Careers

Pros and cons of working for a small business

By Kyle QuilatanPosted on November 8, 2024Posted in Careers, Lifestyle, Small Business, SocietyNo Comments

When imagining a small business, it is easy to just picture a startup with no resources and a team with no experience. It can feel risky joining a company like this since their success, and thus your level of job security, is not guaranteed. However, small businesses are common and carry more merit than you might initially think. In Canada, a small business is defined as having between one and 99 paid employees. Many of these businesses might not truly be as small as expected. According to the Government of Canada, there were 1.22 million businesses in Canada in 2022. Ninety-eight per cent of these were small businesses, most of which were concentrated in Ontario and Quebec. With such a variety of small businesses across the country, carefully consider the pros and cons of joining a small business before discounting them for being “unknown.” PROS Benefits Contrary to what some might believe, small businesses do offer various benefits to their employees. In fact, Canadian small businesses are required to offer certain benefits, such as Workers Compensation Insurance (WCI), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI). Small businesses are also required to provide their employees with legislated leaves. This includes statutory holidays as well as various leaves, such as vacation, sick and parental leaves. Outside of these benefits, around 72 per cent of Canadian small businesses choose to compensate their employees with additional benefit packages. Flexibility Small businesses may have less traditional work environments, meaning they may be more willing to provide alternative work arrangements, such as work-from-home or hybrid work models, and flexible scheduling accommodations. Smaller businesses might be more understanding when it comes to important scheduling changes on the employee’s end, granting them peace of mind. Growth opportunities In a bigger company, it can be easier for your work to become lost among hundreds of other employees and various levels of management. However, in small businesses, you often have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities sooner. You are also more likely to get recognized for good performance since there are fewer levels of management. Being able to showcase your skills directly to leadership and more easily build workplace relationships might make it easier for you to work up the ranks in a shorter amount of time. To take on more responsibility, you might try out various roles within a small business, as departments are small and usually overlap. Job security Small businesses can provide a higher level of job security than larger corporations to some degree. Larger companies with hundreds of employees may go through periods of high turnover. The possibility of being seen as dispensable is higher, especially in lower-ranking positions. On the other hand, an individual’s role within a small business is much more vital. A small business may only have one accountant or marketing specialist, so these employees become much more crucial to the business’s success and day-to-day operations. Even lower-ranking roles are more important to a small business than to a larger corporation. CONS Lower compensation While many small businesses choose to offer additional benefits on top of the mandatory ones, numerous others simply do not have the resources necessary to provide employees with the same compensation as bigger corporations, suggesting a lower salary, fewer vacation and sick days, or less competitive health insurance. More responsibilities While experiencing other roles and overlapping departments can be a good thing, it can sometimes also become overwhelming. Having to take on more responsibilities than your job title suggests can make it harder to focus on what you were hired for in the first place. This can also make it more difficult to specialize within a small business, as you may be required to perform various tasks outside of your original expectations. Job security Many small businesses struggle to maintain themselves long-term. Depending on the small business you work for, you might find yourself out of a job if the business as a whole does not succeed. This becomes more likely the smaller a business is, and this uncertainty can be difficult to deal with at times. There are several pros and cons to working for small businesses, and some pros, like taking on more responsibility, can even be cons at the same time. Make sure to research adequately so that you are informed of the benefits and risks of being a small business employee.

How to deal with job loss

By Gabby AltmanPosted on November 4, 2024Posted in Careers, SocietyNo Comments

Losing a job can be one of the most challenging experiences in a person’s life. Whether it comes unexpectedly or after a period of uncertainty, job loss can shake your confidence and disrupt your routine. However, with resilience and the right strategies, you can navigate this difficult time and come out of it stronger. This article provides practical steps and resources to help you cope emotionally as you plan your next steps after being laid off. Emotional resilience Acknowledge your feelings Acknowledge and accept the emotions that come with job loss. It’s normal to feel a range of emotionsincluding shock, anger, sadness, and anxiety. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor can help you process these feelings. Organizations like the Ontario Psychological Association provide directories to find licensed psychologists who can offer professional support. Phillip Newman, a 32-year-old in Toronto was laid off a month ago from his tech job. “At first, I was mad, then I was sad and anxious. I reached out to friends and family to gain their support and guidance. Finally, one month removed, I’ve been able to fix up my resume and start applying to jobs. I hope I will be able to find something soon, but just knowing I have my support system and network looking out for me really means the world to me,” he says. Stay positive and practice self-care Maintaining a positive outlook during this time is challenging but crucial. Engage in activities that bring you joy and reduce stress. Exercise, meditation, and hobbies can be effective ways to manage stress. The Canadian Mental Health Association offers resources and workshops on mental well-being and self-care strategies. Taking next steps Assess your financial situation Job loss can have significant financial implications. Start by assessing your financial situation and creating a budget to manage your expenses. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides budgeting tools and advice on managing finances during unemployment. “I was given a decent severance package from my job, so that has allowed for some leeway. But I have had to be more careful in terms of erroneous expenditures, like having to say no to going out to dinner with friends, or going on vacation until I land a new job,” Newman explains.“Budgeting has been really helpful to keep me on track and not feel overwhelmed.” Update your resume and online profiles Take the time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Highlight your skills, accomplishments, and any new training or certifications. Websites like Canada Job Bank offer resume writing tips and templates to help you create a strong resume. Newman says, “It can feel embarrassing updating your Linkedin page, or notifying your network that you have been laid off. I have found that talking to people and sharing my news has meant more opportunities may arise.” Consider skill development and training Unemployment may allow you the time to enhance your skills or learn new ones. The Ontario Skills Development Program offers various training programs to help you gain new qualifications and improve your employability. Additionally, platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning provide a wide range of online courses that can boost your skills. Job search strategies Utilize job search resources Ontario has numerous resources to assist in your job search. The Ontario Job Bank and Service Canada websites list job openings across the province. Additionally, local employment centers, such as Employment Ontario, provide job search assistance, resume workshops, and interview preparation services. Networking and professional associations Networking can be a powerful tool in finding new job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with former colleagues and mentors. Organizations like the Ontario Chamber of Commerce host networking events and offer resources to expand your professional connections. Moving forward Consider career counseling Career counseling can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career transition. YMCA Employment Services offers career counseling and job search workshops to help you identify new career paths and job opportunities. Stay open to new opportunities Job loss can be an opportunity to explore new career directions. Consider temporary or freelance work, which can provide income and help you gain new experiences. Websites like Upwork and Indeed list freelance and temporary job opportunities. Dealing with job loss is undoubtedly challenging, but with resilience, support, and proactive steps, you can overcome this difficult period. Utilize available Ontario-based resources to support your emotional well-being, enhance your skills, and find new job opportunities. Remember, every setback can be a setup for a comeback.

Standing out in the stack: strategies to get your resume noticed

By Gabby AltmanPosted on October 25, 2024Posted in Careers, LeadershipNo Comments

In today’s competitive job market, crafting a resume that catches the eye of recruiters and hiring managers is crucial. Employers are often inundated with applications, so if your resume stands out, you can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Emma Hunt, an Ontario human resources generalist who has reviewed hundreds of resumes, provides practical tips to help you make sure your resume stands out from the stack. Effective formatting “Recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning a resume. A clean, well-organized format helps ensure they see your most important qualifications quickly,” says Hunt. Powerful keywords “Using keywords strategically can make a big difference,” Hunt explains. “ATS software scans for specific terms, so mirroring the language used in the job posting can improve your chances of getting noticed.” Tailor for specific roles “Tailoring your resume for each application shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and that you understand what the company is looking for. This can set you apart from candidates who take a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Hunt. Additional tips “Attention to detail is critical. A single typo can give the impression that you’re careless, which isn’t a trait employers are looking for,” Hunt warns. By following these strategies, you can create a resume that stands out and increases your chances of securing an interview. Remember, a resume is not just a list of your experiences. It’s a marketing document that highlights your strengths and argues that you’re the best fit for the role you’re applying for. With a clean format, powerful keywords and a tailored approach, you’ll be well on your way to making a strong impression in the job market.

The rise of remote work

By Meaghan FlokstraPosted on October 21, 2024Posted in Careers, LifestyleNo Comments

More people are choosing to work from home, but it has its ups and downs. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a wave of workers globally transitioning to working remotely from the safety of their homes. This massive shift initially came with the expectation that workers would return to the office once the situation was under control and the level of danger had decreased. However, while most COVID-19 safety protocols have now been removed, remote work continues to be a popular option for workers in Canada. A 2024 report published by Statistics Canada found that the percentage of Canadians working from home jumped from approximately 7 per cent before the pandemic to 40 per cent by April 2020. By November 2023, around 20 per cent of Canadians were working from home — a significant decrease from its peak at the pandemic’s beginning, but still a huge leap overall. For many employees, remote work offers substantial advantages over working in person. Lisa S., a virtual customer service representative who works remotely from her home in Burlington, Ont., notes that switching to remote work has positively impacted her work-life balance. “Not having to commute to the office is a lifesaver,” Lisa says. “It used to take me nearly two hours on the bus to work. Now, my 9-5 starts at nine and ends at five. That means I have more time for my personal life, and it also means I have more energy during working hours, so it’s great for both me and my employer.” Remote work also offers more freedom of location for employees. For people who work in person, choosing a residence close to their workplace is often a top priority. Those who work remotely can instead focus on finding a home that meets their personal needs and goals, such as being close to family members or good schools. Amy C., a remote worker in Vaughan, Ont., shares, I move around a lot, so I love that my job doesn’t tie me down to one place. I also had to move to another province for a bit to take care of a sick family member, and I don’t know what I would have done if I’d had to try to find a new job, too.” While there are many benefits to remote work, it does have some drawbacks as well. In particular, the lack of in-person contact with other employees can sometimes make communication difficult. However, employees have already begun to adapt to these obstacles. As many people continue to work from home, workers will continue to become better equipped to handle any unique challenges that remote work presents. The option to work remotely not only allows workers more personal freedom but also makes workplaces more accessible and inclusive for those who face additional barriers in commuting to work or working in person. People work best when their personal needs are met, so a future where Canadians can choose to work remotely, in person or in a hybrid format, according to what best suits them individually, would improve the Ontario workforce.

Mastering the art of the interview: strategies for success

By Gabby AltmanPosted on October 14, 2024Posted in Careers, LeadershipNo Comments

A human resources expert shares tips on how to crush that job interview. In today’s competitive job market, acing an interview can make all the difference between landing your dream job and continuing the job hunt. With the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate this crucial step with confidence and poise. I spoke with Emma Hunt, an Ontario-based human resources generalist in the tech industry with over five years of experience. She has reviewed hundreds of resumes and conducted numerous interviews. She shared practical tips and expert advice to help you succeed in your next in-person or virtual interview. Preparation is key Research the company: Before the interview, it’s important to take time to learn about the history, mission, values and recent achievements of the company you’re applying to. “Familiarize yourself with their products, services, and industry. This knowledge not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you tailor your responses to align with the company’s goals. For instance, review resources like the company website, reach out to someone from the company on LinkedIn, and do a quick Google search. This can provide valuable insights,” Hunt says. “Preparation is everything. Candidates who research our company and understand our values always stand out. They can connect their experiences to what we’re looking for, which is impressive,” she adds. Understand the role: Carefully review the description of the job you’re interested in. Identify the position’s key skills and the experience it requires. According to Hunt, “It is important to think about how your background matches these requirements and be prepared to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications.” Practice common questions: While you can’t predict every question, there are common ones you can prepare for. Hunt suggests practicing and having prepared answers for some common interview questions, such as: Effective communication Be clear and concise: During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. Avoid rambling and stay on topic. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure your responses effectively. “Confidence comes from preparation. Practice answering questions out loud and get comfortable with the format of virtual interviews,” Hunt explains. “This reduces anxiety and helps candidates present themselves better.” Ask questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gather information to determine if the company is right for you. “Remember, as much as you are being interviewed, you are also interviewing the company. You want to see if the job and culture are the right fit for you, and by asking key questions back, you can see if it is a fit,” Hunt says.

Enhancing your small business with Adobe Creative Cloud

By Vincent TranPosted on October 7, 2024Posted in Careers, Marketing, Small Business, TechnologyNo Comments

From marketing to social media, this software offers tools to help further any business. The Adobe Creative Cloud is a handy tool for furthering your career. The software and applications can be used for many jobs and industries, such as social media, marketing and design. No matter what stage you are at in your career, Adobe Creative Cloud can be an essential tool. It can be especially useful to understand if you are an owner of a small business. Apps in the Adobe Creative Cloud can drastically improve the quality of your work and draw new people towards your business. There are many tools with different purposes available with the Adobe Creative Cloud. Here is how some of these applications can help enhance your small business. Photoshop + Lightroom Photoshop is one of the staples of the Adobe Creative Cloud and has a wide range of ways it can be used. You can use Photoshop to edit, alter, or modify different images and visual aspects and if you are comfortable working with the tool, it will greatly improve the quality of your small business. If you run a restaurant or food business, you can use Photoshop to create to market the food options available or adjust some images on your menu or catalogue. Lightroom is also another tool you could use along with Photoshop to improve the quality of your images. You could use Lightroom to further enhance any pictures you take by touching up and modifying details in a photo to make it stand out. Lightroom helps you remove flaws, add effects to images, and edit individual aspects of an image for in-depth editing capability. For example, in a food business, you can use Lightroom to make specific parts of a dish stand out like the main part from the sides or clean the image up by removing some imperfections from the picture. Learning how to work with both Photoshop and Lightroom can help improve the quality of your visuals and the implementation of images in your business. InDesign If you want to create advertisements and market your business, Adobe InDesign is the tool for you. InDesign is useful in creating posters, brochures or flyers. You can combine images with text seamlessly and ,use a specific layout while keeping everything organized. InDesign is great for expanding your brand and business image by helping you create a specific look and marketing direction you want. You can create informative content that will supplement your business and provide more background on what you offer. Audition If you run a social media account or are looking into doing audio content or podcasting, learning how to use Adobe Audition would be helpful. Audition is used to work on audio content, allowing users to mix, edit or add effects to their audio. There are many ways the Adobe Audition can be used to help the content you make for your small business. If you are doing voiceover for a tutorial video or other video content related to your business, you can edit and refine that voiceover audio in Audition. You can also adjust the audio levels to ensure you are heard well and edit the audio to remove pauses or mistakes. For podcasts or short audio episodes, you can add in sound effects to engage the viewer or transition better from point to point with the use of fades and transitioning smoothly between audio clips. Adobe Audition is crucial to understand if you want to find another way to engage with your audience and create new content. Premiere Pro If you ever want to add video content to your small business, having some knowledge of Premiere Pro will improve its delivery of our small business. Premiere Pro is a video editing software tool available with the Adobe Creative Cloud, and it has many features. You can cut, trim, or layer different video clips together and add text or graphics to the video as well. You can also edit audio on Premiere Pro and even record voiceovers or audio directly on the software to add to your videos. If you want to create short videos for your small business’ social media, you can do all of that on Premiere Pro. You can add your video clips to the timeline and edit them with the available tools. When you’re done with your editing, Premiere Pro has export presets that make it easy for you to optimize your videos for different platforms and the quality and dimensions on those platforms. After Effects If you understand how to use Premiere Pro, you can use Adobe After Effects to further enhance your video content. This tool offers users better and more specific video editing tools. You can get movie-like edits and effects with After Effects, which can transform your videos into professional-level content. After Effects is used for motion graphics and animations to elevate your content and add another layer to your work. You can do things such as track individual elements in a video or remove specific content from a video clip. If you want to make better transitions or add unique titles or text in your videos, you can do that with After Effects as well. Apart from video content, After Effects can also be used on static images and logos to bring life to them. You can make your business’s logos or images more unique by editing them in After Effects and adding different animations. Subscriptions and cost Adobe offers users multiple packages and subscription options covering different areas and needs. But, if you want access to all the Creative Cloud apps, there are a few pricing points to consider. Four subscription options are available: Individual, Business, Students & Teachers and Schools & Universities. The Business and Schools & Universities options are meant for users who are part of an organization or enterprise. The Individual plan costs $78.99/month or $863.88/year. If you have a student email address, it will cost $25.99/month or $352.42/year. Learning how to

Online courses you can take to improve your digital skills

By Vincent TranPosted on October 4, 2024Posted in Careers, Marketing, TechnologyNo Comments

Improving your digital literacy doesn’t have to be hard, with access to learning right at your fingertips. With the increasing usage of and reliance on technological devices, knowing your way around the digital space is important, and even knowledge of basic information can make a difference. Digital literacy can help you move up in your career by building upon the skills you already have or teaching you new abilities in different areas. Almost every industry requires at least some knowledge of computers and digital skills. Improving these skills can help you in fields such as business, digital marketing or cybersecurity. As long as you have a reliable computer and internet connection, it doesn’t take much to acquire digital skills. Learning is as easy as enrolling in an online course and completing your tasks without the need to commute anywhere. Here are some websites and online courses you can enrol in that can help you improve and grow your digital skills. Coursera Coursera is an online learning program that offers various online courses across the world. They work with universities, organizations and companies to deliver online lessons, degrees and certifications to users. Some of the course subjects available on Coursera include business, physical science, engineering and social sciences. In addition to all the subjects offered, you can learn digital tools such as the Microsoft Office suite, programming, social media, and computer science. If you’re interested in learning about web development, you could take this beginner course offered by the University of Leeds as an introduction to web development to get you started. There are various course levels on offer, from beginner, intermediate, advanced and mixed, allowing people at different stages to learn at their own pace and comfort level. Users are given a seven-day free trial to start, after which they must pay $67 per month to continue taking an individual course. You could also pay for Coursera Plus, which costs $80 per month or around $545 annually. These subscriptions give users access to over 7,000 courses and professional certificates. Skillshare Skillshare essentially is what its name entails. It’s a platform where professionals and experienced instructors share their skills and knowledge with users through video-based lessons. Users can enrol in an online class, watch video lessons and create projects. Skillshare is more geared towards the creative side of digital learning, with many lessons on graphic design, social media, video creation, and others. If you ever want to learn more about YouTube and how to be more successful on the platform, you should check out the lesson taught by Marques Brownlee, a tech YouTuber with over 19 million subscribers. Skillshare costs $10.75 monthly or $129 a year for the individual premium plan that gives users unlimited access to over 35,000 classes. You will get a one-month free trial to start before getting billed after that month is finished, unless you cancel before then. LinkedIn Learning LinkedIn offers online courses for people to advance their careers through LinkedIn Learning — a perk of being a LinkedIn Premium subscriber. Many of the courses are taught in video form, with much of the content broken up into separate videos. LinkedIn Premium costs around $50 a month. If you’re willing to pay that amount, you’ll have access to over 21,000 courses on a wide range of subjects, including marketing, data analysis, and engineering. There are even lessons that give you advice on how to listen to customers or get what you want in your career. If you want to improve your digital skills and your basic knowledge of computers and software, you could take this beginner-level course on working with computers. You can learn many things through LinkedIn Learning courses and improve your skills on a wide range of topics. Just browse through the course offerings and find out what suits you at this stage. Udemy, Inc. According to their website, Udemy is an online learning and teaching marketplace with over 220,000 courses and 70 million students across the world. There is plenty of content and different subjects available with Udemy, including courses on IT and software, design, and photography and video. If you’re interested in learning about the Adobe Creative Suite, there is a course that will teach you more about Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD and InDesign. Similarly, you could learn to get better with other software, such as this course on Microsoft Excel. While Udemy offers many courses compared to other websites, not all of them are available within a singular subscription like other online learning sites. Udemy’s personal plan for individuals will cost you $25.83 a month, giving you access to a curated list of over 11,000 courses. Some of the courses you’re interested in might not be available to you within your subscription, and for the most part, you’ll have to pay separately for a course you’re interested in.

Eight Ontario-based conferences to attend to boost your skill set

By Gabby AltmanPosted on September 30, 2024Posted in CareersNo Comments

Conferences can be a great way to develop your professional and personal skills, and with so many in Ontario, there’s bound to be one that fits your interests. Attending conferences is an excellent way to enhance your professional skills, network with professionals and stay updated on industry trends. Ontario hosts a variety of conferences each year, catering to different professional interests. Whatever you may be curious about, there is probably a conference for you. Check out some well-known conferences to attend to boost your skill set. 1. TechTO 2. Public Sector Conference 3. Collision Conference 4. Niagara Leadership Summit for Women 5. DesignThinkers Conference 6. The Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition (OCMC) 7. Canadian Conference on Artificial Intelligence 8. BizCon These Ontario-based conferences provide excellent opportunities for professional growth, networking and skill development. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, personal brand or stay up-to-date on the latest tech trends, there’s a conference tailored to your needs.

What you should know about making money through social media

By Vincent TranPosted on September 16, 2024Posted in CareersNo Comments

With monetization and brand partnerships, social media is no longer just for connecting. Social media is quickly growing in popularity, with many people spending a good portion of their time on it every day. It serves many purposes such as connecting people seamlessly across the world, providing entertainment and being a source of information. One big aspect of social media is that users can make money on its platforms. Which platforms can you make money on? Most social media sites allow their users to monetize their content. However, a few platforms are more favourable for content creators than others. These platforms include YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). When thinking about making money on social media, whether as a career or an additional source of income, it is important to know which social media platforms are among the most popular or have many active users. According to Made in CA, Facebook is the most popular social media website in Canada with over 26 million users and 22 million users on Facebook Messenger. Instagram is the second most popular social media platform in Canada with over 20 million monthly users, while both TikTok and X draw in over 14 million Canadians every month. YouTube is also another popular social media application in Canada with 17.6 million monthly users. Globally, Facebook also ranks as the most popular social media platform with over 3 billion monthly average users (MAUs). To round out the top ten, YouTube ranks third with nearly 2.5 billion MAUs, Instagram is fourth with over 2 billion MAUs, TikTok places sixth with over 1.2 billion MAUs and Snapchat lands in eighth, with over 750 million MAUs. X comes in at 13th with over 550 million monthly active users. How do you get paid? Each social media platform has unique guidelines regarding monetization and paying creators — most payment is generated through ad revenue. Facebook pays its creators through ads they can place in their videos and articles. To receive ad revenue on videos, users need to meet specific requirements such as having at least 10,000 followers on their page (not a profile) along with a minimum of 600,000 eligible minutes viewed in the last 60 days and living in an in-stream ads eligible country, among other criteria. Users can also make money through monthly fan subscriptions, brand collaborations, and live video streams where your viewers can buy and send you “stars.” The YouTube Partner Program allows creators to get paid on the website. To be eligible for this program, you need to have a channel with at least 1000 subscribers, 4000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. You will be notified if you are eligible for this program if you have selected the option to do so. YouTube will then prompt you to link a Google AdSense account to your YouTube channel, if you have not done so already. This will allow you to monetize your content by running ads on your videos and sharing a portion of the revenue with YouTube. There are other ways that you can make money on YouTube without being a part of the YouTube Partner Program, but this is the main way for creators to get paid for their content. There are, of course, guidelines and policies regarding monetization on YouTube, which you will have to adhere to. Instagram offers multiple ways for its creators to make money, from selling items on your own Instagram shop, sponsored brand deal posts, and being a part of the Instagram Creator Fund. By setting your account as a “creator,” you will be able to monetize your content through Instagram’s features such as IGTV ads, Instagram Live Badges and Gifts, and Subscriptions. Users on X can monetize their content as well, but only if they are subscribed to X Premium. There are three tiers to this subscription. The Premium and Premium+ tiers allow users to monetize their content. Costs are a monthly CAD $10 or $105 per year and a monthly CAD $20 or $210 per year for the Premium tier and the Premium+ tier, respectively. Subscribing to these options gives creators a wide variety of perks, including payment for posts, access to creator subscriptions and, for the Premium+ tier, the ability to write articles. Subscribers to the Premium or Premium+ tiers must meet some requirements to collect ad revenue on their posts, such as having at least 500 followers and accruing at least five million impressions over the last three months. Users can also only get ad revenue on organic impressions from other verified users, so you will not be able to profit from accounts that are not Premium or verified accounts. Canadian content creators on TikTok have found getting paid on the platform more difficult than others. While TikTok has something called the Creator Rewards Program, this program is currently only available in seven countries, and Canada is not one of them. The program replaced TikTok’s old ‘Creator Fund’ and requires users to have at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 views over the last 30 days. It is only available for TikTok users in the U.S., U.K., Brazil, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. TikTok users can get paid for their posts, but without the creator fund, it is not as much as other platforms such as YouTube or Facebook. What are the pay rates on these platforms? Given its nature, there are no steady and consistent pay rates on social media, especially when starting out. On certain platforms, you can make more or less depending on many aspects including impressions, engagements and reach. With certain social media platforms, you can earn money by posting on, for example, YouTube and Facebook, and collecting ad revenue on those posts. As you establish yourself and your following, you can dictate your own rates for sponsored posts, collaborations, and the like. As you grow your platform, more opportunities will be

Know the Difference: Employees vs Independent Contractors

By Kyle QuilatanPosted on September 9, 2024Posted in CareersNo Comments

What to know about the types of employment classifications, whether you’re hiring or are looking for a position. Employees and contractors are two different employment statuses. An employee operates primarily under a business while a contractor is an additional outside hire. Keep reading to learn more about the responsibilities and expectations that distinguish the two roles from each other. Employee An employee operates under a contract of service provided to them by the business they work for. The business determines the employee’s hours, compensation and duties, among other things. The business is also responsible for providing the tools and materials required for the employee to complete their duties. Businesses can suspend, dismiss, or discipline employees for poor performance based on the terms outlined in their contracts. Employees cannot subcontract portions of their duties over to others. In Ontario, employees are protected by employment laws as described in the Employment Standards Act (ESA). ESA The ESA is an extensive document that covers several aspects of employment such as benefit plans, leave conditions and employment termination. This act lays out the basic standards for protecting the rights of employees working in Ontario. It was most recently updated in June 2024. The Government of Ontario’s ESA guide outlines some of the ESA’s rules. The guide discusses topics such as minimum wage, public holidays and severance pay, explaining them in plain language for easier understanding. Employees cannot be penalized by their employer(s) in any way for attempting to exercise their rights as laid out in the ESA. Employers who punish their workers for exercising their rights may be required to compensate the employee appropriately or pay a penalty. Employees also cannot willingly waive or give up their employment rights, even if they have signed an agreement with their employer to do so. Contractor Independent contractors also work under contracts, but these are typically provided by the contractor instead of by the business. Contractors are considered independent business owners and generally have more freedom over their work compared to wage-earning or salaried employees. Contractors usually have more control over their work hours and responsibilities and are free to subcontract some of their duties to others. They also often have more bargaining power in terms of certain work conditions. This greater freedom also means that contractors have fewer protections as the ESA does not cover them. Contractors are often required to provide their own tools and equipment to complete their work. In addition, businesses are not obligated to provide contractors with some of the benefits that a wage-earning or salaried employee would receive, such as overtime and vacation pay. Determining status In the case of a dispute, courts will determine an individual’s employment status by evaluating the work relationship between the employer and worker. The relationship is considered in its totality, which includes the moment the worker was hired up to the time the dispute occurred. Two main factors in determining employment status are a worker’s amount of freedom and responsibility. Generally, less freedom and responsibility mean that a worker is an employee, whereas more freedom and responsibility mean a worker is a contractor. For example, an individual who has set their own working hours, delegates what they need to do day-to-day and brings their own equipment is likely a contractor. It does not matter whether the worker’s initial contract of service states their status. The actual work relationship between worker and employer always holds more weight. This prevents workers from being exploited by a throwaway term in a contract. An employer might treat a worker like a salaried employee but refuse to give them benefits and vacation pay because their contract says they are an independent contractor. In this case, the worker should be protected as an employee under the ESA, and they have the right to argue for appropriate compensation. Employees and contractors serve distinct purposes within businesses. It’s, important to know which role to look out for when hiring. Make sure to find out which role is right for the job at hand. Read through the ESA to learn more about the employee-employer work relationship.