Today, Sean’s latest interview was published in The Globe And Mail: 52 Jobs In 52 Weeks.

And just like during the project, Sean’s story tends to provoke a divided opinion. The comments on the interview range from positive:

“I think that what Sean did is very brave. How many of us are stuck in jobs for years and once we leave we realize that we were miserable?”

To the appreciative:

“Maybe Sean won’t make a great Chartered Accountant but he is creative, well spoken, thinks outside the box and has an abundance of initiative – sounds like a great employee right now.”

And the not so positive:

Nice resume Sean – I’m sure business will be astounded to have your varied experience and ratty hair-do.

And the downright mean:

“This guy is what is wrong with a lot of todays youth and the parents are to blame. He is utterly useless and will go on to lead a useless and meaningless life. Mommy and Daddy will pay for his fun and convince him he is a successful contributing member of society. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

Now, we live in a free country, and it’s perfectly fine for others to share their opinion of Sean’s journey. Yet it’s interesting to turn the scrutiny around and use One Week Job as a mirror to study our own life situation.

Ask yourself: what is my immediate reaction reading Sean’s story? Then ask yourself: why?

What does that say about how you see careers and life in general?

Chances are, if you’re the type of person who believes work should be meaningful, that life is about adventure and not “earning a living,” then you’ll likely support the project.

If you’re the type of person that believes life is hard, that work isn’t supposed to be “fun,” then you might feel resentment towards the project.

Of course, there’s no right or wrong answers.

But at the very least, before judging someone else, we owe it to ourselves to look inward and see what we find.

- Ian

A familiar face popped up in the latest issue of BC Bookworld.

The caption reads:

“When Sean Aiken of Port Moody decided to take a myriad of jobs to figure out his career path, he kept a blog, along with video clips, resulting in publicity throughout North America. After stints as a veterinarian’s assistant, a Hollywood Producer, a firefighter, and an astronomer, Aiken’s memoir of his 52 one-week jobs is One Week Job.”

A great interview with Ryan Paugh and Shane Mac with some food for thought for all job seekers.

“Most people say they ‘hate my job’ and don’t take any accountability for it… in all honesty you need to do something about it.” – Ryan Paugh

Photo: Nordica Photography

It’s been a while since the last update on the documentary (almost a year in fact). Much has happened since then, so I figure it’s high time to share it.

First, let’s go back to early 2009. Sean and I had asked everyone to help donate towards the film, to help us pay for post-production expenses like footage logging, and shoot new interviews with Sean’s previous employers in far-flung places like Edmonton and Toronto.

Meanwhile, I continued to edit the film, and was finally able to complete the first 80 minute assembly cut. This is equivalent to the first draft, where your work may contain solid elements, but still has a long way to go.

Enter Company X

Around May 2009, out of the blue, Sean and I were approached by a fledgling company in Miami – we’ll call them Company X. They were interested in creating a website geared towards job seekers, and understandably, they loved Sean’s project. In exchange for helping cross-promote their own soon-to-be-launching website, they would invest some funds in the film to see it to completion.

Ray Kurzweil is an author/inventor famous for predicting the future. He says, since knowledge is rapidly becoming obsolete, the best way to prepare yourself for the future is to learn how to learn. And the best way to learn is by pursuing what your passionate about.

In this great segment from Eric Chester, they discuss the One Week Job project, how to find your passion, and few other surprises. Enjoy!

A classic cartoon from the creators of South Park, set to a short lecture by Alan Watts, the renowned Zen philosopher.

What do you think of the ideas in the film? Share your thoughts in the comments!

In Dec 2008, Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs gave a provocative talk on castrating lambs, ancient philosophy, and why “following your passion” was the worst advice he ever received.

Watch the film and leave your comments!

Who would have thought: writing a book and editing a doc are extremely challenging endeavours. Luckily, Sean’s already polishing his second draft of the One Week Job book.

Myself, I’ve completed almost 60 minutes of the initial documentary rough edit, and am very pleased (so far). I believe the final result will be an inspiring story, captured in such a way as to remain topical and timeless.

Of course, thanks to all our generous producers who have donated towards the film.

I have extended the deadline for contributions until May 1, which is when the first cut of the doc should be completed.

Believe it or not, this 1985 animation is one of my most memorable artifacts from childhood. It combines classic animation with great motown tunes. Enjoy!

Photo: Outdoor skating last week while filming in Edmonton

Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we’ve now passed $3500 in doc funding. This is a huge milestone! Sean and I are supremely grateful for your dollars and every bit helps us bring the One Week Job doc closer to completion.

• View the producer’s wall
• Donate an hour of your wage!

For those that wish to support us in other ways, check out 6 ways you can help spread the word.

Last week Sean and I were in Edmonton shooting an interview with Henri Ferguson of Lotus Soul Gym (for those who remember Sean’s week as a yoga instructor).

I’ve also shot interviews with Sean’s parents, sister, friends, and also an interview with Sean himself. This means 90% of the shooting is complete. I’ve also managed 25% of the initial edit – which means we’re right on track for a summer 2009 release.

Doesn’t get more exciting than that!

Today the next season of American Idol kicks off. (I know, how can that show still be on?)

But seriously, I bet you’ve wondered to yourself: why didn’t Sean try a one week job as an American Idol contestant? You don’t have to wonder anymore, because Sean actually did try out one season.

It was all captured on tape (or should I say animation) here:

Came across this great short film “Factory” from Josh Shipp, dubbed the Dr. Phil for Teens. Enjoy!

Now that we’re officially done logging the tapes, I’ve actually started the editing process! That’s right, the documentary has entered the editing stage.

Having attempted for the last week to edit the opening, I quickly realized: I’m still missing some key interviews. That said, January will become “the month of shooting follow up interviews.”

In preparation, I’ve started playing around with lighting, something I didn’t do during the actual One Week Job project. (When you’re shooting on the fly, lighting just isn’t possible).

I spent the last 5 minutes playing around with Ikea desk lamps to see if they’ll work in a pinch. Here’s the result below, including an adlib on my part:

Not a photo of Ashley… but it could be. / Photo jSh

What was the worst job you’ve ever done? What was the best?

The worst job I’ve ever done is my current job not exactly horrible but it’s definitly hard on the body. I work at a mineral fiber insulation plant, 12 hr shifts that change between days and graves, 3 days on 3 days off.

The best job I’ve ever done was when I worked up at Mt. Baldy ski hill. It was so much fun. You meet so many intresting people, and snowboard all the time every day. The hill is like a family.

What are the types of things you’re passionate about?

I’m passionate about everything. If I dont like something or don’t agree with it I will voice it, and if i really like something or agree with it I’ll support it and help keep it going.

Like the Relay for Life, I love volunteering for it every year and helping raise money for cancer reseach. And I’m extremely passionate about snowbaording. And about a million other things but those are a few.

What do you find most interesting about the One Week Job project?

Everything! It’s a totally an amazing project. It should be something teens or adults even can sign up to do. You get to look at differnt jobs, try them out, see what they’re like. You could read up on a job as much as you like, but how do you know that your going to like it, or be able to do it, until you actually do.

Why did you decide to donate toward the One Week Job film?

I donated becuase, I agree with it, I think it’s awesome, and that people should know about it.

What do you hope to see represented in the film?

I hope to see how different everything is. And how many differnt jobs are out there, and that anyone can do what Sean did if they put there mind to it.

We’re profiling the producers who have donated towards the One Week Job documentary film. Would you like to be featured? First, become a producer!