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Author: Anne Panter
Graphics: Adam Panter
Reach us at apanter@kawartha.net
The Commencement ceremonies at FFSS were, as always, celebration tinged with sadness. As each diploma was presented, Vice Principal Sanderson announced the student's current situation. The "class of '98" is now scattered from Florida to British Columbia, following an amazingly diverse list of interests. We wish them well as they go off to seek their fortunes. We also harbour a hope that some will find their fortunes right here in Victoria County.
Victoria County warden John Macklem has said the County's population must double - from 60,000 to 120,000 - to ensure a viable tax base.
We spend a great deal of time and money encouraging tourists to visit and spend their dollars in our businesses. This provides some employment, but doesn't add to the tax base. If we are to double our tax base, we must attract more residents - people who will stay here year 'round, do business locally, raise a family here. But where will they work? There are few local employers, and we are "just beyond" commuting distance from major employment centres. Daily commuting is possible, but, as many hardy readers well know, it involves very long days, and some harrowing winter driving.
How much of your job actually has to be done at the office? Many companies are now experimenting with "off-site" employment, allowing employees to work some days at home and some in the office. I first realized the possibilities of this situation during an Easter break, when babysitting arrangements crumbled. My job entailed customer support, most of which was done over the 'phone or by email. I brought home all the paper work, and arranged to have phone calls forwarded from the office to my home. By the end of the week, though I had dealt with as many people as usual, few outside my department realized I wasn't in the building. In fact, both my employer and I were surprised to find I was able to accomplish more at home than at the office.
Technology has improved greatly since that time, opening many more opportunities for flexible employment. With laptop computers, modems, email and fax machines it matters little whether you are communicating with someone next door or 100 miles away. There are also advantages to the employer. IBM, for example, has realized large savings in office space by having employees work from home. In many cases, one day a week at the office, to keep up communications with co-workers, is sufficient.
And, what is considered too far for a daily commute may be quite reasonable if you only have to drive weekly.
Such telecommuters are free to move further afield, to smaller "rural" communities. To reach them, we must advertise that this is not only a great place to visit, it's a wonderful place to live.
Last Friday afternoon I worked with a client situated south of Woodstock, faxed documents to Toronto, and dialled in to a Bank of Montreal - I know not where. Then, at 7 pm, I turned off the computer, changed from jeans to a suit, drove to the school and joined the other proud parents to applaud the class of '98. Best of luck, all of you!