Comments on: My City is Fredericton

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:12:42 +0000

I can see both sides to this. Personally, I have lived in a small town most of my life but did my Masters at York in Toronto, living there for the duration. I can understand that the intensity of urban life can lead to distractions and a lack of focus, and just the sheer struggle of getting around and affording to live there hampers the ability to further one’s career experience. On the other hand, my struggle is finding jobs with advancement potential in creative sectors in small towns. Many small towns come with small arts organizations with very small staff. I am excited for the future, however, which seems to be favouring the development of creative centres in small towns. I believe that they will be the place to be in the future.

By: Chet

Chet — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:39:07 +0000

I suppose it’s a matter of what works for me, compared to others. My observation is that I have more productive hours here simply because I’m not spending nearly as much time and energy just getting from place to place. But, as a writer and journalist, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if I hadn’t lived and built a professional face-to-face network in Toronto. I’m doing the same thing in Fredericton that I was doing in Toronto, and for many of the same people. And consider this: what cost nearly a million dollars to live in in Toronto came out to just $250K here. More money, more time? Less “life stress” has made me a much better person, and much more productive in my work. It’s a personal choice, and I’m sure there are others who might tell the same story. But I do know many people who need to be in the big city to keep motivated.

By: Libby

Libby — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:40:39 +0000

Interesting observation that you considered an urban metropolis as getting in the way of your innovation and creative thinking. Why do you feel that is? Many people find it to be exactly the opposite.