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www.deltalivingmagazine.com
January – March 2014
that stand out are: Cancer Fund-
raiser (Princess Margaret Hospital
Foundation), Pizza Maker, Fashion
Buyer,Advertising Executive, Steam
Whistle Brewery.
Why are you passionate about
ending poverty?
I often think of the quote,
“There is enough to feed every-
one’s need, but not enough to feed
everyone's greed.” It's heartbreaking
to think how many people go hun-
gry and die of starvation each day.
My hope was to bring some aware-
ness to this with the exposure of the
project.
What were your "take-away"
from this project?
I learned that I don't necessarily
need to have my “dream job” in or-
der to be happy at work.There are
many other factors that contribute
to our job satisfaction.When I asked
my coworkers what they liked most
about their job, the common an-
swer I heard was the people they
worked with. Also, I recognized
that those who were most passion-
ate about their jobs were the ones
who had a vision of how they were
contributing to something greater
than themselves. It mattered that
they showed up to work each day,
because they contributed some-
thing valuable, and something was
made better because of their work.
Which were your least favorite
jobs to do and why?
The least enjoyable week was
working in a swamp picking cattails.
It was over 100 degrees, there were
tons of bugs, smelled badly, and
there were really long 12-hour days.
All in all, it was not too pleasant. It
was jobs like this that made me glad
the jobs only lasted one week!
How did employers find you?
They found me through my
website and then would email
me or call with different job of-
fers. Surprisingly, the response was
overwhelmingly positive. I think it’s
something that everyone can relate
to in some way or another.Whether
you’re in a situation like I was, un-
sure of what career path to choose,
or of an older generation wishing
you’d done something similar, or
perhaps one of those who are stuck
in an unhappy workplace situation.
I think that at some point in our
lives,we all have to ask ourselves the
question, “What should I do with
my life?” I suppose employers de-
cided to hire me for different rea-
sons – some could personally relate
to my situation, some saw it as an
opportunity to gain some public-
ity, while others were drawn to the
philanthropic aspect in that I was
giving all my wages to charity.
How did this project inspire oth-
ers to go out and get their dream
jobs?
It's been incredible to hear from
others about how it has inspired
them. I believe my story creates
a space to have the conversation
about what it means to find fulfill-
ment in our work and life.We can
sometimes forget to ask ourselves,
“Why do I do what I do?” My
project was an invitation to re-ex-
amine this question and it perhaps
provided the courage for others to
pursue what's important to them.
What do you do now for a liv-
ing?
I support myself through speak-
ing events, and I'm working on de-
veloping a school in which others
can design a year of self-exploration
and practical experience for them-
selves. Down the road, I'd love to
get into teaching.
What is your advice to those who
can't get/find a job?
Make your job to connect with
your network and community in
a meaningful way - ask people in
companies that you want to work
out for coffee, attend events, vol-
unteer - get out there and con-
nect with as many people as pos-
sible, sharing your story and what
you're looking for. The majority
of job openings are not publicly
posted.The larger your network of
people who know you, your skills
and what you're looking for in a ca-
reer, the greater chance you have of
landing a position.
You worked all over the U.S.?
I worked all throughout North
America - from a Park Ranger in
Hawaii, Fashion Buyer in New
York, Firefighter in Florida, and
Radio DJ in Toronto.You can see
the full list on my website: www.
oneweekjob.com
What is your philosophy in life?
Love.
Who are your heroes in life?
Those you look up to in life and
why?
I've always been inspired by
those who have the courage to
stand up for what they believe in, to
go after their dreams, to reveal their
vulnerabilities, and who act in ser-
vice greater than themselves.
Do you have brothers and sisters?
If so, do they follow in your path/
passion?
I have an older sister - she's been
a role model for me growing up
and no doubt has influenced my
belief in the importance of explor-
ing and expressing your passions.
Were you ever in poverty? To
have such a passion for the poor?
No. My passion comes from
my gratitude for what I have and
compassion for those who are not
so fortunate.
Are you single/married/kids?
I've been in a relationship for
two years.
When this project took off in the
media world (CNN, Good Morn-
ing America, Rachel Ray Show, NY
Times), how did you react to it?
It was quite overwhelming and
exciting.To me the interest and suc-
cess of the One Week Job project
represents the idea that this ques-
tion, “What do I want to with my
life?” is one that we can all relate
to and that we have a desire to do
work that matters, to be of service
to something greater than ourselves,
and to live a meaningful life.