Live Green | Declutter | Simplify Life
Today is Pack Rat Day – a day for all of us to take time to declutter. If you’re a regular reader, you know that my theme for 2021 is decluttering. With that in mind, I had to celebrate this day with something special.
Pack Rat Day feels like the perfect day to launch a series I’ve been thinking about for a while now. Welcome to the first edition of Clutter Tales!
For years, parents and educators have touted university as the only path to “a good life”. Working in the skilled trades is often viewed as a last resort for students who aren’t smart enough for university or college.
Today, I look at why we need to change that view, and why careers in skilled trades are an excellent choice for students of all academic ability. Plus, some ideas on how parents, educators, governments and employers can attract more young people into the trades.
While decluttering my basement, I found a book from 1990 on workplace etiquette. As I thumbed through it, I realized how acceptable workplace behaviour has changed through the years. Some of the passages literally made me laugh out loud. Others made me realize that, although we still have work to do, we have come a long way in terms of gender equity in the workplace.
What is the future of retirement? Despite the popularity of the F.I.R.E. movement, longer lifespans have made it very difficult for most people to save enough to fund a retirement that could last as long as our working lives. Yet, the mere suggestion that retirement as we’ve come to know it will no longer exist is met with a lot of resistance from people of my generation.
What does the future of work mean for us? Some of the news headlines are scary. Robots taking over the world. Up to half of existing jobs disappearing. Lifetime employment a thing of the past. Gig work as the norm. It’s enough to keep you up at night!
Today’s post looks at workplace trends. Plus, 5 changes to expect and what they could mean for your future.
In my post Reflections on 30 years in the Group Retirement Business, I shared six tips for success at work and in life. One of those tips was Get involved. Today, I’m taking a closer look at how work-related volunteerism at work can enhance your career. I’ll also address some of the common reasons people give for not getting involved.
When you’re at a social gathering and you meet someone new, the first question they will usually ask is “What do you do?” Today’s post considers why who you are is more important than what you do for a living. Read on to learn the dangers of letting our jobs define us and 7 essential elements of a well-rounded life. Plus, some ideas on conversation starters you can try at your next party or gathering.
School’s out! Or is it? As the pace of workplace change continues to accelerate, the ability to learn and adapt will become even more critical. Today, we’ll look at the benefits of lifelong learning, why it’s critical to success in your career and life, and how you can start your learning journey today.
What does career success look like to you? In these days of quiet quitting and The Great Resignation, more people than ever are rethinking their career choices. People who make this leap know that to be happy and fulfilled at work, sometimes you need to change direction and follow your own path.
On May 28, 1990, I started work at Mutual Life of Canada. To celebrate this milestone, I’m sharing my reflections on 30 years in the group retirement business.
I’ll start with a look at what’s changed in the workplace and the retirement business over the years. Then, I’ll review some things that haven’t changed. Finally, I’ll share my advice for anyone starting out in their career.
