Frequently asked questions about career matters.
I've got a great idea for a business and I've decided I want to work for myself; be my own boss. Is there financial help available? How about business advice?
You've got the entrepreneurial bug! Government Web sites are a good place to start looking for the resources available to young entrepreneurs. There are both benefits and drawbacks to working for yourself. One benefit: more freedom and flexibility. One drawback: more risk--and probably longer hours.
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I've searched the job postings in my area and there's nothing suitable. What more can I do?
It's a fact that 80-90% of available jobs are never advertised. They are filled before the employer gets around to putting the ad in the paper, because someone in the company knows somebody who's suitable. Getting a job is often a result of something other than responding to an ad. What can you do? Research companies in your area that you might like to work for. Find out who you should send your resume to, then send it in along with an introductory cover letter. Make phone calls. Ask everyone you know if they know of any positions available.
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Is it possible to find a job that allows me to work from home?
Yes. "Telecommuting" is becoming more popular as computers and modems allow employees to send and receive work electronically. And many people--from furniture makers to plumbers to maids--have home-based businesses.
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The thought of doing the same job for the rest of my life is a bit scary. Realistically, how easy is it to switch careers after a number of years?
Changing jobs--even several times in your lifetime--is more common than it was for your grandparents' generation. You'll be a "rookie" when you start a new career, and you may experience a drop in salary, but often you'll find that the skills you gained in one job can be transferred to another. So don't worry about trying lots of different jobs on for size. You'll spend most of your waking hours at your job, so the important thing is that you find something you love doing.
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What are all the deductions and taxes that come off a pay cheque?
Well, the biggest deduction is courtesy of the federal government, in the form of income tax. Then there's EI (Employment Insurance--some of which you might collect back if you're ever out of work), CPP (Canada Pension Plan--some of which you'll get back in your senior years), possibly union dues, and charitable deductions. They'll all take a bite out of your salary.
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What do they mean by seasonal work?
Some workers are busier in one season than another. For instance, golf-course landscapers don't have an awful lot they can do in the winter (at least in most parts of Canada!), and accountants are really in demand when people have to file their income tax forms.
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What does "overtime" mean?
In some occupations, if you work more than your standard workweek hours, whatever they are, you'll be paid "overtime"--which is usually at a higher rate than your regular wage. Overtime pay is not usually paid to employees who are considered "management." In most cases overtime rates are negotiated by a union and usually only apply to workers who are paid by the hour.
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What is working on contract?
There are many types of contract.
An employment contract means that you and your employer have an agreement as to salary, title, how long you'll be employed, etc. Employment contracts can be renewed at the end of their term, and they can be terminated by either party.
A freelance contract may just say that you'll be paid so much money to do a particular piece of work by a specified date.
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What's a standard workweek?
Standard can mean anything from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday.
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What's an entry-level position?
This is where you start if you haven't got too much experience. You won't be in a position of authority (having people report to you) or have a great deal of responsibility to begin with. And you'll probably be at the low end of the salary ladder. But, an entry-level position gives you the "foot in the door" that may help you get promoted within the company once you have more experience and skills.
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What's flex time?
Although traditional hours are 9 to 5, more companies are offering employees a choice--say, 7:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Will I have to join a union?
Most often, no. But in some occupations you'll be strongly encouraged to join a union. In return for the union dues you pay, the union lobbies on your behalf whenever issues such as salary, benefits, working conditions arise. Sometimes the term "guild" is used instead of "union."
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