Seeking Feedback Re: Jobs/Relocation from FL (Portland: apartment, lease)

[PacNW-bound]

I'm posting in detail because I'm hoping for some constructive feedback that will help me finally be able to make the move to Portland. Seattle is also a possibility, but Portland is my first choice. I've been reading this forum on and off for years, and the feedback appears to be extremely helpful and honest. I know that young people decide to move to Portland without jobs lined up and that's a bad idea. I'm not exactly in that situation, but still unsure.

So, here's the deal...and what I think is relevant information:

1. I'm a 33 year old single, gay man living in Tampa, FL. I've been here for 12 years and I'm ready for a change of scenery.
2. I've visited Portland and Seattle and have friends in both cities. My friends in Portland (a couple) are planning to buy a house this year, so rooming with them may be an option. We were roommates previously here in Tampa.
3. I have a BA and an MA, although not in highly sought after fields. My MA will allow me to teach English as a Second Language, but I haven't been doing that. Previously taught as an adjunct at a local community college. Not my first choice for a job, but it's a back-up plan if necessary.
4. I have 7+ years of progressive work experience in higher education. All of it has been in undergraduate & international university admissions. I'm currently an Assistant Director, but realize I may have to take a lower position to get my foot in the door. I'm also open to a career change out of higher ed.
5. I'm currently making $50k in Tampa. I don't want to take a huge pay cut, since the cost of living is higher in Portland. I'm finally financially comfortable, and don't really have to worry about money. Or maybe I should be worried...not sure...
6. I have a 1br apt near work, but I can live in a studio. I've done it before, and it's less to keep clean. I have minimal furniture, and would probably not bring any of it if I had the chance to move to PDX. My lease isn't up until November.
7. I've got no credit card debt, own my car, and have student loans (who doesn't?) that I pay regularly. I've only got about $5k in savings though. When/if I leave my current job I will get paid about $5k more for my annual leave. I'm working on adding to my savings.

I think that's the whole story. Did I leave anything out? I've been applying at PSU and PCC. I check Reed and Lewis & Clark, but they have fewer postings. The problem is in the last couple years of applying I've had one phone interview. I know it's not easy to get a job from out of state, but it's also not smart to move without a job offer. Oddly enough, I just hired two new people from out of state based on phone/Skype interviews.

So, what's your advice? What am I doing wrong, and how can I improve my chances of getting to Portland? Do I need like $20k in savings to make this work? Oh, and I'm not an IT guy/tech person unfortunately...seems like that's where the jobs are. My bad for studying Linguistics.

Thanks in advance for reading my post and offering your ideas. It's much appreciated.

[Nell Plotts]

Can you teach Spanish?? The Portland Public Schools is looking for Spanish teachers. That need may exist in other school districts and private schools in the metro area as well. Our one International High School is Oregon Episcopal School.

Get a teaching certificate in your current state, it will be much easier to attain certification in Oregon. We have several grade schools that are Spanish immersion 1/2 the day. Perhaps you could target middle school grades or above.

Higher Ed is tough to break into, some put a lot of value on diplomas from specific universities and adjunct teaching jobs pay a pittance.

[Steve Pickering]

Unless you are trolling for a date being gay has no bearing on your move. It is, and should be, irrelevant.

I don't think we can answer you on the suitability of rooming with friends.

If the ESL is Spanish you should find work.

Expect $35,000 or there about.

Studios are not that much less than an apartment and less available.

$5K will be fine if you have a job before you come, but you will need another $5K for the move.

[bler144]

If you're interested in higher ed specifically you need to broaden your search beyond just 3 schools. Use higheredjobs.com or the Chronicle or other national posting boards. If you're looking at admissions specifically, see if there's a job board on NACAC.

Some jobs, even at the Ass't Director level, may only be posted state-wide or regionally, so see if there are state/regional NACAC chapters you can search job posts on. Likewise, you need to get to know the other schools in the area. Reed/L&C are small and long-shots at that. At least take a gander at the larger schools like George Fox or Pacific.

I'd say 50k is a bit high for a local ass't director of admissions gig, but I haven't priced salaries in that field in a while.

[Steve Pickering]

Originally Posted by bler144

... ...

I'd say 50k is a bit high for a local ass't director of admissions gig, but I haven't priced salaries in that field in a while.

That was my thought, but I just went through County budget hearings, and even the lowest paid made over $50,000. A lot has changed since I retired in 2000.

[bler144]

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

That was my thought, but I just went through County budget hearings, and even the lowest paid made over $50,000. A lot has changed since I retired in 2000.

Low-mid level managers in higher education still don't tend to make much. Upper level admin/executive, certainly, has gone up quite a bit. Arguably too much so.