This is the perfect place to live and work
I find Quincy is a beautiful location to live. For many, it is a vacation dream spot for both winter holidays and summer fun. Actually, it is hard to beat spring in the Sierras, and fall seems to combine the best of everything. For the truly fortunate who have chosen their homes here, a scenic wonderland waits each and every day of the year.
One thing that really struck me when I came to Quincy in early 2007 was that I was offered a job making more than what I would have made doing the same thing in the city.
In the metropolis from which I came, I remember going to an accounting interview in 1992 and the interviewer said, “I received 1,000 applicants for this job, why should I hire you?” I’m pretty sure that was an exaggeration, but the point was not lost on me.
In Quincy there is definitely less competition for positions and employment comes with the added bonus of being able to live in what I deem to be a vacation destination.
A new world unfolded before me. To accommodate a random kayak paddle or spontaneous telemark ski day, people in Quincy have taken on a variety of multiple, part-time jobs.
People juggled very interesting combinations of work in their lives. I was fascinated to learn the mail carrier doubled as the college math professor. A retired principal tutors academics, music, teaches jujitsu and conducts a flight school. On the weekends he plays in a band. Now that’s entertainment, I thought.
As I got to know people it was not uncommon to run into them during the week working at multiple places of business, the way I had seen small town life portrayed in the movies.
Considerable creative measures have been taken to fund a life in such an isolated jewel, but many good, and even great, jobs are already tailor-made in the American Valley.
Employment opportunities offering a livable wage can definitely be found locally. The toughest challenge seems to be for the employers these days in finding solid persons to employ.
Some of the largest collections of employment offerings in Quincy are from the U.S. Forest Service, Feather River College, Sierra Pacific Industries, Plumas District Hospital, Safeway, Sav Mor, Rite Aid, County of Plumas, Plumas School District and Plumas County Sheriff ‘s Office. Many even offer training for the right candidates.
These larger employers offer competitive salaries and great benefit packages that include all those great paid holidays. One advantage is employees don’t need to spend hard earned wages to travel to distant lands to enjoy those days off, they already live in one of the best vacation destinations.
Almost all of those big employers currently have openings and are investing in their Quincy workplaces. According to Sierra Pacific Industries, the company just invested $20 million to improve the Quincy mill to help keep it competitive.
Good paying jobs that include attractive benefit packages can be found at many smaller, less corporate, businesses as well.
For instance, workers at Quincy Natural Foods receive above minimum wage along with a benefit package that includes a monthly massage, free attendance for all QNF workshops and free yoga. Who wouldn’t enjoy those benefits?
Jobs at restaurants, motels, the U.S. Post Office and even the newspaper regularly open in Quincy. There is plenty to do for those seeking gainful employment in the scenic American Valley.
Quincy Workforce Alliance is right in downtown Quincy across from the High School and offers assistance with resumes and connections for local jobs via caljobs.org or by calling 283-1606.
The trend seems to be that there are jobs, but no workers. Abundant opportunities can be found for gainful employment and a life in the scenic Sierras.
This is a puzzle for which I have no solution. I wondered at one point if perhaps Quincy is a perfect destination for refugees seeking a new start and a new home. However, it’s possible that, like farm labor, no one wants to do it, but we don’t want anyone else to come in and do it either.
I guess if employers do not find workers, they will have to reduce the hours that they are open for business.
It seems like a wonderful thing that there are so many jobs available. Any hard-working man or woman could come to Quincy and make a start for a successful life.
“Transplants” can find employment, be self-supporting and enjoy fresh water, clean air, wildlife and the great outdoors. Oh, and the great 10-car traffic jams at noon and 5 p.m. in downtown. The American dream is alive and well in Quincy.
Perhaps we all should be making a real effort to encourage our choice friends and family to come live, and work, in Quincy.