Moving to Oregon (Portland: 2009, job market, transfer)

[hfortinlpn]

I am originally from Vermont. I am a nurse my husband is a computer engineer who is attending brewing school and has dreams of opening his own brewery in the future. We visited Oregon this past summer and loved it. We are contemplating on moving her next year. Can anyone recommend where to live? We are looking for an area close to Portland, somewhat suburban but rural. What is the job market like? Does anyone have any ideas as to weather or not this is a good idea. It's a big move and we need some pointers

[Minervah]

Bad idea, at least for now. Although you may have a chance at getting a nursing job, your husband will not have much opportunity as a computer engineer and lots of competition. As far as opening a brewery, there are so many out here already it would be difficult.

Since you would have the greater chance of getting a job in the nursing profession, you should probably check out all the hospitals in the state and see if they are hiring. That would determine where you should live. In any case, it is risky to move without either a job or enough money to live on for about a year or both.

Sorry to sound so bleak but you have picked a state that has a 12% unemployment rate. It is not easy for anyone already here to find work with the possible exception of those who have the few skills in demand. By all means check it out for yourself. Contact what you think could be prospective employers for both you and your husband and see what you can come up with.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by hfortinlpn

Does anyone have any ideas as to weather or not this is a good idea. It's a big move and we need some pointers

If you have jobs secured before you move then go for it. If you don't have jobs then wait until you get them secured before making a move.

I agree that you have a chance at a job in nursing but not your husband. Can you live on one income?

Be more flexible with location and you'll have better odds. Never limit a job search to just one city.

[sarahkate_m]

Hi, this sticky has links regarding medical employers... Coming to Oregon? Check these links for FAQ s before posting .

Originally, I moved here for the low cost of living. I had an employer to which I could transfer. Then I left that employer for what seemed a better employer. That turned sour & I'm unemployed now.

The former employer doesn't have any openings, esp. with enough hours due to cut backs. In this state, my skills require less criteria than my original state: so the contenders are younger & less experienced: very acceptable here...

The state doesn't have enough jobs to support the population...

Kate

[JustPatrick]

What others have said about it being a tough job market is absolutely true - my experience in Portland over the past 7 months backs that up. This has been the most difficult and lengthiest job search I've ever experienced. There are a lot of people vying for the same jobs. Though most state's economies in the US are suffering at the moment, Oregon in particular, is struggling:

Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Sept. 2009 was 11.6%. Only 5 states were worse. Vermont's is low - only 6.7%. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Portland-Area jumped to 11.7% for Sep'09. (Portland Business Journal)

I wouldn't come here without a financial plan - money saved up, a job lined up, something...