Which job field? (Portland: real estate, apartment, mortgage) - City-Data Forum

BoredRobot · 10-16-2007, 09:33 AM

So I'm back form my trip to Portland and I found it to be just what I want. The public transportation, general deportment of the people and the schizophrenic weather (somedays) were all agreeable to me.

Does anyone know which job fields seem to be pretty good at the moment? I work for a brokerage firm in Washington DC as a junior broker/financial adviser.

I read a lot about how bad the job market and economy is and that's pretty disappointing. I don't think I could get there and survive without a job for more than three months or so. I've never done a coast to coast move before so I'm not even sure what to do. Move and look for work, or secure work and then move?

Thanks for any advice...

Lillietta · 10-17-2007, 12:50 PM

For a start, go to oregonlive.com

jt1033 · 10-17-2007, 03:20 PM

I would definitely have more than 3 months living expenses saved before moving here if you don't have a job already. I think it's easier to be employable if you are here. There is so much competition that there is no reason for them to even consider out of state applications unless you have a valuable skill set of course.

A lot of people live by the seat of their pants here though, so you might be able to get by if you are the rugged type.

5chevin5 · 10-19-2007, 05:21 AM

Whenever I went coast to coast, I always took a hard look at what my life was at that point and tried to bring only the essentials. Most "things" are cheaper to replace after you move. Move mostly those things that are priceless to you. This will save on the actual cost of moving.

Three months is a good start, six would be twice as good....
Glad you liked Portland Mr. Roboto....Its a great town.

5

jt1033 · 10-19-2007, 03:41 PM

You can always stay at a hostel, the limit is for 1 week and then stay in the other hostel for an additional week. That will give you 2 weeks for around $240 total while you search for work and a place to live. Land the dream job then move up to your comfort level in an apartment or house. This would give you more breathing room financially. I did this and there are a lot of people doing the same thing that I meet every day and most of us are professionals just like you. I got rid of everything but a couple of suitcases worth and there are a couple of boxes that I'm mailing later on. It might be a rough way to do it but it depends on how bad you want to move here and how much money you have. I wouldn't give up the contacts and people I've met this way for anything in the world, it's a great way to network. I'm an engineer and moved here to work for a specific company; turned out the manager of the hostel I was staying at, his girlfriend works for that company in the human resources department. Things fall that way here if you are open. It's a very weird place that way.

HTH,
Jen

BoredRobot · 10-25-2007, 01:31 PM

Thanks for the feedback and advice folks. I'm giving this lots of thought as I'm tired of making mistakes in life. <chuckle>

fojo · 10-25-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoredRobot

Thanks for the feedback and advice folks. I'm giving this lots of thought as I'm tired of making mistakes in life. <chuckle>

Think about what you'd like to do first, and try not to base your opinions on what is employable at the moment. Case in point: 2-5 years ago, real estate/mortgage industry were sure-fire to make a buck.

You're going to want to do something that you enjoy doing (so you should stop asking a message board what that might be for you). Worry less about how employable it is currently, because if you love what you do, you'll do it well, and you will be able to get by on it, for richer or poorer.

However, if you're looking to make money just to get by while you figure that out in Portland, you're in a good sector already.

And save up more before you come. Over the holidays, hiring is low and freetime off is high. Might be good to wait 2 months and then catch New Year resolution fever.