You only live once. At least, that’s what they say. But whether you believe in one life or something beyond, one thing is true: our time here is finite. We get one shot—one opportunity—to build something that matters.
Today, I got a phone call from a dear colleague. A friend. Someone I’ve respected and admired over the years. A leader in the truest sense—vulnerable, strong, unafraid to question the system, to stand up for himself and for others.
He called to tell me he has terminal cancer.
The call was brief, because the cancer clinic was calling on the other line. This person who started off as a stranger, then a colleague, and now a friend. The call ended with a mutual “love you” – something we have never said to each other before. Love for a friend who took the time to call me to tell me – I was honoured. I am gutted.
He shared how his workplace isn’t supporting him to continue doing what he loves volunteering for our association while on leave for his illness. Policies. Procedures. Bureaucracy. And honestly? That’s bullshit. I know that’s an emotional response. I get there are reasons, but I also know that it’s one of the policies that hits the many because of a few – also one of those times that when we look at organizational policies, equity versus equality makes more sense. But, it’s not the fight to fight right now.
The truth is, our jobs don’t define us. Our titles don’t define us. Our circumstances don’t define us. We define us. Every single day, with every choice we make, we are building our legacy.
So if you’re waiting—waiting for the perfect time, for permission, for someone to tell you it’s okay to take that next step—stop waiting. Jump. Go build the thing that’s calling to you. Because the truth is, we don’t just live once. We live on—in the people we impact – our family, our friends and our colleagues – in the work we do, in the difference we make.
And to my dear friend—your legacy is already here. It’s in the students you’ve guided, the colleagues you’ve lifted, the change you’ve sparked. Your spirit will not live once; it will live on. Multiplied over and over again because you have cared deeply, openly and continuously.
We see you. We love you. We’ve got you.
And to everyone reading—what will your legacy be? Maybe it is something in the list below for that next step in your career. Maybe you know someone who’s skills and strengths would fit perfectly – but no matter what it is, these titles are not your legacy – it’s aligning your purpose with your work that makes the magic happen.
British Columbia
- Dean, Faculties of Education, and Career and Academic Preparation – VIU (No date given)
- Coordinator, Dean’s Office, Indigenous Education & Community Engagement – VCC (No date given)
- Alumni Engagement Manager – UBC (Closes Feb 7)
- Co-op Program Assistant – UBC (Closes Feb 6)
- Student Life Officer – Alexander College (No date given)
- Director, Administration – UVIC (Closes Feb 11)
- Associate Director, Graduate Programs – SFU (Closes Feb 5)
- Associate Director, Professional & Career Development – SFU (Closes Feb 23)
- Associate Vice President, Community Engagement – UFV (Closes March 30)
- Government Relations Officer – TRU (Closes Feb 18)
- Mentorship and Leadership Coordinator – TRU (No date given)
Alberta
- Manager, Brooks Campus, Service & Engagement – Medicine Hat College (No date given)
- Work-Integrated Learning Manager – Norquest College (Closes Feb 18)
- Administrative Assistant, Career Education and Experience Development – Red Deer College (Closes Feb 5)
- Research Partnership Officer – SAIT (Closes Feb 5)
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
- Business Development Officer, Executive Education – USASK (Closes Feb 17)
- Co-op Education Coordinator – University of Manitoba (Closes Feb 17)
- Senior Advisor to the VPAR – UCN (Closes Feb 13)
Ontario
- Placement Officer – Niagara College (Closes Feb 18)
- Placement Support Officer – Humber (Closes Feb 17)
- Associate Director, Student Recruitment – Trent (Closes Feb 6)
- Industry Engagement Specialist (Temp) – TMU (Closes Feb 14)
- Manager, Career Education and Development – Kings (UWO) (No date given)
- Experiential Partnerships Specialist – NorthEastern (No date given)
- Part-Time Lecturer – Cooperative Education (Toronto) – NorthEastern (No date given)
- Part-Time Lecturer – Cooperative Education (Vancouver) – NorthEastern (No date given)
- Coordinator, Careers Partnership Development (15 months) – Huron (UWO) (Closes Feb 11)
- Corporate Relationship Manager – Queens (Closes Feb 13)
- Internship Coordinator – Queens (Closes Feb 17)