This experience is not for everyone. As it’s the first semester, we’re going to be very hands off and so you’ll have to be independent. It’s up to you to take the grant and run with it. You’re responsible for making the most of the opportunity. As the program develops, we’d like to make it more structured so those who may not be comfortable with the uncertainty can also be involved.
That being said, here are the FAQ’s:
1. What is the selection process?
Between now and May 14th we’ll be reviewing all of the application forms/60 second videos, and then we will select 10 finalists. After that it’s up to you to vote for whom you think should participate in the first semester of the One Week Job program.
2. What is the program time line?
March 8 – Applications open.
May 14 – Applications closed.
May 17 – 10 finalists announced and notified. Voting opens.
May 31 – Voting closes.
June 1 – Grant recipients announced and notified.
June 28 – Week 1 begins.
Aug 20 – Week 8 completed.
3. If I’m selected, what do I get?
(i) $3000 over the course of two months
(ii) profile featured on OWJ website with your dedicated blog (oneweekjob.com/yourname)
(ii) if needed, support in finding jobs, travel logistics, lodgings, or any other challenges that may arise
4. If I’m selected, what’s expected of me?
(i) on the job photos, and or video updates (job description, what you like about the job, don’t like, general reflections…)
(ii) minimum of 3 blog posts a week. For example:
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1. Job title, description, first day on the job experience
2. Mid-week thoughts on job, learnings, tid bits about job, any anecdotes…
3. Wrap-up, final reflections
*could blog about travel stories, experience with accommodation, advice received from employers on careers or tips for figuring out what you want to do for a career…
5. Do I have to find my own jobs?
Yes. By allowing you to organize your own One-Week Job’s, you’ll be in a better position to cater your experience and get the most out of the program. However, we will assist you with this process and provide support on how best to approach potential employers.
6. When I’m on the road, do I need to find my own accommodation?
Yes, however it’s not necessary to travel outside of your home city so you could simply live at your current address.
If you’d like to travel (and it would be sweet if you did!), we’re happy to assist with lodgings, etc, but managing the logistics of your One Week Job experience (jobs, accommodation, travel) is a big part of the program and what makes it beneficial.
While Sean was on the road, he didn’t pay for accommodation the entire year. He stayed with employers, contacted hosts through couchsurfing.org, people contacted him through the OWJ website. You’ll have to be creative – post your itinerary to your One Week Job blog and ask for help, set up jobs where you have a friend in the area, stay for cheap at a hostel, hotel, exchange a mention on your blog for free lodging… You’ll have an email address name@oneweekjob.com, so others will be able to contact you.
7. Why would I want to try out different jobs? Why should I apply for the program?
That we can’t answer for you. We think this is an awesome opportunity for the right person. If you’re having difficulty coming up with reasons to apply, perhaps it’s not for you.
In short, you’ll gain valuable work experience, meet and learn from many people with various backgrounds, will be forced to thrive in challenging and changing environments, budget expenses, and have the chance to try out 8 distinct careers without having to make a full time commitment.
The idea is not to find the perfect job.
If you do, great, but the idea is to learn about what makes you tick, develop your self-knowledge, and what you need in a career to be happy – the types of situations in which you’d be most successful, the type of people you want to work with, the work environment/lifestyle you’re looking for… if you don’t know what you want to do, developing this knowledge is a big step towards helping you figure it out.
8. Who should apply?
Anyone who is struggling to figure out his or her next step in life – maybe you’ve graduated and aren’t sure what you want to do for a career; maybe you know what industry you want to work in but aren’t sure what specific job would be the best fit; maybe you were recently laid off, are looking for a career change, or simply want to try something different.
This is your opportunity to try out a series of different careers with no obligation to stay at the job. And, you get paid to do it! The grant of $3000 is our way of helping you to do it without the associated cost.
9. Couldn’t I just do this on my own?
Yes, yes you could. Please do. At this time we’re limited by funding and so can only offer a few grants for this first semester, but we’re positive that anyone would benefit from such an experience. Go for it!
If you do decide to set out on your own, be sure to let us know. We’d be pleased to link to your website and send traffic your way. Or, if you’d like to try out 1 or 2 one week jobs in your area, go ahead and write about your experience and what you learned, we’d be happy to share it with everyone on the OWJ blog.
10. Is it realistic to live on $1500 a month?
Yep. And if you’re resourceful enough, you can do it in style (Sean survived on $1000 a month for the entire year). $1500/month is equivalent to working a part-time job (30 hours per week) at $12.50 an hour.
11. Will I be paid for my week of work?
We don’t expect that employers pay you, although if you can work out an arrangement in which you’re compensated, go for it – that would be awesome!
12. What type of people are you looking for?
We want people who are committed to making the most of this opportunity.
Likely, you’re someone that is okay with changing environments, work well with people, can deal with uncertainty, and have some prior travel, blogging, and basic video blogging/editing experience.
Since we’re very hands off in this initial semester, we’re looking for independent people who can function with uncertainty – those who will take the grant money and use it well. For example, Sean was able to travel all around North America, from New York City to Hawaii, from Halifax to Victoria, by being resourceful, not paying for accommodation, staying at people’s houses, keeping costs down as much as possible. You don’t need to travel, but it helps take you out of your comfort zone and will likely enrich your One Week Job experience.
The idea is that readers of the website will also benefit from reading the chosen applicants blog, learning about the different careers, and sharing in the advice gained from employers.
Still want to apply?
Step #2: Film + upload 60 sec video
Step #1: Read the FAQ section
Step #2: Film + upload 60 sec video
Step #3: Pre-order the book
Step #4: Fill out the application form
Step #5: Tell your friends