New technologies, workplace cultures, and increased automation are ushering in a new age of work – one that entails a tremendous shift in the very meaning of “work” itself. 

Studies show that Canadian Millennials will likely have multiple careers, work in a wide range of fields, and be far more mobile than their parents’ generation. 

At the same time, many fear not being able to pay their bills, while others are looking for more fulfilling work.

While we know that we are living through a time of immense cultural and social change, what exactly this change consists of—and what it means for the future of work and society—is not well understood.

This research study, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), and in partnership with the University of Waterloo, seeks to fill this gap in knowledge.

The aim of this project is to better understand the changing meanings of “work,” “home,” and “success” among Canadian Millennials. 


Data will be collected in two ways:

  1. A brief survey (takes roughly 5 minutes to complete)

  2. Interviews conducted over Zoom (interview participants will receive a $20 Amazon.ca gift card)

In phase one of the study we conducted interviews with Canadians with a university-degree who live and work in urban areas. This phase is now complete.

In phase two, The Meanings of Work, Home, and Success in Rural Canada, we are interested in speaking with Canadian workers who do not have a four-year university degree and who live and work in rural areas.

So, in order to be eligible to take part in phase two of the study you must:

  1. Be between 20 - 45 years of age. 

  2. Work in a job (part-time or full-time) outside of a major metropolitan area (population of less than 100,000)

  3. Not have completed a four-year university degree 

If you meet these eligibility criteria, please take 5 minutes to complete the survey linked below.

In the survey you will have the chance to sign-up for a 1 - 1.5 hour Zoom interview. All interview participants will receive a $20.00 Amazon.ca gift card in return for their time.

My name is Galen Watts, and I am the Principal Investigator for The Meanings of Work in Canada. I am also an Assistant Professor in the Sociology and Legal Studies Department at the University of Waterloo.

If you would like to know more about my research, please click here. 

You can also contact me directly at: galen.watts@uwaterloo.ca