Moving To Oregon May 1st (Portland, Bend: sales, rent, hotels)

[lotr1967]

My almost 19 year old son and I are moving to Oregon the 1st week of May. No, I don't have a job lined up but am working diligently on it. I have a B.A. and 16 years in management, marketing, sales, non-profit development and human resource database management. Not moving blindly so please no lectures, it is a must that we be there (personal reasons which I can not go into on here). We are currently in the Midwest but only moved here from Washington state due to my Grandmother's failing health. She passed away in January and we are heading back. I need to know the best places to live and work in Oregon. I am also searching in Washington but would prefer Oregon over Washington. I have a degree but am old enough to know that the perfect job is hard to attain right now until the economy picks back up. I am in property management right now. Am trying to stay in that field but am really good in the marketing and sales field as well. I will work in a coffee shop, clean houses or whatever it takes. I worked three jobs when we came here, close to 100 hours per week with back to back pneumonia missing only a half day of work in over a year. I'm a tough cookie but we need to be back in the PNW. I need direction, help, advice from those who have taken the same road. I want to hear success stories as well as roadblocks and hurdles I need to be wary of. Please, no put downs, I understand the dilemma and your concerns already (and appreciate that). As I said, the date is set and we are headed back. Right now I am in "go" and plan mode. Thank you so much for your help. It is much appreciated.

[Nell Plotts]

As you doubtless know Seattle metro has the largest economy.. from Tacoma north to about Bellingham. Non-profits founded by their technology multi-millionaires are there. Seattle's unemployment rate is lower than ours. There would be the best possibility of finding a employment.

A poster several months back mentioned that a national payroll processing firm has an office here.. I don't recall the name - could be SAP. The comment was made in the context of IT jobs. I believe NIKE does theirs in-house. Intel's doubtless comes out of San Francisco but they may have someone here who maintains it for the local employees. I have been retired too long to provide relevant information.

[lotr1967]

Thank you so much, Nell. Yes, Seattle is the best bet for finding jobs. We resided in Renton before. We may have to go back there for a while until something opens in Oregon. Would rather not move twice unless I completely necessary. I will research the companies you suggested. I am open to anywhere from Bend to West of the Cascades. Would prefer West of the Cascades, though. The biggest issue of course is asking someone to hold a position for me until I arrive. I am helping the current company I am working for by setting up a system and operations manual for the next manager who will take over. They asked me to give a three month's notice but that is impossible, no company will hold a job for me for three months. We will leave the week of May 1st and no later. I would be there yesterday if I could. I am only staying as a favor to my employer, don't want to leave them in the dust.

[gypsydoc]

I wish you well in your search. This link has the unemployment rates for all the towns/areas in Oregon.
In addition there is quite a lot of employment trends information.
Hope it helps!
Corvallis or Hood River might be possibilities.

OLMIS - Current Unemployment Rates

[Rob Allen]

I think I was the one who mentioned payroll processing. The company is ADP, not SAP.

Here's a link to my company's current openings in Oregon:

http://www.adp-jobs.com/search?q=Oregon

There are many that require specific technical backgrounds, but some that do not.

Also, here's a great list of dozens of Portland temp agencies, courtesy of another frequent city-data poster. This is a good way to get a foot in the door; many companies hire temps and then offer them full-time jobs if they do well.

http://www.hamell.net/2010/03/portland-temp-agencies/

Also, be sure to go to the Oregon Employment Department's site:

http://www.employment.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/ES/SEEKER/index.shtml

and sign up for iMatch:

http://findit.emp.state.or.us/imatch/

[Nell Plotts]

Thanks Rob, one of my daughter's friends works for SAP in SV so that was the company that came to mind.

Notice that ADP has openings throughout the country. Often large employers will permit an employee to transfer to other sites. In my opinion the best way to move to Oregon is via transfer.

I really like the temp option as often employers will 'try before they buy' and it is a good way for employees to evaluate the corporate (division, department) culture before making a commitment. There are lousy managers out there, if you have worked around them as a temp you can duck a stinker. PM me if anyone needs a script. One thing to consider is to manage the temp agency referrals. The temp agency representatives are placing you based on their needs, not your desires. After a month or two if you aren't getting good "looks" it is time to be assertive.

[lotr1967]

Thank you all so much! This is wonderful information. And ADP? Did someone say ADP? My initial database training started with ADP when I worked as an HRIS specialist in the banking industry. in the mid to late 90s and early 2000s. I have continued off and on in the database field throughout the years. It's an important skill to possess in almost every industry. The temp industry has most definitely crossed my mind and I wrote to one earlier this week with no response. That's ok, I think I will just begin applying to them all. If they know when I am arriving and I have a skill they need, I will be set to begin working. I think the most important thing right now is to have something still coming in when I arrive so I can rent a place prior to or upon arrival. I don't want to sink all of my savings into hotels. That makes no sense to me when I can rent. So Corvallis and Hood River are both good? I'm working 6 days a week now and what little time I have left I am using for research and applying. Thank you all so very much. I will keep checking in periodically. You're good people!

[Nell Plotts]

Housing in Corvallis is tough because the U student body has grown and campus housing hasn't caught up.

Hood River is a nice town, but jobs???

Google is/has built a server farm in The Dalles east of Hood River but again, jobs? It doesn't take many people to operate that type of facility.

Just a hair-brained scheme here buy why not contact ADP customer service folks and ask for leads? At worst they have nothing to share. Be creative!

[lotr1967]

I think that's a brilliant idea, Nell! I will definitely do that. Thank you again! It will be so wonderful to be back in the PNW. I miss everything about it.

[gypsydoc]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

Housing in Corvallis is tough because the U student body has grown and campus housing hasn't caught up.

Hood River is a nice town, but jobs???

Google is/has built a server farm in The Dalles east of Hood River but again, jobs? It doesn't take many people to operate that type of facility.

Just a hair-brained scheme here buy why not contact ADP customer service folks and ask for leads? At worst they have nothing to share. Be creative!

Who would have thought Hood River? Seems like unemployment there is 7.3% - lower than here. Now, what kinds of jobs, careers are available that would be a fit? I'm not sure, but the OLMIS - Around the State Search website has lots of information on career trends, employment statewide, etc.

What's even more surprising is that 32% of the Hood River jobs are in management and professional application, according to:
Hood River Jobs (OR) | Simply Hired

There may be a nugget or two!

You can always call! Happy hunting.