18/f wanting to move to Portland from NOVA (Eugene, Beaverton: transplants, sales)

[Steve Pickering]

That just makes them freaks, not mainstream. Looking for exceptions does not create normal or acceptable.


Even the call centers have dismissed people for having excessive tattoo's. I know that for a certainty.

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

That just makes them freaks, not mainstream. Looking for exceptions does not create normal or acceptable.


Even the call centers have dismissed people for having excessive tattoo's. I know that for a certainty.

Tattoos don't make people freaks Steve. The world has change a lot from the one you are use to. A number of businesses are fine with people having tattoos these days in Portland.

[acobet]

Hello BlabberPuff,

First of all, don't let yourself get too discouraged by the negative responses on here. Most of them are. Look at just about any thread and you will see that most of the responses are negative in nature (unfortunately). Point being, there are people out there who want to crush your dreams because they are unfulfilled with their own lives, try to ignore them.
Now, will your move across the country present challenges? Yes, but that does not make it impossible, or even improbable. It sounds like you are in a situation where you can save alot of money once you find a job (assuming you can continue living with your father).

Here are a few tips I have (I have moved across the country a time or two ):

1. Make a budget. List all of your current expenses vs your current income. Figure out how much you can save per month.
2. Stick to your budget!
3. Do some reconnaissance and try to make a proposed budget for when you move to Portland. Rent.com and CraigsList are good options for getting an idea of how much rent will be.
4. Try to save up enough money for your move (gas, moving truck, etc.), your initial expenses (first month's rent, security deposit, etc.) and at least 2 months expenses before you leave your current area.
5. When you are within a month or so of moving put an application in with some employment agencies in Portland. Also, do some applying on your own. Again, I have found success with craigslist (but depending on the area, it may not be as helpful).
6. You may find it much cheaper (and easier) to rent a room rather than an apartment at first. if you decide to go this route be careful! You may enlist your father's advice here.
7. Having a dog does make it tough, but I have done it.
8. Be prepared to have a cosigner for an apartment, because you are young and this is likely your first rental most places will want one.

Stay positive and continue to pursue this dream. Moving away from home was one of the best things I ever did. It may be difficult, but it will be worth it!

[ccjarider]

Recent editorial regarding "body art" acceptance in PDX
Portland's tolerance is overrated: Guest opinion | OregonLive.com

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by ccjarider

Recent editorial regarding "body art" acceptance in PDX
Portland's tolerance is overrated: Guest opinion | OregonLive.com

Someone should have told Rory that facial tattoos aren't usually the best idea. Just because Portland is more liberal and accepting doesn't mean you can get poorly done face tattoos and not expect that to work against you.

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by ccjarider

Recent editorial regarding "body art" acceptance in PDX
Portland's tolerance is overrated: Guest opinion | OregonLive.com

Problem is, that's one person's experience. And I'd guess even he would admit that his "body art" is extreme. So here you've got this guy who's come recently to gown. He has two degrees (he doesn't say in what). Sounds like he doesn't have the best job history. And he's trying to get a job in a town where it's already difficult to get a job. And that's without all those strikes against him. I'd class his troubles in with those people with big dogs who can't understand why they can't find a landlord who wants to rent to them. There are too many more attractive (and I'm not talking physically) people to choose from.

He sounds like another transplant who was expecting nirvana, and didn't find it. Portland isn't perfect. Lots of people will still have prejudices. Heck, you only have to look at the few locals posting here to see that. And this is a very small sampling. Besides, he's not talking about having garbage thrown at him on the streets, being called names, or people unwilling to wait on him in stores. He's talking about not being able to find a job. He's not alone in that.

[Nell Plotts]

It is one thing to have a small tat, like a rose, on the inside just above your ankle vs tats on your face and arms. Yes, each of us has the right to do what ever we want tat-wise but let me assure you it can be a significant impediment to employment. In this market decreasing your odds even 20% is tough.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

It's going to be tough to find a decent "corporate" job anywhere if you have any kind of face or neck tattoo.
I wouldn't hire an engineer that would have to deal with international or national customers if he or she had face tats.

But I wouldn't care if the guy "general contracting" and building my new house had them.
It just depends on the situation and type of tattoo.

Seven years ago, I had to turn down a very capable woman who had a beautifully done tiny little rose tattooed below her left eye.
The tat itself was absolutely gorgeous, but my superiors said it was a no-go, and they weren't exactly that conservative either...

Even "sleeves" push it a bit.

But if you have a tattoo that can be easily covered if needed, I don't think you have to worry too much.

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by pdxMIKEpdx

It's going to be tough to find a decent "corporate" job anywhere if you have any kind of face or neck tattoo.
I wouldn't hire an engineer that would have to deal with international or national customers if he or she had face tats.

But I wouldn't care if the guy "general contracting" and building my new house had them.
It just depends on the situation and type of tattoo.

Seven years ago, I had to turn down a very capable woman who had a beautifully done tiny little rose tattooed below her left eye.
The tat itself was absolutely gorgeous, but my superiors said it was a no-go, and they weren't exactly that conservative either...

Even "sleeves" push it a bit.

But if you have a tattoo that can be easily covered if needed, I don't think you have to worry too much.

That is why sleeves and body tattoos are acceptable, they are much easier to cover. One could have tattoo sleeves and keep them covered while working a white collar job.

[Steve Pickering]

My grand daughter got a great promotion from a shifty Call Center in Eugene to the Enterprise Call Center in Eugene. Great job, more money. Instructions to not show tattoos. She said she was hot, rolled up her sleeves, and was terminated immediately. That was at a "Call Center". No public. Don't tell me it is accepted.