Artist and web designer Raquel and farmer Kevin Jackson’s journey came full circle when the millennial couple, both 33, settled in Leelanau County five years ago to pursue their dream of working for themselves and growing roots in this beautiful place. Their story is a powerful testament to young professionals who take the risk of leaving safe jobs in downstate urban areas to chart their own course. Northern Michigan and its aging population needs more of them.
Taylor Moore sits cheerfully under the shady trees outside the downtown Traverse City café Morsels on a brisk day. It’s not his shift at work, and he’s watching the construction vehicles at work across the street with a smile, not car envy. “I’ve always wanted to drive a truck, since I was a kid.” He has his own super-mobile of choice, the Food Rescue box truck, and driving it is one of the perks of his job. “There’s something really pleasant about it. People are really friendly on the road, and you’ve got to concentrate, and it’s a big, loud vehicle … it’s sweet.”
“So like, what do you guys do out there?” We get this question a lot, often loaded with presumptions of who we are and what we like to do. Which is fair. Let me be clear, my wife and I, a young married couple in our mid-20s, are outliers.