Another "moving to Portland" post! (real estate, apartment)

[Michi527]

Hi everyone!! I am having fun reading the posts here.

I moved to Portland when I was 14, then left at age 19. I have since lived in several cities. Currently I am in Louisville, KY...but want to move back to Portland.

I am 30 now, so much has changed - with me, Portland, and my career!

I graduate in 7 weeks with a degree in Information Technology (Network Administration was my focus). I do not have IT experience, but am looking for something entry...help desk perhaps. Any leads would be appreciated!

I am also a Licensed Practical Nurse. I have 4 years experience...mainly in pediatrics, ventilator units, some geriatric experience, Correctional experience, flu shot and health clinics. That is my plan B for work. I see a lot of openings, but am a bit nervous about coming out without a job.

I have 2 cats, and we would like a small apartment or a house share even!

Anyway, I am super excited!! I know a handful of people out there - including 2 sisters that love Portland!

p.s. I love SE Portland, Mt. Tabor area...my first apartment was on 60th and Belmont and I loved it. This was 11 years ago, wonder if any in that bldg are for rent :-).

I am into volunteering, trying awesome beers, wine, dining out, movies, reading, meetup groups, making jewelry, and a lot more.

[Michi527]

but then read threads here stating nurses can't find jobs...makes me nervous. What gives!

[ramedud]

I don't think it's as bad as people say. If you have an open mind and try hard enough, you can make it work. Just be sure to have sufficient savings for at least 6 months.

[hamellr]

Without experience, IT is a dead-end field these days. Too much outsourcing.

Try applying at Stream or ACS. Both are always hiring help desk techs due to the high burnout rate. Stream is the slightly better place to work, as ACS can ruin your resume.

Realistically, you should stay in nursing. That's where all the jobs are for the foreseeable future.

[Samoi137]

Contact a property management office (specdializes in rentals), either an independent one or part of a larger real estate office (real estate firm should be able to direct you). They can tell you about places that accept cats. For jobs, maybe contact local hospitals, OSHU, etc. and ask them about both full time and temp work? I have only visited Portland, not lived there. Lots of outdoors-oriented groups, such as ski groups, Sierra Club, etc. I know the Hash House Harriers (running, walking, beer drinking). Finding someplace that needs volunteers should be easy. I like animals shelters, but there are certainly tons of other options.

[Daisy32673]

What gives? The job market is in the toilet and Oregon has one of the highest unemployment rates in the US. It can be months and months of searching for work with the thousands of other people in Portland who are also looking for work or you could get lucky and find something sooner. Start with the temp agencies and go from there. Have at least 6 months saved up that you can live off of, more if you can swing it. Maybe live with a sister?

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by hamellr

Without experience, IT is a dead-end field these days. Too much outsourcing.

Try applying at Stream or ACS. Both are always hiring help desk techs due to the high burnout rate. Stream is the slightly better place to work, as ACS can ruin your resume.

Realistically, you should stay in nursing. That's where all the jobs are for the foreseeable future.

Forgot to add, here is a list of all the temp agencies in the Portland Area (http://www.hamell.net/2010/03/portland-temp-agencies/ - broken link).

[PacNW-bound]

According to Sperling's Best Places Portland's unemployment rate is not as bad as Tampa's. And I don't seem to have a problem getting jobs in Tampa...I have one full time and two part time jobs as it is!

[wscottling]

Originally Posted by hamellr

Forgot to add, here is a list of all the temp agencies in the Portland Area (http://www.hamell.net/2010/03/portland-temp-agencies/ - broken link).

I was going to ask about the temp market in Portland (that's how I always find quick work when I move somewhere). Looks like there are quite a few temp agencies, so that's one worry off my mind.

[EnricoV]

I keep seeing Netflix job ads in the local papers.