe you are suffering from social anxiety, it is best to think of it like any physical ailment. Seek help through therapy, open up to family and trusted friends, and above all, do not suffer in silence. A challenging but effective solution is one recommended by therapists and an immeasurable aide for my own struggles with social anxiety. Create and master an exposure hierarchy.

    An exposure hierarchy is a simple yet daunting concept. First, brainstorm a list of social situations that scare you. Do not put excessive thought into this; simply write down as many situations as you can. Try to include day-to-day situations, such as asking a stranger for directions, and less common ones, such as giving a presentation to a huge crowd. Be sure to mix in smaller scares with bigger frights. When you cannot think of any more items for the list, take a break.

    Later, create a table that starts at 0 and goes up in increments to 100. This will be your exposure hierarchy. Divide the hierarchy into ten steps (0, 10, 20, etc.) or twenty (0, 5, 10, etc.) up to 100. Now, go back to your list and select situations for each number. Rank the experiences from the least anxiety-inducing at 0 to the most nerve-wracking at 100. This does not have to be an exact science and do not worry about using all of the items from your brainstorm. Focus on arranging the list so that the anxiety escalates but it is entirely achievable.

    Your mission is to accomplish all the items on the list, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Set the pace at your own comfort level, but ensure you are attempting at least one item a week but not more than one a day. You need to push yourself, but not to the point of a breakdown. Remember, the goal is to simply expose yourself to situations. You only need to ask for directions, or strike up a conversation with a stranger, or ask your attractive classmate on a date. Even if that classmate says no, even if you get laughed in your face, you have accomplished your goal. The only failure comes in not making the attempt.

    Sources:
    Tartakovsky, Margarita. 6 Ways to Overcome Social Anxiety. http://psychcentral.com/lib/6-ways-to-overcome-social-anxiety/

  • Finding Your Perfect After-School Activity

    Finding Your Perfect After-School Activity

    Extra-curricular activities help give you valuable experience, keep you active, and provide a myriad of benefits. As more and more options become available, it can be difficult to decide which activities to take on. After all, there are a limited number of hours available, and knowing that you are choosing one activity while sacrificing another can lead to feelings of regret. There are a number of things to consider as you decide what to pursue.

    Before you start looking into activities that are available in your area, write down a list of your interests. This can be a point-form list or a journal entry, depending on how you like to organize your thoughts. Also, write down what you want to get out of the activities you choose. Ensure that you take this step before looking at what is out there. This way you are avoiding any biases or impact on your thought process from what you read. By going into the decision-making process with a clear goal and mindset, there is far less chance of confusion and regret later.

    Make sure to weigh the benefits of the activities you find. Upon selecting potential picks for programs you can enroll in, write out the positives and negatives for each one. Take into account your schedule, the mental and physical energy involved, and the short-term and long-term benefits. Certain activities may not be worth their strenuous nature, especially physical ones. On the other hand, ones that may not seem like an immediately good choice could prove to provide long-term benefits, such as work experience that will shine on your resume.

    Finally, do not be afraid to take risks. Children and adults alike tend to stick to habits and the things they know. Instead of choosing an activity you have done before and are well-versed in, it might be worth stepping outside your comfort zone. Take a look at the options available with as open a mind as possible. There are many sites to visit as you investigate your potential picks. There are many possibilities to consider, and thoroughly examining your options will make sure your ultimate decision is one you will be happy with.

    It can be a lot to take on choosing and participating in these activities on top of your usual schoolwork. By taking the time to analyze what you enjoy and want to get out of these pursuits, as well as extensively reviewing your options with an open mind, you are ensuring that what you undertake will be well worth your time. Although you are restricted to certain classes during the school day, extra-curricular activities help you in taking the first steps towards independence and building the life you want to have as an adult.

     

  • Common Mistakes that College/University Students Make with Money

    Common Mistakes that College/University Students Make with Money

    Your post-graduation life will largely be about paying off the debts you accumulated while in school. Avoid these very common financial mistakes to make your life in the ‘real world’ less of a strain:

    The credit card hole…

    Sometimes credit can seem like an easy way to fix your problems or get what you want quickly. But the truth is that adding to the already massive student loan debt you are accumulating will weigh down your ability for success, your credit rating and your freedom. That is a lot of stress and debt to have on your back before you land a real job. Credit cards are a good thing if you are able to pay off the balance and create a strong credit history. But do not allow yourself to fall into the minimum payment cycle and subsequent interest hole.

    Not budgeting your student loan funds…

    Never forget that your student loan is for the essentials: tuition, books, transit and living expenses. Make sure that upon receiving the loan you take the time to hash out how much your year is going to cost and how much you have to spend on the different facets of your life. Many people get over excited when a large sum suddenly appears in their bank account. But university is extremely expensive, and the money is never as much as you think it is. Be careful and keep your receipts and a list of your expenses at all times. Be in control of your debt.

    Failure to meet with academic advisors…

    Academic advisors are detrimental to your success in post-secondary. It is important to see them regularly from before you actually begin school to your very last weeks as a student. It is their job to help you sign up for the correct courses, ensuring that you do not take any courses that will not count towards your degree or ones that will slow down the graduating process. Oftentimes, failing to meet with an academic advisor can result in the loss of thousands of dollars and time. For instance, if you miss a required class, it can entirely throw you off the correct track to graduate at the time you wish.

    Playing around with ‘drop dates’…

    Do not forget about the deadlines for dropping classes. If you wait until after the drop date you are waving goodbye to hundreds of dollars rather than receiving a full reimbursement. Remember that taking classes seriously means taking your money seriously. Without commitment you may receive a grade that will not count towards your degree and that is simply a huge waste of time and money.

    Ignoring scholarship opportunities…

    There is SO much free money out there. Apply for as many scholarships as possible and chances are you will get at least a few small ones. Set time aside to write letters of intent and have your resume ready and you could easily have a semester paid off. Speak to academic advisors about this, actively use university search engines and speak to your family and about work and organizations they may be involved with that provide scholarships.

  • Why Should Girls Get Involved with STEM?

    Why Should Girls Get Involved with STEM?

    In our society, girls seem to be underrepresented in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Even more interesting is that in contrast to girls, boys seem to be actively involved in all of these fields. So what’s the deal? Why are girls not participating in these fields as much as boys? These are questions that are stumping researchers and other experts.

    There is a stereotype that has been circulating around, that maybe girls just aren’t as good at these subjects as their male counterparts. However, research suggests that there isn’t any evidence to support this claim. We all know girls are just as capable and smart as boys. Researchers have found that, when tested, girls are equally as successful in any of these subjects as boys. However, as long as this negative stereotype continues to persist it can cause real harm. It can actually cause girls to believe that they aren’t good at these subjects before even trying them. There is a natural bias for people to assume that science and math are fields best suited to males and that the arts are better suited to females. Why not disprove this theory?

    People also believe that maybe girls aren’t involved in STEM because there aren’t enough female role models in these fields to look up to. Seeing women who are thriving and successful in these fields could make them more enticing to younger females. People like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have made their fortunes in fields related to STEM. However, there still seems to be lacking female equivalents. It would be great to see females who have invented or developed ideas related to STEM in our society. The women that are contributing and involved in STEM should be given more visibility in order to promote these fields.

    There are many reasons why girls should get involved in STEM. Firstly, positions related to these fields are abundant. Why not make contributions to them and stand out from others? Scientists are trying to solve some of the most difficult questions in our time. Engineers are designing different things that we can use to better our lives and make things easier. With the internet and other forms of communication becoming more popular, there are a wide variety of job opportunities relating to technology.  People in these professions are doing creative and innovative things. In addition to this, these positions provide a person with a really great income (who doesn’t like money?). Helping the world and making great money doesn’t sound like a bad thing to me!