All around Vancouver, remote workers are feeling the pinch. Their too-tight condos are causing many to reconsider their lives in the city, creating an urban exodus – with a growing number landing in Penticton.
A few months ago, Becky Parmiter was working from her kitchen table at her 500-square-foot, one-bed apartment in Mount Pleasant. The rent was high, pandemic lineups were long, the hunt for green space was a challenge, and she and her partner, Scott, were feeling the squeeze. Something had to give.
“The introspection that COVID has created for everyone on a planetary level has actually been a gift,” she says. “We started to think about what was important. What did we want? What did life look like for us? And what were the components to feel fulfilled, to feel happy? We realized what we really valued is spending quality time together.”
So they packed up their lives and signed a lease on a house in Penticton, just steps from Skaha Lake, with a big deck, backyard for the dogs and plenty of space to work. To top it off, their rent is lower than what they were paying for their tiny East Van apartment.
“It feels like we’re on vacation,” says Becky. “Nature’s at my doorstep, so I don’t have to drive 45 minutes to do something. Your quality of life goes up so much and it’s driving me to be more creative.”
Finding business success
Becky runs a business consulting and digital marketing business specializing in SEO copywriting, blog writing, social media copy and grant writing.
“For Scott and I, we were holding on to this idea that we needed to be in Vancouver to be successful. And what’s interesting about that is I’ve made more connections since I’ve come to Penticton than I’ve made in years in Vancouver,” she said. “You can find success anywhere.”
Following a passion
For Scott, he left behind a career to follow his passion – creating live edge wood furniture as well as other artistic creations (skateboards, charcuterie plates, coasters, art). Whereas before it was a side hustle based out of their tiny apartment, now he has a workshop and can dedicate his time to his work full-time.
Soon after arriving, Scott has already landed his first contract, creating furniture for a local restaurant. More on that coming in another blog, coming soon…
For Becky and Scott, who have only been here a few months, it’s clear they have made the right decision. In fact, three other friends have also followed suit.
“Looking back on the decisions we made, I ask myself, why didn’t we do this sooner? Penticton is amazing,” says Becky.
It's the Penticton Advantage
What to learn more about the many advantages to living and working in Penticton? Visit StartHerePenticton.com.
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