Many people in Prince George continue to move forward with their lives and adapt to new realities, both personally and professionally, as the world struggles with the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the foreseeable, Latitude will focus on the inspiring stories of the everyday citizens of our great city.
Jane Wakelyn has lived and worked in Prince George for more than 13 years and embodies a salt of the earth, hardworking spirit. If you know Jane, odds are you’ve benefited from her great energy and generosity. When I asked how her life has changed since COVID-19, Jane’s answer showcased her can-do resourceful approach to life.
“I am grateful that I reside on a farm with a large garden. Seeing the need for food for both ourselves and others has inspired me to increase the volume and variety of what I grow even more, which is fun and fulfilling.”
A glass half full type of person, Jane is the one who shows up without fail whenever help is needed, no matter how challenging, and even when times are tough personally.
“The importance of people helping one another is big for me. These days you can see people supporting each other all over our community in all sorts of ways. There is good in people,” she said. “COVID-19 has taught us that change is needed in our medical system. The protection and wellbeing of our seniors living in care facilities and the employees that work there needs to become a much bigger priority. I believe there will be some good, some light in this dark time.”
As many adapt to the new world of physical distancing, it is an important responsibility as well as a sacrifice.
“The distance from my kids and grandkids has been very hard, wanting to be closer when we must socially distance ourselves. We use FaceTime to spend time together, but it is just not the same.”
For many of us, our work life looks much different. A mortgage broker with Dominion Lending Centres, Jane has made some significant adjustments.
“My business has been impacted with a total shift to remote services. While I miss my clients dearly and face-to-face meetings, mortgage documents can be sent through FINMO for approval, a mortgage program exclusive to brokers. This has kick started a new and efficient way of doing local business that was once reserved for a handful of out of town clients.”
The last several months of the pandemic has been a chance to do the many work-related tasks time has not permitted. It seems that everyday there is a barrage of invitations to webinars and information sessions. Jane has embraced the opportunity to sharpen her axe.
“I have spent many hours on webinars with my lender partners, mortgage associations, appraisers and others in the industry that keep us updated on all the changes and the new ways of doing business. I’m not travelling for work related events anymore, which has brought down expenses considerably. Zoom it is!”
There are other benefits from working from home.
“I cook much better meals with the home office located right next to the kitchen and must save over $400 a month in gas. If I’m honest though, I still prefer working from my downtown Prince George office. I appreciate our community so much and feel lucky to be a Canadian living in North Central BC because it is one of the safest places in the world.”
Thank you, Jane, for all you bring to our community.
If you would like to share how COVID-19 has impacted your life or business, I would love to read your comments below or please email me at linda.rempel@sunlife.com.
