Wanting to Move (Portland: motel, job market, transfer)

[Nikoncanon]

This is not a Scam.

I want to move to Portland. But in order to do so I'm going to need some help.

What kind of help. Room and board on two different occasions. I'm wanting to transfer jobs. But the catch is I need to be there in person to do so. So I'm looking for someone to put me up for two days for two different visits. I will pay for the room and board, But i also want to make a friend. I don't care if your gay or straight male or female. If you want to check me out or verify what I'm trying to do here are a few links.

IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Where im trying to go
IBEW Local 48

If you have any question please ask

[Cat_Person]

Try posting in the "housing wanted" section of Craigslist.org. There are 2 hostels in Portland that will let you stay for about $20 a night (higher on week-ends) and you can make some friends there. Got a church you attend? Google your church + Portland and try making a few contacts thru them. Tell them your situation and intentions. I found that until I started to seriously make plans (in the beginning that was packing and throwing alot of stuff away), things didn't go in the moving direction.

It's always good to try and network with others in your profession before you get there. You'll get a much better idea of the job climate, and other insider issues that might be important. Compare the job market where you are and where Portland stands. People complain about the job market in Portland, but it fares much better than where I am for my profession in Cali.

Just a few ideas...Best of luck.

[Leisesturm]

I've always heard not to mix business with pleasure. Friends are best made without "overhead". Book a room at a hostel as mentioned or at a Motel 6, they are not that backbreaking, and seek friends the old fashioned way, at work, at church, on the MAX or simply by serendipity.

H

P.S. another saying I've heard: "a guilty conscience needs no accuser"

[Nell Plotts]

The IBEW Local 48 is a great outfit. Call them to find out the status of the list and how to get on it. As you know there are three general groups: high voltage, low voltage and other. I don't think the economy is a problem for the high voltage folks. The other two... my gut says not so great. There are a couple firms big enough to keep their core busy year in, year out. The rest are dispatched based on time on the list. Affiliated employers are obligated to use the dispatch system.

Portland Metro is essentially union, particularly commercial construction. The rest of the state not so much (except for high voltage which is union throughout the region).

For those who are not into this stuff, high voltage electricians are like loggers, the not so smart ones are eliminated early in their careers. The job requires a lot of travel. Treat them well for those are the folks who follow the storms.

[Nikoncanon]

Thanks for the info. I'm already part of Local 354 in Utah. I just need to get out of Utah. To darn hot and the people here suck.