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Tag: career upgrade

  • How to negotiate working less – MoneySense

    How to negotiate working less – MoneySense

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    “Think about what constitutes performance in [your] job,” he says. In some fields and industries, like marketing or financial consulting, performance is typically tied to a specific project rather than the number of hours an employee spends on the clock. Many freelancers do this by charging flat fees: The amount of time they spend on a project doesn’t matter, so long as they get it done.

    In those cases, Friedman says, you might be able to arrange for a four-day workweek or flexible hours. “If the job is amenable, it has nothing to do with time, it’s not client-facing, you don’t have meetings—then absolutely, you should go and ask for it,” he says. “But you’ve got to have a plan.”

    4. Start with a discussion—not a negotiation

    After all your reflection and research, it may be tempting to rush into your boss’s office and lay out your terms. Kaila-Gambhir advises against that—at least initially. Instead, she says, talk to your boss about the possibility of working less. That way, “you’re not committing to anything. You’re not giving them what your optimal, ideal scenario is just yet,” she says. “You just want to have a discussion—to explore options and see what may be possible.” 

    This phase isn’t just about gathering more information for your proposal. It also lets your boss see that you understand their position as an employer, one who needs to consider their own business needs alongside your request. Then you can book a follow-up conversation to ensure you keep the conversation going, Kaila-Gambhir says.

    If your boss isn’t open to the idea of a hard-and-fast change to your work schedule, this is also a good time to suggest a trial run of your proposal. A conversation, rather than an ultimatum-driven negotiation, can feel less intimidating for an employer. 

    5. Be prepared to walk away

    While it’s tempting to imagine that absolutely everything about a job is negotiable, that isn’t always true. For instance, it would be very difficult for an intensive care unit nurse to convince an employer to allow remote work. Same goes for the manager of a community centre or a barista. 

    In fact, most Canadian jobs have never been worked remotely. In April 2020, at the height of the first wave of COVID-19, it felt like everyone was at home. But the Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey reported that 40% of Canadian workers were mostly clocking in from home. As of last November, it dropped to 20%.

    To Friedman, asking for flexibility when your job cannot easily be done through alternate arrangements is a bad strategy. It won’t convince employers, he says, and might come off as entitled. If all else fails, finding a new job that will accommodate your desire to work less might be the best option. Some job postings include information on working from home, flexible hours, part-time status, etc.

    “Do you want a flexible job? Then maybe you ought to apply for another position that has more flexibility,” he says. “I’m not telling you that’s right or wrong—I’m just saying that’s what an employer will say.” 

    Understand what you’re up against

    You may have to accept the reality: a request to work remotely or outside of office hours may not be a possibility in your current job, or your boss may not see your working less as good for their bottom line. 

    But in his experience in coaching executives, Friedman says many are open to changing the ways their employees work. Negotiating a four-day week, a flexible work arrangement, or the ability to disconnect from email at the end of the day is totally possible, so long as you do your homework and know how to ask.

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    Brennan Doherty

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  • How to become a contractor: The real costs – MoneySense

    How to become a contractor: The real costs – MoneySense

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    What do I need to know about managing my finances as a contractor?

    No matter what type of construction business you launch or buy, it’s important to have a bookkeeping system in place—between material expenses, insurance fees, client payments and more, you’ll have a lot of money going in and out each month. You’ll need a separate bank account and line of credit for your business, and it’s smart to have a credit card that’s solely for professional use.

    Pro tip: Choose a credit card for contractors

    Scotiabank has a small-business credit card that’s great for contractors: the Scotia® Home Hardware PRO Visa† Business Card, which can be used wherever Visa is accepted. Its variable interest rate is tied to Scotiabank’s prime rate, and credit limits of up to $500,000 are available (a limit high enough for larger, or multiple, renovations). The card’s interest rate and credit limit depend on whether the account is secured or unsecured, subject to approval and the security provided. The Scotiabank Prime Rate is the prime lending rate published from time to time by The Bank of Nova Scotia. (See the current Scotiabank Prime Rate.) The card has no annual fee, and it has an interest-free grace period of 21 days on new purchases.

    And then there are the rewards. You’ll earn one Scene+TM point for every dollar spent on eligible business purchases made at Home Hardware, which has more than 1,000 locations across Canada, or online at homehardware.ca.

    For every 10,000 Scene+ points you collect, you can redeem $100 at Home Hardware. If you’re regularly buying construction and renovation materials, you can accumulate points quickly—and get a lot of free stuff. Points can be redeemed for groceries, travel, gift cards and more. Plus, as your contractor business grows, you can add supplementary credit cards at no cost. These are great perks for entrepreneurs who want to minimize spending while getting their home renovation business off the ground.

    The business credit card also includes insurance protection on most newly purchased items charged to the account. Most newly purchased items are covered for 90 days by Purchase Security, and these items may be eligible for replacement, repair or reimbursement if they are stolen, damaged or destroyed by fire.

    Cardholders also have access to optional business loan protection insurance, Scotia Business Loan Protect, which can help cover business loan payments, or provide a lump sum of money, if you or another eligible key person can’t work for health reasons or passes away. Scotia Business Loan Protect is underwritten by The Canada Life Assurance Company (1-800-387-2671, www.canadalife.com) under a group policy issued to the Bank of Nova Scotia. All coverage is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Certificate of Insurance, which you will receive upon enrollment.

    You can apply for the Scotia® Home Hardware PRO Visa† Business Card online. Plus, until May 31, 2024, you can earn up to 15,000 bonus Scene+ points in your first year (that’s worth up to $150 in points value) by making at least $1,500 in eligible purchases at participating Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca in the first three months after opening your account. Cardholders also have access to online tools and services designed just for business owners. See Scotiabank’s website for full card details.

    Building a successful career as a home renovation contractor

    If you have the skills and motivation needed to become a contractor in Canada, you have the potential to build a lasting, rewarding career in home improvement. Over time, you might find that the Scotia® Home Hardware PRO Visa† Business Card is just as important to your contractor business as any other tool in your belt. After all, every dollar matters to your small business—so make them count.

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    Erin Pepler

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  • These companies have laid off Canadian workers in 2024 – MoneySense

    These companies have laid off Canadian workers in 2024 – MoneySense

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    Taxes

    2023 tax credits, due dates and when you can file: Your 2023 income tax return guide

    We have everything you need to know about tax credits, changes and deadlines, and more. Get the info you…

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    The Canadian Press

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  • Jobs in healthcare that don’t require an MD—and their salaries in Canada – MoneySense

    Jobs in healthcare that don’t require an MD—and their salaries in Canada – MoneySense

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    Healthcare job Average salary in Canada Annual tuition
    Midwife $111,000 $8,000 to $23,000
    Dental hygienist $98,000 $9,000 to $55,000
    Acupuncturist  $98,000 $5,000 to $45,000
    Physical therapist $94,000 $10,000 to $42,000
    Massage therapist $87,000 $8,000 to $35,000
    X-ray technician $82,000 $7,000 to $30,000
    Paramedic $66,000 $5,000 to $20,000
    Personal support worker $65,000 $2,000 to $4,000
    Ultrasound technician $59,000 $5,000 to $37,000
    Pharmacy technician $50,000 $5,000 to $30,000
    Note: Tuition shown in ranges, as the costs vary from program to program as well as student status.

    10 in-demand healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree

    The following list of healthcare jobs is by no means exhaustive, but it gives you a starting point in your medical career research. The base salaries come directly from those submitted by Canadian healthcare professionals to job posting website Indeed. Think about your return on investment of pursuing relevant training and education in each discipline. 

    Photo by 东旭 王 on Unsplash

    1. Midwife

    Average salary: $111,000
    From the first weeks of conception to well after delivery, midwives provide assistance to those experiencing pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. This includes monitoring fetal health via ultrasounds, screening bloodwork and coaching. Becoming a midwife involves either getting a four-year university degree or a related postsecondary program in the field. It’s a regulated field. Tuition costs can range from $8,000 to $23,000. Like a doctor, this role also requires a period of hands-on training, and licensing rules and costs vary by province.

    2. Dental hygienist

    Average salary: $98,000
    Cleaning teeth is just one aspect of this job, but it also involves monitoring for health risks like gum disease and diabetes, taking X-rays and, of course, assisting dentists in a range of procedures and surgeries. You can become a hygienist typically in two years, depending on which college, university or post-secondary dental hygiene program you chose. Like midwives, this role also involves getting a provincial license after you pass a certification exam. Tuition costs range from approximately $9,000 to $55,000 with licensing and examination fees ranging from $400 to $1,500.

    3. Acupuncturist 

    Average salary: $98,000
    Acupuncture stimulates and balances the body’s energy by inserting tiny needles into the skin. There’s growing support in traditional medicine that it can be a great way to relieve stress, promote better sleep and other health benefits, adding to the demand for acupuncturists and their unique skills. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in science, you can take courses to get more specialized training. Otherwise, you can enroll in a three to four-year diploma program and register with your local provincial or territorial body. Tuition costs range from approximately $5,000 to $45,000. 

    Image by freepik

    4. Physical therapist

    Average salary: $94,000
    Mobility issues can come up through a sports injury, a car accident, habitual movements and restrictions, and/or through the natural aging process. Physical therapists (a.k.a. physiotherapists) work closely with patients on highly personalized treatment plans. This not only involves making detailed assessments of any challenges or limitations in a patient’s movement but setting achievable goals based on a series of exercises and in-office manipulations. Physiotherapy also requires careful ongoing monitoring for signs of progress or the need to change the treatment plan. Physical therapists need a master’s degree to practice in Canada. Courses usually take about two to two-and-a-half years to complete, and tuition costs can range from approximately $10,000 to $42,000. 

    5. Massage therapist

    Average salary: $94,000
    Massage therapists help relieve physical tension and bodily stress, but they also help educate patients on how to continue therapies with stretching and exercises they can perform independently. HWC’s Cohen sees a particular demand for healthcare jobs that support seniors and long-term care providers, and this is a good example. Becoming a massage therapist begins with taking a three-year accredited training program. If you live in B.C., Ontario, or Newfoundland and Labrador, you’ll also have to apply for a regulated license that can cost nearly $1,000 a year. There are a wide variety of accredited massage therapy schools in Canada offering diplomas as well as massage therapy courses you can take across Canada. They can take between 18 and 24 months to complete, with tuition costs ranging from approximately $8,000 to $35,000. 

    6. X-ray technician

    Average salary: $82,000
    It takes two to three years to become an X-ray technician, depending on whether you specialize in diagnostic radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy. You’ll also need to be certified by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, unless you’re working in B.C. or Quebec, where Certification by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists is not required. From there, you’ll be able to assist with diagnosing and treating conditions while performing everything from mammography to CT scans. Tuition costs can range from approximately $7,000 to $30,000.

    7. Paramedic

    Average salary: $66,000
    When medical emergencies happen, paramedics are the first responders who assess illnesses, injuries and save lives. Depending on the situation, a paramedic might be applying oxygen, working with defibrillators or helping ensure patients are safely taken to a hospital. Expect to complete a one to three-year paramedical or emergency medical technology program through a college or hospital. Then you’ll be seeking both a provincial license as well as an additional license if you’ll be operating an emergency vehicle. Tuition ranges from approximately $5,000 to $20,000, while annual licensing fees range from $100 to $600, depending on the province in which you work. 

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    Robert Furtado

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  • Grant money for school: How to get the funds to develop your skills—and advance your career – MoneySense

    Grant money for school: How to get the funds to develop your skills—and advance your career – MoneySense

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    Ontario grant programs

    Here is a sampling of grant programs in Ontario. Not living here? Check out your provincial or territorial government employment website for similar programs: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

    Better Jobs Ontario

    Better Jobs Ontario, formerly known as Second Career, is focused on supporting Ontarians taking courses that last no more than a year, including microcredential courses. It’s aimed at those who have been laid off or who have been unemployed for six months or longer, but recently it was expanded to serve gig workers, youth and people on social assistance. For instance, you can also apply if you receive unemployment insurance or if you receive assistance through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

    The $28,000 available through Better Jobs Ontario can go a long way toward tuition, books and other course materials. To qualify, applicants must have been laid-off, and they are not working or working a temporary job to cover expenses. People who have not been laid-off but who have been unemployed for six months or longer and belong to a low-income household may also qualify. 

    Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

    Launched in 2023, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant program was designed to provide full, upfront tuition for those living in communities across the province who are studying practical nursing, paramedical training and medical lab tech skills, for example. Applications for 2024 will open this spring. Already in school? You can still apply after you’ve started a course, as long as you do so 60 days before you finish your studies with an approved institution.

    The government is providing $61 billion in funding to be divided among all applicants between now and Spring 2026. The key stipulation here is that you must agree to stay and work within what the province defines as an underserved community after graduation. Grey Bruce and Simcoe counties, for instance, have described the Ontario Stay and Learn Grant as a way to address the many health-care jobs it will have to fill over the next decade.

    Ontario Graduate Scholarship 

    The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS) is similar to the Canada Graduate Scholarship, but is offered at the provincial level. OGS is a merit-based scholarship that assesses applicants based on the ranking criteria of the school you’ve been accepted to attend. In other words, participating schools, which include Queen’s University, Western University, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo, and others, will determine who receives scholarships. 

    The scholarship amount awarded is based on the number of consecutive terms you’ll be enrolled up to a maximum of six consecutive terms. Up to $10,000 is available for two consecutive study terms or $15,000 for three consecutive study terms. Check for other equivalents to OGS in B.C., Alberta and other provinces. 

    Corporate and non-profit funding for school

    If you’ve exhausted government funding options or want to go that extra mile to secure dollars you can invest in your education, then there are plenty of corporate scholarships worth considering. The RBC Future Launch scholarship offers $1,500 to those aged 15 to 29 who are taking short-term courses, workshops or certification programs. And BMO Funding Futures Scholarships is a four-year, renewable scholarship that has recently focused on Black Canadians and provided $500,000 to 150 students.

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    Robert Furtado

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  • How new pay transparency and AI hiring rules will impact Canadian workers – MoneySense

    How new pay transparency and AI hiring rules will impact Canadian workers – MoneySense

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    Job seekers should understand that salary ranges are influenced by compensation trends in their chosen field of work, market rates for specific job titles, and even geographic location. For example, some employers may offer a “cost of living” increase if you live in an expensive city. Generally, you can expect entry-level salaries to be within a narrow range. As you progress into more senior positions, you may see salary ranges widen to account for a broader number of factors, such as responsibilities, performance targets and bonuses. 

    Access to salary information in job postings provides an obvious up-front benefit. You could more easily find roles that match your income expectations—and you can overlook the ones that don’t pay enough. If you believe the position should pay more than what’s posted, know that you will have to defend your thinking in an interview. Employers may be reluctant to offer you what you want if they have many other interested candidates. 

    And while you may be tempted to negotiate for the top end of the stated pay range, make sure you have the education, skills and experience the hiring manager is looking for. Otherwise, you may be eliminated from the candidate pool should there be other qualified candidates who are willing to accept a lower salary. 

    Existing employees

    Knowing the pay scale for your current role at your organization—or even what competitors are paying for the type of work you do—can help you figure out if you’re underpaid. If so, you should feel comfortable going to your boss and asking for a raise (with the statistics to back up your request). If you feel valued in your role, you may have the most negotiating power during your performance review. 

    You may believe the longer your tenure at the company, the more competitive your pay will be. Think again—nowadays, it’s often the new kid on the block who’s paid more. That’s because new employees are hired having negotiated their salaries at the current market rates, whereas existing employees often get smaller annual raises. Going into 2024, one study found Canadians could get an average 3.6% bump in pay. 

    Negotiate for other perks

    Whether you’re a new or existing employee, if you’re at the peak of your pay band, it may be impossible to negotiate a higher salary. 

    However, you can always ask for other perks, such as a bonus, stock options, more vacation days, a flexible work arrangement or more benefits. These can be just as valuable as a raise. Make sure to enter negotiations with the same kind of performance and industry information you would use to ask for a salary bump. 

    Focus on jobs that meet your overall “dream job” criteria

    Ultimately, knowing the pay ranges for a job you’re considering can save you time and energy. But remember salary is just one factor to consider when working for a company. Having a good work culture, flexible work schedule, social gatherings, training opportunities and great leadership are examples of non-financial benefits that can also add value to your career.

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    Sandy Yong

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