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.

There’s still a few dates to go… in the meantime, here’s a small gallery from the trip:

Maybe photography itself is your passion in life. Seeing photographs like this might spark something in you. Online photography classes are available when you are looking to pursue that passion.

This is your chance to see the inspiring film “One Week Job” along with the film’s director Ian MacKenzie, and star Sean Aiken. We’re very fortunate and grateful to be having the event at The Steam Whistle Brewery, an awesome space, and Sean’s employer “Week #19″ of ‘The One-Week Job Project’.

TICKETS:

$8 Advance – BUY NOW
or $10 at the door

SCHEDULE:

BEER 7pm ~ 9
Film (75 mins) starts at 7:30pm

After the film, Sean and Ian will give a brief talk and Q&A. We sold out our Vancouver screening, and we’d love to do the same in Toronto!

Hope to see you there! Please help spread the word!

Sean & Ian

SUPPORTERS

From Here To Career
Pandor
Steam Whistle

According to Greek legend, Icarus, the son of master craftsman Daedalus, tries to escape the island of Crete by using wings that his father has fastened out of wax and feathers.  The story doesn’t end so well for the Greek youth, but for Toronto-based screen-printing boutique Kid Icarus, handmade creations are the only way to get off the ground.

The husband and wife team of Michael Viglione and Bianca Bickmore, crafts original designs for band posters, fine art posters, greeting cards, wrapping paper, invitations, and much, much more.  I was lucky enough to visit them in their Kensington Market studio to find out what goes into creating and maintaining their screen printing specialty shop.

However, before we get into why Mike and Bianca do what they do, it’s important to first understand what screen printing is.

Very basically, an artist imprints a stenciled design on a piece of porous mesh that is stretched on a wooden or aluminum frame.  With the stencil blocking areas the artist doesn’t want printed, the screen is placed on top of the material (paper, fabric, etc) receiving the design.  Ink is placed at the top of the screen, and using a squeegee, the artist drags it across the screen.  The paint travels through the mesh exposed by the stencil and is transferred to the material underneath.  Voila!

www.kidicarus.ca

Fresh ink on the screen. The first "pull" on the the gray layer.

Now, on to Michael and Bianca:

I Am:

Mike: Master Printer, Store Owner

Bianca: Graphic Designer, Project Manager, Store Owner.

Together we are creators of Kid Icarus, a store in Toronto, Ontario that specializes in screen-printed goods, and husband and wife.

Michael at work

I have been working towards this since:

Mike: In 1994 I was enrolled in the Ontario College of Art and Design when I realized I wasn’t really into the drawing and design aspect of the program.   What I did discover, however, was how much I loved the screen printing process and the value in the handmade prints. In 2004 I began printing full time and Kid Icarus opened in 2007.

Bianca inspecting a fresh print

Bianca: In high school, my parents pushed me to excel in the math and science programs, even though my marks were significantly stronger in my visual art classes.  After high school my folks wanted me to apply to University instead of college, but I applied anyway, and took design.  It upset them at first, but when they see how happy I am now, it was worth it.

After college I worked in corporate design for five years.  I knew I wasn’t going to be doing it forever, but that job gave me the discipline and skills to apply them to what I am doing now.  When the company announced that it was moving to a new location, I knew right then that this was my chance to follow my dreams and leave the corporate world.  My boss actually told me to do something I was passionate about, because she knew I needed to move on.

My responsibilities include:

Bianca: I correspond with the clients and work with them directly on their project.  I deal with the files and help them with anything that needs to be changed.  I am also the in-house graphic designer and store keeper.

(From top to bottom) 1. Colour matching the digital file on computer screen. 2. Mixing the blue ink to get it just right. 3. Aligning the film outputs to make sure everything will register.

Mike: I take over from Bianca after the pre-production work has been done, and work on the technical aspects of printing. I separate the colours involved in each design (as each colour needs to be on a screen of its own), and do the colour mixing to create the shade the client wants.  I prep the screens, and physically do all the printing by hand.

What I love about it:

Bianca: I love that every day is different!  People come in to the shop and see how much work and value there is in a piece, and easily fall in love with the store.  I enjoy developing new ideas into projects, but what I value and love the most, is that almost all of the products in our store are local, that’s really important to us.

Mike: I love teaching people what kind of work goes into a print.  The shop is open-concept, so I’m often printing and explaining what I’m doing to people at the same time.  I also love being able to be selective with the work we do.  We have gotten to the point where we are fortunate to choose what we work on, and I really enjoy the challenge and the excitement of seeing something amazing come in.

Something else I really love is when I see clients come back, or when they have spread the word about us to someone else. They’re happy with the work we’ve done, and that is an amazing feeling.

What I hate about it:

Bianca: Accounting and inventory.

Mike: Sometimes things don’t go right, and we have to cancel our evening plans and work until the job’s done.  But in the end, we’re not letting anything leave the shop that we don’t believe is a quality product.

Some examples of Kid Icarus' work

In our job there is no such thing as ‘same day service.’  Multi-colour prints are expensive due to the number of screens and time involved, which some customers don’t realize.  Also, photography doesn’t always translate well onto the screen, but we’ll show samples to our clients to see if it’s the style they are looking for.

Is there a special moment that stands out in your career?

Mike: A year after we opened the shop, there was such a buzz around the city about us!  I remember a couple girls who walked into the shop and were looking around, and before they left I overheard them say: “I thought this place was [going to be] a lot bigger.”  It was funny; our reputation was obviously working for us.

Bianca: I remember the day I stood inside this shop, before it had opened, and decided to quit my corporate design job. Working full time with Mike (my fiance and husband to be) was a crazy idea, but I knew that this was the beginning of something I would be proud to be involved with.

Advice to those interested in a career like ours:

Mike: Whatever you’re doing, if you’re passionate about it, you’ll find a way to make money off of it.  Not to become rich, but to live.  People pick up on your passion and feed off of it.

Bianca: Don’t listen to your parents or anyone else; listen to yourself.  Talk to people; business owners, go to the places you’re inspired by and learn from them.  Don’t be close-minded; leave your computer at home, and do the footwork.

Favorite Quote:

“Small businesses make neighborhoods.”

- An anonymous friend of Kid Icarus

Kid Icarus Storefront

www.kidicarus.ca

]]> http://oneweekjob.com/2011/02/17/what-it%e2%80%99s-like%e2%80%a6to-be-a-screen-printer/feed/ 1 http://oneweekjob.com/2011/02/14/video-david-aplin-recruiting-at-the-university-of-calgary/ http://oneweekjob.com/2011/02/14/video-david-aplin-recruiting-at-the-university-of-calgary/#comments Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:37:53 +0000 Ian MacKenzie http://www.oneweekjob.com/?p=4332 Check out a sneak peek at the Discover Your Passion event in Calgary last week. I pulled together some quick clips, and interviews with David Aplin Recruiting reps Kathryn Farrell and Jeff Aplin. They share their thoughts on why they joined up with One Week Job and how much they enjoy helping you find your passion!

Check out David Aplin Recruiting’s new resource site for grads ‘From Here To Career.”

Yesterday, Sean and I were featured on the Vancouver lifestyle program ‘The Express‘, sharing the evolution of the original journey up until the ‘Discover Your Passion Tour‘

The piece was shot at the Capilano College event last week. Enjoy!