The issue was that we couldn’t afford to just come back and hope one of us would get a good job.
Welcome to Shangri-flawed
With help wanted signs sprouting like roadside weeds, it’s not surprising that Okanagan employers are struggling to cope. But just when you’d expect job seekers to be sitting in the driver’s seat, many wannabe workers are getting a bumpy ride. High housing costs and stagnant wages are obvious culprits, but the following three case studies, along with our salary comparisons, reveal there’s more to this picture.
Illustration by Will Enns
Read more of the original stories celebrated in our 30th-anniversary issue.
Winemaker Heidi Noble: JoieFarm
Stirring the pot comes naturally to Heidi Noble. A graduate of the Stratford Chef School, her career included stints at some of Canada’s top restaurants. Looking for a change, Heidi moved out of the kitchen in 2000 and enrolled in a sommelier program…
Lost and found: The Quest for Seniors’ Mental Health
The silent elephant in the room for many seniors and their families: Misunderstanding and stigma too often prevent people from acknowledging mental health problems and accessing available resources.
Jim Hamilton: Exceeding expectations, embracing change
[downloads category="current-issue" columns="1" excerpt="no"] Despite a history of giving up comfortable careers in favour of new adventures, just signed on for a second term as president of Okanagan College. Time for him to quit moving forward? Not a...
Shelter Me: Leaving an abusive partner
When women make the hard choice to leave their abusive partners, they need a safe place to escape. In the Okanagan, heroes like the Kelowna Women’s Shelter volunteers work to provide them with stable new beginnings.
Sauvignon Blanc: white magic
Freshly, lively, food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc is among the most instantly recognizable varietals. This cool climate grape reaches its apex of aromatic intensity and zesty crispness in France’s Loire Valley and in New Zealand.
Twylla Genest
Volunteers make our communities liveable. Coordinating the network of Vernon’s non-profits, special events administrators and willing workers is one dedicated organizer, Twylla Genest.
