You’re deep into your Canadian job search, or perhaps you’re just starting your Express Entry or immigration profile. Suddenly, you hit a wall. Every form, every job posting, every government website is asking for one cryptic piece of information: your “NOC code.” What is this? It looks like a random string of numbers, but it … Read more
It’s the great Canadian dream, 2.0. Forget the corner office; the new goal is the “cottage office.” It’s the fantasy of logging into a meeting from a dock in Muskoka, or taking your laptop to a café in Banff. The pandemic proved it’s possible, and now, for millions of Canadians, “remote work” isn’t a “perk” … Read more
The Canadian job market can feel like a puzzle. On one hand, you hear news reports about labour shortages and endless opportunities. On the other hand, you see friends with good degrees struggling to find meaningful work. It’s confusing. Where are these “great jobs” really? And how do you make a smart bet on your … Read more
You’re ambitious. You’re willing to do the work. You see the “upskilling” trend (Article 28) and you’re ready to invest in yourself. You open Google and type “best online certifications”… and you’re instantly overwhelmed. There are thousands of “micro-degrees,” “bootcamps,” and “certificates” all promising to change your life, all costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. … Read more
You’ve seen the term “quiet quitting” everywhere. It’s the new buzzword for an old feeling: burnout. It’s the decision to stop going “above and beyond” and to do only the bare minimum required by your job description. It’s not about being lazy; it’s a defence mechanism against feeling overworked, underpaid, and undervalued. You’re not quitting, … Read more
Let’s be honest, “job security” feels like a phrase from a different century. We’re all watching AI, automation, and a rapidly changing market and feeling a low-key panic. Are the skills that got you your job five years ago still relevant? Or are you slowly becoming a “dinosaur” without even realizing it? This anxiety is … Read more
Everyone’s got one: the part-time photography business, the consulting gig on weekends, the Etsy shop, or the DoorDash/Uber route. That “side hustle” is the new Canadian reality, a way to fight inflation and build something for yourself. But with every e-transfer payment you receive, there’s that small, nagging voice in the back of your head: … Read more
Let’s talk about the most uncomfortable 30-minute meeting in your professional life. Your heart is pounding, your palms are sweaty, and you’re about to do something that feels less like a professional meeting and more like begging. Asking for a raise is awkward, it’s personal, and it’s so stressful that most people simply avoid it … Read more
Let’s be honest: just seeing the word “networking” makes most of us want to cringe. It brings up images of crowded rooms, awkward small talk, fake smiles, and the uncomfortable feeling of “schmoozing” people to ask for a favor. It feels transactional, inauthentic, and, for many of us, it’s a living nightmare. So, we avoid … Read more
There it is. The first question in 9 out of 10 interviews, and it’s the one that makes your stomach drop. “So,” the interviewer says, leaning back, “tell me about yourself.” Your mind goes completely blank. What do they want to hear? Your life story? A 10-minute recap of your resume? Your hobbies? This isn’t … Read more