We’re looking for a sponsor. For details, contact sean@oneweekjob.com

I met Linda when we were seated beside each other on a plane in September 2011. We immediately had a great connection and quickly got into deep conversation. Linda told me that as she approaches the age of 60, she’s beginning to feel somewhat diminished, less confident and less relevant, despite having amassed many valuable life and professional skills.

After raising my two children, working a variety of jobs, being unemployed and underemployed (despite being highly educated), seeing long-held dreams slip away, and losing my life partner to brain cancer, I began wondering, ‘Now who am I? And where do I go from here?’

The One-Week Job Project is an idea that resonates, regardless of age. It strikes a chord that is intimately human – at some point in our lives we all must look deep inside ourselves to answer the question, “What should I do with my life?”

And yet it’s not just a question faced by recent college grads. Linda’s story is one that is shared by millions – empty nest parents who sidetracked their career to raise a family, those starting over after a divorce, or recently laid off, or retired – it’s a question we’ll continue to face at different points throughout our lives.

Today, many baby boomers are very active and want to get involved to make a difference. At the same time they may also be experiencing the difficulty of reconciling past dreams that are no longer possible, finding the strength to create new dreams, and to summon the courage to pursue them.

It’s an important conversation and a transition that currently many feel they must face alone. Linda’s courage to be vulnerable and to share her journey is sure to bring inspiration to all those who find themselves a little bit older with well earned life experience, and who refuse to believe that the best part of their life is behind them. As Linda says, “It’s never too late!”

One Week Job: USA is set to launch in Summer 2012. Leading up to Week #1, Linda will be blogging at OneWeekJob.com about her reflections, inspirations, musings, etc. as she prepares for the start of her adventure.

- Sean

Join the journey!

• Read Linda’s blog
• Offer Linda a One Week Job, a place to stay, or words of encouragement:
  linda@oneweekjob.com
• We’re looking for a sponsor. For details, contact project founder, Sean Aiken:
  sean@oneweekjob.com
• Sign up for updates, grab our newsletter (top right of page) —>
• Read Linda’s bio

Here is Paul’s official introduction of OWJ Australia and our partnership with SEEK.

SEEK will support by:

• Documenting Paul’s story through social media and posting videos of his work experience on the seek.com.au YouTube channel
• Connecting Paul with employers and business owners across Australia in a bid to help him find his passion.

I first contacted a representative at SEEK before Christmas to tell them about One Week Job and our plans to launch OWJ Australia with 24-year-old Brisbane resident, Paul Seymour. Immediately they were interested in getting involved. Their brand promise is a perfect fit – “SEEK and you shall find.” We both believe that people should love what they do and recognize the importance of finding fulfillment in both our careers and life.

In February, I was in Melbourne, Australia to meet with the team at SEEK and to finalize how the partnership would work out. They truly are an awesome company with great people!

We’re looking forward to working with them for years to come as we help empower people around the world to discover their passion!

Follow Paul’s journey at OneWeekJob.com.au.

-Sean

I’ll tell myself – This is the year. It’s time… It’s time.

The words carry profound resolve and belief; yet at the same time harbor a seed of inadequacy. I’ll inevitably feel as if I didn’t do enough, that I could have done more. The New Year beckons and once again I’m enamored with its anything-is-possible, be-all-you-can-be type optimism. I have a passion for possibility.

And while yes, anything IS possible, without defining what that “anything” is, even vaguely, it’s difficult to evaluate our progress and we risk feeling as if another year is over and nothing has changed.

For 2012, I’ve decided to write down both specific goals I plan to realize the year ahead, and also less tangible goals that are associated with a feeling I’d like to embody one year from today. In reflecting on the past, trying to gauge just how far we’ve come, it’s easy to focus on “the numbers”– mountains conquered, countries visited, workshops attended, hobbies acquired – I think it’s equally if not more important to reflect on how these achievements impacted us. Did they add to us, or take away? The aspects of our life that typically add a more profound sense of contentment are not as easy to measure – for example, our personal and spiritual growth or our friendships and connection with family.

In writing goals down for 2012, my hope is that when 2013 approaches I can look back and see how I grew.

But first, I thought it would be beneficial to reflect on my 2011. I’d forgotten how much happened – thanks to Google calendar for reminding me.

An incredible highlight of the year came in January with the premiere of our feature length documentary, One Week Job, on national Canadian television (CBC Documentary Channel), and at the Pacific Cinematheque theater in Vancouver. It was sold out, with a line up down the block! This kicked off the One Week Job Discover Your Passion cross country tour.

From there, the tour continued and I spoke at 43 different colleges, universities, high schools, and companies across Canada. From Vancouver to Halifax, it was an epic road trip in the middle of a Canadian winter. Brrrr…

At the end of the tour, I headed to Hawaii with my family to celebrate my mom’s retirement. Way to go, mom!

From there I headed to Mexico to meet up with a group of friends to celebrate one of my best friends birthday – a great way to finish up the tour, and kick off spring.

In spring, I was honored by my Alma Mater, Capilano University, with a One To Watch Alumni award. I also started running in preparation for a 31km Stroke Awareness run inspired by stroke survivor Ernie Kasper who asked me to run with him. At the 29km mark, Ernie had a seizure, but still found the strength to finish the run afterward – very inspiring!

This past summer was a year of weddings and workshops – 5 weddings in which I was the MC at one (my first time!), and 3 workshop retreats on the beautiful Cortes Island at Hollyhock Resort: Social Change Institute, The Art Of Leadership, and African Drum and Dance.

I also turned 30 with an amazing 80’s themed party boat celebration with 50 of my closest friends – it was truly special, and no doubt the highlight of my summer!

I was fortunate enough to once again attend the Burning Man festival in Nevada. 50,000 people come together to create a temporary city, based on a gift economy. Something to experience at least once in life.

This fall I was back on the speaking circuit with another 18 speaking engagements, the highlight of which was speaking at TEDx Vancouver in November. A beautiful theater, Chan Center for Performing Arts, packed with 1000 inspiring people all with interesting ideas to share.

Credit: JeremyLim.ca

In December we launched One Week Job: Australia. Our first international market with 24-year-old, Paul Seymour, setting out to find his passion working 52 jobs in 52 weeks throughout Australia.

And as for the immeasurable 2011?

In short… this New Years Eve I was lucky to be with some very close friends. At one point in the evening, the six of us found ourselves in a circle arm over arm. I asked the group, “What is one thing you are grateful for in 2011?”

As the question went around, I tried not to think of what my answer would be, to just listen and trust that when it was my turn to speak the answer would arrive. It did.

I closed my eyes and heard myself say, “I’m grateful to be one step closer to loving myself unconditionally.”

As I start 2012, the intention I will hold is this – “Live your love.”

This is the year. It’s time… It’s time.

- Sean

Since I completed my 52 jobs in 52 week experience in 2008, I’ve received emails from people around the world interested in setting up the One Week Job Project in their country. We’ve decided that Australia will be the first foreign market!

Paul Seymour, 24-year-old Brisbane, Queensland resident, will be working 52 jobs in 52 weeks throughout Australia to find his passion. All of Paul’s wages will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia, and he will document his experience over at the One Week Job: Australia website.

Week #1 begins November 28th, 2011.

Same concept as my original experience throughout North America – anyone, anywhere in Australia can offer Paul a One Week Job. He will travel Australia, working a different job each week and share his experience through blog posts, pictures, and video updates at OneWeekJob.com.au

Australia’s Career Coach, Helene Larson, will help guide Paul throughout his career search, lending her insight and expertise as Paul learns about himself and what he ultimately needs in a career to be happy.

Please help spread the word about the project, and send your Aussie friends to the One Week Job: Australia site. Paul is now looking for One Week Job offers!

As all of Paul’s wages are being donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia, a company sponsorship is currently being sought to help cover the associated expenses of the yearlong project. If your company, or any company you know, is interested in sponsoring One Week Job: Australia, please send them to the sponsor page. There is a huge opportunity to receive widespread media exposure throughout Australia.

I’ll be traveling to Australia in January to facilitate the launch of One Week Job: Australia, to act as a mentor to Paul, and to help promote the project in media interviews, and at speaking events throughout the country.

We are so grateful to be spreading the message of One Week Job internationally. It’s an important conversation that strikes a chord that is intimately human – at some point in our lives we all must look deep inside ourselves to answer the question, “What should I do with my life?”

A fulfilling career helps cultivate a fulfilling life, both for ourselves and those around us. When we are fulfilled in our careers, this happiness positively contributes to our family, friendships, we become more engaged in our communities, and we help create a better world!

Thanks for your support as we continue on this important journey together!!

- Sean

I’ve been thinking a lot about love lately.

Why do we choose to love who we do? Are we capable of loving everyone?

In the past, I’ve been very selective of my love – reserved only for those close to me, namely family and friends. I only have so much love to give and I must be careful who I choose to share it with, I thought. If I love too much, reveal too much, become too vulnerable, I’ll stretch myself too thin, lose control, and it will only lead to hurt.

But when given freely, without the expectation of reciprocation, our love is infinite. It doesn’t take away from us, or make us weak, it makes us stronger. It grants permission to love ourselves. Love heals hurt.

When my heart is full, I feel that I have enough love for everyone in this world.

Of course I don’t have to love everyone; it’s a matter of holding in my heart the belief that I am capable of loving each person I encounter as much as I love those closest to me. The possibility exists.

And just because I hold love in my heart for someone doesn’t mean that I would choose to spend time with them, or always condone their behaviour. It’s the recognition and respect of a fellow human being, knowing that no matter what appearance they project to the world, they, like I, crave love, intimacy, and belonging. They are my brother or sister on their unique journey of life.

If we approach each encounter with love and respect, we release our fears, acknowledge our similarities, and open our hearts to a more authentic interaction and meaningful connection.

In practicing love, I try to ask myself after each exchange: Did I leave that person with a little more love than when we first met? Did I add love to their life or perhaps take some away?

When I’m fully present with an open heart, I find myself speaking with people and at moments saying in my mind, “I love you”, or “You’re beautiful.” It may be someone I’ve known for a long time, or a new friend that I met in the street or at a coffee shop. The thought typically arises when I let go of judgement; when I see, hear, and accept them as they truly are; when I acknowledge their truth and embrace the divine in both of us.

A profound recognition of our similarities; I see myself in them.

It’s not important whether that love is reciprocated. When we offer our love freely, with pure intention, it’s irrelevant how it’s received. The beauty and wholeness we feel exists in the act of loving.

To fully engage in life, we must love. For love elicits life.

So let us not be selective of our love. Let us give it openly and freely – to ourselves, to each other, to each day, and to each beautiful breath of this magnificent moment.

And with that my dear friend, I wish to say… I love you

-Sean

Photo: Chris Devers of a Banksy graffiti piece

I received a semi-critical email a while back and finally got to responding to it this week. The majority of emails/feedback I receive are extremely supportive, but every so often there is someone who sees the One Week Job Project, and what it represents, in a different light.

I wanted to share the email with you and my response. It’s likely that other people might have had similar questions, and so this way I can share my perspective with everyone.

—————

Yes we should all have jobs we like, but not all of us have the opportunity to leave Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire or the local warehouse… Yet we still came to the same realization that we should all be doing a job we like.  Is that not you’re main point?

Kind of. I think it’s important that we’re able to fulfill our passions in some aspect of our life – it doesn’t all have to be in our job. We may not all have the opportunity to leave Tim Hortons, Can Tire, etc, but we do have the opportunity to explore our passions outside of work. I met a lot of people who weren’t in their dream job, but they were content with their position because it allowed them to fulfill their passions outside of work. When we don’t have an outlet to express our creativity or explore what truly fulfills us, I believe that can lead to discontent. Alternatively, when we are fulfilled by what we do, whether in a career or outside of work, that improves our relationships with our family and friends while making us more likely to contribute to our community.

It’s adorable your website says you were a Chiropractor for a week, a Radio DJ or even Brewmaster! Obviously that’s a bit of an embellishment considering these sound more like week long take your kid to work day. Maybe I’m wrong?

Most jobs I was actually doing the job, ie: on the air as a Radio DJ, assisting the vet with tests as a Vet assistant. Other jobs that were more technical, ie: Chiropractor, Tattoo artist, it was more of a job shadowing experience.

Have you ever worked in fast food? Retail?  For more than a week?  For more than 6 months even?  Have you worked 60 hour weeks for months at a time?  I didn’t do these things for a lack of courage to change, it was to seek my own enlightenment and generate enough income to live.

Great! In whatever we’re doing, I believe that’s the ultimate goal – to seek our own enlightenment – regardless of the path we choose to get there. Everyone’s path will be different.

The silver lining is, you’re very positive and seem to pass that along to many.  I just think you forget that some people simply have limitations.  What you did was unique. Why? Because most people don’t have the opportunities you have. I would love for you to prove me wrong.. Such a positive message should be passed along. So with my e-mail in mind can you explain how someone can “take a leap” to find a career they love without money and without education past high school?

Thanks! In regards to your question, I was extremely surprised how open employers were to sharing their knowledge about their profession. I suggest that people think about what interests them and professions that they think might be the right fit. Then, before fully committing to going for it, see if you can volunteer with someone in the industry, or take them for coffee to find out as much as you can and if it might be right for you. Why they like it, what are the challenges, how does someone get into the industry… I think the most important thing is to DO. To get into the work force, no matter what job we have to take. As we do, we learn more about ourselves, develop skills, and get closer to figuring out what our ideal career would be.

Again, I hope to hear from you.  Hope this didn’t come off as a Sean bashing session. Obviously you made me think a little or I wouldn’t give this the time of day.  To be honest, some of this may be spoken out of jealously.  I would have loved to do some of the things you’ve done.

All good bud! Thanks for sharing your story and thoughts!

—————

I used to feel down when people didn’t “get it” – I wanted to speak with each one directly to explain where I was coming from. During my year I was given some great advice to deal with it: “A third of people will love what you’re doing. A third of people will hate what you’re doing. And a third of people won’t care what you’re doing.”

When you put yourself out there, you’re bound to face some critics, but I’ve found the most important thing for me is to know why I’m doing what I’m doing, and to know that my intentions are genuine. This applies even when the feedback is positive, and there is an inclination to feed the ego.

Or, if you prefer a good Buddha quote:

“As a solid rock cannot be moved by the wind, the wise are not shaken by praise or blame.”

Ian and I are incredibly grateful to be in a situation where we can positively impact the lives of others. It’s profoundly rewarding to know that your work makes a difference.

When asked, “Sean, what do you want to do?”

Most often I respond with our future plans for One Week Job (which we’re both very excited about!), other times I’ll talk about my desire to be a Teacher (Gym class, French), but if I’m really engaged and thinking on a bigger picture scale, it all comes down to this.

“I want to create things that inspire people to live the best life they possibly can.”

Yes, I realize this is vague. No, I’m not saying that there is a model “best life” to which we should all aspire to.

I want to inspire people to dig deep and ask themselves the tough questions that will allow them to define what their “best life” looks like, what it feels like, and to uncover what genuinely makes them come alive.

I’m fulfilled when I’m connected to the meaning of my work. Not just on a conceptual level, but to actually feel at my core that what I’m doing matters. In anything we do, work or otherwise, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and forget the deeper meaning of why we’re doing what we’re doing. When in reality, it’s the most important question to ask ourselves. When we are truly in line with the response, it’s no longer work in the traditional sense, but rather a gift that we wish to share with the world.

I wanted to share an email that we received today that reminds Ian and I why we do what we do:

I have been sitting home on unemployment for over 6mos.. I am veteran, 42 years old with a 7 year old girl. I am an electronic tech, and i have been so scared to go out there and get a new job, afraid that i will have to start from the bottom again and work my way up. I just watched your movie, and i have a new found courage about getting a job.. i am gonna make my best effort now and make the most out of what ever job i get.. thanks. man… wish me luck Sean.

We all have fear, yet we all have profound strength, courage, and the ability to affect lasting change, both within ourselves and in the world – sometimes we just need a gentle reminder.

And so, I’ll ask one more time –

Why do you do what you do?

*Update: Guide to Online Schools is a resource that can help you to find out what you want to do in life. The job that works for you may not work for another person, and the more information you have, the better-informed decisions you can make.

The film follows Sean as he works 52 jobs in 52 weeks trying to find his passion. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll likely have a few beers It’s a Saturday you won’t forget!

GET YOUR TICKETS

1. ONLINE oneweekjob.eventbrite.com

Admission – $10

Super Supporter – pay more with a Super Supporter ticket! (funds go towards the One Week Job mission of inspiring others to find their passion).

2. AT THE DOOR

Admission – $12

Or by donation for students and underemployed – suggested $5
(no one will be turned away for lack of funds)

WHEN: Jan 15, 2011

WHERE: Pacific Cinémathèque Pacifique, 1131 Howe Street.

SCHEDULE:

2PM Reception, followed by a screening of the film. There will be a post film Q&A with Sean Aiken & Ian MacKenzie.

* a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Steps Over Swaziland (http://www.nnlfilm.com/steps-over-swaziland)

Musical performances during the reception by Karly Warkentin and guests (http://www.myspace.com/karlywarkentinmusic)

Copies of Sean’s book One-Week Job Project and One Week Job on DVD available for sale!

EVENT SPONSORS:

A huge thanks to:

David Aplin Recruiting
Steam Whistle Beer
Pixstar Photo Booth

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

View the Facebook listing

“When Jedding first graduated from college he went into a bookstore looking for “THE” book – a book that would tell him all the things he didn’t learn in school, how to get a job, how to navigate friendship and love, how to maintain a good relationship with family and above all, how to stay cool.”

Unfortunately, no such book existed at the time. Fortunately, Jedding was inspired to write such a book.

Kenneth Jedding is the author of HIGHER EDUCATION: On Life, Landing a Job and Everything Else They Didn’t Teach you in College. For 10 years, he has lectured as a career counselor and life coach at colleges and universities across America. He is currently a psychoanalyst.

I recently had the chance to catch up with Kenneth and ask him some questions about his new book HIGHER EDUCATION and his opinions on life after graduation.

I hope you get a lot out of his great insights, and be sure to leave your thoughts in the comment section!

****

1. Generation Y is often characterized as being lazy, entitled, and generally a lost generation refusing to grow up. Having spoken and worked with many Gen-Y’ers, what is your opinion on their work ethic and how do you see Gen-Y contributing to the working world

Good question. Complicated question.

Gen Y has a bad reputation, as you mentioned, but I think your description masks a larger truth. You’re a transitional generation. In the 80′s and 90′s, the world evolved into what it’s going to be for the next century. The new modes of communication were your baseline. For you, that’s just how life is. So your perception of time is futuristic. But I think in many ways the world is still in the old time mode, so there’s what I’d call generational jet lag. This comes off as laziness. But it might just be that you can’t believe that non-electronic life is so slow.

I think the Y’s reaction to life, what you called not growing up, reflects a different wiring. To give an example, when I was 18 I had a French girlfriend I met while backpacking. We wrote three snail mail letters a week. It was very fun and sexy, but it existed mostly in our heads and imaginations. If we did it now we’d be on Skype: it would be a hundred times cooler though still long distance (i.e. no physical touch or sex.)

But how can you go from one time orientation to the other? Say, from having a friend, or a boyfriend or girlfriend in China and keeping up with each other moment to moment–to: the slower time scheme of starting an entry level job when it seems nothing is happening, and they ask you to fetch coffee! It’s easy to get discouraged and to say: Why bother?

You asked about the work ethic. Work has a puritanical connotation. Sounds too much like work. Let’s say career instead.

Having a career you enjoy will make life more interesting. There aren’t many other ways to do it. I think we grow up thinking “All I need to be happy is money, stuff, and love,” but career needs to be with love at the top of the list. It’s one of the ways to feel truly good about yourself, excited about life, and, one of the best ways to make money.

We’re told we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to, the American Dream et al, but I think 9 out of 10 people who make big money love their jobs. As I discuss in the book, most people figure out what they love by trying things out. That’s a slow process for every generation but for Y’s it must feel like walking underwater.

You’re wired for things that are real in the moment. Work starts out being unreal in the moment.

I believe Gen Y’s have a ton to contribute, and, if they can forge through the initial b.s. of the work world, and trust the process even when things seem to be moving forward in super slow-motion, they’ll work as hard as anyone else, and will reap the psychological, spiritual and financial rewards.

****

2. In HIGHER EDUCATION you provide some great techniques to find your passion. Do we need to find our passion in order to be happy at work?

Yes. But it’s a trick question. If you’re a violinist and you play the violin out of college, you’re onto your passion–but even violinists may not feel happy at first. Or, say, if you make it to the NBA, it’s definitely a passion.

More to the point, for most people passion opens up incrementally. It doesn’t feel like passion at first.

The Dream: I’ll love what I do.

The Process: I’ll start doing things to get closer and closer to what I love (i.e. start using more and more skills) and find my way to real passion at work.

You’re one week job project was so interesting, Sean. You were writing about having the courage to begin.

****

3. In your opinion, why is that Gen-Y is putting off entering the real world after graduation – generally taking longer to leave their parents home, get married, start a family, and choose a career?

College costs more, leading to more debt and to living at home. I talk a lot about dealing with parents in the book.

As for getting married & starting a family, I think it’s good to get to know yourself first, so waiting is not necessarily a bad thing.

****

4. You mention several examples of people who were very successful by not focusing on the money and simply doing what they love. I always questioned, “Well, what if the money doesn’t come?” In pursuit of our ideal job, how do you suggest we cope with those difficult times when our fears and self-doubt surface and we question if we’re doing the right thing?

Money can come in unexpected ways. The best way for you to make money may not be in the traditional “money” areas, as I discuss.

And yet: some careers don’t pay much. Like being a teacher, working with the mentally challenged, or being a coach (unless you make it to the top in any of these areas).

What if one of those non-money professions would truly make you happy? Then it’s a good idea to go for it.

Let me put it this way: If you’re born to be a teacher and you do a mental two-step (It doesn’t pay much so it’s off the list) you may be walking around numb and confused, telling yourself “I don’t know what I want to do,” but you actually know.

It’s easy to fear “I won’t make a lot of money doing x or y,” rather than trying to make just enough money in a field you love. Money is nice, for sure, but so is empowerment, being on your path, feeling confident, radiating energy that attracts others, and liking yourself. And there are many ways to get there.

****

5. I recently read a NY Times article in which a recent college grad struggling to find work was offered a job paying $40K at an insurance company. He turned it down saying that he’s holding out for the job that feels right for him. Would you recommend waiting for that perfect job, or is it more important to get into the workforce?

I don’t recommend waiting for the perfect job. That makes me laugh, Sean, thinking of what you did.

Perfect’s a dangerous word. I like the Leonard Cohen poem:

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in

We learn things in unexpected places and those things prepare us for more unexpected moments.

****

6. What one piece of advice do you wish someone shared with you when you graduated from college?

I wish someone had told me that, over time, things would work out.

****

Kenneth Jedding’s book, HIGHER EDUCATION: On Life, Landing a Job and Everything Else They Didn’t Teach you in College, was published April 2010 by Rodale Books and is available for purchase through the above link to Amazon.com.