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Category: Featured Articles

  • Career Profile: Writers and Authors

    Career Profile: Writers and Authors

    Reading is a normal part of everyday life for many people, but they might not always think about the people who wrote what they are reading. Writers and authors compose stories, write books or articles, plays, or essays, and complete many other documents.

    If you enjoy working with words, becoming an author or writer might be right for you.

    With a novel or book of short stories, you can normally find the author’s name printed on the front cover. These authors have created a story and written it down for others to enjoy. The same is usually true with nonfiction books about animals or subjects like geography or history. That way, readers can find other books by the same author if they like what they have read. Magazine articles or online posts about various subjects often also feature the writer’s name at the top.

    Writing a book is a huge job, involving many hours of planning, writing, editing, and rewriting. Novelists can spend weeks, months, or even years on a single book, making sure that the plot works and that the characters are believable. Writing a nonfiction book can take even longer since the process normally involves researching the subject thoroughly to make sure that the information is correct. Articles can sometimes be very quick to write, but they can also involve hours of research.

    Writing can include much more than books and articles. Some people work as technical writers for companies, composing user manuals or reports on aspects of the company. Writers can work for community centres, grocery stores, car dealerships, governments, consulting firms, or corporations. Some writers work for advertising agencies, where they might compose short poems or jingles for radio or television. Others write plays, manuals, or other documents.

    Working as a writer or author can be a somewhat uncertain career. For book authors, a lot depends on whether a publisher will decide that the book is worth the time, money, and effort of publishing. For other writers, career prospects are generally fair to good in much of Canada.

    Salaries for writers and authors vary widely. For writers working at a business or university, salaries generally start at close to $19 per hour and average $21.50 per hour. However, full-time writing jobs are hard to find and can be quite technical. Many writers have other jobs and do their writing on the side. Even many famous authors of popular books often have another job such as teaching to help pay for daily expenses. Working as a freelance writer is quite common.

    Working conditions for writers and authors can also vary. Some people, especially in areas like technical writing or advertising, might work regular hours in an office where they can consult other people if they need information. For many people in this career, however, writing is a solitary job that they do in the evenings or on weekends when they have spare time.

    Qualifications for writers and authors depend on the job and the circumstances of the work. Technical writers generally need at least a few courses or a certificate in their field, and other writers might need a bachelor’s degree in English. Generally, however, writers and authors need good language skills and the ability to think clearly and logically. Being able to work alone is also important, although writers and authors should also be able to understand and work with other people. Curiosity is a good characteristic for writers and authors.

    The job of a writer or author can include many different activities, but an interest in words is essential for everyone in this field. If you enjoy language and sharing your ideas with others, you should consider becoming a writer or author.

     

    Bibliography:

    Glassdoor.ca. “Career: Writer.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Career/writer-career_KO0,6.htm.

    Job Bank. “Writer in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/20925/ca.

    Payscale.com. “Average Writer/Author Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Writer_%2F_Author/Salary.

  • Health and Wellbeing in Alberta (French version available)

    Health and Wellbeing in Alberta (French version available)

    Suppose that you need expensive dental work or medication. Your family might have health benefits or insurance to cover these costs. Restaurant workers have normally not received these types of benefits, but now some employers are trying to change that. If the idea becomes common, it could help to make many people’s lives better.

    Restaurant employees, also known as food service workers, often have low wages with few benefits like sick pay or dental care. A survey of 5414 restaurants in Alberta showed that forty-nine percent of full-time staff and sixty-five percent of higher-level workers receive benefits. Health and dental benefits for restaurant workers are rare in Canada because of the high costs in providing them.

    Balancing prices and costs in restaurants can be difficult. Restaurant owners have often reduced their costs by paying their staff minimum wage with few extra benefits. Good tips from diners can help, but not enough to make up for the low wages. During the pandemic, the many restaurant closures and illness among workers showed the need for health benefits.

    Health benefits are designed to help workers financially when they get sick or need dental care so that they can take time to recover or go to appointments. During the pandemic, many people could have avoided spreading COVID-19 by staying at home when they were sick, but they had no way of paying for food and other necessities without their wages. In restaurants and other workplaces, the risks of infecting other people are high, and being able to stay home but still get some money is important.

    During the pandemic, many workers resigned from their jobs, or they lost their jobs when businesses had to close. Once businesses were able to open again, they needed employees, but the previous employees did not always want to come back, or they had moved on to other activities.

    Because of the factors like these, many employers are still looking for employees. To attract good workers, employers have had to offer benefits, especially sick pay and other health-related benefits. That way, workers could miss work if they felt ill without losing their wages for the time they were away. Normally, employers and employees pay a small amount of money every month that gets put into benefits. Then when the worker needs the money, it is available.

    Dental benefits are also important, and many employers are beginning to offer them to workers. Some companies are also raising wages, helping employees with education costs, and even offering counselling for employees and their families who are suffering from emotional or mental health issues. Many employers are also offering higher wages to attract employees.

    In places like Montreal and Toronto, employers are using similar ideas to draw in good workers and bring restaurant diners back. They realize the importance of being healthy and having enough money for what they need. The idea might soon become common to many employers. These changes could help in the very competitive world of restaurants while also making life easier for people who work low-paid jobs.

     

    Bibliography:

    Alsharif, Ghada. “’Workers Have Choice’: Restaurants Offering Health Benefits Find It a Lot Easier to Hire Staff.’” https://www.thestar.com/business/2022/11/02/restaurants-offering-health-dental-benefits-in-bid-to-attract-workers-amid-labour-shortage.html.

    Duhatschek, Paula. “For Many Restaurant Workers, Health Benefits Are Rare. Amid an ‘Existential’ Labour Shortage, That’s Changing.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/restaurant-industry-health-benefits-1.6630367.

    Hamilton, Janella. “Worker Shortage Leaves B.C.’s Restaurant Industry Hungry for Employees.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/worker-shortage-leaves-b-c-s-restaurant-industry-hungry-for-employees-1.6458931.

    HR Reporter. “More Than Half of Employers Boost Wages Amid Staff Shortage.”  https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/compensation-and-benefits/more-than-half-of-employers-boost-wages-amid-labour-shortage/368002

  • Carpet Installers (French version available)

    Carpet Installers (French version available)

    In many homes, some floors have tile or wood, and others have carpet. The carpet might seem like a natural part of the room, but someone has to install it. For people who are precise and enjoy working with their hands, a job as a carpet installer could be a good choice. It might be the right job for you.

    Like many similar jobs, the trade of carpet installer is closely tied to the construction industry. After the main part of a house or office is built, someone needs to make the building comfortable to live or work in. For some rooms, this includes installing carpets to help keep the floors warm in winter and soft on the feet. With a carpet or other floor covering, rooms feel finished and ready to live in.

    Flooring installation is very exact work. If the carpet is too big for the space, it might bunch up on one side or otherwise not fit properly. If the carpet is too small, it can leave the edges of the room without any covering. Making accurate measurements is very important in this job, since making mistakes can cause many problems. If the carpet needs to be reinstalled, it can be very expensive and time-consuming.

    Besides making correct measurements, carpet installers need to understand the differences between various types of floors and carpets. Some types of carpet might require stronger glue than others to stick to the floor. Carpet installers need to be able to assess the floor and the covering to choose the right type that will stick together properly.

    Preparing the floor and the carpet is important. Otherwise, the glue on the back of the carpet might not stick to the surface. Carpet installers might need to sand down rough patches of wood or glue down any loose surfaces before they start to put the carpet in place.

    Most flooring installation work is indoors, except for a few balconies or decks. Weather is not generally a factor in carpet installation, but the bulk of the work still takes place in the warmer months when building construction normally happens. In winter, when the job is slower, carpet installers might want to find other work to do if possible. At the peak construction times, these tradespeople might need to work overtime, but generally, the job is forty hours, five days a week.

    Becoming a carpet installer normally requires the completion of an apprenticeship, although some people can learn on the job. Apprenticeships are six-thousand hours long, broken down into six equal terms. About ninety per cent of that time is work experience, and the rest is classroom training.

    Applicants for the apprenticeship need at least a Grade 10 education or the equivalent and be at least sixteen years old. Good mathematics and English skills are important for this job, as they are for many careers. A strong back for bending over and reasonably good vision with or without glasses are important for this job.

    Wages for apprentices begin at about $21 per hour and rise to about $42 by the final year. Fully trained carpet installers generally earn $37,000 per year at the beginning of their careers and can earn $122,000 per year by the end. The work can be quite physically demanding, and people might want to move into administrative or supervisory roles as they age.

    Job prospects in carpet installation depend on the economy and other factors. Large cities are likely to have more jobs than in smaller places, but work is likely to be available almost anywhere. As older workers retire, more jobs will become available. Carpets wear out and need to be replaced even when construction is slow, but that type of work can be limited.

    Carpet installation can be difficult but interesting work. If you like to work with your hands, it could be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Careers in Construction. “Floor Covering Installer.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/floor-covering-installer.

    College of Carpenters and Applied Trades. “Floor Covering Apprenticeship.” https://www.theccat.ca/floor-covering-apprenticeship/.

    Job Bank. “Floor Covering Installer in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/21553/ca.

    Payscale Canada. “Carpet Installer: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Carpet_Installer/Hourly_Rate.

  • Want to Run Your Own Business? The Pros and Cons of a Sole Proprietorship (French version available)

    Want to Run Your Own Business? The Pros and Cons of a Sole Proprietorship (French version available)

    Not everyone wants to work for someone else, whether that would be for a big business or a small one.  Instead, many people prefer to work for themselves as entrepreneurs and start their own business.  Maybe they want to bring their own great ideas into the world themselves, or maybe they simply want to be their own boss.  Whatever the reason, for motivated, determined, and creative people, working for themselves can build a more enjoyable career than they would experience elsewhere.

    There is more than one way to create your own business in Canada, but a common one for individuals and a good place to start is a type of business called a sole proprietorship.

    What is a Sole Proprietorship?

    The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) defines sole proprietorship as “a business with a single owner who is solely responsible for all liabilities. In the eyes of legal and tax authorities, the business and the operator are one and the same.”

    A sole proprietorship business is a less formal business structure compared to other small businesses, such as partnerships or incorporated companies.  Setting yourself up as a sole proprietor has a low barrier to entry, is affordable, and is relatively simple to set up, which makes this type of business an attractive path for new entrepreneurs.  You don’t need to register a sole proprietorship with your province unless you are earning revenues greater than $30,000 per year, or wish to operate under a business name other than your own legal name.  If you do want to name your business something unique, then you need to register your business name with the government.

    If you begin earning over $30,000 annually, then you will likely need to register for a business number, and be required to charge and pay sales taxes.  You will also need a business number if you want to hire other employees, or access government programs that assist small businesses.

    Almost any business can be a sole proprietorship, but they are commonly used by freelancers of all types, tradespeople such as electricians or carpenters, artists such as photographers or designers, and many other types of work.

    Considering whether a sole proprietorship is right for you?  Here are some pros and cons:

    Pros

    • A sole proprietorship is easy to create, and easy to dissolve, which is useful for new businesses and young entrepreneurs just starting out. Start-up costs for establishing the business are low.
    • The owner has complete control of business decisions, direction, etc. This means you can do things exactly the way you want, without having to convince a partner or anyone else.
    • Operating your own business means you have the flexibility to work when and where you want, which can be especially useful for a part-time or side-gig to a regular job, or if you have personal and family obligations you need to accommodate.
    • A sole proprietor owns all the earnings and profits of the business; effectively, the revenue from the business is your income.
    • Accounting and taxes are relatively simple, and easy to manage using basic commercially available software.

    Cons

    • As a sole proprietor, the business and the owner are considered to be the same entity for taxes and legal purposes. This means you are responsible for all liabilities, legal and financial, when it comes to the business.  This includes debts or other obligations that the business owes to other people—so if your business owes money, you owe money.
    • If you are not able to work, the business can’t operate and therefore will not create income. Though you have some flexibility in when you work, this means you might need to work long hours each day, or many days without a proper break, in order to get everything done that needs doing.
    • Because in a sole proprietorship the owner and business are the same, you may need to use personal savings and loans to pay for start-up costs and other business expenses until the business is turning enough profit to cover those costs.
    • It can be harder to grow the business and find employees, though this will vary depending on the type of work and the location where your business operates.

    Do Your Research

    As with any other life decision, do your research!  There are lots of resources available from your local business development organizations, municipal or provincial government, and industry groups related to your business’s focus.  Be sure to talk to other sole proprietor businesspeople.  They can help you understand what is involved in creating your own business as a sole proprietor, both for day-to-day concerns as well as the big picture of how to operate and grow your business.

    You will have to be prepared to work hard, but the return on investing in yourself and your own business is an amazing career doing something you’re passionate about!

     

    Sources:

    BDC. “Sole proprietorship.” https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/entrepreneur-toolkit/templates-business-guides/glossary/sole-proprietorship

  • Grieving the Loss of a Family Member/Loved One: How to Cope, and How to Incorporate Their Memory into What You Do Going Forward (French version available)

    Grieving the Loss of a Family Member/Loved One: How to Cope, and How to Incorporate Their Memory into What You Do Going Forward (French version available)

    Without a doubt, losing a family member/loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can endure. Life will never be the same without them and the grief you feel right now may seem overwhelming.

    If this is what you’re going through, here is some advice on how to cope and incorporate their memory into what you do going forward:

    Spend Time With Those Who Support You And Take Time For Yourself

    Though everyone deals with this type of loss differently, it would be best to spend time with others you can depend on for emotional support, as well as take time for yourself. Temporarily stepping back from certain activities is also encouraged, especially for those who have busy schedules involving extracurriculars.

    What’s Most Important Is Actually Allowing Yourself To Process Your Loss

    Facing grief is challenging and it’s understandable if you’re afraid to do so. Nonetheless, it’s still crucial that you truly allow yourself to process this loss. Often times, some find it easier to throw themselves into their work or find other means of staying distracted in an attempt to avoid these emotions, which can be harmful. Another similar strategy that’s also unhealthy is keeping your feelings bottled up inside. It’s absolutely fine if you enjoy staying busy, but if you’re doing so because you’re avoiding the process altogether, there will be a good chance of your negative emotions pouring out when you least expect them to.

    Obviously, dealing with a situation like this takes time, so be patient with yourself.

    How To Incorporate Their Memory Into What You Do Going Forward…

    …In School

    Writing about the person and/your experience with them can be incredibly therapeutic. For those who are in their later high school years, many English teachers assign students prompts/compositions that allow for this kind of freedom. They also tend to appreciate the amount of thought and emotion put into these assignments.

    …In Your Personal Life

    Of course, you could also write essays or stories about them in your personal life. It would be beneficial for future generations, and if they’re curious about this person and would like to know more, they could always refer to these documents.

    Another option is photos. Do you have any pictures of this loved one that could be organized in a photo album? Would you consider creating a collage or scrapbook with some of these pictures so you can document their memorable/joyful moments? This is a great way to celebrate them and provide yourself with time to reminisce, especially if you played a part in the moments you’d like to highlight.

    …In Other Work

    Another potential endeavour could be starting a club or holding a fundraiser for a cause that your loved one was passionate about. There might be something you could coordinate with those you know, e.g. friends, co-workers, family members, etc.

    Overall, acknowledge what you’re feeling and trust that you’ll be OK. If you take the advice above, you’ll more than likely cope as best as you can and successfully incorporate your loved one’s memory into all the main areas of your life.

  • How a Hybrid Office Benefits People with Disabilities (French version available)

    How a Hybrid Office Benefits People with Disabilities (French version available)

    When the pandemic began, thousands of workers switched from working in an office to working from home. Although many people are returning to office work, other employers and employees are choosing a hybrid model of working both from home and from the office. For many disabled workers, a good hybrid model could be the best system for giving both the flexibility and the support they need.

    The pandemic forced many people to change the way they did their jobs. Sometimes, they worked entirely from home, but at other times, they would have a hybrid schedule of going to the office for a day or two each week. Over half of knowledge workers like writers and researchers have worked this way for years, but a hybrid arrangement was new to many people. Some of them found the adjustment difficult.

    For people with disabilities, a hybrid office arrangement can be helpful. In some cases, chronic conditions can make it difficult to get to work. For example, certain conditions like anemia or migraines drain people’s energy and make it hard for them to concentrate. If they can work from home instead of going to the office, they are less likely to miss work because of their condition. They can choose when and where to work, matching their schedule to their energy level.

    Other disabilities can also make a hybrid work schedule beneficial. Someone who has trouble walking, for example, might prefer not to go to the office for a day or two after a snowstorm to make sure that the roads and sidewalks are as clear as possible. A person with arm or wrist troubles might have voice activation software at home to make it easier to write long reports and prefer to work from there rather than the office.

    Back trouble can make it difficult to sit for hours. At home, people can use their own chairs and cushions to make the day as comfortable as possible. They might even choose to work longer hours but take breaks to stretch their backs whenever necessary. In a traditional office setting, this could be very difficult to do if the office closes at a set time. Working from home, people can take the time they need to avoid pain.

    Other disabilities can also make office work difficult. Someone with social anxiety, for example, might find it stressful to be among people all day and need time alone to help with concentration. Mental health problems can become much worse if people are forced to be among others all the time.

    Even with the advantages of working from home, many people still need some time in the office. Sometimes, their home life makes it difficult to get work done, such as when family members are noisy, when cooking or cleaning needs to be done, or when a television program is on. Learning the discipline to keep on working despite distractions at home takes time.

    A hybrid work arrangement can help. With a well-organized hybrid job, people with disabilities can work from home when they need the time away from the office but still get help from their colleagues when necessary. Hybrid offices can be a good solution for many workplaces.

     

    Bibliography:

    Caldwell, Andrew James. “Remote Work vs Hybrid Work: The Complete Pros & Cons List.” https://peninsulacanada.com/blog/employer-advice/return-to-work-should-you-consider-a-hybrid-work-model/.

    Farrer, Laurel. “Accommodating Disabilities in Remote And Hybrid Work.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurelfarrer/2022/03/30/accommodating-disabilities-in-remote–hybrid-work/?sh=42bb00f32c17.

    Lightfoot, Diane. “Are Your Hybrid Working Plans Inclusive of Disabled People?” https://www.hrzone.com/lead/strategy/are-your-hybrid-working-plans-inclusive-of-disabled-people.

    Siddall, Kim. “Expert Panel: Considerations for Disability Management in a Hybrid Work Environment.” https://www.benefitscanada.com/expertpanel_/kim-siddall/expert-panel-considerations-for-managing-disabilities-in-a-hybrid-work-environment/.

  • How to Get a Great Start to the Day

    How to Get a Great Start to the Day

    Your days can begin in several different ways. It can begin fast-paced and stressful, or even slow and calm. Your mornings depend on you. You don’t have to rush your morning routine and dash out the door every morning. With these five tips, you can learn how to change your routine for you to get a great start to the day; every day!

    Wake Up Early

    Waking up early, especially when you have somewhere to be, can help you start your day in high spirits. There are several benefits to waking up early. These benefits include: being able to get through your morning routine without being rushed, the ability to enjoy the quiet morning hours, and getting a head start on your daily goals and tasks. One tip to get yourself out of bed earlier is to set your time about 5 minutes behind. This tricks you into thinking that you have less time to get ready.

    Drink Water

    It is important to drink water at all times of the day, but it is also very important to start your day with a glass of water. If you’d like, you can add some lemon into your water to change it up a bit. Adding some lemon to your water can cleanse and stimulate the liver and kidneys, provide you with some Vitamin C, and keep your skin looking healthy!

    Complete a Quick Exercise

    Completing a quick exercise can help get your blood flowing. Exercise helps release chemicals called endorphins (happy hormones) and will help you feel happy and prepared for the day. Doing a stretching routine can help you loosen your muscles after sleeping and increase blood flow to your muscles. If you’d like to do something more calming, you can take that time to meditate. Meditating can help you reduce stress and feel calmer.

    Have a Good Breakfast

    Breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day but not all of us have breakfast every morning. When you eat a well-balanced breakfast daily, it benefits you in many ways. You will be less hungry throughout the day, you’ll be able to concentrate better, and have much more energy! A healthy breakfast consists of all four food groups. Try to include all of the four food groups in your breakfast daily.

    Plan and Prepare the Night Before

    To reduce the stress during the morning, planning and preparing the night before is a good option. The night before, you could write a to-do list, pack your bags, pack your lunch, and keep your belongings in a spot where you can quickly get them before you leave. This is very helpful if you have somewhere to be the next morning.

    Now that you’ve discovered 5 ways to help you get a great start to the day, all you have to do is include them into your routine! Doesn’t that seem easy? It may not be at first, but as you stick to your new routine, it’ll become much easier. Begin your new routine tomorrow morning if you want to wake up with a smile and get a great start to the day from now on!

    Resources

    https://www.themuse.com/advice/16-better-ways-to-start-your-day-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-breakfast

    https://www.twinings.co.uk/about-twinings/latest-news-and-articles/top-10-tips-for-a-great-start-to-your-day

    https://www.positivityblog.com/great-start-to-your-day/

    https://daringtolivefully.com/morning-habits

  • Staying Positive When Everything Seems Negative

    Staying Positive When Everything Seems Negative

    By Erin Rebello

    It’s pretty clear that we’re in an increasingly unusual situation and that nothing seems to be normal at all. What is normal? As a result, it can be easy to allow negative thoughts to creep in and control the way you think. One way to forget about everything that’s going on is to focus on the positive side, and to help others see the positive too. How can you do that? Well, listed below are several examples of how to brighten someone else’s day during this dark time.

    1. Plan a fun event with your family. An easy way to brighten your family’s day is to set up a fun event that everyone can enjoy. For example, you might want to plan a family game night with all the board games in your closet. Another great idea is a dance party, with all your favourite tunes. One thing that my family did during quarantine that really made everyone happier was a family movie night. My sister and I set up a tent in our basement and the entire family spent the night watching movies and eating popcorn!
    2. Treat someone. If anyone in your family is an essential worker, and has been working a lot lately, think of ways you can treat them. Chances are, they’re extremely stressed out, and have to work long and weird hours due to the recent furloughs and layoffs. You could give them a spa day to help them relax, or cook a delicious meal for them after work. Even something as simple as making them breakfast could make all the difference.
    3. Cook or bake together. One thing that always makes a situation better is bonding with your family. A great way to do this is by cooking or baking a dish together. There’s no better time than the quarantine to break out your mom’s cookbook and get to work on the home recipes! Chances are that you’ll already have most (if not all) the ingredients that you need to cook/bake something.
    4. Donate money or supplies. In this hectic time, a lot of hospitals are running out of crucial supplies, and are in desperate need of sterile medical supplies. Although on your own you may not be able to mass produce supplies like gowns and n95 masks, you can still do your part to help the situation. A lot of hospitals are accepting donations of hand sewn supplies. In my area, hospitals are accepting scrub bags, caps, and ear savers to give to staff to prevent the spread of infection. Hospitals are also accepting monetary donations, so if you’re a business-minded person, consider starting a fundraiser to help  a good cause!
    5. Be kinder. Although some of the previously mentioned ideas require a lot of work and planning, there are a lot of little things you can to improve the lives of others. Something as simple as smiling at a stranger, or holding a door open for someone else can do a lot. Regardless of how you contribute, making an effort (no matter how small) makes all the difference!

    Whatever you do to brighten the lives of others, no matter how big or small, is an act of kindness. During these difficult times, it’s important that we show our love and support for one another, and make an effort to make the world a better place.

  • How to Research a Subject You Know Little About: Writing A Curriculum for a Driving School

    How to Research a Subject You Know Little About: Writing A Curriculum for a Driving School

    In high school and university, students often have at least some control over the topics that they write about in their papers and assignments. Still, writing about an unfamiliar subject might sometimes be necessary. When students graduate and find a job, they might find themselves writing almost entirely on subjects they know little about. Although this can be difficult, it is often a necessary task.

    Online guides from colleges and universities often have valuable advice for students looking for a topic to write about for their assignments. For research and writing at that level, students are still learning to find credible sources of information and to organize their thoughts into research papers that meets the instructor’s requirements. In many cases, finding a topic that they already know and enjoy is good advice.

    Outside the classroom, however, people are more often required to research the subjects that they are assigned, regardless of their own interests. For example, as a writer for a driving curriculum business, I have been writing articles on various topics outside my normal set of interests, including parking brakes, sun visors, and steering wheels. Although I have had a driver’s license for years, I know little about the actual functioning of the different vehicle parts. Writing a thousand words on each of these subjects can be a struggle.

    Despite my lack of knowledge or interest in this subject area, I have been able to write over twenty driving-related articles already, with many more to come. To receive my paycheque, I have had to find ways of learning how vehicles work, even though I would much prefer to write about other subjects. Yet even writing about (to me) uninteresting topics can be a fun challenge, to see how much I can learn along the way.

    Online writing guides suggest different methods of approaching unfamiliar subjects. Avoiding panic and beginning by looking up unfamiliar words can help in the process. The next step is research. For me, this often means finding sources that seem to be reliable, such as the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, or even websites like Popular Mechanics. Although the writers on these sites may make mistakes, their work is likely to have gone through an editing process that would catch some of these errors.

    Once the research is done, it is time to start writing. One of the first considerations is the audience. In school, you write for your teachers or classmates, but later in life, you might have a far wider audience for your writing.

    For the driving school material, the audience could be almost anyone, but it is likely to be people between the ages of fifteen and about forty who are studying for their driving test. They likely already have a basic knowledge of the different vehicle parts, but they might not know some of the details. Since my articles are for driver education rather than for training mechanics, I tend to focus on how the information affects the rules of the road and safe driving.

    Researching an unfamiliar subject can be challenging but rewarding. With research and keeping the audience in mind, writers can help make the task easier.

    Bibliography:

    Adams, Kristina. “How to Write About Something You Know Nothing About.” https://www.writerscookbook.com/12-steps-writing-something-know-nothing-about/.

    Algonquin College. “Research Guide.” https://algonquincollege.libguides.com/research/define.

  • How Can Anger Tell a Bigger Story About You; What is Hidden Underneath?

    We all know what anger is and what it feels like. Although we all know what anger is and may know some of our triggers, you may not know that when you feel anger, there is something underneath it . This hidden reason can tell a bigger story about you and unlock your true emotions behind that anger.

    Why Do We Feel Anger?

    Anger is a normal feeling that everyone can have, mostly as a response to emotional or physical pain. Whenever we feel angry, there is a hidden meaning underneath that feeling. We don’t always want to show our true feelings, therefore it is much easier to hide those feelings and cover them up with anger. You may not even know yourself, sometimes.

    Think of anger like an iceberg. Most of an iceberg is hidden underwater. Anger is the part of the iceberg that we see above the water and the hidden part could be emotions such as embarrassment, fear, grief, loneliness, trauma, disgust, envy, and more, down below.

    Why Do People Hide Their Feelings?

    Many people hide their true feelings behind their anger. This could be done for several different reasons. These reasons include:

    To cover up their weaknesses. Some people are afraid of showing emotion. They may not want others to see their vulnerabilities. They could be afraid that others will judge them and use their feelings against them.

    To avoid getting their feelings hurt. It is very common for someone to hide their emotions to protect the relationships they have. They may not want to react or speak out about something that bothers them to avoid triggering other topics that may eventually lead to more conflicts.

    To mask their lack of confidence. Some people grow up being told that their feelings are not valid or are criticized for expressing their emotions. Therefore, they begin to mask their emotions from an early age to prevent any more criticism in the future.

    How Does Excessive Anger Affect You?

    Excessive anger and masking your emotions too often can negatively affect your physical and emotional wellbeing. If can lead to the following things:

    A buildup of emotions. Holding back emotions can intensify them. You will eventually have a burst of emotions that may affect anyone who is around you during that time. It is best to let yourself feel the emotion you are feeling at that moment.

    Strained relationships. When you hide your feelings from others, you may think you are protecting the relationships in your life. Although you may tell people you are fine and that nothing is wrong, those who know you can sense that something isn’t right. If they notice that you aren’t telling them the truth, they might feel hurt and can begin to lose trust in you.

    Early death. Suppressing emotions can cause stress that may linger in your body. With time, all the stress can contribute to diabetes, sleep issues, high blood pressure, and heart problems.

    How Can You Stop Suppressing Your Emotions?

    Learning how to stop suppressing your emotions can be difficult, especially when you have been doing it for the majority of your life. It takes time and effort. These strategies can help you to learn to share your feelings openly.

    Practice mindfulness! Mindfulness is an exercise in which the person learns to focus only on what they are doing in the present moment. Sitting with emotions allows you to fully experience and deeply understand them.

    Talk to a therapist! Talking to a therapist can help you learn how to express your emotions, offer strategies to cope with intense emotions, and address any mental health symptoms linked to your hidden emotions.

    Remember that your emotions are valid and it is perfectly okay to feel show vulnerability. As long as you can eventually calm yourself down and resolve any issues, then you will be okay. If you need any help dealing with your emotions, don’t be ashamed to seek help!

    Resources:

    https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-anger-iceberg/

    https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/hiding-feelings

    https://www.mentalhelp.net/anger/