by Todd Peart
Fitness instructor, 8 Wing Trenton
(613)392-2811
Peart.TJ@forces.gc.ca

A few winters ago, my wife and two boys went on a threeweek vacation to Florida. As a result, I acquired a bit of time to go and do as I pleased.

Along with frequenting Chapters bookstore—sometimes for four hours— I spent a considerable amount of time snowshoeing after work and on weekends. While trudging through quiet, unexplored woods with my four-legged hiking partner Kato, it dawned on me that I was wearing a pair of $250 snowshoes.

Now that may not sound like a big deal, but the thing is I don't own a pair of $250 snowshoes as I really canft afford them. I realized how fortunate I was to have a job that enables me to borrow them.

Recently, I read an article about a group of employees from various companies who could have made more money elsewhere, but wouldn’t dream of trading in their current jobs. They are retailers, repairmen, cashiers, assemblers, packagers, and shippers all with one common interest – they like to keep physically active. As it turns out, the secret to their happiness isn’t their jobs, but the benefits they gain from them.

Some employees are encouraged to participate in noon-hour fitness classes. Others have access to an outdoor fitness trail for daily walks. An outdoor equipment company has a locker full of camping gear that employees can sign-out whenever they want. A surfboard company in California allows their workers to come in late if they want to catch the morning surf.

As I treaded deeper into the woods with my CFPSA-supplied equipment, I thought, “I bet some of these people would trade positions with me.”

As a PSP employee I receive or have access to:

• a fully equipped gym with squash courts, weight rooms, and cardio facilities,
• tennis courts,
• recreation centre and pool,
• outdoor fitness trail,
• sporting equipment including canoes and camping gear,
• locker room and sauna,
• workshops, classes, and seminars,
• a clothing and educational allowance,
• staff adventures, training and sports afternoons, and freedom and encouragement to try new things.

These are just a few things that come to mind. I’m sure there are plenty I’ve forgotten. With work, sometimes the most important benefits have no monetary value. As for money, I’m sure there are greener pastures down some roads, but the water bill is probably twice the price.

If we have to work for a living, let's make it as fun as possible, and be thankful for the benefits that we sometimes take for granted. After all, this is more than a job... it's a lifestyle.