Why don't I miss Portland? (employment, income, place to live)

[Élan vital]

I can see your point of view and that's exactly the way I felt about a southern town I moved from and for the same reasons. Well-add to the politics and issues with the so called political leaders, the HOT
humid weather. Then top on the hurricanes and it makes for a miserable existence.
So the Portland area is a breath of fresh air.

Originally Posted by Minervah

My problem with the politics in this town is that no matter who is in charge, and it could be any party, it hasn't worked. Jobs have always been difficult to come by. With some exception, employers exploit because of this with low pay and minimal benefits. Again I am not saying all of them do but most are guilty of this and the older one gets the tougher it is to find work with the tremendous amount of younger competition. Not to mention the fact that our fearless leaders have done zilch in trying to attract new business to move here.

But there is so much more to it than that for me. I think it ironic that people from other places want to come here because they think it's such an artsy, quirky, creative blah, blah, blah place but that in my opinion was a long time ago. It has the look and feel to me now of a typical boring bedroom suburb with most of the emphasis on young families. I am not knocking that last part. That's fine for people who fall into that category but I certainly don't. I really don't think there is anything here for older people like myself either socially or culturally.

Having said all that, I still have to emphasize that the main reason I want to leave is that I don't want to spend my life working full time for "Voldemort, Inc." And working part time, even with social security benefits, trying to live decently in Portland is not a possibility for me. I need to go where my dollars can be stretched as far as possible.

[subsound]

Originally Posted by Minervah

I think it ironic that people from other places want to come here because they think it's such an artsy, quirky, creative blah, blah, blah place but that in my opinion was a long time ago.

There seems to be a good number of creative folks around, but it seems less like a passion for them and more of an excuse not to grow up.

[suncat]

"You must spread some reputation around before giving it to Minervah again."

Your posts always just nail it, Minervah.

[suncat]

Originally Posted by subsound

There seems to be a good number of creative folks around, but it seems less like a passion for them and more of an excuse not to grow up.

I often wonder just what it is they're actually creating. Seriously.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by suncat

"You must spread some reputation around before giving it to Minervah again."

Your posts always just nail it, Minervah.

Thanks, it's the thought that counts.

[NorthSDLifer]

Originally Posted by suncat

I often wonder just what it is they're actually creating. Seriously.

Some of my favorite bands are/were based in Portland. That has to count for something.

[Minervah]

Well I have to say I saw some creativity near downtown a couple of weeks ago. I was going to post about it but my old memory pushed it out of my mind. Then up it popped today.

OK, so I was sitting on the bus looking out the window when just outside downtown I see this woman wearing a "sandwich" board. She was of average height, dressed in casual but nice clothes. Her hair was grey and styled. She had on a bit of makeup and looked pretty nice. She was around mid-fifties or so.

It was her board that was the creative item. It was lettered very neatly, probably with benefit of computer. It said she was looking for work as an administrative office specialist. It gave her experience and salary requirements. There was more but I could only read so much from my place on the bus. I actually think it was a synopsis of her resume.

I only saw her the one time. The area she was in was surrounded by office buildings in the Lloyd District so who knows? Maybe someone who was hiring was impressed and gave her a job. I hope so. Now that's what I call creative.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Minervah

...She was of average height, dressed in casual but nice clothes. Her hair was grey and styled. She had on a bit of makeup and looked pretty nice. She was around mid-fifties or so.

It was her board that was the creative item. It was lettered very neatly, probably with benefit of computer. It said she was looking for work as an administrative office specialist. It gave her experience and salary requirements. ...Maybe someone who was hiring was impressed and gave her a job. I hope so. Now that's what I call creative.

And the middle aged guy in the suit at the freeway ramp last week passing out resumes; rather than the usual ...collecting money to buy food for a sad looking dog. Good time to be hustling, maybe I will have to try it!

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

And the middle aged guy in the suit at the freeway ramp last week passing out resumes; rather than the usual ...collecting money to buy food for a sad looking dog. Good time to be hustling, maybe I will have to try it!

H'mmm....Note to self: must update resume!

[subsound]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

And the middle aged guy in the suit at the freeway ramp last week passing out resumes; rather than the usual ...collecting money to buy food for a sad looking dog. Good time to be hustling, maybe I will have to try it!

Damn, I have competition!