May all your roads lead to Vermont.

Everyone in this room is talking about me. Well, not me specifically, but close enough. They’re trying to determine how to keep young people in Vermont, which has seen its population decline over the last two years.

Truth be told, it is not easy to make a life here in your 20’s, but the cost is worth it. 

If you grew up here, then you’ve most likely been told at least once that “Vermont is so small, there’s so much more to see in this world, you’ve got to get out.” When you’re told that, you feel it in your bones. It shapes your outlook and casts doubt for creating a life and career here.

As someone who has left Vermont multiple times (and came back every time), I can say that the grass isn’t always greener with a location change. As someone who floated above water with three part-time jobs for years, I can say that it is hard to find meaningful entry-level employment anywhere you go. Having navigated renting in different cities many times over, I can say that housing is incredibly challenging to both navigate and afford. Vermont is no exception. 

So what’s the appeal for staying? Proximity to the mountains. Walking to my favorite coffee shop. Neighbors who clean off your car in a snowstorm. Friendships that will last a lifetime. Lots of dietary friendly restaurants. And most importantly, a strong community that felt easy to build because Vermont truly is so small.

If Vermont wants to keep more of the twenty-somethings here, then we’ve got to show them more than just the lifestyle. Tell us about all the genuine and exciting career opportunities there are. Make it front-page news. Otherwise, we will get distracted by the shiny cities elsewhere as the solution. 

So, my challenge to employers is to show us just how shiny you are. Are you willing to up-train a young bartender who doesn’t meet all of your qualifications, but shows promise? Will you provide a healthy work-life balance that allows flexibility within the workday? Can you set wages that allow young folk to thrive off one income, not survive off three? How do you support wellness for your workers? And how are you putting your people first? 

These are all increasingly important for younger generations. They’re being taught their worth in the workforce at an early age and they’re not afraid to say no to opportunities that don’t align with their values. And to my fellow young people: if you’re being told Vermont is small, they’re right. So, use that to your advantage. Build that network. Find your nurturing community. Then bask in the off hours at your local coffee shop, bookstore or favorite mountain. Opportunity awaits. 

-Ema