Got a swim instructor/lifeguard job!! Not with the city but with one of the private companies! Literally so happy I’ve been applying since I turned 15 in october and now I’m finally employed 🥹
I'm a 35 year old man with an IT background, but the job market for my field is absolutely horrendous. Not sure if or when it will ever change.
I'm interested in switching over to security and building a career. I know the pay is lower, but the stress is also lower.
Any tips for someone like me? Should I take the security guard course and CPR first, or should I try to find a job where they'll train me for free?
Hi everyone,
I recently completed my Cyber Security Analysis program in Canada and I am currently looking for entry-level cybersecurity opportunities.
I do not have professional cybersecurity work experience yet, but I have been building hands-on projects to improve my practical skills. My current focus is on areas like vulnerability assessment, penetration testing labs, SIEM detection, incident response, and digital forensics.
Some of the projects I have worked on include:
• Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing in a local lab
• Splunk SIEM detection lab with Windows logs and attack simulations
• Digital forensics and incident investigation coursework
• Basic web and network security practice using tools like Nmap, Nessus, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Metasploit, and Splunk
I am applying for entry-level roles such as SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Junior Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Analyst, and IT Security roles.
I would really appreciate advice from people already working in the field:
What should I focus on most to improve my chances of getting interviews?
Are there any specific skills, projects, certifications, or resume improvements that helped you get your first cybersecurity job?
Also, is it realistic to aim for junior penetration testing roles at this stage, or should I first target SOC or general security analyst roles to build experience?
Any honest feedback or guidance would be appreciated.
I moved recently to Ottawa.
I’m trying to decide if a job switch makes sense financially and practically.
Right now I work as a Shift Manager at McDonald’s in downtown Ottawa earning $18.90/hr. It’s literally a 2-minute walk from my place, so I don’t spend anything on transport. The job is stable, but I’ve found the environment a bit toxic lately, which is why I started applying elsewhere.
I recently got an offer from Dairy Queen in Kanata as a Shift Supervisor at $21.50/hr. Initially I interviewed for Assistant Store Manager, and they liked me, but they want me to start as Shift Supervisor first (with a higher-than-usual pay for that role, apparently).
Here’s my concern:
I’d need a bus pass (~$140/month)
Commute to Kanata from downtown
I currently don’t pay any transport costs
I might eventually move closer, but right now I’m on a month-to-month lease downtown
So I’m trying to figure out:
Is the pay bump (from $18.90 → $21.50/hr) actually worth it after transport costs and commute time?
Or is it smarter to stay in a walkable job even if the environment isn’t great?
Would appreciate honest opinions from locals in Ottawa or anyone who’s made a similar switch.
Edit 1: I sincerely want to thank you all for all these inputs. I decided to drop the Dairy Queen plan and continue with McDonald’s. I also asked for a meeting with my supervisor to put this in front of him and negotiate some deals so that I could stay. Because, my supervisor reached out to me knowing (he got to know since I applied for other McDonald’s too and they called him 😅) that I’m applying elsewhere are is trying to fix stuff for me to retain me here. So, I’m gonna have a discussion with him again and negotiate my issues and come to an agreement. Thanks again.
I was recruited through an Indeed job posting by a company called Responsible Choice for an event staffing role in Ottawa on May 27–28, 2026. After applying, I noticed several red flags:
Their website appears entirely AI-generated with no verifiable history despite claiming 20+ years in business
The location images on their website appear AI generated or photoshopped
Their Indeed headquarters address is listed as an auto repair shop
The job description is inconsistent (outdoor shuttle/valet role for what they described as an indoor government/military technology event)
The recruiter communicated through text, then switched to indeed when I asked for the listing name and switched back to text
My face webcam was recording during a personality assessment in the online application without explanation
In-person training is scheduled before the event, close to the ottawa airport
Payment is delayed 3 weeks after the event
im making this post to warn about a potential human trafficking attempt
For those who landed administrative roles out in Ottawa whether that’s in public sectors like government/non-profit or private sectors. What are some helpful tips you may have for someone who is trying to relocate there.
I have worked a busy non-profit previously and I’m now working for a municipal govt specifically Provincial Offences Court services with high-volume court administration experience.
I feel like I have all the right experience but maybe I am not going about it the right way. Maybe something I am doing so not working for Ottawa specifically, so if anybody out there in the administration field can give me some advice I’d really appreciate it.
Also my partner is in Canadian Armed Forces and is being stationed there. Hence why looking to relocate to Ottawa otherwise my govt job I have out here in Toronto is amazing.
Not affiliated. Just sharing.
Planned Parenthood Ottawa is hiring!
We’re currently seeking a full-time Bilingual (English/French) Program Coordinator to support PPO’s sexual and reproductive health programs, including our Options Program and Education Program.
This role involves:
• Front-line client support
• Volunteer coordination
• Community outreach & partnerships
• Sexual health education
• Program support and administration
We’re looking for someone who is:
• Passionate about reproductive justice and community care
• Comfortable working in client-facing environments
• Experienced working alongside marginalized communities
• Fluent in both English and French
📍 Ottawa (in person)
💵 $25/hour
📅 Applications close May 25, 2026
I would like to know if it is easy to get permanent after a contract