• Finance

    Risky business

    Operating a successful business is a dream for many young Ontarians. However, it’s also not an easy feat.  Businesses need consistent support at a time when inflation in Canada likely won’t stabilize until 2024. Many businesses are also still feeling the damages from COVID-19 lockdowns.  Keeping the doors open and the lights on can be difficult. Knowing this, business owners and their employees are stressing the importance of showing gratitude for local businesses.  Business closures Robin Dickie offers mobile-registered massage therapy services in Toronto’s east end. As the owner of a customer-facing operation, she understands what types of businesses are most likely to close.  “I think restaurants close most often.…

  • Lifestyle

    Good vibes only

    Toxic positivity is the attitude that people should have an optimistic outlook on  situations beyond their control. However, it can involve dismissing negative emotions and situations while projecting a positive outlook at inappropriate times. Examples of toxic positivity  It may not always be clear when someone is displaying this behaviour. Often, toxic positivity involves overly-simplified catchphrases.  Krysta Fitzpatrick-Sceviour is a women’s studies instructor at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She notices toxic positivity can be common on social media platforms. “Right now, I am seeing a lot of memes and inspirational quotes saying things like ‘fake it ’til you make it’ or ‘stay positive,’ ‘good vibes only,’” she says.  Greg Hewlett…

  • Careers

    Don’t do the hustle

    All too often, people find themselves stuck in unhealthy work environments. Sometimes falling deep into “hustle culture,” as it promises fortune in return for complete dedication. However, finding an appreciative boss who cares for employees may be a better option. Hustle culture is the ideology that people can always work more, earn more and strive for praise. But it can do the opposite of what people want to achieve. Instead of reaching goals and maximizing income, it can quickly lead to burnout. Some employers are abandoning the notion of hustle culture and choosing another approach. Showing gratitude and highlighting the importance of work-life balance may be the keys to success. …

  • Careers

    Standing out from the crowd

    Competition is prevalent in many industries. Young people need to understand this while not letting it delay the pursuit of careers that interest them. To better understand where the competition is, here are five of the most competitive fields in Ontario.  Marketing Marketing is a highly competitive industry. Present-day advertising strategies—like social media use, appeal to young people. This makes it a common field to study in university.  Stephanie Jeans, a Toronto marketing executive and team lead says, “I think younger people are more likely to create social media content or see their peers doing it, so they have more exposure to social media marketing, which allows them to become…

  • Finance

    Back on track

    Many young Canadians have to take out loans to attend a post-secondary institution. Statistics Canada reports that, on average, around half of all Canadian students take on student debt. The reality is that students accumulate debt before entering the workforce as full-time employees. In many cases, the burden can be both overwhelming and disheartening.  Nothing can entirely relieve the stress of mounting student loan debt, except for complete government forgiveness. Some intervention from the government has alleviated that financial burden.  One example is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to eliminate interest accumulation. Regardless, there may be a need for more tweaking of the system. This would help new graduates switch…

  • Environment

    The sound of silence

    The COVID-19 pandemic brought a sense of peace and quiet. In the early days of 2020, the Toronto streets were practically a ghost town.  Pandemic memories highlight that cities don’t have to be inherently noisy. Some laws help, like banning noise after 11:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. But does everyone follow these rules? City officials ask for tolerance but may need to do more to address the problem.  Noise pollution is a common problem for city dwellers. Harmful levels of city noise can also have a damaging effect on students trying to study and absorb information.  What is noise pollution? Noise is a term for unwanted sounds. Noise pollution…

  • Lifestyle

    The feeling factor

    Emotional intelligence or emotional quotient (EQ) is the ability to manage emotions and respond to them correctly. It also refers to understanding, recognizing and handling the feelings of others. Research suggests that young adults need to develop this type of intellect to succeed professionally and personally.   Learning emotional intelligence  Sarah Blackmore is a children’s media producer for EastLink community television in Newfoundland. She received her master’s degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her skill set and personal life experience have given her a lot of insight into what it takes to develop EQ.   Blackmore believes one major part of emotional intelligence is lending an ear to other people.   “Try to keep…

  • Lifestyle

    The deciding factor

    As far as insignificant decisions go, deciding what to wear or what restaurant to go to isn’t going to majorly affect your future.  However, there are choices you make that will have a meaningful effect on your journey through life; some of which will cause stress and uncertainties. That’s why it’s important to have a plan of action when it comes to making these choices.  Make lists  When faced with tough decisions, making a pros and cons list is a valuable strategy. They can help you organize your thoughts, weigh the positives and negatives of a situation and visualize outcomes.  Samanda Stroud, a 28-year-old editor, agrees with this sentiment. When…

  • School

    The future of learning: Is hybrid school here to stay?

    In March 2020, the Ontario provincial government began announcing strict COVID-19 measures to reduce social contact. One of those measures was closing all schools and switching to virtual, remote learning.  For some, this switch drastically affected how young people absorbed information and experienced school.  Julie French, a mother from Toronto, is frustrated with many aspects of the changes that students face. She noticed that student-teacher engagement dwindled during in-school closures.  “I think the teachers were getting discouraged because they had to teach 30 black boxes rather than 30 living, breathing kids,” she says. “That’s if the camera is even on; many kids had their cameras off.”  Since the COVID-19 pandemic…

  • Careers

    When life happens

    Life challenges can have a massive effect on productivity, maintaining workflow and furthering one’s career. This is true whether they’re positive changes, such as starting a family, or negative changes, like a sudden illness or loss.  A lot of the time, people enjoy their careers and don’t want to sacrifice them when life becomes demanding. That’s why learning how to make it through these events by persevering can be helpful and inspiring.  Maureen Doody, a painter from Ottawa, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017—right in the middle of her thriving career. It completely caught her off guard and changed her life.  “I had so many emotions, thoughts and unknowns.…

  • Careers

    Follow the music

    There are several steps to determining a career path, including reflecting on your passions and learning what nurtures them. One common interest among people is music and it’s important to discuss all of the options available in this field.  Earning money in the music industry can be done through careers outside of being a performer. Many jobs in music require musical ability, yet other skills are just as critical. These include organizational, technical and administrative capabilities. If this piques your interest, here are some musical jobs to think about:  Music director Music directing involves overseeing and organizing music programs for places like churches, concert halls and other venues. Music directors…

  • Lifestyle

    Crafting the way to success

     It’s no surprise that hobbies are a critical component of a fulfilling life. When it comes to creative pastimes, career-oriented people sometimes need time to de-stress and find it beneficial to focus on craft-based projects. Forbes notes that creative hobbies can improve mental health and cognitive function and Indeed says that developing creative thinking during downtime can help people “consider situations from innovative perspectives” in the workplace. All of these benefits combined can help someone become successful in their main career path, even if the career isn’t in the arts.  Joshua Goodman, a psychotherapist located in Ottawa, says that having creative outlets is essential to him. Playing music and working…

  • Health

    Passion jobs versus healthcare benefits 

    In Canada, many services like vision care, dental care and pain management like physiotherapy are not covered by provincial insurance plans. This is also the case for prescription drug coverage.  Some people need help with extra healthcare costs more than others. For example, people who require medications may need assistance with costs, as well as someone in need of frequent dental work and vision care.  This has led to some Canadian artists taking on two or even three jobs to fulfil different needs. One job may be an artistic “passion job” that brings joy and a sense of purpose, while other jobs may be imperative to gain access to healthcare…