Commiting to live in Seattle long term given the small size (rentals, house)

[bigal32]

I love Seattle, but I'm having trouble committing to live here for the long term because of the size of the economy.

Basically, I don't want to have to keep moving states my whole life every time I want to switch jobs, so I'm thinking it might be best to just pick the biggest city possible and stay there. That way I'll minimize the chances of having to move because I'll have maximum chances of finding a job where I am.

Seattle, for all its positives, is not that big of an economy. For what I do (advertising) there are a decent number of jobs, but not as many as NYC, LA or Chicago (I assume). I worry that if I buy a house and really put down roots in Seattle, I could find myself in serious trouble one day when it comes to finding a job.

Any one else deal with similar concerns?

I'm aware that the likelihood of finding a job cannot simply be reduced population size. It's probably more a question of ratios (e.g., competitors to job openings) than it is raw population size...but I do think there's something to be said for living in a huge economy like NYC, no? And even if there is more competition in the bigger cities, isn't it smart to assume you'll also become more competitive throughout your career, so long term you want to be in the competitive big market?

[jenlion]

Well, if the most important thing to you is that you find a particular job, then that's probably a good criteria.

For me, I'm pretty sure that in most decent-sized cities I'll find something suitable, or be able to work remotely for what I do. (Let's hope... my current employer in Dallas just folded this weekend... the theory is getting tested as we speak!).

I find that the amazing QUALITY of life here outweighs some of those other concerns. I'd rather have a crappy house here than a gorgeous one in Phoenix. Once you hit a certain standard of living (not in pain due to not affording healthcare, say) I think it becomes more about quality.

I think Seattle and the area have the quality. You have to weigh for yourself what the important factors are in a place to live. If it's # of jobs available, then maybe for you that overrides politics and greenspace. Just be sure that as you decide, you are ranking what's important to you and giving it the proper relative importance. Recessions aren't forever.

[LookinForMayberry]

We lived IN Seattle for ten years, and in its suburbs another eight. While I was never out of work, except by choice, it definitely is a small town in that regard. I imagine in advertising it could be especially challenging; at least I had my aerospace and manufacturing background to draw upon. With the retail market tanking due to the national economic slow-down, I can imagine your concerns.

Still, though I personally don't want to return to Seattle, there are some pretty interesting things where you could find an advertising niche. For example, aside from the well-known IT, aerospace, and banking, the town has burgeoning music and movie industries that -- though I don't personally follow, I've known people making successes. We had a radio executive living in one of our rentals for years and he couldn't bank his funds fast enough. Another man was recording new bands, and doing well enough to support himself and his artist wife.

Don't forget, with all the IT companies in town, it is extremely well "wired" ~ or should I say "un-wired," (as in wireless). This allows you to put together and present GREAT presentations from almost any location. Beyond that, with all the webmasters in town, you have an added benefit of being able to ply your skills in that venue, as well.

While I am not a fan of flying, nor of Sea-Tac, it IS an international airport that connects you to ANY area you might desire, globally.

If you perform your market analysis, you will find the local business community has many small enterprises -- adding to your potential base business, though of course some BIG accounts never hurt anyone's portfolio.

I think if you really WANT to make Seattle your home, in any career, you will be able to do so with no more difficulty than any other place you've mentioned. Wherever you go, given your career path, you WILL be doing a lot of traveling, anyway. Over time, if you find a place you like better, move. But now, don't waste valuable time worrying if you've chosen the right starting point. I think you will do fine.

Best wishes.

[texastrigirl]

It's all relative to where you are coming from and what field you are working in. My husband's experience is in tech and project management and there are many companies here he could work for. We felt the long-term opportunities were best here, plus we liked what the city offers in terms of lifestyle and activities. I think all of those things need to be a fit for it to be long-term...not just career.

[Travelingsarah]

I've thought about this a lot - I don't live in Seattle (hoping to move there, though, which is why I'm here) but I have struggled with the same thing. I work in policy, and obviously the best place to be for that is DC. But I lived in DC and I hate it. And the thing about DC (or NYC, for advertising) is there are more jobs, but also a lot more super-qualified, super-motivated people who want those jobs. I honestly think that, unless you want to be a total star (like, the top 1% in your field), it's a wash.

One thing I have noticed is that people will move to DC for a few years to get some world-class experience, and then take that experience to a smaller, more livable city and do really well there. Similarly, you may want to move to NYC for a few years, get some experience working in one of the best firms and then, say, start your own firm in Seattle, or join a Seattle firm as a partner.