Transitions Career Development Program

Night school & your day job

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:58:00 -0800

If your days are spent looking for work or working, night school is a convenient option for upgrading your employment related skills or exploring your interests. It’s always a smart career move to invest in your education.

With September upon us, now is the time to register for classes! Local school districts offer hundreds of courses where you can learn skills ranging from building a website to boosting your communication skills. The cost for most courses offered range from between $40 - $225 at the following local school districts:

New Westminster School District
Phone: 604-517-6345, Website: www.ce40.ca

Burnaby School District
Phone: 604-664-8888, Website: www.burnabyce.com

Vancouver School District
Phone: 604-713-4500, www.continuinged.ca

Many post-secondary institutions also offer night school courses through their continuing education departments. Not sure which courses to take to further or change your career? Call 604-434-1177 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada. You can also visit www.transitionsprogram.ca.

Work: Life Sentence or Love Life

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:50:00 -0800

People can and do spend years - and even decades - in a career that they do not love because they receive a substantial financial reward that keeps them from pursuing other options. This is a bleak career perspective because money can keep people stuck in a holding pattern.

We convince ourselves that maybe we DO like our job since we do not want to lose the money it brings in, and then we get up every day with a sense of dread about having to go to work. While living this type of reality we begin to feel trapped, unhappy and even angry about our situation. There are other symptoms of working only for money such as poor attendance at work, poor attention with work, and even actual physical health symptoms like exhaustion; depression; or physical pain.

If this describes your situation I can relate because that used to be my life. Pain, dread and – egad! – fear of something different. At 45 years old and eighteen years into the Transportation industry I thought it was a life sentence with no opportunity for parole. Due to illness I went on a medical disability and while I was off, I participated in the Transitions career exploration program. This program helped me unravel my belief system around the world of work. I gained a clear understanding of what my values and interests were so that I could redefine my choices about work by what I like to do and what was important to me. With this clarity I have managed through uncertain times to rediscover myself and come out the other side. As a career and relationship coach I love my work. It keeps me healthy, creative and energized. For information about the Transitions Program call 604-434-117 7. This government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program is available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

How Many ‘Real’ Occupations are Out There?

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:02:00 -0800

Something I hear quite frequently in my work is people telling me that they were expected by others - usually their family or community - to pursue a ‘real’ occupation. This meant that they were supposed to find work that was lucrative, secure, and well esteemed.

The universally accepted occupations that qualified for a ‘real’ occupation included: Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant and Engineer. Now I’m thinking, if everyone in the world were to pursue these four occupations, who would cut our hair, sell us produce, build our roads, care for our children, write books for us to read and paint art for us to look at?

In this day and age, this seems like such a constrictive and limited view of the range of occupations that are really out there for people to pursue. The National Occupational Classification directory (http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/home.shtml) organizes over 30,000 occupational titles. That’s 29, 996 more occupations than most people can imagine, such as: virtual-meetings organizer, plant pathologist, internet security specialist, Houdini artist, sommelier, cybrarian and croupier. How about those as possibilities? And this is just the tip of the iceberg of all the other ‘real’ occupations that are out there.

If you want to explore your career possibilities please call 604-434-1177 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

Don't dismiss part-time job opportunities

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:23:00 -0800

If you are looking for full-time work, you should consider applying for part-time work as part of your long-term job search strategy. B.C. added 25,800 part-time jobs last month - but lost 9,500 full-time positions- according to the Statistics Canada’s labour-force survey. This is partly a summer trend, but also indicative of job recovery after a recession where employers start to re-hire, but slowly and cautiously. The reality is that, although full-time work may be your goal, there are more part-time than full-time jobs available right now. On the upside, part-time jobs can be a stepping stone to reaching your career goals since they are an excellent opportunity to:

Showcase your strengths & skills – Take on projects and tasks that highlight your value as an employee, and impressed bosses will likely think of you when other opportunities arise.

Develop your skills – Take advantage of chances to learn new skills, or develop existing ones, on the job. This will make you more marketable.

Build your network – Tell your employer that you are interested in full-time work if it becomes available, and capitalize on chances to further build your network by meeting new people through work. Working part-time leaves you hours each day or week to continue your networking and job search

Do you want to explore your career options and develop an action plan for achieving your career goals? Call 604-434-1177 to sign up for an information session for the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

Layoff Checklist

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:31:00 -0800

The following is a ‘quick reference list’ of steps and actions you will want to consider if you have recently lost your job or have been notified of an upcoming layoff.

Attend to the Basics

Carefully review any separation agreement/severance package before signing
Obtain sound financial advice regarding severance payment, RRSP’s, tax implications, etc.
File a claim for EI as soon as possible after obtaining Record of Employment
Develop an interim personal budget
Inquire regarding any continuation of benefits (healthcare, dental plan etc.)
Request a letter of reference from employer or supervisor

Deal with the Impact of Loss

Be aware of the emotional/physical impact the loss has had on you
Identify ways that the loss has affected or may affect your outlook or behavior
Examine the impact of the loss on your family
Establish effective coping techniques and get support

Develop a Support Network

Identify family and friends who are supportive and ask for support
Identify and access community and public support services

Access books, programs/services and assistance for:

Job loss/transition management, career exploration/planning, job search/resume writing, interview skills, evaluating training and school options, and Entrepreneurship/Self-employment

Moving On

Explore all available options such as retraining, contract work, occupation change, entrepreneurship, or traditional job search.

Are you interested in exploring your career options? Call 604-434-1177 to sign up for an information session about my three-week career exploration program that is government funded (no fee) and available to anyone who in eligible to work in Canada and is unemployed or working less than 20 hours a week.

Resources for Mature Workers (45 years +)

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:33:00 -0800

Do you have 45 years or more of life experience? If so, you may have concerns about whether your age will work for or against you if you are looking for work or are planning a career change.

There are a variety of resources that may answer your questions and address your concerns, including the following websites:

www.kaa-boom.com – Canadian website that has lots of articles & strategies for 40, 50, 60 year old worker.

www.workplaceinstitute.org - Canadian website that published Best Employer awards for 50-plus Canadians and has articles related to older workers. Newsletter and free to subscribe.

www.retiredworker.ca – Connects older workers who want to work on a part-time, temporary, or project basis with employers who are looking for the experience, broad still base, and value they deliver. Newsletter and free to subscribe.

Experience for Hire – Job search programs and workshops offered at NO CHARGE for mature workers. Call 604-524-2100.

The Transitions program – My three-week career exploration program is government funded (no fee) and available to anyone who in eligible to work in Canada and is unemployed or working less than 20 hours a week. Mature workers who have graduated from the program have successfully changed careers, returned to school, and even opened their own business! For more information, please call 604-434-1177.

Top Employers for Youth

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:47:00 -0800

The winners of this year’s Canada’s Top Employers for Young People competition were recently announced. The contest is organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers to recognize companies that offer the best benefits for younger workers. Several local companies made the list, including:

airG Inc., Vancouver. Cellular telecommunications; 119 employees. Offers alternative or flexible work options.

Cactus Restaurants Ltd., Vancouver; 2,016 employees. Conducts on-campus recruitment.

Golder Associates Ltd., Burnaby, B.C. Engineering services; 2,541 employees. Provides leadership development program.

HSBC Bank Canada, Vancouver. Banking; 7,667 employees. Conducts on-campus recruitment programs.

Lush Handmade Cosmetics Ltd., Vancouver. Toiletry product manufacturing; 381 employees. Provides subsidies for professional accreditations.

Do you want to explore your career options, and develop an achievable plan for reaching your career goals? Call 604-568-4176 or 604-434-1177 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

What's your story?

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:28:00 -0800

As a career coach and counsellor I get to hear a lot of people’s stories - stories about their lives, work, and upbringing; their successes and perceived failures; and their triumphs and challenges. I’m amazed at the vast array of experiences people have had and how they have come to interpret and understand these experiences.

What is most intriguing is the meaning that each of these stories carry and how they impact the person, their life and their choices. For example, for one person a story of trials and challenges has become a story representing failure and difficulty, while for another person with similar life events the story is one of perseverance and victory or the support and care of others. This difference in interpretation and how we perceive our lives and our experiences will have a huge impact on the language we use to talk about ourselves (our story), how people perceive and interact with us, and the choices we make. We tend to define ourselves by our ‘story’ - for better or worse – either allowing for opportunity and possibilities, or limitation and discouragement.

So what is the story you tell people about yourself? And more importantly, what is the story you tell yourself? Have you had a series of challenges and failures that have now clouded your sense of self and, in turn, what is now possible for you? Over the years, in order to deal with personal issues and past hurts have you had to focus on painful memories and circumstances to the point that they have become the focal point of your life story? Has one bad incident, experience or decision now tainted or overshadowed what was before a positive and uplifting story?

I’m fortunate in my work to support people as they re-evaluate and reinterpret their life and career stories and as they begin writing the next chapter of their lives from a perspective of choice and freedom.

So what’s your story, and how will the next chapter read?

Call 604-681-2774 to find out about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

How to Feel Secure in Insecure Times

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:49:00 -0800

“May you live in interesting times” is reputed to be an ancient Chinese Proverb, and has been quoted by real and fictional figures throughout history. To me, this would suggest that people from each time will inevitably find events and situations to be interesting in some way.

Today, we are experiencing our own ‘interesting time’ with events in the world concerning technology, the environment, and the economy. Certainly what I witness most are people trying to make sense of today’s world of work, which is so demanding and competitive and has contributed to feelings of frustration and overwhelm. There are many people with talent, skills and knowledge who are unemployed, and this situation can definitely dissolve their sense of purpose and confidence. I see this regularly in our program, where I connect with amazing people who are trying to regain their sense of hope and self.

However, during these ‘times’ it’s important not to spend too much time alone, as internalizing doubts and fears can just exacerbate them. Reach out for support and find others who can empathize and understand you. It could be your friends or family; a program such as ours; or some other group, as long as you feel they are people you can trust.

Call 604-681-2774 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

Summer Job Search Myths - Part 2

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:01:00 -0800

This article continues from last week's, when I began debunking summer job search myths. If you are unemployed or looking for new or better opportunities, read the myths below before you decide to take the summer off!

MYTH #4: Even if a job opening exists in a company, hiring managers are away or won’t have time to meet with you. Some hiring managers will be working – and hiring – during the summer and you may benefit from less job competition if you are also available.

MYTH #5: You have a better chance if you wait until the fall. Many companies won’t want to wait that long. For example, if they need staff in place for the upcoming fall season, they will often hire now. Also, many companies hire extra staff to cover staff holidays. Even if you are only hired for part-time or temporary hours, it’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and demonstrate your abilities while you fill in! That could make you the best hiring option the next time a full-time position becomes available.

So take time off if you really need a good rest this summer. However, if you are currently unemployed or need a job change you shouldn’t let the myths of the summer job search stop you!

Do you want to discover your career passion this summer? Call 604-681-2774 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

Summer Job Search Myths - Part 1

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:56:00 -0800

Summer officially started this week, but that doesn’t mean you should put your job hunt on hold until September. This week I will debunk the most common summer job search myths –you can read part 2 of this article next week.

MYTH #1: No one hires in the summer.
This is true for some businesses, but others will hire in summer due to “use it or lose it” budgeting. Many companies have an August 31^st year-end, and will hire to meet their budget spending deadline rather than risk next year’s budget being cut or reduced. Also, summer doesn’t stop normal business conduct; people will take vacations but work still has to be done!

MYTH #2: Since nothing happens during the summer, you might as well head out of town for vacation. Since many people think this way, you can take advantage of reduced completion for jobs that are available by being in town.

MYTH #3: You won’t find the job you really want in the summer, just part-time student type jobs. Companies recovering from the recession can’t afford to postpone hiring just because it’s summer. When the alternative is reduced productivity or losing a contract, employers will hire whenever they need to, at any time of year for a variety of positions.

Do you want to spend part of this summer discovering career options that are right for you? Call 604-681-2774 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

Emailing your resume

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:59:00 -0800

Crafting an effective cover letter and resume are only two of the steps you should consider when you submit a resume via email. You also need to make sure your email doesn’t get deleted or ignored! Please refer to the checklist below BEFORE you hit “send” on an email containing your cover letter and resume.

q Double-check that applications are being accepted via email.

q Save your cover letter & resume in Microsoft Word.

q Give your cover letter & resume a unique name that includes the year (e.g. GreggTaylor_2010 rather than myresume).

q Scan the resume & cover letter for viruses every time.

q Send your application from a neutral email address.

q Attach your resume and cover letter in one email message.

q Double-check your attachments by opening them.

qInclude the position title and/or reference number (if provided) in the subject line.

q Include a brief message in the body of the email that references the position you are applying for, then proof the message.

Not sure if you are applying for the right jobs? Call 604-434-1177 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

Hot Companies

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:49:00 -0800

Many businesses struggled to survive in 2009, but others thrived despite the challenges of the recession. A list of Canada’s fastest-growing companies - that may need to hire more people to support further growth - was published in Profit Magazine’s June issue.

Below are the Lower Mainland companies that ranked highest on the PROFIT 100 list (full list at PROFIT100.com):

PNI Digital Media Inc.
Headquarters: Vancouver
Employees in 2004: 20, Employees in 2009: 94
Industry: Digital photo-processing systems for retailers
Website: www.pnimedia.com

Elastic Path Software Inc.
Headquarters: Vancouver
Employees in 2004: 14, Employees in 2009: 166
Industry: E-commerce software and services
www.elasticpath.com

Sequel Naturals Ltd.
Headquarters: Port Coquitlam
Employees in 2004: 4, Employees in 2009: 142
Industry: Produces natural health products
www.sequelnaturals.com

We can help you identify career options in growing sectors and understand the labour market. Call 604-434-1177 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or under employed and eligible to work in Canada.

Play to your Strengths

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:44:00 -0800

Let’s face it –there are high expectations in our society regarding our performance, professionalism, output and activities. It seems I’m supposed to be a high-output, multi-tasking entrepreneurial networker, who’s up-to-date on the latest advances in technology and trends in my sector, while also managing my many relationships and arriving at meetings on time. Whew!

The reality is that I don’t do everything equally well. It seems that the harshest judge of my abilities or missing abilities is the judge in my head. I want to do everything well, but I’m not ‘good’ at everything. We humans are miraculous beings with amazing capabilities. But the phrase “I’m only human” also applies, referring to the humbleness that comes from having, and admitting limitations.

Like the flip side of a coin, or the Ying to the Yang, I have weaknesses that work in tandem with my strengths. My ability to retain and focus on details is also a weakness when I lose sight of the big picture. My entrepreneurial ability to see opportunities and create business ideas can also result in a fragmented business as I try to tackle too many projects at once. I also have weaknesses that stand on their own like my lack of artistic drawing skills or my inability to do complex math calculations.

In his book titled Go Put Your Strengths to Work, Marcus Buckingham makes the bold assertion that we should stop worrying about and focusing on our weaknesses. Instead he contends that we should spend our efforts and energy building on our strengths. Sure, some weaknesses can be overcome through learning or practice. Buckingham asks the question, why spend all our energy identifying, thinking about, and working on our weak points, when we can experience far greater and faster results building on our natural gifts and strengths?

Imagine living day to day immersed in personal and work activities that play to your strengths rather than those that highlight your weaknesses. If you would like to learn more about your strengths call 604-434-1177 to sign up for an information session about the Transitions program, our no-fee (government funded) three-week career exploration program, available to anyone who is unemployed, under-employed and eligible to work in Canada.

A Powerful Question

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:13:00 -0800

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? This is a thought provoking question, particularly on the career front. Often we get stuck in our limited perspectives of the world and who we are in it. This is because we only see where we are right now, or with limited possibility. We don’t believe in ourselves and our abilities enough to dare to take a chance. What if you CAN have the job of your dreams? Saying this does not suggest that you throw caution to the wind, quit your day job, and go join a rock and roll band if you have only just started guitar lessons. What I am pointing out is your ability to create any opportunity for yourself, when the desire to do it is compelling enough. Feeling compelled will increase your likelihood of success.

How do we know when a career might be compelling? Ah, another great question. An opportunity is compelling when it makes you feel energized and alive. Perhaps being an astronaut is of interest to you. While it is not always possible to jump into a spaceship to be able to try space travel, it is important to look at the underlying experiences that excite you about the job. In the case of space travel, it might be risk taking; adventure; problem solving; or a keen interest in science that stir in your belly. Alternatively, it might be your desire to take the road less travelled; to work in small confined spaces; or the tranquility you feel being far away from it all.

To discover careers that will be compelling to you call 604-434-1177 and ask about the Transitions Program, our government funded (no fee) three-week career exploration program available to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed and eligible to work in Canada.

Get ahead while you work

Fri, 21 May 2010 16:24:00 -0800

Are you working, but still searching for other opportunities? If so, you should focus on exploring your career options AND making the most of your current job. Here are my tips for doing so:

1. Identify your strengths and manage your weaknesses. Put your emphasis on your strengths and look for opportunities to focus more on these skills.

2. Create a career portfolio. Collect all of your certificates, credentials, resume and any other papers that relate to your skills and put them in a binder.

3. Increase your profile. Volunteer to join committees, projects and special events to connect with people in other areas of the company. This shows your engagement with the company and your job will be more fun if you venture outside your cubicle.

4. Help others succeed. It's very satisfying to help someone out of a jam. You feel you're contributing and it benefits someone directly.

5. Build your network. Get to know people playing different roles in the company.

6. Find a mentor. Look for a colleague who's been with the company a long time -- or someone in the same industry with another organization – someone you can safely talk to about your career aspirations and who will give you honest feedback.

7. Talk to your manager or human resources department about your career. Discuss your long-term goals and seek advice about how you can improve your performance in your current job and what you could do now to prepare for a future role.

8. Pursue professional development. Seek training to enhance your skills in your current role but also consider what skills would be useful to your department.

9. Expand your horizons. Attend industry conferences and read journals and blogs about your profession and industry to find new ideas to bring to your job and organization.

10. Be inquisitive. Ask lots of questions: How can I improve? How do you do that? What needs to be done? How can I help? Where do I go from here?

These are just a few tips to get you started. If you need assistance in exploring your career options or transition, please call 604-568-4176 or 604-434-1177.

What's Wrong With Me?

Fri, 14 May 2010 08:57:00 -0800

What’s wrong with me? That’s the question I get asked when I meet people who are having difficulty finding a job after months of searching. With all the news about the economic recovery, they wonder why, in their own job search, they’re not meeting with success. If you currently find yourself in this situation, there is nothing “wrong with you” at all. This situation can arise from a number of different factors including the following:

1) There are few jobs available in your specific career or industry niche. An increasing number of jobs may be available, but that doesn’t mean that jobs are available in your sector.

2) Job and role requirements in a sector can shift over time, meaning that although you may have qualified for and performed the job just fine in the past employers are looking for a slightly different mix of skills now.

3) Your time in your current career field is stale dated. Although you are diligently
looking for work, somewhere inside you’ve realized that you’ve had enough of that kind of work. You may be doing all the ‘right’ things, but without the same enthusiasm required to make the necessary contacts or impress employers. (Your ambivalence may be showing.)

The answer to this is to review your career direction and focus and adapt new strategies that will increase your chances of success. Possible strategies could include:

- - Broaden your geographic search

- - Broaden the range of industries that you approach. Are there other industries that could use some or all of your skills in a different type of job?

- Have you ever thought about a career change? Perhaps this is the opportunity to assess your options and take steps towards making the change.

- What about retraining, skills upgrading or school? You will gain momentum knowing that you are renewing your credentials and learning new skills.

These are just a few career strategies to use in tough times. If you need support and help in assessing your options, assistance is available. Call 604-681-2774 for information.

Back to School Planning

Thu, 06 May 2010 14:39:00 -0800

September may seem far away, but now is the time to consider school and training options beginning this fall. Here are a number of great websites that will help you research your training options:

www.educationplannerbc.ca: Provides information on all undergraduate programs at BC’s 27 publicly funded colleges, institutes and universities including availability, application dates, tuition costs, admission requirements, and program lengths. You can search for programs by field of study, subject area, length of program, region, institution, and type of credential.

www.bccca.com: The BC Career Colleges Association represents privately owned career training centres. Click on the ‘Search for a School’ option at the top of the main page to search by topic of study and/or region.

www.pctia.bc.ca: The Private Career Training Institutions Agency is a government agency responsible for registering and accrediting private training colleges. Make sure that any private training college you consider is registered and preferably accredited by the agency.

If you are uncertain about which career or training option fits best for you, get some professional career guidance. Please call my office at 604-434-1177 for information about hiring a career counsellor or our no-fee (government funded) three-week career exploration program, The Transitions Program.

Three tips for Success during Lay-off

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:47:00 -0800

It is surprising how quickly we become comfortable with the routine and security of a steady job. It may not be your dream job, or it may be. It is definitely a job that meets certain needs like, paying the mortgage or rent, putting food on the table, putting money away for your kid’s college education, or just for a rainy day.

Imagine the shock, or remember the shock of being told that your last day in this comfort zone is coming up soon. It is a tough thing to hear! And yet, in this situation there are three key things to remember, which can or will assist you through this change.

The first thing to remember is that change is the normal side of life. Every thing in the world is in a constant state of change from birth to death, mountains forming and ice caps melting. All of it is change. Sometimes it happens fast and other times it is very slow, but change is the rule rather then the exception. Lay-off is yet another change. Not comfortable but in recent economic times, very normal.

The second thing to remember is you always have choice. Of course, you may not have had a choice in your lay-off, but in this circumstance you have choice about what you want to do with the information. This realization, all by itself offers you some power and control in a circumstance that feels very uncertain. When you look at lay-off as an opportunity instead of a problem it changes the way you think about it.

The third and final thing to remember is that there are great resources at your disposal to support you during these uncertain times. For information on how to access government funded (no charge) services call our office at 604.434.1177.

Dream co-workers

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:09:00 -0800

Over the last seventeen years I have heard from many clients about co-workers they thought were ‘nightmares’ to work with. Sometimes the issue is pet peeves. Work place pet peeves often share themes such as offensive and irritating behaviors and habits (even noises and smells!). More often however it can be about a difference in preference and style.

For example, one person may complain about their co-worker who is often late for meetings and forgetting appointments. In contrast, the discussed co-worker may describe the person complaining as uptight and unnecessarily rigid about scheduling.

The key to these two co-workers getting along is to understand their own personality types, and related preferences such as their views of time, while respecting their differences. For example, the person with a preference for scheduling their time should only make appointments with the co-worker if they are necessary. In turn, the co-worker who prefers to keep a flexible schedule should make it a priority to honour the scheduling commitments that are made.

Understanding personalities can help you thrive in the workplace. You can gain this personal insight by taking a career exploration program with a self-assessment component, or hiring a career counsellor. For more information about either option please call my office at 604-681-2774. The Transitions three-week career exploration program is free if you are unemployed or working less than twenty hours a week.