Showing posts with label Durham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Durham. Show all posts
Saturday, June 28, 2025
BEACHES CLOSED!!!
BEACHES CLOSED!!!
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
Is it just me... or has the world gone mad. I remember the days of my youth. Living in Uruguay South America. Summer days would see extreme heat. You could almost smell the sun in the air.
Going to the beach was the only way to keep cool... Back then air conditions were a luxury most could not afford. The only relief if not the beach was a good siesta on a cold tile floor.
At times going to the beach could be frightening. They had the ‘RED’ flag signaling strong tide, winds, unpredicted waves and the odd time.... the Rio Negro that ran out of the River Plata and out to the Atlantic would swell due to heavy rains and flush all kinds of animals. Including snakes, gators and anything that swam... including piranha and yes the odd shark that would loose it’s way.
Yes, when you would see the red flag. You had to ask and make sure you stayed out of the water. Never in all my days going to the beach did I ever have to worry about pollution. Toxic waste, radio active waste and or industrial run offs.
It appears that things are a lot different today here in Canada. Out of the series of beaches. Some stay open many stay closed. Closed due to the toxic composition in the water. From infectious algae. To pollutants.
Now, my question is.... how are some beaches OK to swim in and others are not? Same water. Same lake.
That scares me. Think about it for a moment. I rather be bitten by a swept up piranha or have a Python wrap around my neck than have to worry about infection from the same water that we drink and bathe from.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am not paranoid or some freak that fears the water. No, I have a very real concern. We live surrounded by nuclear plants. The experts tell us we have nothing to worry about. That it i safe. That the level of radiation these plants release are minimal and have no affect on our health.
Yet, most of these experts live outside the danger zones. The test they run on the water measures toxicity based on thresh holds and not on actual purity.
Therefore at one site it may read ‘A’ and on another a few miles away ‘B’. One same is safe the other is not.... but what is to say that as soon as that test is done... that the tide does not change and it deems the clear site as now toxic.
You can’t expect for these so called experts to continue running tests all day in and out.
If it is not safe in Oshawa for example. How can it be safe in Clarington...
It is just does not ad up if you ask me. Further more they do not test for purity but for thresh hold figures that are only markers for minimal public health concern.
How can you feel safe swimming in such an environment? NO matter the number the water is still toxic.
What is worst... That is the same water that is bleached with chlorine and piped up to your faucet, shower... Then flushed out from your toilet, hospital waste lines, industrial plants, commercial food processing cleansing and lets not forget the odd leak from any one of the nuclear plants.
You can dive in and take your share of pollutants... Or you can sip them and eat them at home in the form of water and or thought your vegies.... Scary thought...
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Apply Fundamental Relationship-Building Psychology
Apply Fundamental
Relationship-Building Psychology
to Your Job Search
By Nick Kossovan
An effective way to shorten your job search is to leverage the fundamental psychological principle—a game-changing lifehack—that most people overlook when trying to form a relationship, whether during job hunting, aspiring to climb the corporate ladder, seeking new friends, networking, or looking for that "special someone": If you want someone (read: an employer) to be interested in you, first be interested in them. Showing interest in someone is a massive gesture that makes you stand out; this is particularly true during interviews, where the goal is to establish a connection with your interviewer.
When expressing interest in someone—an employer—a key consideration is focusing your communication on how you can contribute to their success. This approach will make you memorable, which is what you should strive for, as it contrasts with most job seekers whose sense of entitlement has them primarily focused on their wants. Job seekers who are "what's in it for me" focused tend to struggle with their job search.
Focus on "What Can I Do for You?"
A hiring manager's primary concern is how the candidate can help the business. Therefore, distinguishing yourself from competitors, who are likely "me" focused, is as simple as demonstrating to employers the quantitative results you've achieved in your previous roles and how you intend to attain similar results. In 2025, your entire job search should focus on showcasing your past achievements that demonstrate your ability to either generate revenue or solve problems that hinder revenue. Can you answer the question savvy interviewers ask: "Tell me how you brought value to your most recent position."?
· "I led a software implementation project that was completed on time and under budget by $35,000."
· "By calling dormant accounts that hadn't made a purchase in over two years with a one-time offer, I resurrected over 200 accounts, generating $850,000 in revenue."
· "My hunger to achieve my monthly sales quota motivated me to make at least 40% of my calls before or after traditional business hours when decision-makers were most likely to answer their phones. This calling strategy resulted in a significantly higher connection rate, enabling me to exceed my monthly sales quota for 34 consecutive months."
Being different is better than "being better."
Stop trying to be "the best-qualified candidate." Remember, you're striving to be memorable. Solely highlighting your qualifications and experience, especially without numerical evidence, is a surefire way to blend in with every other candidate.
American psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini asserts, "To be persuasive, you need to be unique." Determine ways to present yourself to employers that will make you stand out. Often, just doing the basics that few job seekers do, such as creating a results-oriented resume and LinkedIn profile, including a compelling cover letter that sells as the ideal candidate for the position (not including a cover letter is lazy), and sending a post-interview thank you note to reinforce why you're the 'must-have' candidate, really well will make your stand out from those you're competing against.
Job seekers, now more than ever, need to bring a fresh perspective to their applications.
Social proof helps establish trust.
Catherine Sanderson, Professor of Psychology at Amherst College, notes, "People are influenced by what others think. Social proof can be a powerful motivator."
Your interviewer is a stranger; best-case scenario, you're a referral, thereby sharing a "we know the same person" connection. Unsurprisingly, since they're hiring strangers, hiring managers ask themselves: "Can I trust this person?"
The foundation of any successful relationship is trust. A crucial step in establishing trust is demonstrating credibility. Today, the most effective way to establish credibility is by taking advantage of social media platforms—LinkedIn being the most obvious—to provide social proof. Post screenshots of your successes include recommendations from previous bosses and share client success stories. Establish your credibility! If you've worked with well-known companies and brands, mention them to foster a reputation for trustworthiness and competence. Employers are more likely to trust you when they see that a reputable company has hired (read: trusted) you.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) motivates.
We all want what others have. A job search tactic I've successfully used several times is to create a perception of scarcity—that I'm in high demand. The perception that you have other options makes recruiters and hiring managers move faster. Being interested in you is good, but being concerned about losing you to a competitor is even better.
If you're in contact with several companies, even if you haven't reached the interview stage, mention it subtly. "I'm excited about several opportunities right now" conveys value without being overly boastful. Using this tactic frequently (no guarantee) encourages the employer to act quickly to hire you.
Reciprocity is powerful.
"There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life - reciprocity." - Confucius. The act of giving fosters social connections while positioning you as a valuable resource, thus enhancing your visibility and desirability. Do what most job seekers don't do: share industry insights, write informative posts, or comment thoughtfully on hiring managers' posts. The more you give, the more people will remember you, which, in turn, facilitates striving to be a memorable candidate.
OSHAWA COUNCILLORS TURN A ‘SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING’ INTO A SATIRICAL ‘COMEDY OF ERRORS’
June is Men’s Mental Health Month
June is Men’s Mental Health Month
By Dale Jodoin
It’s supposed to be a time to help men and boys feel brave enough to talk. To cry if they need to. To say, “I’m not okay,” and still feel like they matter.
But most people don’t even know it exists.
And the truth is, many men are struggling—but feel like they can’t say a word.
How Many Men Are There?
In Canada, there are more than 20 million men. In the United States, there are about 168 million men. In Europe, there are around 360 million men. That’s a lot of people.
That’s millions of fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, grandpas. But when it comes time to talk about their health—especially their mental health—something happens:
They’re forgotten.
It Starts Early
In schools, most teachers are women. About 65% of all teachers in Canada are female. That number’s even higher in elementary school.
This is not an attack on women—it’s a fact.
Boys grow up without male teachers or mentors. Most of them go through years of school without one man showing them how to be strong in the right way.
They’re told to “sit still,” “calm down,” and “stop being loud.” If they run around or get too excited, they get told they have problems.
Many get put on medicine just for acting like boys.
They’re not allowed to talk about how they feel. They’re told, “Be quiet. Don’t cry. Don’t complain.” Some boys even believe something is wrong with them just because they’re boys.
Then It Gets Worse
When boys become teenagers, the confusion grows.
They’re told being “manly” is bad. That it’s wrong to be strong or competitive. They start to think that being themselves is not okay. And if they speak up about feeling sad or lost, they get laughed at or called names.
In high school and college, many boys stop trying to date. They’re scared to talk to girls. They’re scared of being accused of something. They’re scared to even be near people sometimes.
They feel like being a man is dangerous or bad.
And when some men in college try to start clubs just for men—to talk and feel safe—they get shut down. People say those groups “hate women,” even if they don’t.
So the men go quiet again.
What About Fathers?
Here’s something wild.
Father’s Day is in June.
That’s during Men’s Mental Health Month. A time meant to honour fathers.
But instead of feeling honoured, many dads feel beaten down. They get taken away from their kids in court. They get told they don’t matter as much as moms. They lose jobs and homes. And nobody checks on their hearts.
Many boys grow up watching their dads get pushed around, or pushed away.
So what do those boys learn?
They learn not to trust the system. They learn that being a man means being alone.
No One is Attacking Women
Let’s be clear: this is not about taking anything from girls or women.
This is about boys and men having a space too.
If a group is just for girls, people say “good for them!” But when boys want a group just for them, they’re told it’s “not fair.”
That’s not equal.
All-boy clubs, spaces, and safe places are not wrong. They are needed.
It’s not about hate. It’s about healing. Boys need room to talk with other boys. They need male role models. They need men who’ve been through pain and made it out the other side. That doesn’t take away from anyone. It just gives boys something they’ve lost.
What We Can Do
So what’s the answer? Let’s start in schools.
Bring in male mentors. Real men. Police officers. Soldiers. Firefighters. Dads. Uncles. Coaches. Let them sit with the boys. Let them say, “You’re not broken. You’re just growing.”
Let’s build new boys’ clubs. No girls or women allowed. Not because we’re mean, but because boys need space. Real space. To talk. To laugh. To cry. To heal.
That’s not against equal rights. That is equal rights—for the boys.
Let’s make a new National Boys and Men’s Association. It can follow boys from middle school to college. Help them find friends. Help them find mentors. Help them find hope.
We used to have places like that.
They were called Boy Scouts and frat houses.
Now they’re called nothing.
It’s time to change that.
If We Don’t Act
If we don’t make space for boys to grow and talk, things will keep getting worse.
More young men will give up on dating. On love. On family. More will feel afraid to speak. More will stop trying.
And the saddest thing of all? Many will think it’s their fault.
But it’s not. It’s our fault—for staying quiet.
Let’s Be Brave
Let’s not whisper about this anymore.Let’s speak loud. Let’s speak clearly. Men’s Mental Health Month is not a joke. It’s not weak. It’s not something to hide.
It is brave. It is strong. It is needed.
And it should be taught in schools. Celebrated in towns.
Respected in the media. Supported in homes.
Let’s raise boys to be proud of being boys. Let’s show them how to be good men, not silent ones.
Because every boy deserves a hero.
And every man deserves a month where he’s not invisible.
Friday, June 13, 2025
Know Your Numbers
Know Your Numbers
By Theresa Grant Real Estate columnist
I want to tell you about a story that was relayed to me through a friend. I came to know this by way of dinner conversation with this friend when I inquired about a mutual acquaintance. I was shocked but not surprised. We both knew this couple that were looking for a house to purchase. They had an agent and were actively looking. After seeing many houses this couple found a house they really loved so they put an offer on it. What happens when someone puts an offer on a house is, the listing agent sends out a message to anyone who has viewed the house either through an open house or a personal tour. The message is to let those people know that there has been an offer registered on that property in case they may have been mulling it over. It essentially brings everyone to the table. If you had walked through and were thinking about it, now was the time to make an offer and everyone gets a chance. It’s also how agents whip up bidding wars. That is exactly what happened in the case of this couple. They ended up losing the house to someone who bid higher than they could afford to go. This actually happened not once, but a couple of times. The couple grew somewhat despondent, thinking that they may never be able to purchase a house if this was the process with every offer. The couple were drawn to this beautiful house that had absolutely everything they wanted in their new home. They put a offer on the house knowing there would probably be at least one more coming in. They had a plan. When the agent came back to them and asked if they’d like to improve their offer, they said yes. They had launching into the bidding war. The problem being that they could only afford a certain number. They were just so desperate to get the house, they kept raising their offer. Eventually the agent informed them that they had won, and that the sellers were going to work with their offer. They were thrilled. Now came the real problem. While they had been approved for a certain dollar value in terms of the mortgage, the bank ordered an appraisal of the house. That is common in most cases. The appraisal came back far below the offer price on the house. That left the couple in a real bind. They could either come up with the difference between what the bank said the house was worth and what they had offered to pay for the house or, the sellers could sue them. This is a situation that played out during Covid-19 far too often as people got caught up in desperately trying to purchase something for fear they would not have an opportunity down the road. In this case the couple was able to come up with the difference, but in most cases the situation winds up in court. The whole process of house hunting can be an emotional roller coaster but my advise to everyone is to never panic, and always know your numbers.
The Endless #OpenToWork Banner Debate is Tiring
The Endless #OpenToWork Banner Debate is Tiring
By Nick Kossovan
A straightforward belief: A person's results speak for themselves. Making excuses for being a "victim of," "not having the same advantages as," or blaming your parents, the government, and the stars not being aligned doesn't change this. A person's results are influenced by how they respond to their circumstances, their actions—playing the hand they're dealt—and the amount of effort—strategic effort—they put forth.
When it comes to job search results, such as landing interviews, your results are a testament to the effectiveness of your job search strategy.
I'm sure you've noticed that many job seekers on LinkedIn harshly and venomously critique the job search strategies of other seekers. It's no one else's business how a job seeker conducts their job search, who ultimately must live with the results their job search strategy achieves. This supposed "concern" for what other job seekers are doing is why LinkedIn has become a digital hub for juvenile debates, the most prevalent being whether to use LinkedIn's #OpenToWork banner feature, adding a green circle frame to your LinkedIn profile picture to inform LinkedIn members you're seeking a new job.
My initial take: "Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner." - Lao Tzu. Why do so many people give a f*ck about what others do on social media? An incessant need "to be right" (You're right, everyone else is wrong.) hinders personal growth. What prevents us from following the harmony principle: you do you, and I will do me? Basically, mind your own business!
My second take: Before LinkedIn became the dumpster fire it is today, where job seekers congregate to bash employers, essentially biting the hands they want to feed them, and self-proclaiming "experts" offering pseudo job search advice, followed by a pitch for their overpriced, never-guaranteed service, LinkedIn was the go-to platform for announcing you were looking for a new job. Why LinkedIn? LinkedIn was where your current and former colleagues, friends, hiring managers, and recruiters hung out. These days, many managers, directors, executives and even recruiters avoid LinkedIn. They no longer see LinkedIn's value or want to spend their time wading through the victim mentality drama that dominates the platform.
Once upon a time, you could concentrate all your job search efforts on LinkedIn. Today, LinkedIn should make up only a small part of your job search activities. The #OpenToWork banner is merely one tool in your job search toolkit. It's unlikely that the banner alone will significantly influence your job search, either positively or negatively; however, every little bit helps.
The #OpenToWork banner debate generally centres on whether the green banner makes a person seem "desperate." The banner is simply a sign that you're open (available) to opportunities, serving the same purpose as a red neon 'vacancy' sign in the window of a roadside motel, indicating to travellers that rooms are available. Is the owner of the roadside motel making it known they have rooms available "desperate"?
· If I owned a retail store, I'd display a sign that tells people what I sell.
· If I were selling my house, I would put a sign on my front lawn.
· If I were opening a new dental clinic, I would advertise on billboards.
· If I were looking for a job, I'd...
What LinkedIn's #OpenToWork doesn't do is help you establish your value proposition. It's your responsibility to demonstrate how you can contribute measurable value to an employer's bottom line. Hiring managers filter LinkedIn profiles by skills, experience, and other factors related to their search criteria. Filtering by "Open-To-Work" won't bring up LinkedIn profiles of those who possess the skills and expertise they're seeking. However, if your profile appears in an employer's or recruiter's search and you've toggled on the "Open to Work" setting, which is unrelated to the #OpenToWork photo frame and, while visible to everyone, isn't something recruiters and employers can search for, it makes sense, at least I think so, to contact you first since you're advertising that you're available and therefore are more likely to be open to discussing an opportunity than someone who's currently employed and will need to be persuaded to leave their current position.
Advertising your availability doesn't make you appear desperate; it removes ambiguity, making it easier for recruiters and employers to recognize candidates who are actively job searching. You're not pleading for a job; you're helping employers find you, which reflects a proactive mindset. I don't know any recruiter or employer who holds a candidate's proactive job search against them. However, it's crucial to recognize that being easy to find on LinkedIn and the impression a recruiter or hiring manager gets from your profile are two entirely separate influences on your job search. Unless your profile clearly states, using quantifying numbers, the value you've added to your previous employers, your #OpenToWork banner's effectiveness is almost nonexistent. One last note: if you're participating in the #OpenToWork banner debate, stop it! It's not your concern how others conduct their job search. Keep your focus on what you need to do to achieve your desired job search results, which speak for themselves.
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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
Stop the Spin: Pickering Is Not the Fastest-Growing City - And Here’s Why That Matters
Conservative Party of Canada – success and failure
Conservative Party of Canada – success and failure
by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC
FEC, CET, P.Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
As world affairs return focus to the geopolitical scene, and we have a strong minority Liberal Government for the fourth time in Canada, one may wonder why the Conservative Party was not able to form the current government. Since 2015 when PM Stephen Harper lost to the liberals, the Conservative Party has been unable to rise and form government.
We need to find the root causes of this situation and that is not so easy. However, we can analyze some factors that may go some way toward explaining this failure and suggest ways to potentially correct the situation and steer the Party towards future success.
In this last round, the Party lost a remarkable 27-point lead in opinion polls and failed to win an election for the fourth time in a row. While it gained seats and earned almost 42% of the popular vote - its highest share since the party was founded in 2003 - its leader, Pierre Poilievre, was voted out of the seat he has held for the past 20 years.
One of the main problems was the candidate selection process. Not only was it tainted by undue influences, but the Party was late in nominating candidates, thus reducing the time candidates had to get themselves known to their electorate. They had more than two years to prepare for the election before it was called. Furthermore, the Conservative Party does not seem to have been interested in choosing professionally qualified candidates. Instead, they selected candidates based on personal relationships with people close to the leader’s circle and staffers.
Much of the time, they overruled their own established rules, which was allowed by one toothless and apparently useless Conservative Party National Council. There were many cases of potential good and experienced candidates, who were denied the opportunity to be nominated. There were even situations where preferred candidates were nominated in new ridings even before a riding association was constituted.
Then came the resignation of Justin Trudeau on January 6 2025. After a short leadership contest organized by the Liberal Party Mark Carney was chosen as Leader and Prime Minister. An experienced professional with glowing qualifications, albeit non-political ones, he immediately called an election.
In the mean time, our neighbour to the South made some unfriendly gestures towards Canada, and the Conservative party leadership was slow to react. Most Canadians perceived this hesitancy in reacting to the American threats menacing our national existence as lack of courage and confidence.
The combination of all of these mistakes contributed to the sudden evaporation of the Party’s impressive lead in the polls built up over the Trudeau years, and the ultimate loss of the election.
The Conservatives have once again become the official opposition, and are stuck with a dilemma. What, if anything, should they do differently in the coming years, than they did before the election?
Do they head into the future with the same team of decision-makers who did not quite win? And, how do you answer that question when you don’t know what the future holds, given that one complaint against the current leader is that he didn’t respond effectively when the playing field changed?
As far as Pierre Poilievre is concerned, there’s nothing to decide. “We had the biggest vote count in our party’s history, the biggest increase in our party’s history, the biggest vote share since 1988 and we’re going to continue to work to get over the finish line,” he replied when asked. That argument is on offer from other Conservatives keen on moving past the vote that left them in second place once again.
Yes, Poilievre has done better than the previous leaders and Poilievre was not necessarily disliked by people; he was simply less liked than his opponent Mark Carney. In short order, Carney became the most positively viewed political leader in the country, generating positive impressions we have not seen since 2015.
In a campaign where trust and risk were key themes that made all the difference, Carney consistently outperformed Poilievre in leadership attributes such as trustworthiness, competence, and experience.
Their arrogance and inertia didn’t allow Pollievre’s, campaign staff, headed by Jenni Byrne, to see the shift of the electorate towards liberals in time to react effectively.
If they ever want to form the government, the Conservative Party needs to look at the lessons learned in the last campaign and needs to make some radical changes.
The beginning of these necessary changes starts with the Conservative Party's National Council, which is scheduled to meet on June 14 for its quarterly meeting. They will decide, among other issues, the timing and venue of the next policy convention.
So let us see if any changes are forthcoming in the Conservative party and its leader Pierre Poilievre. He appears to remain committed to key strategist and enforcer Jenni Byrne; a woman whose ability to make enemies is legendary and whose treatment of the Conservative caucus evokes thoughts of the Commissars in the soviet regime.
Indeed, whether or not Byrne keeps her job will be a telling sign of whether Poilievre’s support for change includes change on his own behalf.
In conclusion, having failed to react successfully to changed circumstances in the latest election, Conservatives need time to better prepare for the next one.
Let us hope that their leaders see the light sooner rather than later. It seems to me that a little hubris would not be out of place.
What do you think?
Friday, May 30, 2025
World Fatigue: Blame the People
World Fatigue: Blame the People
By Dale Jodoin
There’s a quiet illness spreading across the Americas. It’s not the kind you can cure with a pill or vaccine. It’s called world fatigue, and it’s affecting millions of people—especially the regular, everyday folks who work, pay taxes, and try their best to live honest lives. World fatigue isn’t about being tired from work or chores. It’s a deep emotional tiredness. A kind of sadness mixed with frustration. It builds up every time you turn on the news or look at your bills. It’s the feeling of being blamed, day after day, for problems you didn’t create. And it’s wearing people down. Ask anyone around you, and they’ll tell you the same thing: “I’m just done. I don’t care anymore.” But they do care—they’re just overwhelmed. That’s world fatigue. And it’s growing.
So where is this coming from?
Part of it starts with the government and the media. They say they’re trying to inform us, but more and more, it feels like they’re trying to guilt us. We’re told that everything wrong in the world is somehow our fault. There are too many homeless people? It’s our fault. Is the planet changing? It's our fault. Minorities aren’t treated fairly? Again, our fault. The list goes on. The message is always the same: if you don’t feel bad, if you don’t do more, then you’re part of the problem.
And while it’s important to care about others, what about us? Who’s looking out for regular Canadians—people who are barely making it through the month? Who’s caring for the seniors, the young families, the people who never ask for much?
Instead, we’re called selfish. We’re told we’re the problem. But the real problem is this: people are burning out. Not because they don’t care, but because they’ve been pushed too far.
Even schools are becoming places of confusion. Kids don’t learn basic life skills anymore. Many can’t read a map, balance a budget, or understand how taxes work. Teachers say their hands are tied. They spend more time explaining political ideas and social movements than they do teaching reading, writing, and math. Our kids are growing up with strong opinions—but no tools to live in the real world. And again, who gets blamed when test scores drop? Parents. Taxpayers. Regular people.
One of the biggest signs of world fatigue is how cold people are becoming. Neighbours don’t talk. Families drift apart. People don’t wave hello anymore. It’s not that people have lost all compassion—it’s that they’re tired of always being told what to feel, who to support, what to say, and what to believe. And if you don’t follow along exactly, you’re labeled as hateful, old-fashioned, or worse. Even the gay community, which once stood for love and understanding, has now become a political symbol in many ways. Regular people aren’t anti-gay—they’re just tired of being told they’re bad people if they don’t cheer loud enough.
We used to give more to our neighbours, to strangers, to people in need. But now, everything costs so much that people are forced to pull back. Groceries have doubled. Rent has tripled. Hydro bills climb while wages stay the same. People aren’t being greedy. They’re in survival mode.
Meanwhile, the government sends billions to other countries. Billions more go to foreign aid, international programs, and global projects that have nothing to do with the average Canadian. By the time they finish giving it all away, there’s nothing left for us. Our roads crumble. Our hospitals are full. Our veterans sleep on the streets. And when we ask why, we’re told to be more generous. More kind. But what’s kind about ignoring your own people?
World fatigue shows up in our minds and bodies. People are more anxious, more depressed, and more isolated than ever before. Psychologists are starting to talk about it, even if the media doesn’t. They say the human brain can only take so much pressure, so much bad news, and so much guilt before it shuts down. That’s what’s happening now. People aren’t angry because they hate—they’re angry because they feel powerless. They’re tired of being told they’re the cause of all suffering in the world. They’re tired of politicians pointing fingers. They’re tired of media stories that divide instead of unite.
At the root of it all is one big truth: most people just want their lives back. They want to go to work, raise their kids, enjoy their weekends, and not feel like they’re under attack all the time. They don’t want to fight with neighbours. They don’t want to argue about politics. They don’t want to be called names just for speaking their mind.
They want peace. They want fairness. And they want someone to finally say, “We hear you. We see you. And we’re sorry.” But that hasn’t happened yet.
Instead, the government pushes more rules. More taxes. More lectures. And every time a new problem comes up, they say, “If only the people had done more.”
But we have done more. We’ve carried the weight for too long. We’ve stayed quiet. We’ve played along. Now we’re tired. Not because we’re cruel—but because we’re human
This is the truth about world fatigue. It’s not a lack of love—it’s too much heartbreak. It’s not that we stopped caring—it’s that no one cared for us. And it’s time we said it out loud.
We are not the enemy. We are not the problem. We are the people.
And we want our lives back.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Job Seekers Stop Talking About Your Past. Employers Do Not Care!
Job Seekers Stop Talking About
Your Past. Employers Do Not Care!
By Nick Kossovan
We all know the adage, "What's done is done," which savvy hiring managers cite to themselves as a reminder that a candidate's past achievements do not guarantee future achievements. From experience, I'm now cognizant that while a candidate's past behaviour and results offer insight into their likely future actions, they aren't a foolproof predictor of performance, hence why I don't ask behavioural questions. Such questions complicate the hiring process, favour candidates who can easily conjure up stories—true or not—and don't reveal what I really want to know: how the candidate thinks and their career aspirations.
Most job seekers mistakenly position themselves by referring to their past achievements instead of painting an "I want to deliver the results you need" picture for their interviewer. An underused interview strategy is to not dwell on where you've been (water under the bridge); instead, talk about where you're going career-wise and how you'd like the employer to be part of your journey. I call this future-oriented anchoring a powerful narrative strategy that puts you in control of your career story.
Frame your trajectory in terms of where you're headed, not where you've been. When you only discuss your past, you anchor yourself to what you've already been paid for and the roles you've already had. However, when you talk with enthusiasm (key) about where you see yourself in the future, you create a positive 'future you" impression, influencing how your interviewer perceives your potential and value. Trying to gauge a candidate's potential is why interviewers often ask, "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Instead of dismissing the 'five-year question' as a cliché, acknowledge its significance. Your response to this question, when answered with precision and backed by your current actions, can speak volumes about your ambition, work ethic, and if you have any sense of entitlement. A meticulous approach to answering the 'five-year question' will set you apart from other candidates.
"Five years from now, I see myself overseeing the social media team at a major film entertainment studio such as DaVille Studio. I'm currently pursuing a Digital Strategy and Communication Management certificate from the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Additionally, I read as much as I can about social media management. I just finished The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users by Guy Kawasaki, a book advocating purposeful engagement, which I wholeheartedly agree with."
Since you know you'll likely be asked, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" there's no excuse not to have a prepared answer in advance, something along the lines of the
aforementioned, that’ll make your interviewer sit back and think to themselves, "[You] is serious about their career."
One of the most common complaints I hear from job seekers is, "Employers aren't seeing my potential!" Here's the thing: you can't expect employers to see (read: envision) your potential if you don't provide a narrative that conveys your potential. It's your responsibility to help employers recognize your potential and value instead of expecting them to perceive it magically.
Future-oriented positioning communicates to an employer that your most significant contributions lie ahead. Consider these two statements
1. "I successfully led our company-wide cloud migration, reducing costs substantially."
2. "I'm focused on enterprise-wide digital transformation that proactively, as opposed to reactively, prepares companies for the next decade of technological change. I want to be part of keeping Burns Industries ahead of the digital curve and deliver no less than an annual 30% cost savings due to adopting an early adoption approach."
The first statement merely reiterates what the interviewer already knows from your resume and LinkedIn profile; the second statement is much more compelling. The first statement limits your value to your past, while the second offers the interviewer insight into your potential future contributions to the company. A candidate's potential future value is a significant factor that employers consider when making hiring decisions, which highlights a harsh reality: a candidate's "future" (read: remaining working life) is one reason employers sometimes take a candidate's age into account when hiring.
Talking about your career aspirations and how you plan to get there is how you sell employers your potential and value. While employers need to know what you've accomplished, what is more important for an employer to know is how your experiences are influencing your future actions. I don't know a hiring manager who doesn't want to know—better yet, feel— whether a candidate is ambitious, proactive, and ready to take on challenges.
If you've executed a successful marketing campaign, don't just stop there. Expand on how that experience influences your vision for future campaigns. You might say, "The marketing campaign I led last year for Jojo's Ice Cream's newest flavour, Banana Karenina, taught me the importance of data-driven decisions. My goal is to leverage this insight to develop even more engaging strategies that boost brand loyalty."
When interviewing, don't just discuss your past or career aspirations; an interview isn't solely about you. Interviews are your opportunity, one that few job seekers capitalize on, to showcase your potential value-add, which, as I mentioned, is your responsibility to ensure your interviewer sees and feels.
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DURHAM REGION TO ENTER INTO A GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT COLLABORATION WITH SCUGOG FIRST NATIONS
DURHAM REGION TO ENTER INTO A GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT
COLLABORATION WITH SCUGOG FIRST NATIONS
This week’s column will delve, briefly, into the complex realm of First Nations involvement in Canadian civic affairs, but first, I thought it best to provide some background as to the relationship between governments and Indigenous communities in Canada and within the province of Ontario before arriving at home base, being Durham Region.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has tripled its annual Indigenous spending, from $11 billion to over $32 billion, since The Trudeau Liberals took office in 2015. During that time, Canadian taxpayers have been made to support several significant settlements between the federal government and First Nations, totaling well over $57 billion.
The Province of Ontario has also settled claims with First Nations, paying out a total of $14.9 billion in compensation, and has reached 65 land claims and other agreements, settling for close to $11.1 billion up to March 2024. Significant funding has been committed to reforming First Nations Child and Family Services, including $8.5 billion in a landmark agreement to reform the program here in Ontario.
With regard to ongoing treaty negotiations, a proposed $10 billion settlement was reached to compensate for unpaid past annuities, with the Ontario government contributing $5 billion. Additionally, the Province has committed over $3 billion for loans, grants, and scholarships to encourage Indigenous participation and ownership in the mining sector, and also funds various programs and initiatives through Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
That’s a lot to take in, and the dollars involved are nothing less than staggering. But it doesn’t end there.
CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS have been filed, including a $1.1 billion suit by a northern Manitoba tribe, the Shamattawa First Nation, over access to clean drinking water which the federal government claims is the responsibility of the Indigenous communities.
Another class action lawsuit against Canada has been filed by the St. Theresa Point First Nation in Manitoba and Sandy Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario for failing to provide adequate housing on First Nations land. That class action is seeking $5 billion in damages.
In 2023, an alliance of First Nations in northern Ontario argued they were owed upwards of $100 billion over certain aspects of a 173-year-old treaty.
Future such actions on the part of Canada’s indigenous population seem highly likely.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT AT COUNCILS AND ELSEWHERE have become the norm. The Region of Durham started incorporating land acknowledgments, which recognize the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples, in 2020, based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. Specifically, Pickering adopted a land acknowledgment statement in November 2020, and the Region of Durham began reading land acknowledgments at its meetings in January 2021.
The City of Oshawa also began incorporating a land acknowledgment statement, which is now delivered at the start of every city council meeting, every standing and advisory committee meeting, and has been mandated for delivery at every City event with opening ceremonies, such as the Tribute Communities Centre when fans gather together for the purpose of watching a hockey game.
The investments made by Canadians, both financial and ceremonial are beyond dispute, and are quite considerable.
MEMBERS OF DURHAM REGIONAL COUNCIL will be meeting on May 28th to consider a report by the Region’s ‘Chief’ Administrative Officer in which a bilateral agreement has been proposed in an effort to establish a “Government-to-Government Collaboration” between the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Region of Durham.
Among the goals set out in the report is a plan for the Parties to meet quarterly, as well as the establishment of an ‘Indigenous advisory committee’ to ensure Indigenous input on a range of Regional initiatives. Further, there is a proposal to co-ordinate service delivery for what the report identifies as “investments in poverty prevention, housing solutions, and homelessness supports.” Finally, there are provisions to ensure an “accountable and transparent” decision-making process in order to serve community needs, while responsibly managing available resources.
As justification for these measures, reference is made to the 1923 Williams Treaty, which the report says resulted in the denial of rights and a “lack of proper compensation and additional lands.” The area encompassed by the Treaty includes lands that stretch from Lake Ontario's northern shore all the way to Lake Simcoe.
A 2018 Settlement Agreement with the Crown facilitates the addition of up to 11,000 acres to each of the seven First Nations in the area covered by the Williams Treaty.
KAWARTHA FIRST NATION which identifies itself as Member 62 of the ‘Alliance of Indigenous Nations’ recently issued a press release in which they state their intention of “actively reclaiming 15,000 square kilometres of unceded land and waters – an area roughly the size of Georgian Bay.” They assert the territory and its resources include The City of Kawartha Lakes, Minden and all of Durham Region.
GOVERNMENTS AT ALL LEVELS in this country appear ready to continue enacting policies with regard to ever-increasing claims for land, money, and oversight on the part of Canada’s indigenous population.
I wrote in a previous column about Olivia Chow, the Mayor of Toronto, having formed the opinion that the affairs of her community may be better served by adding an unelected indigenous member to serve on city council. A motion was brought forward by the Mayor that would see Toronto’s City Manager look into opportunities to ‘deepen meaningful representation of the Indigenous community in City decision-making… including through advisory bodies and other mechanisms.’ Those ‘other mechanisms’ are seen by many Toronto councillors as an attempt to add one or more members of council who would be appointed based on their ancestry, without having been given a mandate by the electors.
There is unquestionably plenty of evidence to show mistreatment of this country’s First Nations communities dating back to the arrival of the first Europeans, and there is certainly justification in expecting financial and other supports to continue up to and including the present day. To say otherwise is to deny history. At the same time, the sheer magnitude of the resources expected to be transferred in this ongoing effort is staggering, and in this columnist’s view, unsustainable.
Readers must judge for themselves what may be deemed as necessary or otherwise unreasonable in terms of where this is all going, and what it means for our nation, our culture, and our economy.
Is there a point at which one can say, enough is enough?
Saturday, May 17, 2025
The Senior’s Move
The Senior’s Move
By Theresa Grant Real Estate columnist
We have all experienced the dreaded move by time we reach adulthood. Even when we are excitedly looking forward to a new
and fresh start, be it College, our first apartment, or the new home that has been dreamed of for years. As much as we often
look forward to living from a new home, the physical move itself
can be overwhelming. All too often we are stressed out, riddled
with anxiety over the smallest of things and our nerves are just
on edge until we get where we’re going and the move has come
to completion.
I recall my own moves, and there have been far more than I care to think about. At first, there
was no problem. I was a very organized person when it came to packing and labelling. Getting
the kids organized so that they would not feel so impacted by the move. I found though, that as
the years passed and the moving didn’t really slow down any, it got much harder. Oh, there were various reasons for so many moves, but mostly due to economics. I am grateful to have been in the same place now for several years. As one gets older the moving gets much harder in all ways. When I got my real estate licence, I decided also to get a special designation as a
Senior’s Real Estate Specialist. Seniors are just my thing. I love them, and anything I can do
to help them is a pleasure. Working with seniors and preparing them for their last move can be
very emotional. Often, they are on their own after the passing of a spouse, and leaving the mar-
ital home where they have made so many memories is just plain difficult.
Sometimes they are headed for a seniors building, or one of the many retirement homes that
have wonderful activities and restaurant style dining rooms. Sometimes they are headed for an
adult child’s home. No matter the destination. The packing up of the memories and downsizing
to start a new, often perceived as the final chapter takes time, patience, and care. There are so
many stories within all the things. There are some wonderful downsizing companies that spe-
cialize in exactly this type of thing.
These companies are well worth a look because of the expertise they bring to the situation. So much patience is needed when packing up the life of senior. If you ever find yourself being asked to help a senior downsize and or move, try to put yourself in their shoes. Be kind and patient with them. If we are lucky, we will be needing that same assistance one day
THE SOARING COSTS TO MAINTAIN O.H.L. TEAMS ** HOW MUCH CAN TAXPAYERS KEEP CONTRIBUTING? **
THE SOARING COSTS TO MAINTAIN O.H.L. TEAMS
** HOW MUCH CAN TAXPAYERS KEEP CONTRIBUTING? **
IT HAS BEEN REMARKED that the quality of civic life within any community will, out of necessity, require ongoing financial support for various sporting venues, in addition to arts & cultural institutions. Municipal governments transmit those costs onto local taxpayers, compelling them as individuals to take on the responsibility of paying for facilities and programs they may never use.
Residents of Oshawa are by now fully aware of the significant commitment made by Mayor Carter and councillors to offer further financial support for the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club – to the tune of $50 million. This newspaper was the first to inform local citizens of the deal negotiated between the City and other stakeholders that will see major renovations to the Tribute Communities Centre completed by late 2027.
In a press release posted on the City’s website, the renovations are offered up as a necessary ‘modernization’ of the existing facility, including a main entrance expansion, interior alterations with seating for up to 7000 fans, and an updated concession area.
Research into this topic shows a marked trend among a growing number of municipalities choosing to invest significant taxpayer resources into attracting or maintaining Ontario Hockey League franchises, with some communities having done so for decades.
To its credit, the OHL has an impressive track record as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. There are 20 teams in total, with 17 of them based here in Ontario, and the league is well regarded for providing hockey scholarships.
At that same time, there is a strong desire within today’s OHL landscape to run individual franchises like Supercentres, in large state-of-the-art venues. Beleaguered taxpayers are right to question whether the practice of supporting OHL teams and their owners’ ever-increasing demands has, over time, grown to be far too expensive.
Prior to the $50 million announcement at the Tribute Communities Centre, an endorsement for an even larger investment was offered up by city councillors in Brantford, to the tune of $140 million for a new sport-entertainment centre. This, in a community that only a few years ago saw fit to sell a municipally owned golf course to better enable funding for local affordable housing. One Brantford councillor raised a concern that the funding was not being allocated towards a new hospital in partnership with the provincial government, telling his colleagues, “A hospital would serve 100 percent of the constituents, versus the five percent that could attend a hockey game.”
In Kitchener, home of the successful Rangers hockey team, the municipality is moving ahead with $2 million in renovations to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium that will see a new restaurant built opposite an existing sports bar.
Unlike the Oshawa Generals, the Kitchener Rangers team is publicly owned by season ticket subscribers. The team itself will be footing the bill for what they see as ambitious changes necessary for their club to “remain competitive” in the rapidly changing world of OHL hockey.
Being a historic club isn’t good enough anymore, especially after the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) south of the border made a landmark decision to allow players with junior hockey experience into its ranks beginning next season. The move gives players more leverage when choosing their destination, and the OHL is beginning to feel the pinch as some players leave the league earlier than expected to head to schools in the U.S.
None of this bodes well for keeping the costs associated with OHL franchises anywhere near affordable for Ontario municipalities. The renovation details to Kitchener’s ‘Aud’ as it is known by fans, sound somewhat familiar to those the Oshawa Generals are now anticipating. The entire Rangers business office will be dedicated to the players, with dressing room improvements, a gym and workout area, players’ lounge and even a pool therapy section, among other things.
Oshawa’s own arena, completed in 2006, has already seen an expanded gym, a new video review room for team members, and an area that offers players better nutrition options by way of a fitted kitchen.
It is known that OHL teams have the ability to boost local economies through revenue generated by games, merchandise sales, and other businesses. With regard to the business of hockey, the value of the top five teams is as follows: The Ottawa 67s at $55.53 million, The Mississauga Steelheads at $44.85 million, the Hamilton Bulldogs at $32.69 million, The London Knights at $23.02 million, and the Kitchener Rangers at $13.78 million. The Oshawa Generals came in 8th place at $9.41 million.
Which brings us to comments made by Generals owner Rocco Tullio during a recent podcast with Mayor Dan Carter, in which he said, “The last thing I wanted to do was take the Generals down the road to the city of Pickering… but, we have to make sure we have the tools and the resources… If you have success, people believe in you. Our next priority is to put a blueprint in place that allows us to host the Memorial Cup here. I want to showcase our fans, we do it every game, but I want to put it on the world stage. I want to show everyone in the world stage that, hey… this is what we get on a nightly basis, and now you get to see it on a major scale.”
Does that sound like someone who simply loves the game of hockey, or could taxpayers be forgiven for thinking their $50 million contribution is a boost, not only to Mr. Tullio’s self-esteem, but to the future value of his franchise?
In answer to a question posed by Mayor Carter as to whether his colleagues in the world of junior hockey were jealous of the $50 million deal that was negotiated, Mr. Tullio had this to say, “Kingston called me already, and they are up for renewal and they want to do the exact same thing…so they’ve called to pick my brain.”
All of which describes a situation where one significant financial contribution inevitably leads to a series of similar negotiations, all of which follow in perfect sequence.
Oh, the possibilities are limitless. 
Saturday, May 10, 2025
A NEW COLUMN TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF MENTAL HEALTH
A NEW COLUMN TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF MENTAL HEALTH
MY NAME IS KATHY CUMMING and you may have read my letters-to-the-editor in previous editions of The Central where I described some of the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health issues.
In this occasional column, I will attempt to share stories centered on people of my acquaintance who have been forced to cope with the many hardships associated with concerns over their mental health. I’d like to tell these stories in a unique way, with a focus on how they managed life, both at home and within their communities, and what they needed most in terms of care and support.
I want to help by sharing their stories and describing, where I can, some of the alternatives to pharmaceuticals that may benefit others.
Some of the topics within the field of mental health that are rarely discussed include the question as to who assesses the available programs, should it not be the families that actually use them. I will also seek answers as to who is best to determine outcomes and how we can move beyond simply asking families to “please fill out this survey”.
The needs among those struggling are great, and include factors such as group home environments, dietary needs, assisted housing, employment, transportation, access to proper medical care, and even counselling in matters of faith and education.
How can we help build that?
DURING A CONFERENCE ON FUNDRAISING for Mental Health charities and non-profits, a gentleman walked up to our group and stated, "everyone has mental health concerns, and in reality it just depends on the severity"
I had thought long about family members and others I knew growing up, and the complex names given to their various conditions. Friends I knew who had some form of simple anxiety could also be numbered among the people suffering from, as the fellow at the conference said, some type of mental health concern.
I have spent considerable time visiting unique communities within North America looking for clues that would enable the creation of the perfect environment in which everyone with mental health issues may find peace. Such a place remains a mystery to me.
I value your input as we move forward in our discussion.
Let’s learn from each other.
Ottawa Pro-Life March: A Rallying Cry for Courage, Compassion, and the Defense of Life
Ottawa Pro-Life March:
A Rallying Cry for Courage, Compassion, and the
Defense of Life
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
As a proud elected councillor for the City of Pickering, I have attended many events - but none have stirred my heart and renewed my sense of purpose like the recent Pro-Life March in Ottawa, hosted by the remarkable March for Life Coalition.
This was more than just a march; it was a nationwide stand. Thousands of Canadians, young people, parents, grandparents, faith leaders, medical professionals, and advocates, gathered with one powerful message: to defend the dignity of human life, from the moment of conception to natural death.
In a world where the push for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has crept deeper into our healthcare system — even targeting the vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled, and sometimes even the mentally ill - this march was a critical statement. We are saying loud and clear: Canada must be a country that protects life, not disposes of it. Life is precious at every stage, and we must push back against policies that treat death as a solution to suffering, poverty, or mental health struggles.
What stood out most was the courage and resolve in the faces of those marching. Despite the challenges, the media pushback, the political resistance, and the social pressures, these Canadians showed up - peaceful, determined, and driven by love. We weren’t there to judge; we were there because we care deeply about the voiceless, the vulnerable, the unborn, the sick, and the future of our country.
The March for Life Coalition and their event crew deserve enormous praise. Their flawless coordination - managing logistics, amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring everyone felt safe and respected - transformed this gathering into a monumental moment. I felt proud, not just to attend, but to stand shoulder to shoulder with national leaders and ordinary citizens alike, all united in one moral cause: to affirm that every life matters.
I left Ottawa with a renewed determination to bring this message home - because defending life is not just a federal issue or a national conversation; it’s something that touches every local community. We need to have the courage to speak up at every level, even when it’s politically inconvenient or socially unpopular.
To those who marched, organized, volunteered, and sacrificed to make the Pro-Life March a success: thank you. You are proof that conscience, conviction, and compassion still thrive in this country.
This is a movement that will not be silenced, and I, for one, am honored to be part of it. Together, we stand for a Canada that cherishes life, from the first heartbeat to the final breath - not by force, but by the natural dignity every person deserves.
Saturday, May 3, 2025
MAYOR CARTER YOU ARE HYPOCRITE
MAYOR CARTER
YOU ARE HYPOCRITE
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
This week off the news wire it read:
‘Carter promises job support to impacted GM plant workers
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter has promised support to workers impacted by the decision to return the General Motors’ Oshawa Assembly to a two-shift operation instead of the current three. "On behalf of the City of Oshawa and City Council, I extend our compassion and support for those workers and their families who will be impacted.’
Being a hypocrite means acting in a way that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel. It's about saying one thing and doing another, often with the intention of appearing more virtuous or moral than one truly is.
By Webster definition: hypocrite - noun
Synonyms of hypocrite
1. a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2. a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. If by my definition I am wrong. Please accept my apology. But if not then the Mayor has to be the biggest incompetent on the planet when it comes to managing Oshawa.
For him to make such statements over GM. When his downtown is emptying out faster than he can drive through it.
Does he not drive through downtown Oshawa?
Does he not care? Or does he only care about 700 GM jobs that were on the chopping block any way. Now with the ‘Tariff’, bull. Companies like GM have an excuse. Oshawa lost 30,000 GM jobs and what did our mayor do for those families.... same thing he will do for the 700, increase their taxes next year by 8%.
Yet, Carter is quoted, “‘Carter promises job support to impacted GM plant workers.” Honest concern, or just being a hypocrite. Or option two. He is such an incompetent administrator/leader that he has failed to support downtown merchants going out of business. Affecting 1000 of jobs.... Carter claims to “SUPPORT”. Yet, he fails to ‘SUPPORT’, his City Newspaper situated right in the heart of downtown Oshawa.
Does he not care? Or is he a Hypocrite? Then again, this newspaper would not be the first local business that is passed over due to political interests. Carter has the only in print newspaper in his downtown and he has failed to support it. We are the heartbeat of the City and the region. Where is the municipal support?
Incompetent or Hypocrite?
Maybe I am the one with the intellectual handicap and expect for our beloved Mayor to be true to his word. He, will not support the 700 loosing their jobs any more than he is supporting his City Newspaper and or all the downtown local Canadian small businesses closing almost on a monthly basis.
Incompetent or Hypocrite. You tell me... please.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
When Looking for a Job, Imagine Yourself as a Renter
When Looking for a Job, Imagine Yourself as a Renter
By Nick Kossovan
You don't own your job; your employer does, making the phrase "my job" an oxymoron. Layoffs illustrate that jobs belong to employers, not employees. In 2025, as layoffs remain prevalent and the economy becomes more unpredictable, job seekers, as if in denial, continue to equate finding a job with finding a permanent home. This mindset leads to prolonged job searches.
Employees are renters; they rent their jobs until they no longer want them or until their employer no longer requires their services. Layoffs demonstrate that employers are the landlords of jobs. Essentially, being laid off is akin to being evicted. By adopting a renter's mindset, job seekers can shorten their job search and stop seeking what doesn't exist—a permanent employment situation.
When renting, the primary goal is to have a roof over your head. Since renting isn't permanent, we tend to accept 'less-than-ideal' circumstances (neighbourhood, kitchen layout, bathroom size). Similarly, in job searching, 'less than ideal' circumstances could be a lower salary, working onsite, or a less prestigious company. On the other hand, homeownership, in which understandably ideal circumstances are sought, is a long-term commitment involving a significant financial outlay and is far more challenging than renting.
When looking for a job, consider it as searching for a rental situation that meets your immediate needs rather than pursuing your ideal work situation, which you can always continue to seek. However, keep in mind that whether your job is merely to pay your bills or it's your supposed "dream job," you're renting your job.
For the last 20 years, the gig economy has been a topic of discussion, emphasizing that employees rent their jobs. Now that the gig economy is here, and people lament the broken hiring system.
NEWSFLASH: Since no two employers assess candidates in the same way, there is no universal hiring system; therefore, there is no "broken hiring system."
Those who take their careers seriously are strategic. They don't waste time or energy complaining about the imbalance in the employer-employee relationship, especially regarding hiring. When a job posting attracts 1,000 applicants for a single opening, the 999 candidates not selected often blame everyone and everything except themselves, particularly those with a sense of entitlement. Today's job market, as AI eliminates white-collar and creative jobs, illustrates the interplay between supply and demand. The rapid progress of AI and automation is swiftly eroding job security. In 2025, whether we like it or not, all employees are, to some degree, part of the gig economy.
The Myth of Permanence
Renters understand that their lease will eventually end. Employees must realize that their job, or the one they're pursuing, will also end. Companies evolve, industries change, and geopolitical interests shift, as is happening now with tariffs. Economies fluctuate, and consumers are fickle in their tastes and demands, which means any job can disappear overnight. Approaching your job search with a renter's mentality helps you remain flexible and adaptable without succumbing to the pressure of expecting your next job to last until retirement.
Truism: Nothing lasts forever.
Short-Term Mindset, Long-Term Benefits
When you view your job search through the lens of a renter, you prioritize short-term experiences over long-term commitments. Ask yourself: What skills do I need to develop and show a track record of having used to further my career? What experiences will enhance my resume? By focusing on these questions, you can identify roles that meet your immediate needs rather than getting bogged down in trying to find the "perfect" job.
Truism: You can always change jobs.
The Importance of Flexibility
Renters typically have a more flexible mindset. They understand that their landlord may change their living situation and are prepared to adapt. This flexibility is crucial in today's job market. Instead of fixating on a single role or company, broaden your search. Consider contract, part-time, or freelance positions that can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities, often leading to full-time employment.
Truism: Flexibility isn't just a trait; it's a survival skill.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Most renters understand that compromise is necessary; the same applies to job searching. It's okay not to land your dream job, which will likely be a temporary situation anyway. Have realistic expectations and recognize that obtaining your desired job may take time and require extra effort—such as networking, being active on LinkedIn, and attending relevant industry events—and your journey will likely include detours.
Truism: Patience is a virtue.
Embracing the Journey
Renters understand they don't own their home; hence, it's not theirs and, therefore, not permanent. This understanding requires embracing the journey of discovering new neighbourhoods or interacting with evolving neighbours. Even though job searching can be stressful, when approached with curiosity and an open mind, it transforms into an opportunity to explore new possibilities and connect with new people. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to your growth.
Truism: Job searching, as in life, is about the journey, not just the destination.
Adopting a renter's mindset acknowledges that all jobs are temporary and that employees are now part of the gig economy, encouraging a pragmatic job search strategy. You're not seeking permanence; you're actively looking for opportunities that align with your aspirations. Moreover, you recognize that you don't control employers; you only control your mindset
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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com
Tax Increases and Wasteful Spending: Time for Accountability in Pickering
Tax Increases and Wasteful Spending: Time for Accountability in Pickering
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
As a city councillor and, more importantly, a concerned citizen, I find myself deeply troubled by the ongoing trend of excessive tax increases and wasteful spending that continues to burden the residents of Pickering. In 2025, our community faces a 3.75% municipal property tax increase, while Durham Region is imposing a staggering 5.8% hike in the regional levy. These increases are three times the current inflation rate, which hovers around 2%, placing an undue financial burden on taxpayers.
But here’s the kicker: while residents are struggling with these higher taxes, our local government continues to pour taxpayer money into initiatives that lack measurable outcomes. Take, for example, the Hannover Messe 2025, an international trade fair in Germany where the Mayor and City staff traveled to represent Pickering at a significant cost to taxpayers. Thousands of dollars were spent on booths, travel, and accommodations, all in the name of “economic development.” But where are the results for Pickering residents? There’s little tangible evidence that these expensive ventures lead to real, local jobs, business growth, or direct benefits for our city. It’s frustrating to see so much public money spent with little to no return for those who are paying the bill.
Unfortunately, the issue doesn’t stop there. Over the years, we have seen a troubling pattern of wasteful spending on consultants. In many cases, these consultants deliver work that is incomplete, poorly executed, or outright ineffective, only to see the city hire the same firms again, leading to costly rework and delays. This is money that could be better spent on improving our roads, supporting local businesses, or addressing the serious infrastructure needs in our community. If consultants are consistently failing to deliver quality work, then why are we paying them over and over? Why should taxpayers foot the bill for these failures?
This pattern of mismanagement is compounded by a broader trend of poor project execution. We’ve seen initiatives that were started, only to be scrapped or redone because the original planning and execution were flawed.
It’s not only wasteful but also demoralizing for taxpayers who are left footing the bill for government failures.
As a city councillor, I believe it’s my responsibility to hold our local government accountable to the people. But, as a citizen, I share the growing frustration that many residents feel. It’s time for transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer money. We cannot continue down this path of wasteful spending while residents are being asked to pay more, year after year, without seeing any tangible benefits in return.
We need to refocus our priorities on what truly matters to the people of Pickering — better services, stronger infrastructure, and a more transparent and accountable local government. This needs to stop. Enough is Enough
It’s time to hold our elected officials accountable for their spending, their decisions, and the impact those decisions have on all of us. If we don’t demand change, then we risk continuing this cycle of mismanagement that will ultimately harm our city in the long run.
I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, “The People’s Councillor” Watch for my column each week in The Central..
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