Is finding a job really that hard? (Portland: job openings, tenant)

[meltinjohn]

See, I think the economy is rough everywhere although Oregon could bring about even more homeless over time due to the overcrowds. How has it been for the last 30 yrs? That can indicate whether it changes or not. Is Beaverton a better option since theres more industry? I know I hear people from Portland look to Beaverton to get work. Sometimes the outer areas are the places economically anyhow.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by meltinjohn

See, I think the economy is rough everywhere although Oregon could bring about even more homeless over time due to the overcrowds. How has it been for the last 30 yrs? That can indicate whether it changes or not. Is Beaverton a better option since theres more industry? I know I hear people from Portland look to Beaverton to get work. Sometimes the outer areas are the places economically anyhow.

Industry in Beaverton??

There's a sprinkling of high tech but they've all been very hard hit.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by meltinjohn

See, I think the economy is rough everywhere although Oregon could bring about even more homeless over time due to the overcrowds. How has it been for the last 30 yrs? That can indicate whether it changes or not. Is Beaverton a better option since theres more industry? I know I hear people from Portland look to Beaverton to get work. Sometimes the outer areas are the places economically anyhow.

I have lived here for over 30 years and it was very different when I first moved here in many ways. There were not any where near the number of homeless people on the streets. But 30 years is a long time and all places have changed.

I would say the biggest change is in the greater divide between the well-to-do and the average person income-wise. The cost of everything has skyrocketed. That could be anywhere but I live here so here is all I can speak of.

[subsound]

I don't think the homeless are due to overcrowding, though a good number of people like Oregon and come here clueless trying to live an artists bohemian lifestyle. It's more to do with that Oregon (and I think the entire Pac NW) has some of the best social programs in the country, which attracts those who are less fortunate (plus better weather then the North East).

[EnricoV]

I agree. If you make it easy for them ... they will come.

[dpgtfc]

This thread depresses me a little bit. That's not to say the state of the economy hasn't gotten me there first.

My wife and I are Considering moving to Portland as she has had several job offers out there. In health care of course: physical therapy to be exact. I am a recent college graduate with some experience in the field while working through college. However, the three years I have been doing this work probably only count for 1 year because of the part-time status. I'm not sure how that works.

She could probably keep us afloat if push came to shove, and I have been wanting to start my own business, so perhaps it is a good time to take a risk?

My college degree is in the computer sciences, and the fact that it seems to be one of the hardest markets hit hurts, especially considering when I started school it was one of the strongest markets. Everywhere I looked 6 months ago, it was 1+ years exp required, college degree required, entry level, etc. Now it is all 5+, 7+, 10+ years experience in several technologies.

Perhaps things will look up in a few months. We won't be moving until May. We do have some backup plans though. Albuquerque, South Texas (San Antonio, Houston), or Florida. Of course, it is all pretty bad there too, for me. For my wife, the world is her oyster. I should have gotten into physical therapy.

endrant;

[breezymoon]

Actually, most of our 9% unemployment is in manufacturing and construction. So yes, you will be competing for jobs, but I think there will still be things out there. Especially if you're not picky and have administrative experience. But if $10 an hour isn't enough, it might not be a good time to come here.

[subsound]

I am pretty depressed about it too, people in my office are taking ant-acids and Advil in bottles because of the stress (I include myself in that).

Database people are pretty well represented in the layoffs, with OHSU and Intel as two who are cutting swaths of IT people who are experienced and trained. I don't think 3 years part time is equal to one year really, if it's while you are getting your education it can look better then just part time normally would. If your wife can support you it's always good, especially with job offers, but it could be hard to find a job in IT at the moment here. Starting a business would also be hard, as consumer spending is down, but once it starts to pick up it might bring a big boon as your compitition has been whiped out.

[Minervah]

I am pretty depressed about it too, people in my office are taking ant-acids and Advil in bottles because of the stress (I include myself in that).

Same with mine. We are spread so thin we are becoming transparent. Mass quantities of mandatory overtime, suspended vacation approvals, benefit and pay cuts; all for the sake of just hanging onto our jobs. People are literally having breakdowns. Friends tell me their jobs are pretty much the same.

No one wants to be depressing or discouraging but these are facts of life.

[subsound]

Oh yeah, I hate it when people delude themselves on reality. I have the kind of dark humor anyways. We make jokes at work like "Well, at least when we show up they continue to give us checks. Once they stop that I know I'm in trouble".