"There are lots of great opportunities here, but it's easy to fall into the money-making rat race, rather than getting an education that could earn you even more down the road."
- Laura Button, 28
Originally from Summerville, Nfld., now living in Drayton Valley, Alta.
"I don't really see myself staying in Atlantic Canada because of the lack of jobs in my field and the lack of opportunities in general."
- Lanika Gallant, 25
Originally from St. John's, now studying in Ottawa
"I have two degrees and strong work experience, but I spent a year underemployed in Toronto and over a year unemployed in Vancouver trying to get into the non-profit sector. … I have since moved to Calgary, where opportunity is everywhere and the non-profit sector is viable – jobs exist, pay is reasonable."
- Brendan Baines, 28
Originally from Vancouver, now living in Calgary
"To build a career within the field you've studied is much easier in Alberta. I don't plan to stay here, but when a job is asking for three years of experience in a similar field and you're just coming out of school, is working at Canadian Tire really going to help?"
- Brandon Graziano, 21
Originally from Toronto, now living in Lac La Biche, Alta.
"The people out here understand what it's like to be young, and they want to help the younger generation become better. The larger companies use Fort McMurray as a training ground to help younger workers get experience so they can travel on to their next destination, and another batch comes in."
- Ashly Stewart, 21
Originally from London, Ont., now living in Fort McMurray, Alta.
"As a university student, I tried working for a summer in my hometown of Saint John and I couldn't even get a job at Tim Hortons or find volunteer work. I came to Alberta earlier this year and I found a job within a few short days, then a better job within a few short weeks."
- Kristie Smith, 20
Originally from Saint John, now living in Calgary
"Housing is within our reach here in Eastern Canada. I recently bought my first home and paid $200,000 for 2,000 square feet of living space on an acre of land. … I live in Fredericton and there are many great jobs in the area. Youth remaining in the region or returning here will only help create more."
- Kevin Annett, 29
Originally from Gaspé, Que., now living in Fredericton