Yellowknife (July 11/03) - It may be getting tough for students to find jobs but not as hard for older workers.

Twelve people talked about their job security and plans to stay or leave Yellowknife Wednesday morning.

Lynnel Reinson: "Excellent place for what I'm doing here."

Seven out of 12 are happy about their current jobs and plan on staying in town. Four plan to leave the capital city within five years. Only one was happy about a current job and still remained unsure about staying in town.

Martha Mercredi is very confident about her job situation. She has worked part time as an attendant at the Vital Abel House for the past nine years.

"This is my home town. I was born and raised here," she said as she left the Bank of Montreal.

John Lavalliw won't be staying around Yellowknife for much longer.

"I expect I'll be laid off pretty soon," said the Con Mine hoist man.

He'll be looking for another job in Ontario.

Con Mine closing won't be a problem for pipefitter-plumber Ray Lemieux.

Although he's not expecting any further opportunities with Miramar, Lemieux said the city has "enough work to keep a guy employed until he dies." During a coffee break at Gourmet Cup, Lemieux said that he may start his own business to make a living.

The only thing that impedes his job satisfaction is the high cost of living in Yellowknife.

Mack Travel agent Crystal Ricks also dislikes the high living costs.

Nonetheless, she plans on staying here "indefinitely," even though there may not be many chances for her to advance at her current job.

Wendy Edwards is slightly disappointed about the lack of promotion at Office Compliments where she works as an administration assistant.

"Everyone has a specific job," she said. "There are not enough promotion opportunities."

Edwards has lived in Yellowknife for the past 29 years but expects to be leaving in a couple more years.

Roberta Peterson, however, has no plans to leave.

"Yellowknife is quite an expensive place to live but I like to live here," she said, standing outside of Centre Square Mall on Franklin Ave. "There's more opportunities for my children."

Peterson works in finance with Transportation at the GNWT. She said there are opportunities for her to "move up."

Grace Lanery moved to Yellowknife just over a year ago. She is unsure about how long she'll stay.

Nonetheless, she is "very confident" about her job as second cook at Ekati Services and is sure that there will be opportunities for advancement if she stays.

Lynnel Reinson is also very confident about the future.

She runs a new communications company and plans on staying in the capital for five years or more.

"This is an excellent place for what I'm doing."