Unwelcome vibe? (Portland: appointed, 2009, lease)

[Disembodied]

I've been reading a lot of threads on here and I really get the impression that people don't like a lot of new faces up there in Oregon. I get the vibe that if you come from another state than people will judge you and think you are not on their level or something. Anyone else get that impression? I feel like outsiders are not welcome in Oregon anymore. I've seen a lot of people say they were moving up to Oregon and how others will respond and say something like "Please stay in California. You are ruining our lovely state." Is California REALLY ruining Oregon? Do people believe this?

[John Shaft]

Interestingly enough, despite all the rhetoric about "progressivism," it's been my experience that Oregonians really, really dislike change in any form. A new face = something different. It just takes them a bit longer to adjust, I think.

That being said, I can't fault 'em for some of the things Cali folks have done up here.

[Disembodied]

What have they done?

[Minervah]

It is what it is.

I think the main reason people are not happy about others moving here at this time is because of the heavy job competition. If you look a bit more, you won't find to many negative comments aimed towards those who say they are moving here and already have a job.

There are other reasons like the dislike of Calfornians and others by some Oregonians but I think this one is a biggie. Don't consider it negative though, fore-warned is fore-armed. Wouldn't it be worse to move to a place with high expectations and be disappointed? This way if you come here you will have an idea of what you may be up against.

[Disembodied]

I appreciate your thoughts. I read on msnbc.com recently that the economy in Oregon was predicted to start picking up in the 4th quarter of 2009. Oregon was one of only a handful of other states that was highlighted. Does anyone know if that might end up being true? I know there is a lot of job competition out there, but I like to think I bring some unique talents and abilities to the table. I feel confident in my ability to sell myself. That being said, I'm not going to rush into a decision like this. But I am running out of time. My lease is up at the end of August and I'm starting to feel a little pressured. Sometimes you just have to take a risk, right?

[burnhams]

I think in general the unwelcome vibe has a lot to do with people not wanting Portland to change. Yes, Portland has changed a lot. New people bring new ideas! So I think thats where a lot of that is coming from, (In My Own Opinion). I am sure that there are people don't like people moving here because of more job competition. But, hell this "Stay in California" thing has been going on since I was a kid. I think some people don't like change. Everyone else will welcome a new face in the mix!

[davefr]

I think you're misinterpreting the responses.

There are a lot of people posting questions here think that they can move and immediately find equivalent jobs and achieve a better quality of life. A lot of these same posters apparently have never experienced really tough times either.

You're confusing "unwelcome vibes" with "dose of reality". With over 12% unemployment and high cost of living anyone contemplating a move better get that "dose of reality" or they may be in store for a very rough time here.

If I "pop their idealistic bubble" so be it. At least they may think through their decision making process.

(i.e. Get the job lined up first or prepare yourself financially for a lengthy search and/or make interim visits to begin some local networking.) I consider that friendly advice.

[Minervah]

I know there is a lot of job competition out there, but I like to think I bring some unique talents and abilities to the table.

Many have said that only to be disappointed that there are hundreds of others with the same thoughts. Just what field are you in? Maybe there are more opportunities in the areas in which you are proficient.

[Disembodied]

Mental health.

[Huckleberry3911948]

a lot of people in oregon are from california. that is why they dont want them to come, they know what they are like--- they are one.