The POP Mentorship Project

11/20/2024

The Living Wage Foundation just dropped their 2024 calculations for Metro Vancouver, and they've got some eye-opening insights. This year's living wage is $27.05/hr – and for the first time, they've broken it down by different family types.

Turns out, the simple calculations we've been using don't tell the whole story. A single person would actually need $27.36/hr, while a single parent needs even more at $30.63/hr. This is a big deal because it shows how much harder it is to get by when you're on your own.

Unfortunately, the government hasn't released the Market Basket Measure (MBM) (which calculates the poverty line) for 2024 yet, so we can't do a direct comparison like we could in 2022 when the living wage ($24.08/hr) was super close to the poverty line ($23.38/hr). But we know for certain th MBM will have risen at the same rate as the living wage.

The living wage isn't just about survival – it's about having enough to participate in your community, cover childcare, save a bit, and not just scrape by. It's a more holistic look at what it actually costs to live in Metro Vancouver right now.The key difference is in what gets calculated and why.

The MBM is the absolute bare-bones poverty line - it calculates just enough money to literally survive. We're talking basic food, cheapest possible shelter, minimal clothing, and basic transportation. It's a survival threshold.

The Living Wage, by contrast, isn't just about surviving - it's about living with dignity. So on top of those basic survival needs, it adds:

- Full childcare costs
- Ability to save money
- Participation in community activities
- School expenses for kids
- Emergency fund
- Costs for modest recreation

Essentially: MBM asks "Can you NOT die?" while Living Wage asks "Can you actually LIVE?"

The Living Wage recognizes that survival isn't enough - people need to participate in society, have some small cushion for emergencies, and not just be one broken appliance away from total financial collapse.

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.livingwagebc.ca/calculations2024

11/07/2024

Next up at …

AI Strategies for Career Development. This is one of the things that sparked the creation of Futureproofed. So many people condemn online job applications and digital focused job search strategies. But the reality is that AI is a reality that is here to stay and young job seekers more than any will have to develop the skills to navigate it. And for parents and caregivers, knowing about the realities of AI will empower you to provide effective support.

11/07/2024

Youth are struggling in the workforce. The youth unemployment rate is more than 13% and shows no sign of dropping. But for young people with a disability, the unemployment rate is significantly higher.

At one of the sessions I’m in to explore how to better support these youth is the Empowering Youth with Disabilities: A Future Ready Employment Model.

11/07/2024

Today I’m at the ASPECT Conference in Victoria. Future skills Canada is doing a presentation about the future of work in Canada.

They showed us some interesting stats and insights that have been the fuel behind Futureproofed. Like this one that illustrates the experience of youth in the current employment market.

11/02/2024

I’m super excited to support PLAY Society, a fantastic youth theater organization that shares my core values of empowering young people to thrive. Their upcoming show is a powerful experience where young performers showcase their talent and creative skill.

PLAY Society’s work provides a vital space for youth to build confidence, resilience, and creativity through the arts. See the show and you’ll be supporting a program that changes lives and inspires the next generation.

Check out The Little Mermaid at one of five performances! Or join the cast at the theatre for a SING ALONG on Tuesday!

We can’t wait to bring our production of the Little Mermaid to the Chief Seapass theatre in Fort Langley this November 8th to the 10th!
Come swim on down to one of our shows to show your sea-port!
Tickets are in the link in the bio!
We can’t wait to sea you there!!!
🦀🐠🌊

10/30/2024

10/30/2024

Most of us grew up in a world where the path seemed simple: finish school, get a degree, find a steady job. It wasn't perfect, but it was straightforward enough, and it worked—mostly.

But today, the world has changed. The rules we grew up with don’t apply anymore. The idea of a 'steady job' is disappearing, and our kids are stepping into a future where adaptability, resilience, and entrepreneurial skills are crucial—things we were never taught because we never needed them like they do.

Our kids deserve better guidance than what we got. They deserve to be ready—not just for the first job but for a lifetime of opportunities in a world that never stops shifting.

At Futureproofed, we’re here to help parents bridge that gap. To teach what schools aren’t, and prepare teens for a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in.

If you're tired of relying on outdated advice and want your kids ready for the real challenges ahead, register for our Prepare, Empower, Thrive workshop. Let's make sure they thrive—not just survive—in whatever comes next.

ONLY 30 SEATS - REGISTER NOW https://getfutureproofed.ca/

10/26/2024

In 2021, I launched a self-employment program for teens. They started businesses in everything from graphic design to lawn care. They learned to create something from nothing, and it changed everything.

It wasn’t just about earning money for them—it was about independence, confidence, and learning to take control of their future no matter what it threw at them.

At Futureproofed, we’re here to help you guide your teen toward success, whether that’s through entrepreneurship or finding their path in a changing world.

👉 Register for our Prepare, Empower, Thrive workshop, and let’s give them the future they deserve.

ONLY 30 SEATS - REGISTER NOW https://getfutureproofed.ca/

10/26/2024

I grew up hearing that if you ‘follow your passion, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Well, i think that’s a myth. It’s not passion that keeps us moving forward—it’s purpose. When you help your teen find their purpose, you give them options, and that’s what creates real fulfillment. Purpose opens doors across diverse industries, jobs, and career paths. It’s time to stop asking ‘What do you want to BE when you grow up?’ and start asking ‘What do you want to DO to make an impact?’ That’s where their future begins.

👉 Follow Futureproofed for more tips on guiding your teen to find their purpose, not just their next job.

10/25/2024

Most of us grew up in a world where the path seemed simple: finish school, get a degree, find a steady job. It wasn't perfect, but it was straightforward enough, and it worked—mostly.

But today, the world has changed. The rules we grew up with don’t apply anymore. The idea of a 'steady job' is disappearing, and our kids are stepping into a future where adaptability, resilience, and entrepreneurial skills are crucial—things we were never taught because we never needed them like they do.

Our kids deserve better guidance than what we got. They deserve to be ready—not just for the first job but for a lifetime of opportunities in a world that never stops shifting.

At Futureproofed, we’re here to help parents bridge that gap. To teach what schools aren’t, and prepare teens for a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in.

If you're tired of relying on outdated advice and want your kids ready for the real challenges ahead, register for our Prepare, Empower, Thrive workshop. Let's make sure they thrive—not just survive—in whatever comes next.

ONLY 30 SEATS - REGISTER NOW https://getfutureproofed.ca/