Why are you leaving Jefferson County?

[Kyle Montgomery]

We'd like to take note and start a list of individuals who are either living in Jefferson County and commuting to work or, leaving Jefferson County in search of.

Tell us your name and what industry you work in

[Kyle Alm]

I left Jefferson County in '05 to move to Seattle to start working with my friend at his mortgage brokerage. I moved back in '07 and continued to work in the finance industry working from my home in Port Townsend. Green Community Investments was started just over a year ago, and we have been promoting sustainable business and Green Built projects. It's been receiving a lot of positive press, which has been nice being a bright spot in an otherwise cloudy finance industry.

I am most likely moving to Tacoma, our office has been getting a lot of recognition and Tacoma (and Seattle) is where the real job growth is and I want to capitalize on the recent successes we have had in Tacoma. I will still have a majority of my clients in Jefferson County, but I expect that will change after a few months.

One of the biggest reasons for the move is the isolation and distance multiplied by the fuel costs. For some reason Jefferson County is a better destination than origination. It's a great place to visit, and a tough place to work.

[Jennifer Jane]

The last time I left was the opposite of why I came. I came for: love, artsy work (Vigilance), job opportunities, cheap rent. By the time I left to move back to Seattle all of these things didn't exist anymore. The heartbreak. I really tried while there- no one was open to new ideas, rent was going up... with a four year college degree I couldn't get any work (my last job there was $8/hr, 30 hours a week, my rent was $650, bills another $75... you do the math. It was hell. So I left.

I hardly call making $8-15/hr "making a living". My father has been a mortgage broker in PT my whole life- I know the cost of housing. It's ridiculous. Eating out at Seattle prices, you cant even get a pint of decent beer for less than $5 (unless you don't tip)... It's out of control. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!

I moved away and am now making five times what I made a week in PT, have a kick-ass apartment in downtown ABQ for $430/mo, can afford to own land or a home now, buy a new car, actually do all of my shopping at the co-op... And I only work half the year. It breaks my heart that I couldn't do that in PT.

The thing is- I don't really know anyone that it has worked for. I know people who "get by" and as one friend says, he "exists" (how sad is THAT??) It took him nearly five years to find a job he only kind of likes- he works so much now its like he's always on the clock. I know well-educated adults who cant work anywhere but a retail store. Everyone is that way though- work work work... no siesta or vacation. It's such a horrible way of life. Ask yourselves: do you want to look back on life regretting how little you enjoyed it? I asked myself that and I cant. So, long story short: thats why I left.

[Kai Wallin]

Name: Kai
Industry: Social Activism, Community Organizing

I'm leaving Jefferson County for work opportunities in Alaska this summer. My bank account is ready for a cash infusion and I'm excited to return to my birth place but my heart is very VERY heavy to be leaving PT during the happy sunny months. Especially with all this new Rhody Revolution energy! Upon my return to the Olympic Peninsula I will start an (unpaid) internship with YES! Magazine on Bainbridge Island. This second temporary departure from Jeff Co is for the networking and professional growth opportunities. I'm keeping my roots in PT though (this is HOME) so I will be attempting my first work-related commute from Sept to Nov. Anyone want to carpool?